Governor

Every year I see different companies offering codes for access to the convention floor of NAB show. I'm wondering is there any difference in these codes? Is it just for tracking purposes to see which vendors bring in the most people? Or would choosing one code over another be beneficial in any way? TIA.

Apologies for my ignorance - but when making multiple of these and combining them in a bag how are you binding all the cables together? I'm new making cables other than a simple XLR or BNC and wonder what people are using to tie 6 cables together?

Thanks for the replies all. I've definitely read a lot of the talks on here on rates over the years and I'm grateful for all of that info. I stick hard to a full rate and it's worked out great - weeding out the bad clients for good. And I guess I shouldn't complain - they're not offering peanuts. I've currently got them at $450 for gear. Being a bag guy I've always just charged a la carte - so I really don't have a 'film package' or a rate for that type of kit. A la carte the rate would be much more than that, but perhaps that's a fair rate in a package deal?

Hello all, I'm writing today to see the general stance on an 'indie rate'. I have been doing bag work for nearly a decade now and have generally turned down or priced myself out of all the indie flicks that have come my way. What can I say, I like my predictable 10 hour full rate days and have gotten pretty good at it. Lately however, I'm being asked more and more to quote on indie projects. Sometimes from regular 'corporate' clients who themselves are branching out. One thing that gets said to me often is 'you have to realize this is an indie project...'. As if that's supposed to be an automatic discount for my labour and equipment. So far I've held fast to my rates and when the money has been there I've taken the odd indie movie. Recently however, one such regular client has come to me about an indie and the PM they've got negotiating with me is using all the cliche's she has in her arsenal to get me to lower my rate. The problem for me is that I just don't have the equipment necessary to do this project properly without investing in some significant equipment upgrades. I love this group of people and would love to help out, but financially it's not making a lot of sense. I'm probably going to pass on the job and slowly add more gear to my kit so that the next time I'm in this position I might have a little more wiggle room to help out. That leads me to this: is there such thing as an 'indie rate', and when, where and why would you offer one? There are times when I think doing an indie might be fun for a week or when I'd like to help out a really good client who is trying something different. But I have a very hard time deciding when I should offer that rate as I'd hate the idea of losing out on fully paid work or selling myself short in general. I don't have to tell most of you how we as technicians don't have reels and really aren't in this for any sort of glory. So, do you have an indie rate, and how does it compare to your usual film package? Do you ask production what their overall budget is in helping to determine your rate? Should it be a certain % of their budget? Thanks in advance!

Thank you for taking the time to reply! As far as I know right now, the producer/director and DP are the only guesses I have as to who will be there. It is a feature length indie film with a fair sized cast. I'm hoping the crew will be sufficient, but to this point, it hasn't been brought up. I've got tons of that vitamin powder on standby so it'll be great to put it to use. Good to know about the 'relaxed' way of life. I'm pretty chill myself, so I should fit in! Thank you for replying Vin. As negotiations proceed for this project I may just reach out to you a bit more personally than on this forum, but it is still very early and I don't want to put the cart before the horse. You are right on the rates - I'm usually very confident in setting those for myself. Indie projects are not usually my thing however, so in trying to find a balance that is fair for both sides I'm finding myself changing my estimate numerous times. I feel I'm where I should be now so hopefully the producer does as well. I have indeed asked for a utility and am hoping the value is not missed. When the time comes for names I will also reach out in hopes you can help me there. Is it wrong I'm giddy that you have taken the time to reply to my post!? Thanks so much Simon - any hesitation I felt towards visiting this faraway land is gone after doing some research. Love your work!!

Hello all, I'm in discussions with a producer about an indie shoot in India next year and as all my work to date has been confined to North America I thought I would request a little first-hand knowledge from those of you who have done this sort of thing before. I have many questions - some of which I'm sure to forget now and will come back to ask once they arrive back in my brain. Any tips at all are immensely appreciated. 1. Per Diem in India. What would be a good going rate to ask for such a shoot? I usually stick to $75/day for most cities and $25-$50 more for places like New York. 2. Security. I am not yet a world traveller but am certainly intrigued by spending time abroad. That said, I want to come back safe and sound. I'm still waiting to hear where exactly where we will be shooting (so this question is premature) but in my negotiations should I be inquiring about the productions plans for security/a fixer? 3. Visas. Any tips on getting a work visa? 4. Retainers. I have never asked for payment up front for a shoot, but as this one is quite long (for me) should I be asking for a certain amount up front? 5. Travel Days/Down Days/Work Days/Prep Days. Once gear requirements are sorted I had planned on offering a 5 day week on rentals and charging full labour rates for every day I'm in India as well as full day rates for travel to and from and for a couple of prep & wrap days at the beginning and end. Of course, overtime to be added as needed. For a project of this length would you make any concessions to this? 6. Accommodations. I plan to ask for a single room to myself no matter where we are. Anything I should be aware of on this front? 7. Boom Op/3rd. Getting a 3rd might be pushing it, but a boom op will be a necessity. I know there is a gentleman named Vin on this site I hope to reach out to for recommendations. Any one else here from India and care to send a name or two my way? Aside from that, for anyone who has been to this part of the world before and would care to impart some wisdom on me I sure would be grateful. I've read a few threads on here already with good tips - bottled water only, consider eating vegetarian, be ready for heat, etc.. This is so new to me however and I like to over-prepare, so no minor detail will be considered trivial. Thanks!