Well, the way I see it is that I work for who I want to work for. If I start to allow this producer, or that producer, to tell me who I can and can't work for, that is really setting a precedent for something bad. As I told his secretary when she called (didn't even call himself), I work for whomever wants to hire me, I make that decision, and I really don't appreciate the ultimatum. If they decide to push the issue, I figure I'll tell him if he wants to pay me a salary to sit out and only work on his productions, put me on retainer......fine, we'll talk. Until then, I'll work for whomever I determine I want to work for.
I can see if I was backing out on a commitment to him or something, but when the days don't even conflict, it's none of his business.
And I appreciate the fact some may decide to listen to their ultimatum because they could use the work and have to think responsibly when it comes to supporting a family. That would be a tough decision to make. Bowing to an ultimatum like that is just setting yourself up for more troubles down the road.
I also think that the fact this particular company is only getting the contract for PART of this particular campaign, when in the past they would have been doing the entire campaign, shows that perhaps they are losing their particular client, which I believe is one of their larger clients, at least based on the work I do for them. So for my own future, I see it only benefitting me to get on board with the production company that seems to be picking up more and more contracts.
I'm a loyal guy, but I also think I need to look out for myself as well. Because if I don't, nobody else will.
Thanks for the replies, it's always good to hear that others have had this happen, and to hear some other opinions on the matter.
Todd Gilpin
Director of Photography/Camera Operator
Ohio