Lisa,

I know that this was directed to Gary but it seems as if you're also looking to generate some discussion on the list and, since I'm on the SOFaT board, I thought I'd weigh in with my thoughts.

If members want to organize something between themselves for any sort of job, and they can make it work between themselves, that's fantastic. However, I do think that is something that should be done between members, not as a function of the organization.

There are all sorts of problems that could arise from SOFaT stepping in. What if some people have personalities or styles that don't mesh, and the group fractures? How would SOFaT "assign" a job to one group or another group? That's a reason to be sure to have updated member resume information on your www.filmsouthernoregon.org profile. Make yourself a strong candidate. The producer, not anyone here, makes the call as to who gets hired. That way, no one can claim someone in SOFaT is playing favorites, and no one feels slighted by another SOFaT member if they don't get hired. While we promote ourselves as a group, who gets the job is based on each individual's merits.

This is an industry group, and there's bound to be competition. If I were you, Lisa, or anyone in your situation, I'd keep that in mind when discussing strategy and plans for specific jobs. I do think it is possible to have friendly competition and still work together for the betterment of the group as a whole. I've scouted locations only for unpaid, independent projects, so I don't feel I can speak specifically to the benefits of having more than one person on a paid scouting job. If I were a trained location scout and thought I could handle the job on my own, I'd be mighty tempted to want all of the money for myself.

I sympathize with the frustration you seem to be feeling about having your name out there and not knowing who you're in competition against or the likely outcome. I've been in the same situation through SOFaT, and I do believe the current process is the best one for all involved. I didn't get the job, by the way, but I don't resent whoever did get it. I don't know who did, but I'd gladly shake the person's hand and offer congratulations and good luck. I'm honored to be part of an organization of professionals who have the ability to get the job over me, and I look forward to being around them and learning from them. More work for one can lead to more work for all, especially if I can prove myself in the next situation.

I think quality work from everyone will best represent SOFaT, along with cooperation on those efforts we can work on together. Even without job groups, there is still much work to be done to make SOFaT the best it can be, from finishing and distributing brochures to keeping our event calendar full and exciting.

See you Tuesday!
Patricia Snyder

--- On Sun, 7/5/09, Lisa Byrne <lisabbyrne@hotmail.com> wrote:
From: Lisa Byrne <lisabbyrne@hotmail.com>
Subject: [sofat] RE: Scouting in Bandon-questions and concerns from Lisa Byrne
To: "Gary Kout" <gary@elsewherefilms.com>, sofat@yahoogroups.com
Date: Sunday, July 5, 2009, 2:33 AM

Gary,
Re: potential Bandon location scouting, a brief e-mail. After an inquiry to members was sent via group messages, I responded on the message board along with others. The return response -a blind email-instructs me that I am one of several on a list given to an un-named NYC production company, who may or may not call. Now I have a few questions:

This week I'm attending a member social event with people I may now be potentially bidding against (or who may potentially bid against me) for something we've already discussed together. Can we continue to openly talk about this (potential job) now?
Honestly I'd prefer maintaining (a decent amount) of clarity and congeniality while creating income and interacting with other members. Is anyone interested in a discussion about pooling resources for scouting trips & a planing some scenarios ahead of time? My participation in meetings leads me to believe that proactive and collaborative participation from members on many levels will help generate sustainable income for ourselves and our region. Ultimately I hope we (SOFAT) members will strive to provide 100% quality/satisfactio n to this and every other potential production, but I also think we should plan for it to happen.

Sincerely and Lovingly,

Lisa Byrne