Dilemma : What’s your opinion about tv appearances when they don’t want to pay much ?
In the last year I’ve been asked at least 3 times to appear on programmes on BBC, E4 and channel 5 When i ask about the fee there normally isn’t much in the budget and they offer you an editorial fee of around £100 which makes it very awkward. Especially when I’m an advocate for valuing yourself as an artist and I’ve previously said no to BBC.
Today I was asked to appear on a really well known show where they would feature my artwork and use it to discuss a subject I feel very passionately about therefore I feel like it’s worth my while but at the same time these companies are blatantly making a lot of revenue out of advertising and relying on freelancers to work for very much less than they should. What does everyone think ?
Replies12
- @Sharon Hinds yes Sharon great answer. Usage rights is a good point I hadn’t thought of and should be a no brainer. I got told off and asked to take down a screenshot I had posted of a New York Times article which was an interview with me a few years ago as they said it was a copyright violation x
- Hi Sophy, I think you should be asking for a presenter fee or they pay you your hourly rate plus expenses. I also I think you should ask to be credited on all the marketing materials that go out, especially on socials if they want to use your work as stills to promote the programme. In addition perhaps request usage rights of the programme, so you can use it for your own independent marketing acitivity without being stung later on down the line for copyright.
- @ɐɹoᗡ ɐuu∀ ˥ hey Anna no I definitely do not take it personally. It’s a huge programme that everyone who watches TV has heard of so I’m flattered the production got in touch at all reallyit was more the overall subject I wanted to discuss or bring up x
- Hi Sophy,There is no right answer but I would really recommend to ask them about the usual audience size to get an idea what amount of exposure does it mean to you, and then calculating how much would it cost to you to do it. So view it as a piece of advertising and try to see very clearly how much does it cost and how much does it will help.Definitely do not take it on a personal level as they don't value you as an artist.
- @Cristina Morenete thank you for the reply Cristina all good points x
- @Beta Lucca yes I don’t know why they can’t allocate more budget thoIt would 100 % go on my website and as I mentioned the subject matter they’ve asked for is something I would take great pride in so that is a way to look at it
- A great question to raise indeed. I've said yes to TV opportunities and none of them was paid. Unless you are one of the series presenters or involved in the production in more than one show of the series, it's unlikely they will have a budget for this.So my advice to you is: Know why you are doing it. If it's aligned with your bigger goals, say yes, enjoy the fun ride and make the most out of the exposure. E.g. shout out on social media when the show airs, put it on your website, etc. Or take a stance that's not your priority and say no :)
- From my point of view, I think it depends on which goals do you want to accomplish from your tv appearence, I mean, if you think this is going to bring you "brand" recognition as an artist, maybe you could negotiate that they mention your name or any other data that could help you to visualize your work. In that case, even it is very difficult, try to measure which impact this appearance has had and if it is worth it for your brand positioning as an artist. I hope my opinion can give you a new point of view to an always difficult decision! Good luck!
- @Uma Aslam thank you Una. They also say *exposure doesn’t pay the bills* so you have to weigh up the pros and cons x
- @Sophy Robson People being shy talking about this only makes it easier for companies to exploit them! This is such an important conversation to have, thank you for throwing one of the first stones of many more to come.
- @Safari . Exactly Safari and thank you for responding ! I hoped to open up an intelligent discussion. I’ve done so much work in the media with my previous business I want to be way more vigilant about it now. I don’t know why people are uncomfortable talking about these things
- This is completely valid, good on you for keeping your integrity and not allowing yourself to be exploited.Your time, skills, and experience all have significant value, and you’d think big corporations would have enough to pay people fairly. At least enough to cover a little more than your tube there and maybe a cappuccino.I think people tend to shy away from talking about things like this in fear of loss of future opportunities. Change starts with us. Don’t allow yourselves to be exploited!
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