The State of Hiring in the Video Production Industry: The war for talent has heated up. In a bid to stay competitive and reduce costs, studios and agencies are looking to refine their age-old process of managing their project-based workforce. As crews become leaner and content needs grow, production companies will have to adapt to an agile style of hiring which will mean adopting new workflows and robust automated software to improve operational efficiencies. https://bit.ly/2YUTJZB

1. Video Production
Guide to Freelance
Hiring
2019

2. Table of contents
1 A Message From The CEO
2 Introduction
3 Jobs in Demand
5 Compensation
6 Brief Creation / Talent Pools
8 Freelancer Application Process
10 Statement of Work
12 Conclusion

3. When YouTube launched in 2005, no one could predict that the
platform would grow to see 1 billion hours of daily viewing. It’s now
2019 and video of all shapes and sizes is in endless demand to push
product, entertain casual scrollers, satisfy vlog subscribers and fill the
feeds of on-demand apps. Just between HBO and Netflix, they will
combine to spend almost $9 billion on video content this year. Crews,
post-production teams, writers, rights owners, and production studios
of all sizes stand to gain.
But even in this golden age of video, content creators will face
challenges. Younger consumer trends have shifted preferences to
user-generated media which is perceived as more authentic despite
less production value. The over-saturation of content has mean’t more
competition for eyeballs. And nimble content creators, armed with
the latest iPhone and DIY rigs have challenged established production
companies in price, speed and viewer attention.
The war for talent has also heated up. The share of video-related talent
that we’ve seen on Shortlist has exploded since we launched in 2016.
In a bid to stay competitive and reduce costs, studios and agencies
are looking to refine their age-old process of managing project-based
talent. As crews become leaner and content needs grow, production
companies will have to adapt to an agile style of hiring which will
mean adopting robust automated software to improve operational
efficiencies.
A Message From The CEO
Joey Fraiser
CEO of Shortlist
1 A Message From The CEO

4. Introduction
Project-based contractors have been a cornerstone in video production for
decades. The economics of a one-off production work or seasonal project prevent
most companies from adding a reoccurring line item to their payroll. The flexibility
of temporarily hiring most above and below-the-line talent is typically preferred no
matter the size or scope of the production. While these freelancers and companies
command a premium in comparison to their in-house counterparts, it’s the ladder
who pose a greater financial risk. Once you figure in health insurance costs, vacation
time, retirement benefits, etc., it clear why studios and creative agencies have long
preferred specialized freelancers and vendors to carry out their project’s vision.
The following e-book will provide your team with an actionable roadmap to hire for
critical production roles essential to your business while taking into account future
hiring trends. Finding reliable and talented freelance staff can be a challenge but we
hope to ease the burden to better discover, attract and hire the right crew members
for the right project to maintain the quality your clients and viewers demand.
2 Introduction

5. 3 Jobs in Demand
Jobs in Demand
As technology has evolved, novel production tools and outlets are introduced on
a regular basis. As viewers fracture across channels, each with their own quirks,
adapting to these changes makes it challenging to allocate appropriate time and
resources. Questions you’ve likely grappled with have had to deal with a specific
social media platform’s importance, your client’s fit for that channel, live streaming
ambitions, vertical framing, or even hardware shifts like the transition to mirrorless
cameras and drone-based video.
Fortunately, many skills have remained constant for professionals even as video
delivery systems change. Good storytelling, professional coordination and age-tested
audio and video practices are in-demand traits of talented creators no matter the
outlet.
Most companies will
handle certain aspects
of a production in-house like
client services, budgeting, hiring,
pre-production and scripting which
can leave the following popular
for outsourcing:
P u r p o s e
C o l o r i s t
A n i m a t o r
/ M o t i o n
G r ap h i c s
S t o r y / F i e l d
P r o d u c e r
A / V
E q u i p m e n t
T e c h n i c i a n
P r o d u c t i o n
Ma n ag e r
/ P r o j e c t
C o o r d i n a t o r
P r o d u c t i o n
A s s i s t a n t
V i d e o g r ap h e r /
C a m e r a Op e r a t o r
A u d i o M i x e r
/ E n g i n e e r
E d i t o r

6. 4 Jobs in Demand
Job demand looking forward
The projected percent change in employment from 2016 to 2026.
Budgetary cuts and tech improvements have mean’t creators need to do more with
less. Leaner, better equipped crews have halved the traditional production staff.
Overall, multi-functional professionals (ie. editor + shooter) may see rate increases
for an individual freelancer but reduce the overall expense of the shoot. Plus, new
capture rigs and software automation has changed the video creation process. This
tech evolution will continue to augment traditional producers resulting in increased
demands to be leaner and faster.
Source: Bureau of Labor
Statistics, U.S. Department
of Labor, Occupational
Outlook Handbook

7. Determining the correct rate for your project can be a challenge because of the
number of variables involved. A final rate can depend on local talent supply and
demand, skill level needed, the shooting location, equipment rentals, amount of
editing involved or special requirements like intricate capture angles and motion
graphic creation.
Be sure to consult with your freelancer and request a quote based on the project
brief. We recommend you narrow what exactly you need to make your project a
success and then determine how that fits into your overall budget. It’s common
to pay studio or field workers based on the day or half-day. Fortunately in most
arrangements, this will include pre-production, equipment rentals, and setup costs.
Compensation
Salary Sources:
https://www.salary.com/research/salary/benchmark/
videographer-hourly-wages
2019 Paladin Salary Guide
TCG Creative & Marketing Salary Guide 2019
Standard day rates:
Full-Service Video Production
(flat project rate)
$1,500-
$300,000
Commercial DP or Camera
Operator
$650-$2,000
Video Editor $400-$1,000
Motion Graphics Editor
(flat project rate)
$600-$30,000
Broadcast or sound Technician $300-$700
Drone Operator $500-$1,400
Gaffer $300-$600
Grip $200-$600
A sample of day rates
are below. Figures were
determined using US-
based freelancer data in
the Shortlist platform.
Compensation may vary by
market, project needs and
more. Request an estimate
from your freelancers based
on a project brief (pg. 6)
Average salary rates by comparison:
TV, Video or Film
Producer
$73,231
Videographer $66,000
Video Editor $62,230
Motion Graphics Editor $57,785
Broadcast Technician $41,790
5 Compensation

8. Steps to consider
1. Client or project name
2. Skills needed
3. Production date
4. Equipment needed
i. Specify backups if needed
ii. Be sure to explain any compatibility
requirements
5. Example videos
6. Location of shoot
7. Description of project:
i. The background, goals and any
detail that can get them excited
8. Number of shoot days
i. Half Day/Full Day?
9. Completed script (if available)
10. Target Budget/Day Rate/Compensation
As you’re laying the foundation for your project, your hiring needs should be one of
the top items considered as this can put a heavy drain on pre-production resources.
Availability of candidates, the location of the shoot, special project requirements or
unique skillsets can often mean a longer timeframe to locate, hire and on-board.
Writing a project or job brief will be a necessary step to attract and inform potential
freelancers. Make sure the candidates can glean enough insight from your brief to
create an accurate project estimate and to decide if the project is a good fit. Be as
transparent as possible including divulging your acceptable compensation range. This
will be appreciated by applicants and can save time later that would otherwise be
spent sifting through unqualified candidates.
Brief Creation / Talent Pools
We recommend hiring
previously-vetted contractors
as this would be the easiest path
to hire. If availability, location or skill
demands prevent this, contact them for a
referral. Coordinating a crew using a trusted
source can save you time and effort. Local
coordinators or production managers
can also give referrals, as well as any
professional production assistants,
fixers, or department heads.
6 Brief Creation / Talent Pools

9. Freelance websites
https://www.mandy.com/
https://www.productionhub.com
https://www.stage32.com
https://staffmeup.com/
https://jobs.creativecow.net/
https://www.flare.studio/
http://www.media-match.com
https://www.entertainmentcareers.net/
https://productionbulletin.com/
https://storyhunter.com/home/
productionbeast.com
http://www.anonymousproductionassistant.com/uta-joblist/
UK-based
productionbase.co.uk
https://www.freelancevideocollective.com
https://www.whitebook.co.uk
http://www.thecallsheet.co.uk/
http://www.theunitlist.com/
https://www.4rfv.co.uk/
If you’re reaching outside your network, you can establish a job listing on traditional
hiring sites like Indeed, LinkedIn or even Craigslist. You can also search freelance-
specific websites like Upwork or Fivrr which may require another level of vetting as
quality varies greatly.
7 Brief Creation / Talent Pools

10. 8 Freelancer Application Process
If you’re accepting outside applications we recommend keeping a central database of
candidates. While spreadsheets can be helpful, it will require manual inputting which
can be overwhelming with a large number of submissions. When you use a freelance
management system or applicant tracking platform you can cut down on tedious
back and forth between candidates.
These platform systems can help you automate receiving, vetting, and sorting through
potentially hundreds of candidates. With the right management software, you’ll be
able to direct applicants to self-input their into the system by sending them to a link
in the job post. With their profile now created, you’ll be able to sort and communicate
with them where necessary. Even further, you can create a specialized on-boarding
flow that will automate much of the communication that you would typically do
through email. This makes tasks like getting necessary documents signed or retrieving
right to work information much easier.
Plus, for future hires you’ll be able to access the database to easily sort and shortlist
the right talent for your next project. Many platforms will also give you analytics on
your hiring trends to inform future decisions.
Freelancer Application Process

11. A sample of this workflow is listed below.
The hiring sequence may vary based on the type of the contractor or
scope of the project. For instance, different skills will require unique
submissions based on the project. Examples may include an FAA certificate
for a drone operator or additional visa requests if it’s an exotic on-location
shoot.
I n t e r n a l A p p r o v e / D e n y
Name
Contact Info
Previous Experience
LinkedIn
Skills
Awards
Work Status
Location
Availability
Desired Rates
Residency*
VAT Number*
National Insurance
Number*
Visa Type*
Resume / CV
Portfolio / Demo Reel
General Liability Insuraance (if appl.)
Professional License (if appl.)
FAA Drone Certificate (if appl.)
Drivers License (if appl.)
Sign/E-sign DocumentsCandidates answer
QA related to project
* International
s t e p 1
s t e p 2
General Info Submission
o n li n e
Skills/Project Questionnaire
o n li n e o r b y p h o n e
Creative and
Credential Submissions
o n li n e
Confirmations
o n li n e
You may elect to
change your workflow
depending on the job
demand. For instance, you’ll get
more respondents if you require
less upfront information to be
submitted. However, you may
get an influx of unqualified
entries.
9 Freelancer Application Process

12. 10 Statement of Work
Statement of Work
When you’ve identified the right candidate for your project needs, it’s time to focus on
getting the necessary agreements in place to ensure a successful engagement. As you
agree on the final cost and payment structure, it will be important to communicate
this in a contract or SOW prior to any work. This will help you manage expectations
and protect you in the event of any unforeseen circumstances.
1
8
I n t r o d u c t i o n
Start with what is being done and who
is doing it
S c h e d u l e
Including due dates of deliverables, add
relevant timelines so that it ends with a
deadline.
4
W h e r e
Note where the project will take place:
on site, remotely, etc.
2
P u r p o s e
What is the reason for the project?
Explain such in a purpose statement.
5
10
T a s k s
Break down the scope of the project
into smaller tasks that are needed to
complete the work
P a y m e n t s
How will pay be delivered and on what
schedule, after milestones, cyclical?
3 9
s c o p e
What needs to be done in the project,
and what process will be used to do it?
S u c c e ss
Define what the sponsor and/or
stakeholder define as a successful project.
6
11
7
12
Mi l e s t o n e s
Note the phases of the project as
milestones to break up the larger
schedule.
O t h e r
Note what didn’t fit in previous categories,
such as if there are security issues, travel
pay, etc.
D e l i v e r a b l e s
List and explain what is due and when it is
due
C l o s e
Lastly, list how deliverables will be
delivered, as well as signing off and
archiving all paperwork
What makes up a statement of work?
Download your own customizable
Statement of Work template
D o w n l o a d

13. 11 Statement of Work
As mentioned above, quality freelancer management systems can offer a robust
method to automate much of the back and forth between you and a candidate.
These tools can also help you automatically generate a SOW document based on
the data from a freelancers profile and the information you provided in the original
project brief. These documents can then be easily triggered and sent to be e-signed.
Be sure to follow
compliance guidelines for
independent contractors. Keep
in mind how these workers differ
from full-time staff. Employers have
little say on how project-based work
is completed, as long as it’s sufficiently
done. Also, work engagements should
be temporary in nature, as any
on-going relationship may require
you to reclassify them under
a W2 status.
P r o f i l e
s o w
P r o j e c t

14. 12 Conclusion
Conclusion
As your video production projects increase in size and volume, implementing
necessary hiring efficiencies will be critical to achieving success for your clients.
Whether that is through automating back and forth communications or quickly
sourcing talent in one central database, your ability to swiftly manage your growing
workforce is an important consideration.
Developing well-thought out processes that incorporate tools like freelancer
management systems will help you reach your goal of a frictionless hiring system.
Overtime, you’ll find that the resources you saved are better invested in improving the
final creative deliverable.
Once a project is completed, you can also use freelancer management tools to aid in
the payments to contractors, which takes care of invoicing, and any necessary federal
tax paperwork for US-based companies. Paying these contractors is now a simple
process of releasing payment once a milestone is complete or work is submitted and
approved.

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