I'm writing this email to you all because I need your help:
Ten years ago, when I started Bat Pack, all my folks were booked as "Specialty Talent" at a $150.00 or higher for 8 hour(s) rate.
It was a standard rate for extreme talent (i.e. Goth, Punk, Raver, Fetish, and so on).
I had over 200 folks then; and Talent, Casting, and Production were happy.
Over the past five years the rate has not changed, or has vanished all together in due to many new casting directors being unaware of the extreme looks being a standard higher rate.
Now, most productions (mainly TV) have gotten used to the regular rate ($54.00 for non-union, and $126.00 for union) and have a problem when we ask for the higher rate. Keep in mind that if we were getting $150.00 for 8 hour(s), ten years ago, the rate now (due to inflation) should be $350.00+. But we have not asked for more.
As Casting Directors, you are able to convey to Production that "The extreme talent is $150.00+/8 hour(s), or you won't get them", and it will usually be agreed upon. It is well known amongst Production that it is more cost efficient to hire my talent at a higher base rate than it is to hire extra Hair, Make-up, Wardrobe, and in some cases, Stunt Crew, than it is to dress up a normal looking person.
Production can afford the higher rate; they are just being cheap.
Many of you that I have worked with for several years have been extremely wonderful in getting us that higher rate, and we, all at Bat Pack, "Thank you very much!" So, in lieu of this, we know that it is possible, and can be done.
Now, I have about 12-15 extreme folks left, out of the 200+ that I originally had, as they have seen the rates drop and have gotten frustrated and moved on to other jobs.
Much of my talent are graphic designers, game testers, computer techs., and/or are in bands. For them to take off work for regular rate is void of common sense.
I have plenty of "Hip & Trendy" types that have no problem working for the regular rate, and many of them can do the extreme look, but not for the regular standard rate. They find it unfair and a bit insulting when Production is willing to pay $200.00+ for a girl with fake breasts; Asian ethnicities; or guys in good shape in swim suits, when it takes 2 or more hours for them to get ready for work. Mohawks take allot of time to put up and Velvet coats, dresses and corsets are not cheap to clean.
There are a few new extreme people coming in, some have registered with me and some with you. If we don't try to get the higher rate for them, they will not last long and move on to other jobs.
Please insist on production paying the higher rate. It benefits everyone as it is both cost and time efficient; Production (they get what they want without hiring extra Hair, Make-up and Wardrobe people), the talent (they're camera ready) and us (makes our job easier because the talent will stay).
If you have any question please feel free to call me anytime.
Thank you, and Take Care,
Randy
323-737-5991
http://www.batpack.net/
Yes! No more unwanted people allowed in our message board! Thanks Randy :)
Lorilee <Hallowlee@aol.com>
- Wednesday, June 28, 2006 at 01:28:30 (EDT)
PARTY AT MY CLUB EVERY FRIDAY NIGHT! BATPACK CELEBRITIES ALWAYS WELCOME! THIS FRIDAY OPENING NIGHT: JAMES ST JAMES with SPECAIL GUEST SUPRISE (gorgeous top model ex judge turned STAR of her own AMAZING tv show-oops!). AT THE PALMS IN WEHO 8572 SANTA MONICA BLVD. VISIT OUR WEBSITE AT GOSSIPWESTHOLLYWOOD.COM. COME TO MY CLUB AND GET FAMOUS WITH YOUR LIFE RIGHT AWAY GUARANTEED SATISFACTION GAY MAFIA RULERS RULING HOLLYWOOD NONSTOP ONLY AT THE PALMS. ONLY ON FRIDAY. ONLY AT GOSSIP. HOW EMBARRASSING!
SHAMANTHA FOXXX <SHAMHOLLYWOOD@AOL.COM>
Hey Guys,
I'm writing this email to you all because I need your help:
Ten years ago, when I started Bat Pack, all my folks were booked as "Specialty Talent" at a $150.00 or higher for 8 hour(s) rate.
It was a standard rate for extreme talent (i.e. Goth, Punk, Raver, Fetish, and so on).
I had over 200 folks then; and Talent, Casting, and Production were happy.
Over the past five years the rate has not changed, or has vanished all together in due to many new casting directors being unaware of the extreme looks being a standard higher rate.
Now, most productions (mainly TV) have gotten used to the regular rate ($54.00 for non-union, and $126.00 for union) and have a problem when we ask for the higher rate. Keep in mind that if we were getting $150.00 for 8 hour(s), ten years ago, the rate now (due to inflation) should be $350.00+. But we have not asked for more.
As Casting Directors, you are able to convey to Production that "The extreme talent is $150.00+/8 hour(s), or you won't get them", and it will usually be agreed upon. It is well known amongst Production that it is more cost efficient to hire my talent at a higher base rate than it is to hire extra Hair, Make-up, Wardrobe, and in some cases, Stunt Crew, than it is to dress up a normal looking person.
Production can afford the higher rate; they are just being cheap.
Many of you that I have worked with for several years have been extremely wonderful in getting us that higher rate, and we, all at Bat Pack, "Thank you very much!" So, in lieu of this, we know that it is possible, and can be done.
Now, I have about 12-15 extreme folks left, out of the 200+ that I originally had, as they have seen the rates drop and have gotten frustrated and moved on to other jobs.
Much of my talent are graphic designers, game testers, computer techs., and/or are in bands. For them to take off work for regular rate is void of common sense.
I have plenty of "Hip & Trendy" types that have no problem working for the regular rate, and many of them can do the extreme look, but not for the regular standard rate. They find it unfair and a bit insulting when Production is willing to pay $200.00+ for a girl with fake breasts; Asian ethnicities; or guys in good shape in swim suits, when it takes 2 or more hours for them to get ready for work. Mohawks take allot of time to put up and Velvet coats, dresses and corsets are not cheap to clean.
There are a few new extreme people coming in, some have registered with me and some with you. If we don't try to get the higher rate for them, they will not last long and move on to other jobs.
Please insist on production paying the higher rate. It benefits everyone as it is both cost and time efficient; Production (they get what they want without hiring extra Hair, Make-up and Wardrobe people), the talent (they're camera ready) and us (makes our job easier because the talent will stay).
If you have any question please feel free to call me anytime.
Thank you, and Take Care,
Randy
323-737-5991
http://www.batpack.net/
Bat Pack Talent
Randy <batpacktalent@gmail.com>