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@...> wrote:

From: Lisa Byrne <lisabbyrne@...>

Subject: [sofat] RE: Scouting in Bandon-questions and concerns from Lisa Byrne

To: "Gary Kout" <gary@...>, 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

FREE RANGE PHOTOGRAPHY
http:// www.freerangephotography.net

http:// www.twitter.com/freerangephoto

email: lisabbyrne@...

541-488-0663
 51 Garfield Street
Ashland OR 97520