A Letter To My Video Girl...

Dear Video Vixen, Video Girl, Extra...Model:

You want what? Huh? Advice about doing Music Videos for free?!

Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!

...that was me screaming.

Now let me tell you what I learned, think, and know about doing Music Videos for free.

*Deep breath*

Some Indie or newer artists don't really have high budgets. I get that. And some veterans who've been not-so-popular lately may not have grand budgets either. We empathize.

However...

If the artist(s) is "big time", award nominated, platinum selling, on covers of various publications and is a Brand that makes their label money…they have a budget God Dammit!

Money goes to the Production company, (sometimes it's the Director's Production company) and the producer decides on how they allocate funds.

Now the Bullsh*t comes in when the money for Casting is low or damn near nonexistent...which again is Bullsh*t.

Let me explain why...

They need Models but won't pay. But if they have NO Models and the Treatment AND Artist(s) want Models, what will they shoot? Puppets?

Now here's the Okie doke: There's money for Casting but they don't want to spend it on you. That basically means…they don't respect your time or value your worth.

Or...

Someone pockets the money...

Or...

Several people pocket the money...whether it's the Director him/herself or the "Casting" person(s).

Or...

They just don't want to pay because they know they can get girls for free...especially if it's a big name celebrity.

You know how many Directors and Producers have said to me, "Naw, we're not paying them. We can just get some Bitches to do it for free. Trust me, they'll do it." (By the way, the "Bitches" they refer to are you...and the THEY they're talking about is also YOU.)

So they offer you "exposure" and MAYBE lunch? But you still have to get there! (That’s gas.) And...bring your own wardrobe and be camera-ready. That means do your own hair and make-up, but noooooooo wardrobe will be provided for you! That's for paid Talent.

*Tears*

So you really have to think about whether this "exposure" is worth it. Sometimes it is. But with Music videos? If you're the Lead, yes.

However!

How many channels play full Music Videos nowadays? And if you don't have a good Cable package, you won't have MTV Jams, soooo...I guess we'll have to check Youtube to find you?

*Tears*

I'm just saying! You have to weigh the odds...the good vs the bad, the pros vs the cons. If you don't have anything to do anyway, sure! Roll out of bed and go be cute in a Video. But if it costs you more out of pocket to do the video for free, then don't.

Now IF you just want to do Extras work for your resume, cool! But if the video comes out and we can't locate you anywhere, then what? You can't even use it for your reel!

You did the blah blah blah video...but ummm, uhhhh, errrrr, hmmmm...they edited you out, huh? Then was doing it for free worth it? Don't get me wrong! Folks get edited it out all the time. But why risk it for free? I'd rather you get paid to take that chance.

You feel me?

So THINK 1st before just accepting any free gig. If they offer "exposure", look up the word and decide if it's worth it. Besides…if there are paid Models on the video set but you are free labor, what does that say about you?

Aren't you important? Didn't the Casting say, "Models wanted"? Aren't you a Model? Weren't you Booked as well? Were you given a Call-time? Are you there to work? Then why can't you get paid too?

If the Producer, Director, AD, DP, Craft Services, Drivers, Props, Wardrobe, Hair, MUA, Lighting, Sound, and PAs get paid, why not YOU! Aren't YOU going to be on camera? Aren't you what the Casting was for? They needed Talent, right? So if they need you, they should pay you.

Let me tell you something else...

Everything costs money and in these hard economic times...it all costs even more!

Time is money. Electricity costs money. Gas costs money. Food costs money. Baby sitters cost money. Grooming costs money...and did I say TIME is money?

So if you doing these videos for free while the others eat, pay bills, fill up their tanks and get their hair and nails done, what do you get? Exposure?!?!

Fuck outta here!

So I said all that to say...it has to really be worth it. Don't let "The Thirst" have you jumping in videos all Willy Nilly. The Pros MUST absolutely outweigh the Cons.

Pause. Think. Assess the situation then examine yours. Then decide what's best for you.

The end.

C.