2009Legal / Business Practices forum
Microbudget production job posting offering low rates for experienced steadicam and B camera operator
17 years old. Gear and prices may have changed since.
DisputedParticipants disagreed and reached no conclusion. Read the findings as positions, not as an answer.
What the thread found
- A three-week position combining steadicam operation and B camera work was offered at £1000 flat fee plus £150 equipment rental, with a requirement for 35mm film experience.
- The production claimed to be the first microbudget UK feature shooting on 2-perf 35mm, positioning this as significant career value despite low pay.
- Industry participants questioned the value proposition of requiring expensive equipment investment and extensive experience while offering minimal compensation that may not cover living expenses for the contract period.
- The £150 equipment rental fee was criticized as inadequate for providing and maintaining professional steadicam gear.
- Participants noted that microbudget productions in other markets offered even lower hourly rates for equivalent work.
Depends on
- The discussion is from 2009 and reflects UK production market conditions of that era.
- No information about whether the position was ultimately filled or what the actual working conditions were.
- The debate centers on perceived fairness rather than documented outcome data.
- Participant concerns about work-to-pay ratios assume the described role requirements would be accurately delivered.