How do you feel about making/editing trial videos?

Despite including CV, work samples and/or reel with job application, I've been asked several times now to do a "test" or "trial" video - for free - as part of the application process.

One of these instances, I'm embarassed to say, I was naive enough to do a free (full lenght) travel vlog for a youtuber with the agreement that it would then lead to regular paid work (and it obviously wasn't even though the vlog is now up on her channel) so that was a learning experience for me about influencers/youtubers...

But my question is about legitimate editor positions where you're asked to do a trial video as part of the hiring process. Even if they don't use the video and genuinely just want to see your skills, that's still a lot of time and effort that you have to put into making the video (Often I feel like the "simple" edits/effects that they want are a lot more time consuming than they probably realise, especially if they want you to source material yourself and do effects, sound/music, captions and grading) which is "wasted" if you don't get the job. I feel that's what work samples and reels are for? How does everyone else feel about this?

Replies8

  • If you're sending over a trial video only send them copies with a big watermark or timecode on it so it can't be published.

    Re; the time aspect it's dependent on how much you want the job. I've been through interview processes where I did several rounds plus a task which took several hours across a few weeks (plus all assoicated prep time) and I didn't get the job after all of that. You have to weigh up the opportunity versus the cost of your time and decide whether it's worth it.
  • @Tan AKINSAL yes, absolutely. That was the case with the YouTuber I made a vlog for as well. But even if they don’t use it, I do feel like it’s a lot of work just to prove your technical skills, which shouldn’t be needed if those skills are apparent in your already existing sample work and/or reel.
  • If this “trial” involves editing a video “for free” that the company will actually use for their own commercial work afterwards, don’t do it (just ask if that is the case and gauge their response). This practice unfortunately exists in the film & media industry...
  • @Ida Thomasdotter That's what I've had. The group I mentioned before wanted a youtube video (i think?) but after a while I stopped replying. I much prefer working with people that have actually watched my work and know what I'm capable of. Yes I think it's best to say no. You probably could've done one job in the time it took to do the test video.
  • @Rochelle Engwell Yes, that's exactly how I feel. I haven't come across this in the narrative film industry - it seems to be a thing for online content, which I've only just now started looking into (lockdown desperation! Haha) I'm just wondering if I "should" be more strict in my approach and simply tell the companies no to making these trial videos. Providing I can show them the skills required for the job in a reel/sample video. I honestly think that's fair.
  • I definitely agree with you.
    They say to make a showreel to advertise your skills, then companies want a "trial" video on top. I did a trial video for a group, they loved it but didn't want to pay me my rates for further work. If you have the skills and can demonstrate what they want you to do, in work that you've already done, then that should be enough. Just my thoughts on it.

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