{"id":102438,"date":"2018-06-01T12:43:20","date_gmt":"2018-06-01T17:43:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.premiumbeat.com\/blog\/?p=102438"},"modified":"2018-06-01T12:43:20","modified_gmt":"2018-06-01T17:43:20","slug":"7-things-producers-look-for","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.premiumbeat.com\/blog\/7-things-producers-look-for\/","title":{"rendered":"7 Things Producers Look for When Using “Staff Me Up”"},"content":{"rendered":"

Looking to expand your filmmaking resume with some additional experience? Here are some tips on using platforms like Staff Me Up.<\/h2>\n

Cover image by\u00a0gnepphoto<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n

It\u2019s a well-known fact that the film and video world is a \u201cwho you know\u201d industry. Whether you\u2019re a grip, a gaffer, a director of photography, or a director, it takes time to build a career \u2014 and you do it job by job. While the best advice will always be to work hard and make solid connections,\u00a0you should also know about a new wave of platforms aimed at helping producers put together their crews.<\/p>\n

Staff Me Up<\/a> is a great example of how filmmakers and crew members can find gigs in today\u2019s digital world. We chatted with a producer who regularly hires through Staff Me Up about what makes a strong profile\u00a0for a candidate that ultimately gets the best gigs.<\/p>\n

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1. Clear Photo<\/h3>\n

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\n<\/a>Image by\u00a0Dean Drobot<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n

When a hiring producer is scanning profiles, the first thing they’ll see before they even get into your credentials is your photo, so it needs to be clear and do a good job of representing yourself. Not having a photo is simply not an option. A producer needs, first and foremost, to know that you\u2019re a real, accountable person who isn\u2019t just spamming a website or running some scam. You don\u2019t have to be a knock-out, but a photo that clearly shows who you are is important.<\/p>\n

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2. Credits Are Key<\/h3>\n

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\n<\/a>Image by\u00a0Zorik Khutoryan<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n

As frustrating as this sounds, you gotta have credits to get credits in this industry.\u00a0A full list of past gigs and credits on your profile is the strongest way\u00a0to stand out. It shows that you\u2019ve done the jobs and have the accolades to prove it.<\/p>\n

If you’re just starting out, however, don\u2019t let this dismay you.\u00a0Credits can come from both big projects and small ones, so if you\u2019ve\u00a0worked on projects in film school or with friends on weekends, those count if you can build them up and get them recognized on places like IMDB.<\/p>\n

The bottom line is that if you\u2019ve done something,\u00a0give yourself credit for it,\u00a0and add it to your profile.<\/p>\n

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3. Similar Projects<\/h3>\n

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\n<\/a>Image by\u00a0gnepphoto<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n

Once a producer looks at the credits, he or she is very likely to look for similar project experience. If you\u2019ve worked on reality TV show productions in the past, you\u2019d be a good asset on a similar team in the future. So, if you\u2019ve found success working in a particular medium or genre,\u00a0include this in your profile so you\u2019ll stand out for those producers looking for help on similar projects.<\/p>\n

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4. Resume as PDF<\/h3>\n

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Image by\u00a0jamesteohart<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n

This may seem\u00a0like a minor concern, but if you don\u2019t follow the instructions and upload a PDF resume, you may lose out on more jobs than you realize. When reviewing candidates, producers often batch-download resumes once they\u2019ve whittled down a list.\u00a0They can forward these resumes\u00a0and send them to other producers and team members for review. If you have a resume that won\u2019t open (or even won\u2019t download),\u00a0it’ll just get deleted.<\/p>\n

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5. Location<\/h3>\n

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\n<\/a>Image by\u00a0zhgee<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n

Apps and platforms like Staff Me Up are great for producers who are working on projects both in-town and out-of-town. If you\u2019re in a mainstream hub like Los Angeles or New York, that\u2019s great \u2014 you may find gigs in your town or\u00a0get flown out to gigs based on your experience. But, if you\u2019re a professional anywhere else in the world, producers may be want to hire you in your current location (or nearby) instead of shipping a crew out to your locale.<\/p>\n

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6. Pro Member<\/h3>\n

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\n<\/a>Image by\u00a0SFIO CRACHO<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n

Staff Me Up, like most \u201cfree\u201d sites these days offers a Pro Membership option. It\u2019s not necessary, and it will never disqualify you in the eyes of any producer, but having it\u00a0won’t hurt either. It\u2019s just\u00a0another way to show that you\u2019re a real person and that you’re invested in your career.<\/p>\n

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7. Google Search<\/h3>\n

Perhaps the most interesting piece advice\u00a0we learned from a hiring producer who uses Staff Me Up is that \u201cYou will be Googled.\u201d All the information you choose to include is highly important \u2014 you get to put your best foot forward. However, be prepared (and do what you can to monitor) for all the information about you based on an online search of your name and profession. If you’re careful about what information about you is available online, this could work to your benefit because the more a producer can learn about you and your work, the more likely they are to hire you.<\/p>\n

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Other Concerns<\/h3>\n

If you\u2019re just\u00a0getting started using digital staffing platforms like this,\u00a0know that you might get many notices and inquires before your first hire. Staffing procedures usually begin (and like to be locked up) several weeks (usually 6 weeks) before the gig, so keep a tidy calendar. Often, you won’t have to worry about travel considerations, so consider travel miles to and from gigs\u00a0as part of your payment.<\/p>\n

And, as always, the best way to find consistent work and good gigs is to be ready, reliable, and positive. Once you get on with a good producer or production company, chances are very high that they will use you again and again \u2014 which is always the ultimate goal.<\/p>\n

For more tips, tricks, and resources\u00a0on freelance film and video production, check out some of these articles.<\/p>\n