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DREAMS VS REALITY
Many people would love to do a custom video featuring their favorite underground wrestlers, but few understand what it takes to make a video. This post will hopefully clear up some of the misconceptions and shed some light on the process.
TIME IS MONEY
First, it's important to realize that time is money. If you are going to request a video between 5-10 minutes, of course you will pay less than someone who wants to make a video lasting 30 minutes, which is the equivalent of a half hour TV show. Be realistic about how much you can spend.
CAST AND CREW
The following people need to be paid:
- The actors/athletes
- The videographer
There's nothing worse than to set a camera on a tripod then shoot a match that seems like it's in the distance. A good video will include the talent of a competent videographer that knows how and when to move with the talent. To capture those moments of strain and pain and brutality that turns us all on.
So factor in paying for the videographer.
PAYING TALENT WHAT THEY ARE WORTH
Paying what the talent is worth is important. Depending on what you're asking the talent to do, this can get pricey. The longer the match, the more energy they have to expend. If you're asking them to be intimate in some way, shape or form, then you have to factor that in as well. Factor in rest periods, too. Pay your talent to rest and recharge so they can do the best possible job for you.
LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION
Is the setting for your match outdoors? Indoors? Will it require multiple rooms? The more locations, the more you need to factor in time for moving to the different locations. Are different shots required? Is the lighting consistent throughout?
ENVIRONMENTAL NOISE
There’s nothing worse than to be caught up in the heat of the match than to hear a dog barking, kids playing or babies crying in the background and from a post production standpoint can be next to impossible to take out!
Know your surroundings. Be mindful of your neighbors. You don’t want a visit from an irate neighbor or the cops telling you to hold it down or stop production because you don’t have the right permits.
Keep things quiet. 🤫
PROPS AND COSTUMES
What about costumes or props? Will they be required to come up with various costumes such as what’s necessary for a police interrogation including a night stick, or a chloroform bottle and a rag?
Will you have to pay for those items if they are absolutely necessary to the scenario you would like to have them perform?
Be very careful with any type of weapons. NEVER USE THE REAL THING. EVER.
Be VERY CAREFUL with Superhero scenarios. If you’re using a costume that resembles an iconic character you could be busted for trademark infringement. Create your own characters. Put your imagination to work!!
FAIR WAGES
If you are asking for the talent to be paid equal or less than minimum wage, shame on you. Don't take them for granted. If you wouldn't be willing to perform for less than minimum wage, then how can you ask them to do it?
ADULTS ONLY
Make sure that your performers are over the age of 18. Make sure they sign a release form allowing you to appear in your video, and that their likeness can be used in promotional material.
Treat talent all the way around like gold and they will want to work with you again. Take it for granted and your requests for future matches will be tossed in the trash can.
POST PRODUCTION CONSIDERATIONS
Do you want titles? Do you want music? What music can you use that won't run afoul of the copyright holders? What happens if things aren't to your liking? Will re-shoots be required? If so get ready to add more to your budget.
EXPECTATIONS
Wrestlers, don’t make promises you don’t intend on keeping because you’re desperate for money. If you can’t deliver what’s agreed upon, don’t do the video!
Finally, don't ask for fine wine on a kool-aid budget. What you might see in your mind's eye and in your imagination may be totally different than what you can afford.
Be specific about what you want; vague ideas will result in vague results.
artvark
2023-04-08 15:55Excellent breakdown, since there’s a load of fans who expect it to be free or won’t pay the suggested offer set forth by the wrestlers. Fans would even want a sample of the content so they won’t have to purchase anything. Shame on them.
muscle body battles
2023-04-08 17:24(In reply to this)
Good stuff! If they are asking for a custom match and are only offering 20 bucks, they should just buy a darn video.
GoliathMen
2023-04-08 14:26Well said! I always plan on paying at least US$150 for the simplest video and an upwards of US$800 for complicated videos. I have actually paid US$2,000 for a video before. When you are serious with paying, the talent and crew are serious about making you outstanding videos.
But, it does go both ways. The talent and crew have to show the buyer respect and live up to their promises. I have been burned before from guys saying they can do this or that, just to find out they can't or won't.
Another thing to consider is that when you work through a 3rd party (like WachFIghters), they will take fee, so what you are paying is not all going to the talent. The fee is worth it when going through a 3rd party because that helps keep thing above board.
Finally, know what you want and be a specific and detailed as you can be, especially if a certain scene or wrestling hold is very important to you. The more detail you can give the talent, the better are the chances that you will get exactly what you want.
muscle body battles
2023-04-08 17:30(In reply to this)
One thing that also needs to be said is that what looks good in a match script might not translate well to screen.
Specifics are everything.
In a mainstream movie, rarely does it ever happen that what is envisioned and what happens on screen completely match.