Game Development Reference
In-Depth Information
only want scripts in Movie Magic, and you are a Final Draft junkie. Some contract
writers will say, “Well, if Movie Magic is your standard, I'll be expecting you to
buy me a copy.� In some circles, this won't be an issue, and you'll find one at your
doorstep. But that may be viewed as an unexpected expense on your part and another
reason why they shouldn't have used a contractor in the first place. Always offer to
pay for the software, and that way if they don't want to pay, you've moved what could
have been a sticking point into something that classifies you as someone willing to
meet the company on their own terms.
Be in the Same Area Code as Much as Possible
This seems like a weird thing to say, but it will be echoed in some other suggestions
below, and it goes like this: the onus to communicate is really on you. There is no set
of circumstances where it is the developer's fault that communication breaks down,
because part of what they are paying you for is to communicate. So, if you are in the
same area code, stop by to “check in� as much as you can, even when not scheduled.
If you are not in the same area code, make it feel like you are from the developer's
point of view. Call, IM, and, if you are in town for some other reason, be sure to stop
by. When I first started working as a freelancer, my agent told me that the primary
factor when a developer hires a contractor is often the sense of security that comes
with the ability to pick up the phone and ask the contractor, “Can you swing by this
afternoon for a meeting?� It's always better to be close than far.
Take Some of the Travel Burden on Yourself
For most contracts, if you are off-site and must travel to the developer, call for a
certain fixed amount of travel. I suggest, however, that when you determine what
your run rate is (see the suggestion below), you build in travel that you will pay
for. This not only demonstrates organization and planning on your part, it shows a
willingness to meet the developer halfway as well as an enthusiasm for the project.
The developer is trying to control costs, and almost always a scheduled trip will
come to its end and both parties will wish they had more time. It's very powerful
when you say, late in the afternoon of your last scheduled day on-site, “Why don't I
just stay through tomorrow and I can finish my talk with the animator? I'll take care
of the cost.� You become an instant hero.
Be sure, of course, to budget for this.
Load Your Rate Correctly
Okay, so this probably isn't the place to discuss how to determine your daily, weekly,
or monthly run rates, but be sure to remember the following things.
•
Youarepayingforyourownhealthcare.
•
You are paying your own Social Security and Medicare.
•
You are paying for and amortizing your hardware and software over time.
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