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Netflix's “Love Is Blind” Wants Unpaid Photographer for Five Weddings

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Re: Netflix's “Love Is Blind” Wants Unpaid Photographer for Five Weddings

#41
post #7

I actually feel bad for Netflix here. They have nothing at all to do with this (as the article rightly points out) but the photographer is blaming them anyway, and I'm sure all of their friends are too.

Only to some degree, if Netflix is in some sort of executive production role on this project, then they likely have the pull to squash these kinds of requests.

Re: Netflix's “Love Is Blind” Wants Unpaid Photographer for Five Weddings

#42
post #21

The US continues to support unpaid work in a pretty major way. I think unpaid internships being socially acceptable is one of the roots of this insidious habit. They've been illegal up here in Canada for a while and it hasn't really caused any economic disasters. It'd be a good change to advocate for down there as well. And, honestly, internships aren't free for companies unless there is literally nothing of value be…

>I think unpaid internships being socially acceptable is one of the roots of this insidious habit.

When I worked with interns they were all paid... but every one was more time and expense to work with than any value they provided. In weeks they accomplished what I could do in an afternoon, and we spent WAY more than an afternoon of work with them. Amazingly many seemed to have a very high opinion of their productivity.

Now that's fine because when I did work with them the intent was to give these folks an opportunity / experience.

But I don't know about this idea that interns are somehow a gateway to getting value out of people for free. Interns in my experience (outside of maybe a unicorn out there) are not something you can expect to get much of anything out of.

I can't imagine coming out of the intern experiences I've had thinking that I'm going to get anything like worthwhile free labor from them.

Re: Netflix's “Love Is Blind” Wants Unpaid Photographer for Five Weddings

#43
post #21

The US continues to support unpaid work in a pretty major way. I think unpaid internships being socially acceptable is one of the roots of this insidious habit. They've been illegal up here in Canada for a while and it hasn't really caused any economic disasters. It'd be a good change to advocate for down there as well. And, honestly, internships aren't free for companies unless there is literally nothing of value be…

I don't know anyone during my time as a student that took an unpaid internship. How common is this? All the internships and jobs my classmates and friends were getting involved an exchange of money for goods/services. Who is taking an unpaid internship and why?

edit: I'm not sure why I'm being downvoted for not having been exposed to this. If you're willing to take an unpaid internship it's your own fault.

Re: Netflix's “Love Is Blind” Wants Unpaid Photographer for Five Weddings

#44
Underpaying for desired positions is nothing new. Game devs historically are underpaid relative to their skillset. Sports coaches for HS are often paid nothing or a stipend (often something like $1000/year, even for major urban high schools).

This role does have the additional benefit of exposure. How much do the performers on this show get paid? At least if its like a lot of reality shows, they are aspiring actors who view this as a foot in the door.

If you think the exposure is worth more than a typical five day shoot, go for it. If not, pass on it. If I did it, I'd try to negotiate some "brand name placement" during the show or in the shows publicity.

Re: Netflix's “Love Is Blind” Wants Unpaid Photographer for Five Weddings

#45
post #30

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Right but abusive and predatory behaviour is STILL abusive and predatory in an oversupply situation.

The promotional aspects could be worth much more than whatever money they'd earn.

Why not both then?

Re: Netflix's “Love Is Blind” Wants Unpaid Photographer for Five Weddings

#46
post #30

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Right but abusive and predatory behaviour is STILL abusive and predatory in an oversupply situation.

The promotional aspects could be worth much more than whatever money they'd earn.

Yes and Netflix (or the organization making the film) can afford to pay more.

Re: Netflix's “Love Is Blind” Wants Unpaid Photographer for Five Weddings

#47
post #28
post #9

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Just because you are able to find someone desperate enough to take up your shitty offer doesn't mean it is the fair market at work. There's a reason labor laws, OSHA, minimum wage etc. exist. This is predatory, period. The irony here is that they wouldn't be able to do this if they just wanted people to act as photographers, not actually take any photos, because the various actors unions wouldn't allow it. Even namel…

Why would you assume they're desperate? If I took a gig like this, I'd be damn sure that: 1) I am included in the rolling credits, 2) I have several cameo shots within the show, 3) I can use thumbnails of my appearances within my own web site and 4) that I am able to use the show's logo and likeness to promote my own business. My site would lead off with : "Award winning photographer. You may have seen my work recent…

1) Nobody reads them. 2) nice, but not useful for further business. 3,4) maybe the contracts would disallow that.

Re: Netflix's “Love Is Blind” Wants Unpaid Photographer for Five Weddings

#48
post #35

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Right but abusive and predatory behaviour is STILL abusive and predatory in an oversupply situation.

Please expand on why you think so. Edit: Any why this is the case, in this situation. Please explain? (I'm not from the US - I may be missing something.)

There's an oversupply of humans but murder is still wrong. Treating people poorly is still treating people poorly, regardless of justification. You can't treat an oversupply of people the same way you treat an oversupply of goods. It's why we have minimum wage laws and other (insufficient) worker protections.

Re: Netflix's “Love Is Blind” Wants Unpaid Photographer for Five Weddings

#49
post #21

The US continues to support unpaid work in a pretty major way. I think unpaid internships being socially acceptable is one of the roots of this insidious habit. They've been illegal up here in Canada for a while and it hasn't really caused any economic disasters. It'd be a good change to advocate for down there as well. And, honestly, internships aren't free for companies unless there is literally nothing of value be…

holywood is based on it too. I gues netflix will merge the worst of both worlds.

The actors guild union actually demand you work as a almost-no-pay extra/support for several productions before you are even admitted to the union.

not to mention the informal but prevalent culture of "assistants" where people stabilished in the industry takes in people they treat as literal vassals doing errands.

Re: Netflix's “Love Is Blind” Wants Unpaid Photographer for Five Weddings

#50
post #7

I actually feel bad for Netflix here. They have nothing at all to do with this (as the article rightly points out) but the photographer is blaming them anyway, and I'm sure all of their friends are too.

If a Netflix subcontractor didn’t pay their actors, writers, etc, they would catch a well deserved deluge of criticism. Of course it wouldn’t happen because those workers are organized to prevent these abuses.
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