by Leo Wiles
20 June 2018
I’ve been asked to supply pix and video for digital features I’ve written recently although these things weren’t included in part of the original brief. If anything it was asked as a bit of an afterthought and I’m told there’s no budget for visuals, but clearly I’m expected to step up and supply them. I should mention this is BEFORE my invoice has been paid. How do I handle it? Cara
Back in the golden age of journalism there were floors dedicated to an entire newspaper / magazine brimming with talented, wise cracking people who worked as a team. There were rows of feature writers, clusters of specific niche writers, an entire department of subs and even a picture desk. Sitting at that picture desk was the pic ed, the sub editor and normally one or two others to source images.
Fast-forward to 2018 and departments have been slashed, moved overseas or disbanded all together. The consequence of this tragedy can often be seen in slimmer titles offering less unique content of varying qualities. It has also trickled downstream to freelancer writers and sub contractors with an increasing pressure to offer more than the feature itself.
I have been asked to take video, audio take images as well as deliver the feature, sidebar and breakout boxes which seems to be the norm these days. To make this work for you requires being very clear before pitching about what it is actually going to take to bring this story to life. To deliver a high-quality package that fits in with your clients end users and therefore an understanding of the platforms their readers utilise.
The fact that they’re asking about it NOW makes me think it’s a request from above and they’ve been told to ‘get the freelancer to do it’ and play hardball on the price. Or, it could be an unusually disorganised commissioning editor who forgot to tell you these things were mandatory.
It’s also a good learning experience for next time – you’ll make sure with the next commission that comes your way that you know exactly what’s required before you agree to start.
Do you supply pix or video for free to clients or ask for payment?
