do you think I am getting ripped off, if I choose to work for free in this case?

[ironpony]

I've been wanting to get into filmmaking and I will volunteer to work on a lot of projects for free, just to get experience.  But I have to spend on my own money on traveling to different cities to do so though.  But my friends and family say I am being ripped off and I should being paid for it.  Is it not worth the money to get experiences though?  Or maybe they are right, and I should be paid?

[basil67]

If it's an internship where they will take the time to train you in something you're not skilled in, then it could be a good opportunity.   If you're just a general dogsbody, and won't be doing anything of note, then it's probably not worth your time.   You'll also have to consider the cost of living in that city during filming and how you'd manage on your own.  

I suggest that the time for making a decision when you have an offer in your hand and know the pros and cons of that specific offer.

Edited May 4, 2020 by basil67

[d0nnivain]

I don't know Canadian law but in the US it's illegal to let you work for free.  You can intern & get college credit but other than that, money has to change hands.  So yes, I agree with your family that you are probably being taken advantage of.  Are you at least getting professional recognition for your effort?  Are you making contacts?  Do you walk away from every project where you volunteer with a letter of recommendation from a bigwig & a new skill?  If not you are wasting your time.  

[preraph]

I used to use interns and they got college credit.  If you need experience and interning will actually give that to you or you're interning with someone worth it, then maybe it's worth it.  The trap is that if you worked for free once, a lot of people will simply think you'll keep doing that.  

[Foxhall]

Id imagine its worth it if you get actual insights into how a director goes about the task what type of thoughts go through their minds and so on,

perhaps enquire into how "hands on" you are likely to be or what insights will you get, will you know a lot more in 6 months time than you know now,

good to think of how you might approach a film and compare against how they are doing it,

yes Id probably go ahead if was in your shoes 

 

[preraph]

My money is on they just make him into a gopher. it would be worth doing a little research and trying to find someone else who has interned with the same outfit. 

[ironpony]

Well so far the most I have been getting out of it is experience and that is it so far, with a contact here or there, that may or may not be interested in working with me in the future, like an actor, or a sound department person, etc.  I have gotten some credits as a production assistant, but others have not credited me.