829 B'way contract

[Charles Coes]

Oh wise listers:
Now that USA829 has taken over representation of sound design folks on broadway, does that mean that the minimums for design assistants apply to sound folks? The assistant rate is specified on the 2011 rate sheet, but doesn't mention sound.
Thanks much
-Charles

[Alex Hawthorn]

Previously, I've always had the minimum quotes off the ALD rate.
However, since most shows have two ALD's...but only one ass't sound, I
try to use that as leverage against working for the minimum.

Hope that helps,

Alex

[Drew]

Charles,
It does not mean that those rates apply. USA829 has only just begun
the long process of negotiating a new contract for sound designers -
they are not automatically folded into the existing contract. That
said, it has been standard practice (in my experience at least) to
apply the same minimums as the other assistants. Of course, that is
only a starting point as Alex has pointed out.

Drew

On Feb 7, 8:03 pm, Charles Coes <ccoesli...@gmail.com> wrote:

[Robert Kaplowitz]

As stated, there is no prevailing contract, however, there is now a cover sheet available on the website. Informationally, all other fields have a single minimum for assistants - lights, costumes and sets.

As a designer, I am usually given either a total $ amount or a number of standard Broadway weeks for an assistant in my contract. More experienced producers are more likely to allot the money to me & let me determine how many assistants I'll need and how early I need them involved. Less experienced offer me "3 weeks of union assistant" and then we fight our way upward... As a designer, I do feel it's my responsibility to ensure my assistants are paid reasonably.

No offense intended to Alex (an occasional assistant of mine) but I do rarely worry about getting a higher than minimum weekly for my assistant - I feel as though Broadway rates are absolutely reasonable ($1429/week in 2011) and I've found I'm far more likely to get the appropriate number of weeks to get the job done when I'm not pushing the weekly. If I ask $1600/week, I might get 4 weeks on a straight play, while I'll get 5 weeks at the standard rate - the assistant actually makes about $800 more on that 5th week than they would if they got more for the 4... By accepting standard rates, I have gotten paperwork weeks, and assistants all the way through previews, which is harder to do at higher rates. And, selfishly, that gets me the support I need to actually get te show done well and the paperwork wrapped up neatly.

Not everyone agrees with me, and certainly no one is obligated to. Just my opinion and experience.

-RK

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Thumb-typed without autocorrect... Sorry in advance.
-Rob Kaplowitz

[Ted Pallas]

To put that number into context, a non-Union stagehand working on a very well-supported corporate production (with all the expertise implied, about 5 years of very solid experience) in a "named' position (XXX operator) will make between $300-$400 for a day's work. I mention this number because you'll find similar people career-dev-wise working in both positions - mid to late 20's, relatively few obligations, relatively low (for NYC) rent.

Don't forget that when you're talking about rates you're also talking about the market. If you have no idea, ask around with an eye on jobs that have a similar "totem-pole quotient." All our checks come from the same pockets. It's also worth mentioning the not-insignificant value of having your name in multiple Broadway playbills, as far as your $worth$ to other parts of the industry later in life (especially, I'd imagine, during a career shift.)

Ted Pallas
Live Media Design
Sandwich Construction Consultant
cell - 516 286 9661

Pardon the typos, sent from my Casio SK-1

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[Justice Bigler]

On Fri, Feb 10, 2012 at 4:26 PM, Ted Pallas <ted.p...@gmail.com> wrote:

To put that number into context, a non-Union stagehand working on a very well-supported corporate production (with all the expertise implied, about 5 years of very solid experience) in a "named' position (XXX operator) will make between $300-$400 for a day's work.

Ted Pallas
Live Media Design
Sandwich Construction Consultant
cell - 516 286 9661

You also have to keep in mind that when working freelance corporate work, you may work for a week or two on a production or series of productions, but then may not work for the rest of the month (at least this is what I have been told by my buddies who freelance corporate work).

I was going to try to make a point about the benefits of being a dedicated house tech in a full time position, but my numbers don't seem quite as attractive even when you do include the insurance, retirement, and other fringe benefits, so never mind ;)

-Justice C. Bigler
sound technician
Tulsa Performing Arts Center