You do realize that there is nothing politically incorrect or insensitive about the term "Mexican," right? Would you be attempting to change the terminology if it were called an American or British Standoff? I doubt it.

No argument on that one, though I probably could have worded my post better.

I don't mean to compare cameras directly. More that when it comes to the different options out there, be it a rigged up Pocket Camera to an FS7, the LS300 gets completely passed over like it doesn't exist.

I'm often in run n gun situations (think, convention with 50k+ people) on a tight schedule where managing a ton of gear is asking for trouble, but still need the qualites of a larger sensor and interchangeable lenses for less hectic situations.

The LS300 seems to fit the bill, but the silence makes me cautious.

Not a fan of spec work. For one, there is always the possibility that they'll pitch your concept to another production company. Secondly, if they like the spec video, they might assume that since you made it with no budget that they should be able to buy it (or a alightly more polished version) super-cheap. Sure, you still get paid, but it sets a bad precadent for any future work via that client or referrals.

Another reason is that I have frequently been asked how my previous work was used. Do you really want to point to a portfolio of rejected work to sell yourself.

As for how to pitch, you can sell yourself without actually selling anything. Email the PR manager (or similar role) at one of those organizations. If they already have some videos, ask if they have a particular marketing agency or production company they use. 'Briefly' say who you are, that you appreciate the work that they do, and explain that you're looking to become more involved in projects like theirs.

If they don't have any videos, again, email with a quick blurb about yourself and say that you have a personal interest in taking on more projects in their field, but first, you're really hoping to get an honest opinion about what kind of services organizations like theirs really need, don't need, special considerations, etc. If you get a conversation going, you either just put yourself on the list of candidates, and/or walk away with valuable information.

First off, this is really great topic for a discussion.

I do the same thing and load up with 'good' food in the morning. I also keep a bag of trail mix and a couple of protein bars so I can take a bite here and there.

Even then, solid breaks are a must. There are always times when stopping isn't really an option, but trying to power through just for the sake of saving a few minutes is risky. Exhausted, dehydrated people with low blood sugar make too many mistakes.

I tend to be pretty adamant about the one to get the food. Much of my work is at conventions, where people end up standing in line for 30 minutes to grab tiny, awful sandwiches. Instead, I take personal orders from each person and order takeout from a nearby restaurant. It ends up being about the same cost and time, and everyone is so much happier.

Absolutely. Doing it is the only way to improve. You wouldn't let someone fix your car without ever having touched a wrench, or expect a wannabe artist to make a hit comic on the first try. Same goes here.

I think a big question here is whether or not your work has large sums of money invested and needs to be seen by large amounts of paying customers in order to be profitable. If not, then your own feelings don't really serve as a fair basis for comparison.

I've heard a lot of people use those justifications. "It's not a movie that I would have normally paid to see." Then why are you watching it? "I'm giving them additional exposure." To who? Other people not providing any revenue?

The problem we're facing now is that we have new generations for whom piracy is pretty much the norm, and impacts are already being felt. I remember an article not too long ago about how Kick-Ass 3 was cancelled due to piracy of the second film.

And, you have to think about the added difficulties for indies who don't have the clout/recognition to recoup some revenue through product placement or licensing deals. Sure, piracy may help an unknown person get a bit of attention, but wouldn't it be nice if that person could also continue making films AND affording rent?

By no means do I thing filmmaking is in dire straits, yet, bit it can happen. If you need an example, just look at what happened to the Hong Kong film industry over the last 20 years.