Producers: myself and other freelance editor friends have a question we’re struggling with. Why do people so often reach out and ask us for holds with no information what the project is? A lot of us won’t give 1st holds without making sure it’s something we are interested in so this seems like a lose-lose for all of us. I do understand if there’s an NDA situation involved but often I get literally no details and am just told things like ‘we have a project coming up’. Any insight? Thank you!

like
Posting as :
works at
You are currently posting as works at

One reason- we are constantly asked for bids and calendars without any actual work or creative yet. We always know it’s coming but timing is managed so poorly on the agency side before handing off to production and it’s trickles through everything. If they are asking you, it means they know you are reliable and talented. That said, they should give you that context when they can.

like

This does make sense. There is one company that reaches out to me fairly regularly and I recently realized that the person in charge of scheduling isn’t herself given the information. It’s definitely a breakdown in communication happening somewhere in the line.

But **sometimes** all we have is an intended ship date, like an MCU film with no director or script, but a studio-required release.

like

I’m with you E1. The ECP1 post right above is me too. Any info I can share I do, and encourage others to do the same

like

Yeah, I’ll generally give any info I can give that’s not under lock and key, even if it’s the “type” or work we”re going for, or “type” of brand we’re working on. Understand that cutting film directed by Raine Allen Miller, Max Malkin or Henry Alex Rubin will be more enticing and beneficial to your career than an awards submission case study or a slew of :06’s.

like

I can think of two reasons for this. One, if the place is busy with a lot of incoming potential projects, they’re likely just sorting out all their options and might nor be sure yet where you will fit into their plans. But the real culprit, as you suspect, is the proliferation of NDAs; if you’re on staff at an edit house, your employment agreement holds you to any NDAs the company signs - but if you’re freelance you’re not held to that until you engage on the project. If this is becoming more of a trend lately, that’s probably the main explanation. It does sound frustrating though.

like

Don’t need to know the client or the creative. Just, comedy tvc, pitch, case study, etc. OR “we have a few projects in the works, not sure what you’ll be on yet”. That’s fine too.

like

Usually if the creative is worth mentioning, it is. But that’s just my experience.

like

Related Posts

ECD: we need edgy groundbreaking ideas
AD & Me: *works for two weeks on edgy ideas”
ECD & Account: *picks only safe ideas*
Client: these are nice but we want edgy ideas
ECD to us: I need edgy ideas

likefunnyupliftingsmart

What’s the average salary for a Sr. Project Manager that is a contractor? I received an offer for $140k. I don’t think the compensation is aligned for the scope of work.

Client of mine looking to hire a Hyperion Systems Manager in Chicago. DM if intrested in an Exit of Consulting

On a project with higher level teams, and my partner and I can’t seem to crack the brief or keep up. Can anyone else relate? Will it always feel this way?

like

My agency is opening up applications for a DE&I Committee leader for the first time. This person will be responsible for overhauling how the agency approaches diversity, including employee training, internships, new business model and client communications. However, the role is a voluntary one-year term with no extra pay or incentive. There is no budget for this person to be trained themselves. How are your companies handling new diversity leadership? How should I voice my concern?

like

Why is it that designers are always expected to be creating content, honing a new skill, or working on some side project outside of work? You don’t see accountants coming home from work and thinking to themselves, “I sure would like to do some more math!”

likefunnyhelpful

How can I switch to a product-based company as an SDET from a QA analyst
My current YOE - is 9 months
current skills I have
Testing (Selenium java+appium+Cucumber(BDD/TDD)+maven+TestNG+Postman(API)/SOAP/Rest Assured+Jenkins+GIT)
Other skills: (Unix, Python, Java, Data Analytics, NLP, DeepLearning)
I'm Also doingData Structures and Algorithms and Leetcode.
Projects: (One Project on Animal hunter Detection/Alarm system using DeepLearning, NLP-based Sentiment analysis using word2vec/bag of words)

like

Let’s share dumb client stories!

Hello,
I’m a junior data scientist and in my current job I mostly code using Pyspark (no machine learning) so I would like to work on a side project that could leverage my profile and data science/ML skills. What project would you advice me to work on ? (it can be a kaggle project, or a classic task that you do at your job, or a paper that you read).
I’m overwhelmed by the many suggestions online and would prefer to get a suggestion directly from professionals.
PS : I’m not a beginner.

like

CCO and art partner are really close, only talk to each other in meetings. They even send each other emails and texts about this project and leave me out. But I end up doing all the work. What to do?

like

Google Certification for Project Management or PMI? Any opinions or thoughts?

Looking to get more formal training in project management.

like

I am a project manager with the strong desire to transition into product management but I’m feeling a little discouraged. Every opportunity I come across mentions 7-10 years experience. I just started training for the Google UX certification with hopes that may better prepare me. Any other suggestions? Words of advice on how to best make this transition?

Thanks in advance!

like

Would love some thoughts on what title structure makes the most sense for my agency /translates within the advertising industry. Our Project Management dept was pretty flat until recently. We’ve build out a real team — I’ll be getting promoted to an associate director level (I’d say that — that’s not what we call it) — and I want to make sure this title makes sense. Now would be the time to change it within our dept if we’re ever going to. Currently we have: (see comments)

like

If you have 4+ years of management consulting (strictly, in a client facing role) or IB experience , and wish to apply to BCG, you can drop me a DM. Candidates from BCG's target schools preferred.

like

I started a solo criminal defense practice last November. I am considering taking contract in a totally different area of law (nursing home defense) to help ease the pressure of not having a full client load. How much do contract attorneys make? Any other considerations other than salary and timelines that I should be thinking about?

like
like

Considering a data and analytics role for a data migration project. What kinds of SQL queries will I be expected to know?

like

My client (small-ish business) suffered a data breach and needs to offer free credit monitoring to a small number of MA individuals. Any recommendations for monitoring services?

like

How is Salesforce project in Coforge? WLB etc..

like

Does anyone have any insights on the culture/ workload at Milbank’s project finance team?

like

More Posts

Having to call Marriott to apply a suite night award to an SPG hotel on a reservation you made before the merger and combining accounts proves to you how much is still SO WRONG with this merger.

Hey guys - does anyone have recommendations for Indian wavy 5x5 or 6x6 closures? I was going to order off of Amora Renae (https://www.amorarenaecollection.co/product/thin-swiss-lace-5x5-closure/) but they aren’t restocking. I’m still getting bundles from them, but clueless on another solid company that would have matching hair (friend is making me a wig bc of a natural hair crisis I’m having, I’m absolutely clueless when it comes to anything like this)!

like

Hey Fishbowl peeps!
Does anyone know of a US based company hiring freelancers based out in Canada (Montreal to be specific) please?
Thanks guys!

like

PwC India Anyone joining PWC India on 11th August? Did you get any mails for laptop courier?PwC India PwC

When you’re not able to communicate with your partner 🚩🚩🚩🚩🚩🚩🚩🚩🚩🚩🚩🚩🚩🚩🚩🚩🚩🚩🚩🚩🚩🚩

likefunny

How are things at Razorfish since the revival?

like

Does anyone know where I can find a Balenciaga classic city bag new? (Not used and not the “neo” styles)

like

A recruiter from a recruiting company reached out and scheduled a call for tomorrow to see if I'd be a good fit for any of the positions she's looking to fill. I've never worked with a recruiter before, how do these calls usually go?

like

Change my mind: A motion to “clarify” one of the court’s orders is actually just a cute, roundabout way of asking for reconsideration.

like

pros and cons to daycare vs a babysitter for a toddler? which do you prefer and why ?

like

Has anybody invested on affordable housing in Gurgaon, India? Or got any insight for a first time investor.

like

Does anyone know if a trustee can pursue litigation on a PI case that is part of the bankruptcy estate if there is an automatic stay in place?

like

Speaking of side hustles, any recommendations? $$

like

Finished my HSW apps this week. So relieved to have that weight off my back. Best of luck to everyone who applied R1!

likefunny

Our upcoming CSM Weekend Batch

Post Photo

Has anyone seen Judas and the Black Messiah? I saw it last night and it was excellent!

like

Stock market weatherman here! Jobless claims up more than 1M, lowest since April. A second wave of COVID is on the way, no vaccine in sight. Stimulus has stalled. Tensions with China escalate. Weather model says these signs point to sunny skies 🌞 Not a cloud in sight, only higher highs.

funnylikehelpful

I was planning to buy a home next year, but now I expect to renew my lease once it expires. If so, I wouldn't be buying a home for at least 2 years from now.

Guessing I should still leave the down payment in a HYSA (getting 3% right now)? Sucks to miss out on market returns, but I understand that conventional wisdom is not to invest money you'll need in the short term (within 3ish years). I'm definitely tempted to put a portion of that in VTI though...

like

Does anyone work at UnitedHealthGroup? I’ve applied to a few positions and hoping to get in contact with a recruiter if possible! Thank you.

like

Additional Posts in Production

I’m curious, has anyone had luck moving from production in the ad world to production in the film industry? I know there’s overlap at some editing, vfx houses, etc...

like

Anyone got a beat on a great freelance illustrator? Specifically looking for line art that will be integrated into video. TIA!

like

Hey producers, do any of you have a definitive list of specs for DRTV? I’ve looked high & low, Googled everything. No luck. What I need is a set of official RULES. My memory doesn’t count...😄 Thanks!

like

Thinking about taking the leap to freelancing. I’ve only ever worked full time at agencies but, I’m looking for more flexibility.

Pros vs. cons? Anyone know what the freelance market is like?

like

Ideas? My agency is trying to come up with a “checkout system” for camera gear in the office. We thought of adding the camera as it’s own calendar to Google but that would require adding a user and $

Hi fish! Which agencies would you say most consistently hire or are in need of freelance producers? Seems like only the big ones to me and I’m looking for some smaller shop experience

like

What are some of your favorite interview questions you have been asked or that you like to ask?

like

Post producer day rate (or hourly) in LA?

like

Realizing why agencies are still struggling to find enough Business Affairs employees. And know several people who this has happened to. One is pay. Salaries have been going up the last year or two. And some agencies aren’t raising their pay as fast as others. But another big factor is employers are trying to find candidates that check every box. So if a candidate has 19 out of 20 required skills or experiences, they aren’t being given offers. Even if that one piece can be easily taught …

likehelpful

Anyone ever work with Smiggler? Need a recommendation for best comedy options.

Any agencies in NYC looking for freelance APs?

What is a good, competitive day rate for a mid level freelancer?

I just listened to an interview of a creative director recount their path towards copywriting at a famous ad agency. It could not have been a more textbook case of failing upwards as a white man.

It would seem the only thing you need to make it as an advertising creative is to have lots of not particularly original ideas. Practically every other skill is unnecessary. If you’re a white man.

That this level of mediocrity passes for talent explains why so many agency briefs are so lame.

like

Any agencies hiring jr producers in Portland or LA? Or any leads would be greatly appreciated!

I don’t know if being a copywriter/advertising is my thing. Anyone have insights on moving into film/tv writing and/or the production side of things? Tips, stories etc.? 🙏🏼

like

Producers, how do you showcase your work? Online portfolio w/ links to spots you produced, or an actual reel? What service did you use to build your site? Who edited your reel? Not sure where to begin

like

Does anyone know the names of internal content units at smaller agencies and small and large brands .

like

Had a shoot a week back in London and a gaffer left midday because they felt unwell. They weren’t particular helpful at all during the shoot and I’m hesitant to pay the full day rate he has invoiced for. Is it common practice to pay fully even if he left midway? I’ve heard It’s APA guidelines but we’re also not a an APA associated prodco.

like

Will production even be fun when we go back??

like

What are the best experiential shops looking for producers?

helpful

New to Fishbowl?

Download the Fishbowl app to
unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.
That was just a preview…
Sign Up to see all discussions
  • Discover what it’s like to work at companies from real professionals
  • Get candid advice from people in your field in a safe space
  • Chat and network with other professionals in your field
Sign up in seconds to unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.

Already a user?
Login here

Share

Embed this post

Copy and paste embed code on your site

Preview

Download the
Fishbowl app

See what’s happening in your industry
from the palm of your hand.

A phone with Fishbowl app

Send download link to your phone

OR

Scan your QR code to download
Fishbowl app on your mobile

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.

Messaging rates may apply

Download app

Sign up for free to view this conversation on Fishbowl

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use and Privacy Policy

Already have an account? Log in

Sign up for free to continue using Fishbowl

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use(New) and Privacy Policy(New)
Messaging rates may apply

Already have an account? Log in

For account settings, visit Fishbowl on Desktop Browser or

General

Legal