I'm curious, how long have you been in the union (I'm assuming of course that you are) and what department you work? I'm going to guess your g&e. I actually made the decision to specifically do commercials - though other projects get thrown in too - after doing 5 years in features. My favorite thing about them is that no matter how bad or good they are there's a definite end date. Unlike film and to some extent television where the schedule can suddenly be weeks longer than you expected. But for guys/gals that work commercials on the regular I'd say they might disagree about not getting killed hour wise. Most commercial shoot days are one or two days ish? You have to therefore book multiple shoots in a week - meaning you're not grabbing that 6 or 7 day pay bump and turn around time is not considered because you're working for different companies. It's by no means always heinous! But for those of us that aren't sitting by the craft service table or smoking, it can lead to very long tiring weeks. PA's aren't allowed to be on flat rate days any more, though I understand there are ways to get around it. They are however based on a 12 hour day and when given OT it's normally at only time and a half equaling about $21 an hour after 12 hours. And since they're first and last on set on every job they go from shoot day to shoot day constantly working the longest craziest hours making at most around $400 (if they put in a double day) for the day. Even the lowest man in each department makes more than that, usually without OT. I'm not saying all gigs are terrible, in fact I feel lucky I'm able to do what I do. I'm just saying there's plenty of people on set that a 12 hour day doesn't apply to and many of them get paid the least. I've enjoyed the back and forth @pocketchange. I think positive change can only happen when people are willing to listen to all sides!
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@pocketchange your statement about "hours not killing you" made me reflect how many crew folks I've lost in the last few years. In the short term you are so right it's no harm no foul but most of these folks have literally worked themselves to death (both union and non union). The hours, short turnaround (even on union gigs), wear and tear.... I really think you and @ekpickle are both right. Love what you do but not so much it destroys you. There has to be a better way. It's fantastic that you are posting and bringing another informed side to this post. Thank you.
I don't work in the Grip or Electric Departments... I actually deal with most all Departments... I get paid by the Hour, along with Fringe Benefits and all the other possible Penalties and Forced Calls, that spoil us to the core... I've worked in the Motion Picture Industry for a very long time... I try to remain invisible as to my identity whenever I'm on line, so I never reveal exactly what I do... I do work on Location, in Multiple Cities and States... Oh, and I've heard all the Complaints associated with the industry on pretty much every Project... Thanks for commenting back... Do yourself a favor and read a few of my Posts... I have a PC Theory concerning the Reset and Transfer of Wealth...
@pocketechange
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Wow sign me up I want to do what you do. Fringe benefits, forced calls, being spoiled to the core? Sounds glorious ;)
It's really not the easiest line of work to get into, but it is possible... You can't rule it out... Oh, and if you go past 6 hours without eating, you get what's called Meal Penalties for every half hour, until they break you to eat... It's insane for sure...
@pocketechange
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