WheresSpot ProTips: Posting and Responding

Posting

Thoughts on how a post seeking help should be constructed

First, a post should be as complete as possible. A quality post gives you your best chance of receiving quality replies. Plus you are saving your time, and others. This is harder than you may think, what does a complete post read like anyway?

Here at WheresSpot we’ve learned a solid post should contain the following;

You should state who you are in relation to the project, for example: if looking to hire crew, are you the Coordinator, Production Manager, Producer, etc. Then clearly state the type of project; is it a film, a commercial, or something else? Be specific. Then you should always include the where, when, and scope. And rate, even if you can only be as specific as a range. Or give a ballpark. Director’s rates range from $1,000 or less to…the moon!

Recently one of us posted: “…Is there a “kosher” way for a DGA Director to do a one-off job with a Production Company that is not a DGA signatory?

I know some DGA Directors have a “status” that makes that easy but, what if the member does not have that type of membership?”

We thought it was complete and..we left out some key information that should have been included: it was for a commercial, not a film.

If you are looking for a freelance director then say “freelance only.” Including this kind of specific info is essential to getting helpful responses and again, not wasting time.

Makes sense Right?

Also when you are seeking a director reco remember most directors generally work in specific genres and those genres have subgenres. Comedy is a perfect example – it can be broad or subtle, physical, dialogue, or not. Again the more specific you can be the better the recommendation

If you have a reference for look and feel or style offer it. Just be as clear as you can—the more transparent the better. If you’re working on a tight budget then say so, otherwise you are wasting everyone’s time.

Finally please show some grace, remember the responders don’t work for you so “please” and “thank you” go a long way here.

Finally – not that people read or follow instructions – if you have a strong preference for how to be contacted – direct message vs in-line comments vs email, say so.

Responding

When responding to the specifics of the query don’t use it as an opportunity to fish for work. For example, if someone is looking for a Producer in City x, not appropriate to offer your services in another category.

You should always include the *basis* for your recommendation. if you actually worked with, or hired, one time or a bunch, the person or company you’re recommending, say that Think about saying *why* you are recommending this person, are they deeply experienced and/or uniquely talented.