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Brian Greene will interview you for a job and then will have you go on a "test shoot" if you're applying for the Cameraman position. Then he will ask you to edit a full show episode and will not pay or give you any money for your time or for gas. This is what he calls "trying you out" for a job, but will not guarantee you a job or any payment. Recent college/university graduates, be careful!
Mr. Greene's reply is not completely truthful:
If Mr. Greene was initially pleased with my way of shooting and if he really intended on paying me, he would have paid me on the spot! Not once did he say I would be paid for the initial "test shoot" and I never signed an agreement stating that the footage shot was to be used by GHDTV (which he intended to use for an episode without my knowledge or permission). I decided not to continue editing the episode because Mr. Greene kept putting off any discussions about payment and never told me how much (if anything) I would be paid for my time and work. Then I had no guarantee that I would even be hired or paid for my work because nothing was put in writing. His shows are sold for thousands of dollars, yet he tells you that he cannot pay anything until everything is done. Everything was done under a false pretense. Now he is claims that he always intended on paying me simply because I told him I would seek legal assistance and he certainly does not want bad publicity. Bottom line is that people's resumes and demo reels speak for themselves and none of my colleagues have ever had to perform "test shoots" or do silly editing exercises. Obviously I was brought in for an interview because not only have I worked in the radio/television industry, but have educational background in film production.
A person can be in business for 25 years, but that does not mean anything. Just look this company up and you will not find much about it or its programming, at least outside of their own website. I am glad I saw all the red flags before deciding to work for GHDTV. I guess standing up for myself and letting others know about this occurrence makes me "unstable" but at least my conscious is clear.
I am frequently amazed at the unrealistic entitlements and disrespect that some of today's college students have when they enter the job market. Just because you earned a degree and filled out a resume does not entitle you to a job with anyone. It seems a bit unfair that you can list my company name and make unprofessional accusations while keeping your own name anonymous. How about listing your name for future employers to see, that way they may know what to expect if things don't go your way in a job interview. I am sure that will work wonders for your ability to get hired in the future.
We have not conducted any job interviews in over 6 months. Back in January, I interviewed over 50 people from roughly 350 applicants I received. I hired 3. There were many good applicants for me to consider, but I had to make some difficult decisions for whom I thought would work best in my company. I have been very happy with my choices. I have a very productive, friendly, and respectful staff that I am very proud of. They do great work as have my previous editors and shooters. Your posting was disrespectful and an insult to them as well in your comments. People just like YOU who work in the industry. For my work is done by those hard working people, I am just a producer.
I always keep a list of those applicants who interviewed well, so I can contact them in the future as new needs arise in the world of production. I need freelance labor on a regular basis and have job openings come and go. So I will give new people opportunities to prove themselves as the work becomes available. If you however, would be kind enough to list your name so all can see, I will be happy to delete it from my database so I won't contact you in the future. This would be useful since I have no idea who wrote this latest complaint.
When you have run a successful business for 25 years, been a pioneer in an industry, won a couple of dozen national and international awards, been nominated for an Emmy, conducted business in several different countries simultaneously, had numerous fortune 500 companies as happy clients, and been broadcast on both network and major cable stations, then perhaps, will you be qualified to judge our work. And the creative ability of those talented people who have worked for me both as employees and as freelancers. Until that time, keep your opinions to yourself.
Bringing everyone back up to speed. I was recently interview by this Mr. Greene, seemed very friendly and had good intentions. He said he wanted to hire me but he was leaving for a shoot in England the next week so it would have to wait a few weeks. Upon his return I called, emailed, texted and called many times more to not find a response. After offering me a specific pay and a start date, I would expect a phone call back with some kind of information. Nothing. Unorganized and unprepared, he was even late to our interview...which was in the studio next to his house. Frankly, I think the work shows it too.
To Greene:
What do you mean by saying she was “unstable”? It seems that you are not used to being challenged, especially by a female. For 25 years of experience you claim to have, you sound so inexperienced and unprofessional. You were willing to hire her because obviously she had a good resume and video samples. Did you really promise her a check after she finished the editing or are you simply saying so because she submitted a complaint on your company? Before I commented on here, I went to your website to see what kind of work you do. If you hired 7 editors in the past 15 years how come they left your company? You probably had them working for low wages or for free. Your hiring tactics are lame and silly…get with the times!
To Filmmaker:
I am so sorry for what happened to you, but I am glad you learned from this and can move on. In the future, do not do anything for “FREE”. Professional business owners offer to pay to their employees all the time, it’s called a “trial period” before they are permanently hired. Greene should be ashamed of himself for making money off of hard-working people. God will take care of this and you will see it. Word gets around and Greene is obviously worried about what is said about his company…I wonder why?
This job applicant that is complaining, was applying for a 2 yr. full time position with a company that has been in business for 25 years. She was asked to shoot for a half day to prove herself and then was offered payment for that time, which she refused and never sent her mailing address for a check to be sent to. She then worked 1 day editing on the agreement that IF she completed the edit and it met our standards, she would not only be paid for that work and her expenses, but she would be offered a full time position with the company. She never finished the edit. 3 weeks prior we hired an editor under the same requirements and today he is happily working full time. Over the past 15 years, we have hired over 7 editors with the same requested requirements. In a tough economy as a producer we have to be careful to hire qualified people, I am relieved that we found out she was unstable before we hired her. I proudly stand behind our work and the people who have worked here and work freelance for us. Anyone who completes the job properly has ALWAYS been paid. End of story.