Hey guys, long time no see. Been super busy writing, rewriting, etc and trying to fulfill deadlines. Today I got a message on LinkedIn from someone who also comes here and apparently does not understand that professional means I get paid..
"Wishing to have your writings for some necessary montagues on the scenario and possible re-writes"
I asked about the budget and for more info so we could talk about my fee...
"Dear,... (oh lordy now he knows me so well I'm dear to him) as a matter of fact I'm looking for your kindness cooperate with me to get done with your writings..." so yeah I'm supposed to donate my time and effort out of kindness, to a complete stranger who has no budget. The person has been pitching this project here on stage 32 for three years without success.
It doesn't work that way. If you want a professional, pay for a professional. Up front. And guys, no matter how desperate you are for work, don't fall for this. The best advice I ever got was "if they don't have the money to pay now, they won't have it later."
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First of all, great to see you Lisa Clemens! For those reading this, I think there's an important lesson in Lisa's post that people can take away. As we always say here on Stage 32, this is a collaborative business and one that takes time and patience nurturing relationships before you go in for an "ask." She's 100% right, asking a complete stranger to dedicate hours, weeks, months of their life to do something for them without having ever spoken to that person before in your life is the wrong approach and can be considered selfISH. Instead, take a selfLESS approach, take time to get to know people you want to collaborate with, give 3 times before you ask for anything in return. Some projects you collaborate on may have people who donate their time without pay because they are passionate about the project, but those collaborations take time. Remember, people want to work with other good people, so approach collaborations the right way.
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Thank you for sharing, Lisa Clemens! To echo what Amanda has already beautifully stated, networking is about building true relationships with professionals that you respect for their talent, look up to, can add value to, and enjoy mutually collaborating with. It can take time to build those relationships based on shared interests and mutual respect, but it's worth it every single time. When you're on a 14-hour production day after months of prep and years of difficult development, you want the people in the trenches with you every step of the way, to be your friends.
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Great post here, Lisa Clemens. Thanks for sharing.
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Welcome back, Lisa Clemens. "If you want a professional, pay for a professional. Up front." I agree. It's ok to take on unpaid jobs when you're a newer writer so you can build up your portfolio, but at some point, a writer needs to get paid. Ideally up front because there's no guarantee that a project will get produced, released, and make profits.
Speaking of paid jobs, I used to be a lurker on Stage 32 (www.stage32.com/lounge/introduce_yourself/Maurice-Vaughan-Ex-Stage-32-Lu...). It wasn't until I started building relationships/networking on here that I received paid jobs. I get most of my paid jobs on Stage 32 -- mainly by networking in the Lounges and direct messages. The opportunities are there. Members just need to be active and network.
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Wonderful post :-) Thank you for sharing!
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Three YEARS????!!! OMG!!! What was his pitching technique? Setting up a lemonade stand in front of Grandma's house on Sundays? "Gather 'round, folks! I've got a movie to sell, and it's all right here in this fancy binder!"
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This seems like a huge scam to me Lisa. At least, you didn't fall into that trap.
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I agree with @Marcel Nault Jr.