INTRODUCING AN AWKWARD BUT NECESSARY TALK
In creative fields like filmmaking, photography, music, and theatre, passion often fuels the work more than paychecks. We dedicate hours upon hours to honing our craft out of sheer love. But at a certain point, you realize you can’t pay the bills with exposure or screen credits alone. So how do you bring up money matters on productions where budgets only allow for so much?
You’ve probably experienced your fair share of tricky compensation conversations in this arena. Either as an indie film director, cinematographer, editor, writer or something in between, constantly balancing your desire to support bold storytelling with the need to, you know, feed yourself. You’ve probably made the mistake of avoiding money talks altogether to avoid ruffling feathers. But all that got you was resentment and financial struggle?
Over time, you need to learn strategies to discuss fees in a way that feels fair to both you and your collaborators. Here are some tips for you as a creative looking to approach compensation professionally, even when funds are limited.
GET REAL ABOUT CONSTRAINTS—THEN GET CREATIVE
The first step is kindly but directly inquiring about actual budget numbers. Don’t just accept a vague “we don’t have much, but we’ll make it work!” Ask financial-related questions such as questions about whether grants were received, if there are crowdfunding goals, and questions regarding personal investments from the producer, etc.
This gives you a clearer sense of limitations and may reveal resources you didn’t know about. You’d be surprised how many times “unpaid passion projects” had N5 million to N10 million to work with that you hadn’t been told about! Know the full budget picture before deciding on fair rates.
If it really is very DIY, suggest creative ways to potentially increase funds, like launching a Kickstarter campaign or applying for arts grants. Build relationships with sponsors, local businesses and community organizations who may donate in exchange for promo.
Brainstorm win-win scenarios, like reduced rates in return for more backend points or deferring some pay until after distribution deals are signed. Get creative about forms of compensation beyond pure cash that still hold tangible value.
FRAME IT AS PASSIONATE COLLABORATORS, NOT ANTAGONISTS
Always emphasize shared purpose over opposed positions. For low-budget productions you care about, say something like “I love the vision for this film and want to help make it happen. I know budgets are tight, so let’s talk about what might work for both of us.”
Rather than demanding your normal rate, approach it as a joint problem-solving discussion. Highlight your flexibility within reason, but also politely note that you need fair pay for your time and skills. Rather than making it about the money itself, focus on aligning rates with available resources in a way that allows you both to create something meaningful.
CONSIDER PARTIAL PRO BONO WORK, SELECTIVELY
Sometimes passion projects with extremely limited funds may require partial pro bono contributions to even get made. But be cautious here. I suggest offering a significantly reduced but still not free rate, even if quite low. This respects your time and talent while still supporting the project.
Also, limit the number of full pro bono commitments. Maybe cap it at 1-2 per year for established creatives. It’s easy to get burned out otherwise. Hold your collaborators accountable to make the most of your donated time by being organized, prepared, and appreciative.
GET ANY AGREEMENTS FORMALIZED
Always get verbal agreements spelt out in writing, even for small gigs between friends. Outline the exact deliverables, timeline, rate, and payment terms. For pro bono or deferred pay work, ensure you’ll receive clear credits, referrals, and any other promised non-monetary benefits.
Define what happens if the budget situation improves down the line, like through a distribution deal. Include language that payments will be revisited and compensation adjusted upward in line with any influx of new funds. Protect yourself and set clear expectations.
PRESERVE RELATIONSHIPS AND POSSIBILITIES
Throughout money talks, aim to preserve the ability to collaborate again down the line. Avoid accusatory language or attempts to shame or guilt trip collaborators. Come from a place of wanting win-win solutions. If appropriate, reiterate mutual passion for the creative vision.
With ultra-low-budget projects, offer to take an initial discount as an investment but ask that they keep you in mind for future paid gigs when budgets grow. This plants a seed that shows you believe in their potential for success.
If talks really aren’t going anywhere positive, politely agree to table discussions and revisit later. Don’t burn bridges over temporary conflicts. Maintain the perspective that you’re ultimately on the same team trying to support inspiring creative work.
Over to you – what has and hasn’t worked?
Dealing with tricky money conversations is an ongoing learning process, but getting comfortable discussing compensation is so key. We’re curious to hear what has and hasn’t worked for you when negotiating fair rates on passion projects. What challenges have you faced? What tactics improved the discussions? How did you strike the right balance between supporting the work financially while also taking care of your own needs?
We hope these tips have provided you with a helpful starting point. But this is a complex, nuanced dance. The more we creatives share constructive lessons learned, the better we’ll get at having productive money talks. That means more amazing films, TV series, and works can actually get made, while also fairly rewarding the talent that makes it happen. It’s a conversation very much worth having, even when it feels awkward at first.
The stage is set – now let’s chat! What has been your experience handling money conversations in creative fields? We look forward to exchanging ideas and building on each other’s knowledge.