Chimamanda Adichie: The danger of a single story

It isn’t easy to stand in front of a room of complete strangers from international backgrounds and discuss racial and economic differences; however the TED speaker I’d like to discuss today was able to attack these hard issues with a hint of comedy and humility.  Novelist Chimamanda Adichie discussed the danger of a single story during her 2009 TED talk.  She started her speech with a slight quiver in her voice and smile on her face.  Through addressing her background and upbringing she was able to bring the audience to a place of trust and understanding.  As she described her enlightenment through literature she says she realized after reading African books that, “Girls like me with skin the color of chocolate whose kinky hair could not form ponytails could also exist in literature.”  Although this young woman had grown up in a middle class family, she soon found that stories are more powerful than she could have ever imagined.

Chimamanda describes her personal experiences with the single story including people with a single story of who she is and where she comes from.  One very powerful story she discussed was when she first came to the United States to study at an University.  She describes how her roommate’s single story of Africans left her with first hand experience of a single story hindering understanding from those who only know that story as fact.  Through her words she illustrates how she learned how to understand that learning more than one story about a person or place was more valuable than listening to one popular story or watching what information is simply placed in front of you.  Chimamanda relates to the audience by illustrating that she is no different from anyone in the room, because she is African through the mention of popular music and literature references.  Her ability to expose her background and uncomfortable experiences opened a window of trust that otherwise may have been slighted.

Chimamanda’s speech allowed me to take a deeper look at how the industry uses stories to either develop or destroy a brand’s image.  As an entertainment business professional it is my responsibility to ensure that my brands entire story is told.  Our lives and cultures are a collection of overlapping stories that add to the fabric of who we are.   Chimamanda Adichie expressed how through her journey she found her authentic cultural voice, but she warned listeners that if we only accept a single story as fact about a person or place then we risk misunderstanding them and potentially misjudging their situation.

Florida's Entertainment Industry Financial Incentive Program

There are many very important organizations and associations in the film and media industry nationwide, but in Florida none is more vital than the Florida Film Commission, because it offers discounts and details that can help make a production a success.   The Florida Film Commission is a state economic development program that was created to help with the growth ad expansion of the film and entertainment industry in Florida.   This organization plays a very important role in the production process including working with production teams to navigate government rules and regulations.  They are the subject matter experts when it comes to successfully filming and promoting in Florida.  They work with various organizations and agencies to ensure a smooth production.

This program has dramatically assisted with the film and entertainment industry in Florida.  One recent film shot in Florida is the highly anticipated “Rock of Ages.”  The Florida Film Commission launched the Entertainment Industry Financial Incentive program on July 1, 2010 and sunsets on June 30, 2015.  The programs offer tax credits, discounts and secure locations for approved productions, which are separated in three queues based on the project type and budget.

Due to a constantly changing economy this program has brought more filming to Florida.  This program’s three major categories are general production, commercial and music video queue and independent & emerging media production queue.  Each area has specific application requirements and regulations.   In order to grow and expand the film company these types of programs are important because they entice production companies to spend money in Florida and hire Florida production crews.  This brings jobs to production professionals in Florida and helps to increase and sustain the industry.

The best strategy to create connections with the Florida Film Commission is to reach out to the by email or phone.  Their website offers a wealth of information for production companies.  The programs offered by this organization can save both the production company and client money, so it’s important to stay current on their information.

Freelance Rates 101

Last post I talked about freelance productions fast, good or cheap.  I also discussed the importance of setting your rates as a freelance artist, but I didn't really get into how to set rates.  This post I will go into further detail about setting your prices, so that you don't end up paying to work.  In my experience the most uncomfortable thing to discuss with a new client is cost especially when you have no idea what to charge.  When I first started out I was eager to jump into the industry, so I allowed the employer and client dictate the terms of payment.  This was my first beginner’s mistake, because if I didn't value myself how could anyone else?  My dad used to say, “you have to get burned to learn,” and after being burned a few times I finally got the point.

In order to put my views into perspective, I needed to evaluate my situation.  I came up with a three-step formula that I still use today to help me keep my rates competitive and in line with my competitors and other industry professionals. 

1) Research the competition and industry - The economic environment plays a huge role in what businesses and clients will spend on a production.  Although the industry is constantly fluctuating knowledge of where the industry is leaning is vital to growth and success.  Researching the competition is just as important, because you don't want your prices to be extremely lower or higher than the competition.  If your rates are too low then the client thinks something is wrong and if your rates are too high then the client will shut the door thinking they can't afford your services leaving you with a missed opportunity.

2) Know your salary range - If you were working a full time job doing what you do freelance how much would you make? Be realistic and don’t forget what you have to pay in taxes and benefits you don't get as a freelance artist.  If you don’t know what you rate then employers and clients may short change you or worse.

3) Do the math – “Why spend more time and money on a job then you are making?”  I have done this myself by covering costs I didn't bill the client for, because it was an unexpected expense.  I see ads and job postings all the time for editors and videographers that must have their own equipment, but don't get extra pay for using their own equipment.  Let's see if you spend 20 dollars both ways to a job in gas, 1,500 dollars on a camera, 235 dollars on audio and microphones and 150 on lights then you are starting in the hole.  I'm not saying you should charge every job the total cost of your equipment, but it should be a factor.

It’s your job as an industry professional to sell your skills and experience in order to get the rates you deserve.  Next post I will delve into client communications.  Hopefully these tips are helpful.  Do you agree or disagree with this logic?  I look forward to your feedback.

Freelance Productions fast, good and cheap

The world of video production is a constantly evolving machine due to dramatic advances in technology, but some argue that the floods of new video production are doing more harm than good for industry professionals.  Message delivery has also moved more toward video and social media than any other mediums in recent years.  This advance allows brands to connect to their target audiences on a more personal level and if created in an effective manner can become viral and take the brand to new heights.  Websites like YouTube, Viddler, Facebook, Twitter and Vimeo allow video sharing to become easier than ever, but at what cost?

As a recent graduate and full time producer I come across clients that was things fast, good and cheap.  When you are fresh in the industry this seems like an easy enough thing to do especially when you are talented and excited to add productions to your portfolio.  Stop this is never a good idea, because you will loose every time if you agree to these terms. There is no such this as a fast, good and cheap production.  They don’t exist. 

In recent years employers have discovered the loophole in lowering costs while growing their return on projects.  Author Robert Greene refers to this in his book, “the 48 Powers of Law” as “Get others to do the work, but take all the credit.”  Freelancers account for a third of the US workforce.  Due to a struggling economy people are willing to be freelance although they do all of the work, but get none of the benefits of full time employees.  This allows employers and clients to make more while they pay less.  When evaluating bids for clients many freelancers forget to pay themselves.  This rate calculator can help you decipher if you are getting paid what you should or simply taking a loss on the production. 

One simple way to evaluate a project is to decided weather it is worth your time by realistically evaluating your costs and time you will invest in the project.  In 2010 design creative Hoss Gifford released and article titled, “Fast, good, cheap.”  Although he was not the originator of this theory, his tale “some clients are evil and their work is toxic,” is a great example of how these types of jobs will poison your success as an industry professional.  Like anything else in life a relationship with your clients or employers should benefit both parties or animosity is bound to occur. 

Greene states in his fifth law of power that “so much depends on reputation guard it with your life.” This includes under cutting costs to get a job, because it devalues your time and talent.  Once you are known to lower rates people will always look for that deal even when they have the needed budget.  Every product produced should represent the best of your work.  If you can’t do it right, don’t do it at all.  No job is worth your reputation.    

Are we willing to pay the price for reality tv?

Society’s views on entertainment have dramatically changed in recent years as far as television programming.  Reality tv shows have taken the lead and other shows trail behind, but women’s roles on these shows tend to show more catfights and yelling than anything else.  According to Forbes, reality tv is negatively impacting the view of real women in the media compared to the women on reality tv .  Although society is gravitating toward the drama of “real life,” what is the cost? 

Recently I was flipping through and caught an episode of season 8 of the Bad Girls Club.  I can’t say the loud and even over the top antics of the cast didn't grab my attention, but then I saw one girl that attended college with me.  We had class together and she was nothing like she was acting out on the tv show.  She was a fashion student and model that seemed to have it together.  She was very quiet and seemed nice until I saw her jumping a girl on the Bad Girls Club for no reason other than being a bully.  I had lost respect for her as a person, but after completing the show she has increased her following 100 percent and launching a much anticipated swimwear line.  I guess being bad can pay off pretty good.

 There are many cases beside this one that reality tv shows have made everyday people with little to no marketable skills overnight celebrities like “The Real Housewives of Atlanta,” “Jersey Shore,” and Keeping Up With the Kardasians.”  These shows made these brands household names and continue to help develop these machines.  At what point are the shows destroying the values of the film and production industry?  How can reality tv be reality when it is edited?  How far are we willing to exploit ourselves to be successful?

Although, some positive things have come from reality tv there are quite a few negative  things that are damaging society, the value of hard work and developing a craft.  This is a link to the Bad Girls Club Reunion Clip.  These women cuss, fight and even spit; however, this is one of the highest rated original series to come from the Oxygen network.  Some of the cast blame trash talking on social media networks for their added animosity.  The reality of this situation is that they have to keep up the drama to stay relevant.
These antics have become so popular that teenagers have started taken videos committing violent acts and posting them to the web.  This is a link to a Teen girl getting brutalized posted on WorldStarHipHop.com over a "Twitter beef."  Being a bad girl in real life will get you jail time or worse, but that isn't publicized.  

            Most people don’t care about the cost of reality tv as long as they can take a check to the bank, but as industry professionals are we willing to pay that price to break into the industry?  If we do take the reality tv route can we be taken seriously in our industry professions?  

Reality Tv vs. Reality

Below are some links to great articles about the growing reality tv phenomenon.

                                                         

“I’m a culture critic get me out of here!”

http://www.vanityfair.com/culture/features/2009/12/wolcott-200912?printable=true

“Brazil bishops say reality TV is bad for society”

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-latin-america-12500275

Social Media; The Introduction

Social media has become a phenomenon for marketing professionals and small businesses in recent years as shown by the dramatic increase in social media users that can help to grow a following, bring new business and maintain relationships with current clientele.

Social media can seem very intimidating especially when setting up accounts initially.  I have set up this blog, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Youtube in order to optimize a following and create social media awareness.  I look forward to expanding my knowledge of social media and connecting with all of you.

Below is a link to a great article check it out:

7 Great Social Media Optimization Tips For Your Website
http://socialtimes.com/social-media-optimization-tips_b18921