Beauty Work/Clean Up Reel

[Matt W.]

I work a lot in After Effects. In the past, I've had clearance to post before/after because a lot of the work was more science fiction or for companies that didn't mind having the before released.

I was thinking of cutting a reel of beauty work and clean up work and paint out work... but I'm not sure the company I've been working for wants the "before" footage released publicly. I doubt their clients do either.

Ddo you think they'll be more likely to grant me permission if I agree to keep my clean up wall behind a pw wall? How should I go about asking? Not a lot of people are watching this stuff–just prospective clients, and most of the work is invisible. What do most of you do in such a situation?

 

[M.Halsell]

To avoid any conflict of interests, try to get early artwork permission in writing in the contract or deal memo in your work for hire relationship. Be specific about your company name or your name and hosting site to be used or other types of promotional presentations for intended use.

Obviously, the creative studio is concerned about maintaining professionalism, not to jeopardize the client relationship. Subsequently, that client concern should trickle down to the freelancers or other work for hire by not assuming artwork use that hasn't been explicitly granted, plus any matter of indemnity.

The legal team representing the primary client pretty much has contractually locked down how they want their assets treated and handled by the vendors. The production artist is generally the only entity without out legal representation in the jerk circle. Which means no voice. So it demands the artist be vocal and articulate about procurement of self promotional assets

Other arguments to help make the case is avoid using the finished piece, ie. brand marks, voice over, etc. Self promotion is crucially important, so need to rollover if there is resistance. But the sustainable approach is get it in writing, early. Avoid the strategy of trying to get courtesy approval, which is hit or miss.

 

[Matt W.]

Thanks, yeah I should have asked earlier. But... I'll keep that in mind when asking. That's all good to know. I'm definitely in the courtesy approval camp and traditionally have been. I was lucky to work for a production company that gave me complete clearance to distribute any work I wanted so long as it wasn't full scenes.

Does it make sense to do a few shots on spec for this kind of thing? How do beauty and clean up artists cut reels?