Are you struggling to find steady freelance video production gigs? It’s tough out there, but what’s even tougher is knowing when to turn down a job. As a freelance editor, I’ve had to decline work even when I have nothing else going on because I know it’s likely to be a disaster. Maybe the client is impossible to work with, or the project is too much work for too little pay, or it’s just beyond my capabilities.
Of course, sometimes saying no isn’t an option. Depending on where you are in your career, your income for the month, and your general work pipeline, you might not be able to afford to turn down any job. But if you’re in a position to say no, how do you know when to do it?
Let me break down my thought process for you. First, consider your connection to the client. If it’s someone you know or an agency you’ve heard of, you might feel more comfortable taking the job. But if it’s a random person who doesn’t seem to have much experience in video, that’s a red flag.
Next, think about the budget. If the client is offering less than your usual day rate for a job that will take a full day or more, that’s a problem. Your daily rate should reflect your experience level, professionalism, and abilities. If someone is asking you to work for less, there’s a misalignment in understanding what the project involves or what your time, skills, and expertise are worth.
Consider the opportunity cost as well. If a job will take up a lot of your time or move you in a career direction you don’t want, it might be better to decline so you can keep your options open for other projects.
Finally, remember that there’s only one way to learn. If you take on a job and it turns out to be a disaster, at least you’ll have learned something. But over time, you’ll develop a gut feeling for these things that you shouldn’t ignore.
Looking for more video production tips and tricks? Check out our articles on demo reels, hands-free light meters, fixing out-of-focus footage, filming food videos, and applying for filmmaking grants.
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