Discovery Looking for Video

[Lanny Dean]

Got an e-mail from Discovery (their production company actually) looking for video from the June 17th 2009 event. I do not have video of this event but thought that some of you might. Per the producer, I have included the e-mail and contacts for her at the bottom.
I believe they are needing the video ASAP so it might be a good idea to contact them NOW!
If you contact her, please let her know that I sent you or mention my name so she will know you are genuine in the game.

Thanks,
Lanny


"Hey Lanny,


I have not talked with you since early this year hope all is well? I am hoping you might be able to help me out again with some video. As you already know I am still working on the Discovery Channel Series Storm Chasers and was wondering if you have or know anyone who may have footage from the tornado that hit Beatrice, NE this past june 17, 2009? I am looking to acquire some footage of the storm and am not having much luck finding stills or video from this storm. Thanks a lot and I look forward to hearing from you.

--
Colleen Bulger
Associate Producer
Storm Chasers
[email protected]
"

 

[Dustin Wilcox]

That report coincided almost directly with a large dust plume associated with the RFD North of Hanover ("sheriffnado"); I had perfect position on that storm essentially from it's birth up until Hwy 77 and never saw anything remotely close to a tornado, let alone one worthy of being captured on film, it's slightly possible I just happened to not see it, esp. if it "hit Beatrice". If anyone has a picture and or video of a legit tornado from that area, CC me, as I too would be extremely interested in seeing it.... Anyone aware of a Damage survey of any sort done on that storm?

 

[Shane Adams]

Just a heads up, if this production company is Original Media, they won't pay for a screener. I don't know if Storm Chasers has more than one company working on it, but the OM guy told me Storm Chasers was the show they were working on so I assume it's the same outfit.

It makes sense that they flood forums instead of contacting reputable chasers individually; much more chance to snag the free "just wanna be on TEEVEE" types who got lucky a few times on a given year if you attack general forums.

 

[Tony Perkins]

I worked with the person in the message above for a different event. Once they got my screener (for free), they stopped responding to any of my inquiries, and my time was wasted. Not a good first impression of dealing with media companies.

 

[Jason Foster]

I worked with the person in the message above for a different event. Once they got my screener (for free), they stopped responding to any of my inquiries, and my time was wasted. Not a good first impression of dealing with media companies.

Just a heads up, if this production company is Original Media, they won't pay for a screener. I don't know if Storm Chasers has more than one company working on it, but the OM guy told me Storm Chasers was the show they were working on so I assume it's the same outfit.

It makes sense that they flood forums instead of contacting reputable chasers individually; much more chance to snag the free "just wanna be on TEEVEE" types who got lucky a few times on a given year if you attack general forums.

You can pretty much count on this a lot these days, it's where the market is going for many smaller outfits.

Everyone keeps thinking these companies are flush with money. Not the case, while not struggling for money, the footage costs can quickly add up, and with advertising money tanking at the moment, production companies and networks are having to really stretch their dollar. Of course this doesn't mean anyone should be discounting their rates for footage.

Its also very competitive (among chasers) and with footage from amateurs getting so numerous and wide spread, they don't have time to play phone tag with folks, especially if you don't have the video, or if it isn't ready to send right away, don't expect much in the way of a reply.

Of course there are those who are on the roledex with the production companies and they consistently sell footage and get the first calls. If you are getting an email, or message through a social networking site, you are already fighting an uphill battle, because they (as stated in other posts) are casting a wide net, and then pitting you against other possible suppliers of the video (if it exists).

 

[Dan Robinson]

Everyone keeps thinking these companies are flush with money.

The TV news industry is definitely hurting, but that's not the case on the long-format production side. Currently their budgets are more than enough to support fair rates for footage. Stock footage is purchased as an alternative to sending a crew out to get the shots, which a production company will do if needed. They'll get the shot they need one way or another, particularly if it's for Discovery or another outlet with very high production standards. They won't be picking up many amateur/YouTube clips for an HD show, for instance.

The cost to fly a crew overseas (or hire a local freelance crew) for several days to a week to get a single shot (which is often done) is an indicator on what value a good stock shot has. The money is there to do that if needed, or to purchase a stock clip as an alternative.

We as chasers need to remember our acquisition costs to get the footage, which are the same, bad economy or not.

EDIT: I would also like to add that most production companies are great to work with if you approach it professionally. Even the best ones will let you give your material away if you offer it that way.

 

[Shane Adams]

EDIT: I would also like to add that most production companies are great to work with if you approach it professionally

Yeah, until you ask where to send the invoice. IMO, they jump ship the moment they realize they're not dealing with some dumbass hick who wants his 15. Very frustrating, considering my time is just as valuable, let alone my material.

 

[Shane Adams]

You can pretty much count on this a lot these days, it's where the market is going for many smaller outfits.

Everyone keeps thinking these companies are flush with money. Not the case, while not struggling for money, the footage costs can quickly add up, and with advertising money tanking at the moment, production companies and networks are having to really stretch their dollar. Of course this doesn't mean anyone should be discounting their rates for footage.

Its also very competitive (among chasers) and with footage from amateurs getting so numerous and wide spread, they don't have time to play phone tag with folks, especially if you don't have the video, or if it isn't ready to send right away, don't expect much in the way of a reply.

Of course there are those who are on the roledex with the production companies and they consistently sell footage and get the first calls. If you are getting an email, or message through a social networking site, you are already fighting an uphill battle, because they (as stated in other posts) are casting a wide net, and then pitting you against other possible suppliers of the video (if it exists).

I'm not sympathetic. Nobody held out a hand to me in 2008 when gas jumped over a buck in less than a month, almost doubling my chasing expenses. I don't wanna hear "the economy is bad"....if you're fishing for video, you'd better damn well expect to pay the price, economy or not. Any professional company understands this and is willing to play ball. I just wish I could get one of those interested in me one time, instead of all the cheap ass game-players (with plenty of capital) who insist on trying to play me.

 

[Jason Foster]

Shane...I totally agree with you...sorry you have not been able to work with some of the better companies. As Dan said, there are good ones, I just wanted to put in perspective (at least what I know) what is out there and what to expect. I get the impression that some folks just think it's easy, and every company is nice to work with. Media AND film productions companies are very competitive. I recently noticed that one production company ripped off an idea from another production company that pitched the idea to a network, but the network gave it do their in-house production company. Unfortunately I was suppose to be the host of that show. But that's the way the business works.

 

[Scott Bennett]

Well as it happened I did have video of this storm from the timeframe they were looking for, I fedex'ed it on their dime about a week ago.

Just like everyone else I questioned the tornado claim however I did have the shot.

The Video on my youtube so they knew what they were getting already.

See what happens.

Thanks for the heads up Lanny!

 

[Warren Faidley]

You should always charge for a screener.

Production companies will tell you they don't pay, because a lot of them think chasers are goofballs who don't know better. They make millions off these shows in advertising revenue. Charge a $150.00 to $250.00 fee for most requests, unless you have some ***truly*** rare footage, then the sky is the limit. Never give free footage away on the promise of being seen on TV, as you just undermine the market for other chasers who might want to try and pay for their hobby/business... and giving it away only furthers the disrespect. Always include a release for screeners that outlines things like: a fee must be agreed upon before any use and more importantly, they are responsible for the safe copyright protection and non-pirating of the footage. Never allow any use beyond the scope of the show and the promotion of the show. Some production companies try to get complete royalty free use by tricky wording in their agreements. Beware!

W.

 

[cdcollura]

Good day all,

You should always charge for a screener

Exactly, Warren!

This is sometimes called a "viewing charge" as well. You can fetch up to $300 (standard is around $200) on this alone, even if they do not use the footage!

Good points everyone

 

[Eric Flescher]

release form

Good idea about form.

Do you have a sample copy of such a release form ?
::

You should always charge for a screener.

Production companies will tell you they don't pay, because a lot of them think chasers are goofballs who don't know better. They make millions off these shows in advertising revenue. Charge a $150.00 to $250.00 fee for most requests, unless you have some ***truly*** rare footage, then the sky is the limit. Never give free footage away on the promise of being seen on TV, as you just undermine the market for other chasers who might want to try and pay for their hobby/business... and giving it away only furthers the disrespect. Always include a release for screeners that outlines things like: a fee must be agreed upon before any use and more importantly, they are responsible for the safe copyright protection and non-pirating of the footage. Never allow any use beyond the scope of the show and the promotion of the show. Some production companies try to get complete royalty free use by tricky wording in their agreements. Beware!

W.