Frequently Asked Questions:

Why do we have to register to just get a quote?

This hack rate isn't available to everyone.  We require registration as a "hacker" as part of the process so that you could become part of the hack community and be eligible.  There is not registration fee at this time.  We do not make these servcies availble to the general public and we are choosy about who exactly we will do this ridiculously cheap work for and we need to keep costs down.

We are allocating resources and talent to produce these discount shows providing it is mutually beneficial.  For example, you might have a concept that our artists would like work at a discount to create something at a discount and have something cool to show.

How do I submit my request?

After you've registred, check your email and validate your email. (be sure to check your spam folder)  After that LOG ON with your username and password you set up and a new menu item will appear on the left hand side titled "submit for quote". Use that form to submit your request.

Why are you doing this?

We are in a "coupon or find the deal " world, through no fault of our own,  but not ones to sit around and whine, we are matching the market needs with a service and product that fits those needs.  Not everyone needs or wants the full service production, with the rise of viral, personal video, cellphone video services, we are  providing a cut above production to provide additional services to a clients hat couldn't afford us otherwise.

Much like fast food, in today's digital world there has been an increasing demand for quick cheap work.  As the old bread and butter bigger budget work has been drying up, the experienced vets in the big production are adapting to the new paradigm of the web video world. Our model is to use the great talent during the down time to do the cheap jobs on todays new technololgy and re-invent the word "hack"

Why was my application declined?

Each registration application is reviewed thoroughly and subjectively. If you were declined for this program, we will refer you to one of the full service associates.  The reasons vary from conflict of interest we may have with existing clients to whether or not we think we can give you the best service.   Other reasons might be the nature of the business you are in, or the nature of the content or messages that would be required.  Think of it this way, rated G or PG.

Why was my submission rejected or not quoted?

Projects are evaluated on their production merit.  Some we decline to quote based on the content, subject, your budget is too low, ethical conflicts, he availability of our reserources and artists and other criteria at the producers discretion.  After all we're considerting doing work for a fraction of the normal rates, so we will offer to do so if there is consideration besides the low cost on both sides, this would include the "pain in the neck" factor.  Working for nothing and having a miserable time or working on causes we  disagree wiht  is reserved for full rate projects :)   Projects that are submitted but not quoted will most likely be referred for the production.

If your project is political in nature, it may be that we would be unable to find one of our pros with the same beliefs as you that is available to do your project.  We want to deliver 100% and feel wouldn't do any good to have someone creating a project that doesn't have the same enthusiasm as you do.  Anyone who has been around knows how it can be problematic to have a mismatch when trying to create vibrant and effective work. We learned long ago the risks of producing work for both sides of an issue, so we typically avoid that.

My quote doesn't match what I was willing to pay?

We're not saying we can do your project for what you want to pay, we will consider it and if we can we will; otherise, we send you a quote with the great rock bottom rates to consider prior to moving forward.

Can I make changes?

Sure, ever ride in a taxi cab?  Same thing.

We deliver a first cut, mixed and conformed ready to release.  In the event your show requires certain things to be approved prior to our conforming it, we will detail that in the quote, an approve as you go situation.  All changes will be made at the ridiculously low rates you'll receive in your quote.  It's very important to understand that what appears to be a simple change on the screen may require going back numerous time consuming steps to modify.  For example, if you cut somthing out...suddenlty the music isn't fitting anymore.

Will you do a script?

Yes, there's several ways to approach that.  However, if you are requiring narration etc, you're probably thinking about a show that wouldn't fit into the hack model and would go to our full service division for a development contract followed by a standard production contract.  We typically can deliver great results with a rough treatment and bullet points you provide.

How long will it take?

Depending on the requirments, we can generally have you online within a week of starting your project.  This too will be quoted if we accept your project.

What if I don't like it?

You will.  We've never had that happen, but in the unlikely event it does, we will do whatever we can to remedy the situation.   Now we're not saying clients are stupid, however; most of the time, when a show has lost its punch, it comes from client intervention or forcing things in places where they don't go.  We learned way back when to keep the origianl artists cut on hand!

Do you have an hourly rate?

Yes, they are put into your quote.  Typically a qoute will come back with a flat rate through 1st edit.  Hourly rates will be detailed for the necessary information.

Can you give me a ballpark?

Sure, cnce you've submitted your idea and information,  we will give you a quote.

Prior to that it's like asking how long is a piece of string, or how much does it cost to build a house?  You tell us what you want to spend, what your idea is, and provide a rough script or treatment. 

Remember, you're kinda like in the "drive thru" If your project needs are more extensive than what we do in this division, we will ask you if would  like a full service estimate for standard film or video production from our full service pro divisions.

I missed my deadline for getting the media, why do I still pay?

These low rates are based on many different factors including, materials delivered on time and in the correct format, the payment program.  To get these rates you must adhere to the terms.  We cannot afford to postpone, wait for the corporate meeting and on and on.  For those services we offer the full service production costs.

My video won't play well or its fuzzy on youtube.

Welcome to the web, if you're looking for the high quality streaming such as you'd get from the news sites, we can assist you with doing that, however, you've abandoned the word cheap and will need to negotiate with these vendors independent of us, we are the content creators, not the pipleline.   There are a variety of services which we can provide the high quality video to. to the web.  We will advise you if your project is accepted for a quote. 

We master to a 853x480 photo jpg quicktime movie with square pixels.  There are many variables, the servers, the web video service you're using, web traffic and on and on.  We will upload the high quailty version to the vendor of your choice and provide you an ftp link to download your master.  The file will be available for you for 30 days after its been completed.  There are links in the links section to a variety of popular video sharing sites.

Why was my job cancelled after it was approved and paid for?

Your media wasn't what you said it was, or too low resolution for us to utilize, or perhaps you graduated into the unreasonable pain in the neck client category.  If your job was cancelled due to a failure on your part to perform cancellation fees would apply.  If we cancelled it, we would refund any unused portion.


What about music?

There is a variety of libraries we have access to, each library has its own licensing terms.  Here's the clincher, you want the cool stuff, we'll it costs money.  There is cheap canned music but it works. If you want't the good stuff, we can get it, there are licensing fees associated with these libraries that usually starts around 300 per cut or a blanket use for several cuts (typical)

Whew, my quote was 3,000 bucks, that's a lot of money!

In relative terms, $3,000 won't even rent a camera package and lights for a small professional project.  Professional media production isn't a cheap venture.  Editing houses alone charge upwards of 125 dollars an hour, creative fees can go anywhere from a couple thousand on up.   In realative terms, if you show is quoted at our Hack price of 3,000, you're probably getting a show that would normally cost well over 10k.

What about our contract?

Your terms are on the terms page you'll have access to once you are registered.  Your submission of payment is the acceptance of these terms.  Any payment method besides direct deposit or paypal is subject to 10% handling.

Why didn't you start our job?

We do not schedule or start work on any project until the deposit has been paid.  If you work for corporate America and are stuck with their payment policies, that is fine, use a credit card or we can start once the deposit check is received.

Even with our full service division, deposit moneys are required prior to the start of work.   There are several reasons

• The service principle- rendered services lose their value after they are rendered.
  
• Costs of accounts receivable is too costly these days.
  
• Production is expensive with a huge outlay of raw costs versus our net.
• We don't loan money to corporate America.
  

You sure have a lot of rules!

Seems like it, but not really, you register, you submit, if we accept you pay your retainer and we get your job done.

We've taken the brainhurt out of doing the cheap jobs.  This has worked out great for our clients and allows us to do great work without the stress of never ending changes, the job that will never end, and the countless voicemails made in order to get paid.