The Freelancers Beware section of this site is pretty full with errant employers who, having hired a freelancer, then don’t pay the bill for their services. After years of minimum wage violations, this appears now to be the main issue in our industry (leaving aside the parlous state of commissioning, recruitment, programme making etc etc of course).

Renato Dias Ribeiro is different however, because he is paying his freelancers for their work (or claims he will). He is, however, no less worthy to feature here because Renato is royally taking the piss with what he is offering and what he expects. And he has made quite an impact on social media as a result (and not necessarily in a good way).

A few days ago Renato placed an advert on several Facebook pages for a camera operator for a 12 hour day to work on a commercial project and requirements were strict:

“The Camera Operator is required to bring their own camera equipment, including lens (28-105mm is enough) and tripod. Please specify your gear setup when applying. Proven experience in professional camera operation. Submission of a portfolio showcasing relevant camera operation work”.

And the pay?

“Rate: £250”.

£250. As you would expect in a group jam packed with professional industry workers, several people felt moved to comment in somewhat less overjoyed terms about what Renato was expecting to get for his money. While several others posted their thoughts on suggested places where Renato might like to put his advert (knowledge of anatomy required).

When asked why he was treating freelancers with such disrespect, Renato had nothing to say, deciding instead to repost the advert on several more pages (for some reason he was having trouble finding someone to do the work).

His company is Scopic Productions (delivering, as it says on the site, “on message, on time and on budget”). If anyone was thinking of hiring this company to make anything, they may want to reflect on the above in terms of the quality of the qwork they may deliver before they sign on the dotted line. And ditto, if any employer is thinking of employing Renato for any work, do actively consider how low you can go for a rate, given how little he values others’ ability and professional worth.

Renato Dias Ribeiro: freelancers beware!