Know Your Worth
Know Your Worth
Something everybody should know, whether working in film or not, is the importance of knowing your worth.
I’m writing this after seeing a colleague in the industry (Cam Sheldon) post on LinkedIn about advising someone not to work for free, and I wholeheartedly agree with him.
Anyone who works freelance in film will tell you that knowing what prices you set for your services is vital. It can be the difference between just getting by and actually making a sustainable living. Too high, will I price myself out of work? Too low, is it actually covering rent, travel, food etc? The industry is crowded, and people will do anything to get an advantage and sadly, most of the time that means undercutting the competition or worse, working for free.
I can’t think of another industry that relies so heavily on the idea of doing things “for exposure” or “to build a portfolio.” And yes, sometimes that approach can work early on if it’s strategic, and if it’s truly helping you grow your craft or build connections. But the truth is, if everyone keeps doing things for free, it sets a dangerous precedent. It devalues the entire profession. More and more people in the industry as struggling to get a consistent income and working for very little or free doesn’t help.
Your time, your creativity, and your skill have value. Whether you’re a cinematographer, editor, sound designer, or production assistant you bring something unique to every project. You’ve spent time honing your craft, and that’s worth paying for.
Of course, collaboration and passion projects will always be a part of filmmaking (I’ve done a few myself) and that’s the beauty of the industry. But there’s a big difference between helping a friend out and being taken advantage of. The more we, as filmmakers, set boundaries and stick to fair rates, the stronger the industry becomes for everyone.
So next time someone asks you to “just do it for the experience,” think twice. Experience doesn’t pay rent. Exposure doesn’t buy new gear. Respect yourself, your time, and your craft, because if you don’t, no one else will.
Know your worth. And don’t be afraid to stand by it.
