Only VIP Members Can Put Out A 'Wanting To Get Paid' Casting Call...Is This True?

Correct. 

It is true.

StuArtful2 said

I honestly didn't know this :O 

I presume then that non VIP members can only post TF castings. This might explain the proliferation of TF castings asking for pay further down the line.

I believe that's correct, yes.

There were some concerns expressed at the time the change was implemented and if I recall correctly the advice given by site was that members should report other members who use TF castings to seek paid work.

I just read this, suggests they *can* request paid castings but only one casting per week.

"Free accounts can only post 1 casting call every 7 days. By all means post casting calls for paid work. It's fine here."

Edited by Matt David

Matt David said

I just read this, suggests they *can* request paid castings but only one casting per week.

"Free accounts can only post 1 casting call every 7 days. By all means post casting calls for paid work. It's fine here."

Mine's a free account. If I try to place a casting seeking paid work the system tells me that a VIP subscription is required to do so.

K I M I L Y said

Mine's a free account. If I try to place a casting seeking paid work the system tells me that a VIP subscription is required to do so.

This is what I've been lead to believe.

Yes, that's right, it was changed in April this year.

Please report any TF castings asking for pay and our lovely Admin will take care of them.

Edited by Russ Freeman

They are using all sorts of tricks in wording to make it sound TF. For many a year's membership is an hour of one shoot. Report the skinflints.

ClickMore 📷 said

They are using all sorts of tricks in wording to make it sound TF. For many a year's membership is an hour of one shoot. Report the skinflints.

Not only free accounts... even VIP asking via internal mail to collaborate on first message and then asking for money on the second 

BTW IIRC Free accounts also can't use the casting  mechanism to apply to castings offering paid work, although I believe they can send a message to member who posted the casting & thus apply that way - i.e. paid members can reach non paid members via the castings but it is harder for the free member to apply than before

So the info in the PP guidance is incorrect ?

Matt David said

So the info in the PP guidance is incorrect ?

I suspect that line in the article got missed 

NigeNw said

BTW IIRC Free accounts also can't use the casting  mechanism to apply to castings offering paid work, although I believe they can send a message to member who posted the casting & thus apply that way - i.e. paid members can reach non paid members via the castings but it is harder for the free member to apply than before

That's my understanding too.

Previously, if a photographer placed a casting for paid work then free members could apply just like anyone else. Free members now have to apply via a site message - and of course those are limited for a free member. Net result seems to be that a paid member who places a casting offering paid work can expect fewer applicants. I imagine site strategy is to exert a degree of control over where paid work ends up, with the aim of encouraging free members seeking paid work to subscribe. In the meantime, expect fewer applicants for paid castings.

If someone can't pay the subscription fee then will they have the right equipment to do the job? This applies less so to models but they have much greater earning potential due to supply and demand. Paid membership doesn't cost much in the greater scheme of things but the cost per shoot is higher for people who can't shoot much.

The site should take forum post privileges away from “free members” sooner than prevent them for issuing paid castings.