Last week on #MoChat we talked about #vfxprotest and how that affects us in the motion design industry. It’s clear there are several similarities between the two industries (and even some cross-over), though at a seemingly smaller scale.
Several people were familiar with the issues facing VFX, though many didn’t know how bad it was until recently. Studios going bankrupt seem to be how most people started learning about it. Employment seems to be the main similarity facing a lot of people. If you’re working on someone else’s equipment, in their space, under their direction, you should be classified as an employee. Unpaid overtime is another issue, which is related to employment status, though not entirely. It can vary by state, but even if you are salaried, you might be entitled to overtime pay. (No, you are probably not exempt as a “computer specialist”.) Several people also cited lack of benefits.
Along the lines of pay/compensation, flat/fixed bids are also an issue. It’s up to the individual and/or company, but unless limitations of the bid are clearly laid out ahead of time, it can quickly become a runaway process. Limiting number of revisions and time, as well as clear communication seem to be the suggested remedies for this problem.
Communication in general is something that can help everyone in client situations. A lot of people are working direct for clients. Often times, the clients just aren’t that familiar (if at all) with the process of motion design/vfx/post. It’s up to us to educate them. In the long run, this could fix a lot of things.
There’s not much we can really do for our fellow VFX professionals directly. But we can continue to show them support. Just browse the transcript below. That’s a lot of green there.
Transcript:
MotionChat Welcome to #MoChat everyone! Tonight we’ll be talking about #VFXprotest and how if affects the motion design industry. –9:00 PM EST Mar 5th, 2013
LGFN RT @MotionChat: Welcome to #MoChat everyone! Tonight we’ll be talking about #VFXprotest and how if affects the motion design industry. –9:01 PM EST Mar 5th, 2013
amras RT @MotionChat: Welcome to #MoChat everyone! Tonight we’ll be talking about #VFXprotest and how if affects the motion design industry. –9:01 PM EST Mar 5th, 2013
MotionChat For those new to #MoChat, general details are here: http://t.co/Wy6Go0NP7j –9:01 PM EST Mar 5th, 2013
MotionChat Most important thing it to remember the #mochat hashtag. If you’re on http://t.co/JP3pAlqeDL it will add it for you automatically. –9:01 PM EST Mar 5th, 2013
MotionChat Also, if you wish to make something known anonymously, DM us or email mochat@motionleague.com (This will be confidential.) #mochat –9:02 PM EST Mar 5th, 2013
MotionChat To start things off, how long have you know about the problems facing the #VFX industry? #mochat –9:03 PM EST Mar 5th, 2013
conigs @MotionChat I’ve known about general issues for quite some time, mostly through @VFXSoldier. Saw it come to a head at the oscars. #mochat –9:05 PM EST Mar 5th, 2013
amras @MotionChat I’ve been following the simmering for a while, mostly through VES and IATSE releases. #moChat –9:05 PM EST Mar 5th, 2013
conigs @amras Did either have much to say after the Oscars other than “let’s sit down & talk”? #mochat –9:06 PM EST Mar 5th, 2013
chrismmurray frankly, I think it mirrors what the video game industry has been dealing with for some time. Rememeber “EA spouse”? #mochat –9:06 PM EST Mar 5th, 2013
MotionChat And if you’re unfamiliar with #VFXprotest, read the hashtag. Lots of good links. #mochat –9:07 PM EST Mar 5th, 2013
conigs @chrismmurray That was a telling article. And a view/experience shared by many #VFX and motion design spouses, too. #mochat –9:07 PM EST Mar 5th, 2013
bran_dj @MotionChat One of the first things I was aware of was the Meteor Films bankruptcy in 2008. Then Lee Stranahan’s Open Letter … #mochat –9:08 PM EST Mar 5th, 2013
MotionChat (If you have them handy, feel free to share links you’ve read as well. #mochat) –9:09 PM EST Mar 5th, 2013
990adjustments @bran_dj @motionchat same here. Lee’s letter and from various friends working in VFX #mochat –9:10 PM EST Mar 5th, 2013
MotionChat “@meyemind: @MotionChat See Also: http://t.co/Y6Lmsr0BRu for comprehensive coverage of this past weeks events.” #mochat –9:10 PM EST Mar 5th, 2013
amras @conigs Not really. VES called for more subsides and IATSE put out the rally cry for union cards. #moChat –9:11 PM EST Mar 5th, 2013
MotionChat Some complaints in #vfxprotest are unpaid overtime, lack of benefits, worker misclassification… Have you experienced these? #mochat –9:11 PM EST Mar 5th, 2013
MotionChat Subsidies are also a problem in #VFX, but aren’t prevalent in the motion design industry since it’s mostly commercial. #mochat –9:12 PM EST Mar 5th, 2013
JLtheMGA @MotionChat This is a good read- Site in general is good as well: http://t.co/822MOInMNQ #mochat –9:12 PM EST Mar 5th, 2013
conigs “@bran_dj: @conigs @chrismmurray Yep. It’s here if anyone wants to track it back. http://t.co/MfBTfaRkKX” #mochat –9:13 PM EST Mar 5th, 2013
conigs @MotionChat Fortunate in my freelance that I’ve been avoiding those… except misclassification. Though it was mutually beneficial. #mochat –9:14 PM EST Mar 5th, 2013
rovino good evening all #mochat –9:15 PM EST Mar 5th, 2013
IggyVanZen What exactly is the problem with subsidies? If a company like ILM set up a studio in australia, how would that effect the industry? #Mochat –9:15 PM EST Mar 5th, 2013
amras @MotionChat Unpaid overtime is incredibly common. #mochat But it’s important to understand exempt and non-exempt status, too. –9:16 PM EST Mar 5th, 2013
conigs @IggyVanZen It unnaturally lowers expectations on prices for #VFX. #mochat –9:16 PM EST Mar 5th, 2013
JLtheMGA @MotionChat I’ve always operated under a ‘work until it’s done’ mentality, with a flat rate I’ve been in trouble a LOT for it.. #mochat –9:16 PM EST Mar 5th, 2013
eyedesyn @conigs @motionchat @bran_dj is it a matter of time before it gets bad for mograph? Seems there way more demand for it than VFX #mochat –9:16 PM EST Mar 5th, 2013
mrmikeflorio @rovino evening duder #mochat –9:17 PM EST Mar 5th, 2013
conigs @amras And that varies state-by-state, right? #mochat –9:17 PM EST Mar 5th, 2013
chrismmurray EA eventually had to go to court I think… I still see friends that work there (im on orlando) and they insist its changed #mochat –9:17 PM EST Mar 5th, 2013
rovino @mrmikeflorio MF long time no see 8) #mochat –9:17 PM EST Mar 5th, 2013
chrismmurray speaking generally now, my observation about game companies is that they have a manageable core team, then ramp up/down per project. #mochat –9:18 PM EST Mar 5th, 2013
amras @conigs Yes and no, it all depends on whether or not you’re a contractor, agent, or full time employee. #moChat –9:18 PM EST Mar 5th, 2013
JLtheMGA @eyedesyn It was pretty bad already when I had to stop working- I would say the ‘crowd sourcing’ thing was a big issue #mochat –9:18 PM EST Mar 5th, 2013
amras @MotionChat KCRW’s The Business did an excellent job of explaining how subsidies work and other #VFX problems #mochat http://t.co/EBbzT5ePLY –9:19 PM EST Mar 5th, 2013
chrismmurray i think vfx companies will follow suit… (even) smaller core teams. more contract work… [more] #mochat –9:19 PM EST Mar 5th, 2013
conigs @amras This is the closest I can find to our field. And it doesn’t match. http://t.co/tFqrEU18yF #mochat –9:20 PM EST Mar 5th, 2013
bran_dj @MotionChat I’d say lack of overtime is a systemic problem throughout #motiondesign Contributes to budget problems and overwork #mochat –9:20 PM EST Mar 5th, 2013
mrmikeflorio @eyedesyn @conigs @motionchat @bran_dj mograph is no doubt next . Lately mograph has been moving more in the #vfx world #mochat –9:20 PM EST Mar 5th, 2013
conigs @bran_dj Fixed bids can also be a problem. Though they don’t tend to run away as much in motion design as #VFX. #mochat –9:21 PM EST Mar 5th, 2013
chrismmurray [cont’d] the small shops have to be smarter about business and talent… I don’t think unions are answer… #mochat –9:22 PM EST Mar 5th, 2013
conigs @mrmikeflorio @eyedesyn @MotionChat @bran_dj I think what separates mograph is smaller projects, though. #mochat –9:22 PM EST Mar 5th, 2013
bran_dj @conigs @amras That has nothing to do with us. Unless you are a manager, you should be non-exempt. #mochat –9:22 PM EST Mar 5th, 2013
conigs @chrismmurray Unions are enticing, but unless something can be enacted world-wide, it would be counterproductive, I think. #mochat –9:22 PM EST Mar 5th, 2013
amras @conigs It’s the skills/responsibilities tests that make it tricky. Is #moGraph/#VFX computer or art? Etc etc. #mochat –9:23 PM EST Mar 5th, 2013
mrmikeflorio @conigs @bran_dj give it time … Clients are always pushing for fixed prices #mochat –9:23 PM EST Mar 5th, 2013
conigs @amras @bran_dj That list is pretty specific. If you’re at a studio, you should be an employee, and non-exempt. #mochat –9:23 PM EST Mar 5th, 2013
chrismmurray primary studios (the big ones that are close to the editorial….) need to do deals that allow for cash flow and a cut of profits… #mochat –9:24 PM EST Mar 5th, 2013
conigs @IggyVanZen Gov’t subsidies reduce the budget. Studios then expect that price everywhere. #mochat –9:24 PM EST Mar 5th, 2013
chrismmurray @conigs agree. unions are bad for busniess…#mochat –9:24 PM EST Mar 5th, 2013
conigs @chrismmurray But they do seem to work in every other film job. It’s just that #VFX can be done outside the confines of hollywood. #mochat –9:25 PM EST Mar 5th, 2013
bran_dj @conigs @amras Even if you’re there for two days. #mochat –9:25 PM EST Mar 5th, 2013
conigs @chrismmurray I don’t think unions are bad. Just not the entire answer for #vfxprotest. #mochat –9:26 PM EST Mar 5th, 2013
chrismmurray @conigs @IggyVanZen unnatural because the gov’t is interfering in the free market. #mochat –9:26 PM EST Mar 5th, 2013
conigs @bran_dj @amras Yep. If you’re in their space on their gear, the IRS would consider you an employee. #mochat –9:26 PM EST Mar 5th, 2013
mrmikeflorio @conigs @eyedesyn @motionchat @bran_dj but the large group jobs that have 3d, mograph, etc, clients like flat rates and it sucks #mochat –9:26 PM EST Mar 5th, 2013
bran_dj @amras @conigs Has to do with employee / employer relationship. If someone is telling you what to do & how, you are their employee. #mochat –9:26 PM EST Mar 5th, 2013
amras @bran_dj @conigs I have never SEEN a req or listing for a salaried, non-exempt position. In any industry. #moChat –9:27 PM EST Mar 5th, 2013
mrmikeflorio @conigs @eyedesyn @motionchat @bran_dj nothing like goin back to the client to beg for more cash and having them rip you apart #mochat –9:27 PM EST Mar 5th, 2013
conigs @mrmikeflorio @eyedesyn @MotionChat @bran_dj It shouldn’t be flat. It should be a range with clearly specified overages. #mochat –9:27 PM EST Mar 5th, 2013
conigs @mrmikeflorio @eyedesyn @MotionChat @bran_dj We have to retrain clients. And get better contracts. #mochat –9:28 PM EST Mar 5th, 2013
mrmikeflorio @conigs @eyedesyn @motionchat @bran_dj and I agree the budgets for these should be flexible especially for revisions and OT #mochat –9:28 PM EST Mar 5th, 2013
DazyairArt Now time to check in on #MoChat 😍 –9:28 PM EST Mar 5th, 2013
conigs @mrmikeflorio I’m working on a fixed-bid project now. But limitations of that bid were clearly laid out. And I got 50% up front. #mochat –9:29 PM EST Mar 5th, 2013
chrismmurray @conigs @mrmikeflorio @eyedesyn @MotionChat @bran_dj “and get better contracts” you mean negotiate better…#mochat –9:29 PM EST Mar 5th, 2013
chrismmurray @conigs @mrmikeflorio @eyedesyn @MotionChat @bran_dj …we don’t get what we deserve, we get what we negotiate! #mochat –9:30 PM EST Mar 5th, 2013
conigs @amras @bran_dj Point is, a lot of “contract” work is should actually be hourly-pay employee work. #mochat –9:30 PM EST Mar 5th, 2013
amras @eyedesyn @conigs @MotionChat @bran_dj The Creep™ has already started. Flat bids and impossible deadlines are already a part of it. #moChat –9:31 PM EST Mar 5th, 2013
conigs @chrismmurray @mrmikeflorio @eyedesyn @MotionChat @bran_dj Exactly. But clients need to see benefits for them in contracts. #mochat –9:31 PM EST Mar 5th, 2013
amras @conigs @bran_dj Absolutely. #moChat –9:31 PM EST Mar 5th, 2013
chrismmurray i hate that the word contract begins with the word CON. #mochat –9:31 PM EST Mar 5th, 2013
conigs @amras @eyedesyn @MotionChat @bran_dj Then you tell the clients up front that the deadlines don’t work. #mochat –9:31 PM EST Mar 5th, 2013
IggyVanZen RT @chrismmurray: i hate that the word contract begins with the word CON. #Mochat –9:32 PM EST Mar 5th, 2013
conigs @amras @eyedesyn @MotionChat @bran_dj We’ve become too afraid of pushing back. #mochat –9:32 PM EST Mar 5th, 2013
mrmikeflorio @chrismmurray @conigs @eyedesyn @motionchat @bran_dj mans got a point … Too bad I don’t negotiate my jobs 🙁 #mochat –9:32 PM EST Mar 5th, 2013
conigs @amras @eyedesyn @MotionChat @bran_dj Sometimes it’s as simple as adjusting expectations & clearly communicating why. #mochat –9:33 PM EST Mar 5th, 2013
bran_dj My theory is that if every studio classified workers correctly and paid overtime, we’d have a lot better job management. #mochat –9:33 PM EST Mar 5th, 2013
eyedesyn @conigs @amras @motionchat @bran_dj again, comes down to us/small mograph houses having self respect. Everyone’s so afraid it seems #mochat –9:33 PM EST Mar 5th, 2013
bran_dj If we had better job management on the studio side, we’d have better profits and healthier companies. #mochat –9:33 PM EST Mar 5th, 2013
conigs @chrismmurray Unfortunately, ‘protract’ isn’t something good in our line of work either. #mochat –9:33 PM EST Mar 5th, 2013
conigs @bran_dj And better expectations on what #VFX or design actually costs. #mochat –9:34 PM EST Mar 5th, 2013
amras @conigs @eyedesyn @MotionChat @bran_dj Sometimes it’s a case of take-this-job-to-pay-the-labour-overages-on-the-last-job. #moChat –9:34 PM EST Mar 5th, 2013
bran_dj Mograph studios aren’t live R&H or DD but they are constantly opening / closing. #mochat –9:34 PM EST Mar 5th, 2013
chrismmurray i’ve been using the same “agreement” for years… I modeled it off the graphic artist’s guild handbook…#mochat –9:34 PM EST Mar 5th, 2013
conigs @eyedesyn @amras @bran_dj And we shouldn’t be. It’s often naivety, not maliciousness that leads to problems. That can be fixed. #mochat –9:35 PM EST Mar 5th, 2013
amras @eyedesyn @conigs @MotionChat @bran_dj Studios and freelancers alike are afraid of losing their clients. #mochat –9:35 PM EST Mar 5th, 2013
eyedesyn @conigs @motionchat @bran_dj I refuse flat bids. If no one does them then they don’t exist. But theres always some shmuck that does #mochat –9:35 PM EST Mar 5th, 2013
bran_dj @conigs ABSOLUTELY. #mochat –9:35 PM EST Mar 5th, 2013
conigs @amras @eyedesyn @bran_dj And that’s one of the other problems of #VFX. And a bad trap to fall into. #mochat –9:35 PM EST Mar 5th, 2013
amras @conigs @eyedesyn @bran_dj Eliminate flat rates/bids and you eliminate contract overages. #mochat –9:37 PM EST Mar 5th, 2013
conigs @amras @eyedesyn @bran_dj It doesn’t have to be flat-out rejection. But rather communicating limitations & managing expectations. #mochat –9:37 PM EST Mar 5th, 2013
rovino @eyedesyn flat bids you mean the same as a “flat rate”? #mochat –9:37 PM EST Mar 5th, 2013
bran_dj @conigs @amras @eyedesyn @MotionChat I <3 that idea. But unfortunately to get the work a lot of us accept crazy deadlines. (I have.) #mochat –9:37 PM EST Mar 5th, 2013
amras RT @conigs: @bran_dj And better expectations on what #VFX or design actually costs. #mochat –9:37 PM EST Mar 5th, 2013
conigs @bran_dj @amras @eyedesyn Sometimes that happens. But when it does, communication needs to happen with the client. It often doesn’t. #mochat –9:38 PM EST Mar 5th, 2013
chrismmurray great contract and pricing resource: https://t.co/RLt1FOqjkj #mochat –9:38 PM EST Mar 5th, 2013
MotionChat Have any of you worked at a studio (not direct for client on flat-bid) where you’ve been denied overtime? #mochat –9:39 PM EST Mar 5th, 2013
bran_dj I’m seeing a lot of green avatars. Does #vfxprotest resonate with Motion Designers? #mochat –9:39 PM EST Mar 5th, 2013
conigs @chrismmurray I don’t do much freelance anymore. But I should pick that up. #mochat –9:39 PM EST Mar 5th, 2013
amras RT @bran_dj: I’m seeing a lot of green avatars. Does #vfxprotest resonate with Motion Designers? #mochat –9:40 PM EST Mar 5th, 2013
amras @bran_dj I think it absolutely does. We’re part of the same family. #mochat –9:40 PM EST Mar 5th, 2013
MotionChat RT @bran_dj: I’m seeing a lot of green avatars. Does #vfxprotest resonate with Motion Designers? #mochat –9:40 PM EST Mar 5th, 2013
rovino @MotionChat I think many of us.. no matter the job have been denied overtime. I’ve eaten hours before, #bittertaste #mochat –9:40 PM EST Mar 5th, 2013
conigs @bran_dj It does. A lot of similarities in our jobs. Just at different scales. #mochat –9:40 PM EST Mar 5th, 2013
chrismmurray @conigs i used a modified contract from there for my company.. got thru disney legal in 1 day!!! #mochat –9:41 PM EST Mar 5th, 2013
conigs @chrismmurray Impressive! #mochat –9:41 PM EST Mar 5th, 2013
mrmikeflorio @conigs @bran_dj but its hard to bill for #vfx … You can’t anticipate changes, comments & revisions. Also good luck w/ change orders #mochat –9:41 PM EST Mar 5th, 2013
amras @MotionChat I’ve had that experience as a contractor and refused to work with that studio again. #mochat –9:41 PM EST Mar 5th, 2013
bran_dj @conigs @amras @eyedesyn Yup. I always minimize scope of work to account for any budget or schedule issues. That’s thing to change #mochat –9:42 PM EST Mar 5th, 2013
conigs @mrmikeflorio @bran_dj I don’t claim to have all answers, but building in a set amount of revisions/COs would help. #mochat –9:42 PM EST Mar 5th, 2013
mrmikeflorio @bran_dj absolutely but then again I walk the fine line between #vfx and mograph artist #mochat –9:42 PM EST Mar 5th, 2013
conigs @mrmikeflorio @bran_dj Mograph has come to encompass everything from traditional animation to high-end VFX. #mochat –9:43 PM EST Mar 5th, 2013
chrismmurray BEST thing I’ve ever learned for a contract: “Copyright contingent on payment in full. Use of any kind constitutes acceptance.” #mochat –9:43 PM EST Mar 5th, 2013
mrmikeflorio @conigs @bran_dj and this is where the model fails … The billing and bidding process is a nightmare … NO ONE HAS THE ANSWERS #mochat –9:43 PM EST Mar 5th, 2013
MotionChat Do you see the state of #VFX as a mirror ball of sorts into motion design? Or is that too far off? #mochat –9:44 PM EST Mar 5th, 2013
bran_dj @mrmikeflorio @conigs Dave Rand keeps advocating a cost-plus model. Anyone use that? #mochat –9:45 PM EST Mar 5th, 2013
conigs @MotionChat I think it can get there, unfortunately. #mochat –9:45 PM EST Mar 5th, 2013
mrmikeflorio @bran_dj well like @conigs said #vfx and mograph artists share the same job requirements … The knowledge base is almost identical #mochat –9:45 PM EST Mar 5th, 2013
chrismmurray @MotionChat people have to be smarter about business. they don’t teach a business class at art school… #mochat –9:45 PM EST Mar 5th, 2013
scottgeersen I think a lot of artists go freelance so that even if they do overtime, it’s on their own dime. Easier to say no or justify. #mochat –9:46 PM EST Mar 5th, 2013
conigs @chrismmurray That’s come up in a few other #mochat‘s as well. It should be a requirement. #mochat –9:46 PM EST Mar 5th, 2013
chrismmurray glad to share my contract if anyone wants it #mochat –9:46 PM EST Mar 5th, 2013
MotionChat RT @chrismmurray: glad to share my contract if anyone wants it #mochat –9:47 PM EST Mar 5th, 2013
scottgeersen And I’m talking more about mograph and designers here as opposed to VFX artists. Obviously freelance VFX artists a different case #mochat –9:47 PM EST Mar 5th, 2013
rovino @chrismmurray Oh yes please, I’d like to have a look at it.. #mochat –9:47 PM EST Mar 5th, 2013
conigs @scottgeersen Isn’t nearly every VFX artist a freelancer? #mochat –9:48 PM EST Mar 5th, 2013
JLtheMGA @chrismmurray I’d like to be able to take a look at it. #mochat –9:48 PM EST Mar 5th, 2013
990adjustments @MotionChat I think it’s a matter of time before we see some adverse effects #mochat –9:49 PM EST Mar 5th, 2013
bran_dj @mrmikeflorio basically you charge for all expenses plus a % for profit: http://t.co/J28o1CoamW instead of a fixed-bid #mochat –9:49 PM EST Mar 5th, 2013
chrismmurray @rovino let me dig it up… i will post link soon.. #mochat –9:49 PM EST Mar 5th, 2013
amras @chrismmurray More great contract wisdom here: http://t.co/W7LERpOkq4 from @Mike_FTW #moChat #fuckYouPayMe –9:50 PM EST Mar 5th, 2013
Ge0ffSchultz @chrismmurray // would love to see it #mochat –9:50 PM EST Mar 5th, 2013
conigs @bran_dj @mrmikeflorio I feel that would be really hard to to in most mograph. #mochat –9:50 PM EST Mar 5th, 2013
bran_dj @scottgeersen I certainly walked away from working with studios bc of the time pressures. Better to be independent. #mochat –9:50 PM EST Mar 5th, 2013
amras @MotionChat “Race to the Bottom” is a phrase that #VFXprotest has seen a lot lately. I see the #moGraph world driving the same car. #moChat –9:51 PM EST Mar 5th, 2013
JLtheMGA out of curiosity, how many of you in studio & are in freelance (primarily?) #mochat –9:52 PM EST Mar 5th, 2013
conigs @amras Advertising/agency/post in general is in a race to the bottom. #mochat –9:52 PM EST Mar 5th, 2013
bran_dj @conigs @mrmikeflorio Argument is that we do custom “construction” and in most cases follow client orders to the T. We can make … #mochat –9:52 PM EST Mar 5th, 2013
990adjustments It’s a relatively new industry. Many newcomers see it as a quick & easy way to make $ & overlook many important issues going on. #mochat –9:52 PM EST Mar 5th, 2013
eyedesyn @bran_dj @conigs begins & ends with informing client how long something takes & being clear on expectations, tempering if need be #mochat –9:52 PM EST Mar 5th, 2013
bran_dj @conigs @mrmikeflorio … anything. At least that way labor costs and profit (covering overhead) are on client’s dime. #mochat –9:53 PM EST Mar 5th, 2013
conigs @bran_dj @mrmikeflorio It’s the “plus” part that’s hard. I mostly work on ads. Those don’t see profit. #mochat –9:54 PM EST Mar 5th, 2013
conigs @JLtheMGA I was in studios but on contract, not employed. #mochat –9:54 PM EST Mar 5th, 2013
JLtheMGA @990adjustments same can be said for #VFX industry- most things involving tech are that way. #mochat –9:55 PM EST Mar 5th, 2013
mrmikeflorio @bran_dj @conigs sounds amazing … Now would it work in reality? #mochat –9:55 PM EST Mar 5th, 2013
990adjustments @JLtheMGA definitely! Simple economics, really #mochat –9:55 PM EST Mar 5th, 2013
sksmusiclondon RT @conigs: @amras Advertising/agency/post in general is in a race to the bottom. #mochat –9:55 PM EST Mar 5th, 2013
JLtheMGA @conigs Same here- did you also find there always seemed to be a dangling carrot of better bids/income just over the horizon? #mochat –9:57 PM EST Mar 5th, 2013
Ge0ffSchultz #mochat I think it is easier to manage these problems when you are a freelancer having your own clients – trouble comes with studio work –9:57 PM EST Mar 5th, 2013
bran_dj @JLtheMGA @990adjustments New-ish. Many companies have existed for 10+ years now, too. #mochat –9:57 PM EST Mar 5th, 2013
conigs @JLtheMGA Sometimes yes, but mostly not. I was lucky to work with really great people. #mochat –9:57 PM EST Mar 5th, 2013
JLtheMGA @990adjustments hah, true enough.. #mochat –9:57 PM EST Mar 5th, 2013
conigs @JLtheMGA I would normally see that from the studio’s clients. #mochat –9:57 PM EST Mar 5th, 2013
MotionChat In the last minutes of #mochat, do you have any words of encouragement for #vfxprotest? –9:58 PM EST Mar 5th, 2013
JLtheMGA Oh, on a side note- I would recommend everyone look into how the comic book industry has dealt/is dealing with this kind of thing #mochat –9:59 PM EST Mar 5th, 2013
bran_dj RT @Ge0ffSchultz: #mochat I think it is easier to manage these problems when you are a freelancer having your own clients – trouble comes with studio work –9:59 PM EST Mar 5th, 2013
amras @JLtheMGA @conigs Always just about to come in… right after this next project. #moChat –9:59 PM EST Mar 5th, 2013
JLtheMGA there are many older industries that are still having issues with creator rights/artist pay/everything that we’re talking about #mochat –10:00 PM EST Mar 5th, 2013
MotionChat MT @paulslemmer: VFX sees much more feature demand. The momentum of American cinema is more deadly than anything we face. #mochat –10:00 PM EST Mar 5th, 2013
conigs @MotionChat Know that you have the support & encouragement of so many of us! #mochat –10:01 PM EST Mar 5th, 2013
bran_dj @Ge0ffSchultz Yup, the leverage shifts. #mochat –10:01 PM EST Mar 5th, 2013
bran_dj @JLtheMGA Got a good overview? #mochat –10:02 PM EST Mar 5th, 2013
990adjustments RT @conigs: @MotionChat Know that you have the support & encouragement of so many of us! #mochat –10:02 PM EST Mar 5th, 2013
JLtheMGA @amras heh- yep.. we’re about to sign off on a great new thing.. just give us until next quarter.. #mochat –10:02 PM EST Mar 5th, 2013
MotionChat That just about does it for tonight’s #mochat on #vfxprotest. Any last comments? –10:02 PM EST Mar 5th, 2013
RagingClaw @conigs @MotionChat YES! And Fuuuuuuuuuuu I’m late 🙁 #mochat –10:02 PM EST Mar 5th, 2013
SamWelkerTV Literally just decided to join in on #mochat. And now it ends… Haha my life story….. –10:03 PM EST Mar 5th, 2013
bran_dj @MotionChat I would note that Nickelodeon CG just organized and that is also a possibility for any motion design studio as well. #mochat –10:03 PM EST Mar 5th, 2013
JLtheMGA @bran_dj http://t.co/olYqJwPgpH check out this one #mochat –10:03 PM EST Mar 5th, 2013
paulslemmer @MotionChat Be the artists you want to be recognized as. The most powerful ammo for your cause is your own excellent work. #mochat –10:04 PM EST Mar 5th, 2013
MotionChat “@DazyairArt: I build PSA’s. I’m thankful for the opportunity and hair loss, a beautiful end result and the next gig. #vfxprotest” #mochat –10:04 PM EST Mar 5th, 2013
Ge0ffSchultz Designers need to learn to say no. There are clients willing to pay fair. Know what your time is worth and stick to it. #mochat –10:05 PM EST Mar 5th, 2013
chrismmurray i will post a link to my sample agreement soon. watch the #mochat tag –10:05 PM EST Mar 5th, 2013
MotionChat Thanks for coming out everyone. Please keep this conversation going. It’s an important one. #mochat #vfxprotest –10:05 PM EST Mar 5th, 2013
MotionChat As always, #GoMakeSomething… and hug a #VFX artist. #mochat #vfxprotest –10:06 PM EST Mar 5th, 2013
JLtheMGA @MotionChat thanks again for hosting! I’m still getting used to the format- was good talking #mochat –10:06 PM EST Mar 5th, 2013
MotionChat “@amras: @MotionChat Don’t let up, keep the pressure on and continue making noise. You are surrounded by supporters!” #mochat –10:07 PM EST Mar 5th, 2013
JLtheMGA @chrismmurray thanks! #mochat –10:07 PM EST Mar 5th, 2013
rovino RT @chrismmurray: i will post a link to my sample agreement soon. watch the #mochat tag #woot thanks #mochat –10:07 PM EST Mar 5th, 2013
bran_dj Wanted to share this w/ #mochat from @scott_squires “Our jobs will never be outsourced. We’re artists and clients need to interact with us.” –10:07 PM EST Mar 5th, 2013
bran_dj RT @MotionChat: As always, #GoMakeSomething… and hug a #VFX artist. #mochat #vfxprotest –10:08 PM EST Mar 5th, 2013