Harlan Ellison is a writer’s writer. He died on June 28, 2018. He was 84. So. Why is a writer, and a recently late one at that, the subject of a post on Photofocus which is dedicated to photography? Read on and watch.
Harlan’s rant on getting paid
It’s only three minutes and twenty-five seconds long including titles. Sure. There’s some coarse and vulgar language. Even so. The message that Harlan Ellison brings is worthy of taking to heart by writers and photographers alike.
Harlan’s message
“They always want writers (photographers) to work for nothing. And the problem is there are so many g*d d**n many writers (photographers) who have no idea that they are supposed to be paid every time they do something, they do it for nothing! Ga, Guh, Look at me. I’m gonna be noticed huh, ha. You tell me. Are they any less the media whore than I? I think not. They just haven’t–nobody’s offered to buy their soul. Uhhh. I’ll sell my soul but at the highest rates. Highest rates. I don’t take a p*ss without getting paid for it.”
All the amateurs…
“I get so angry about this because you’re undercut by all the amateurs. It’s the amateurs who make it tough for the professionals. ‘Cause when you act professional… These people are so used to getting it for nothing and for mooching …”
That’s Harlan’s message. Photographers, you deserve to be paid. Stop doing favors and freebies for others. Do a big favor for yourself. Get a deposit to schedule a job. Send an invoice for the balance immediately after it’s finished. Then, ask for your money if the invoice is not paid promptly.
Oh. Harlan wrote some really great stuff. Short stories and scripts. You’ve probably seen some of his work on television. Twilight Zone, Other Limits, Star Trek’s best episode “The City on the Edge of Forever,” Babylon 5, and A Boy and His Dog. Here’s more on his work and his life in Variety’s remembrance.
In addition to Harlan Ellison being an incredible writer he was also a strong advocate for creatives (mainly writers–and himself especially and who can blame him for that; it’s his living). His rant was so spot-on in 2007 and even more so now. I’ve used his rant at times when people call me up looking to use my images for only a photo credit. One time a local public TV station wanted to use one of my images for a story they were doing, and I’d get exposure (!). Ohhhh! If they reached an audience 10,000 I’d be surprised. When… Read more »
Every photographer has a story like yours. Non-profit corporations are required to file a 501c3 tax return yearly. This is a public record. Before succumbing to the “we can’t pay because we’re a non-profit” line, check their tax filing. You’ll be surprised at how much money flows through the organization. If it is something dear to your heart, send an invoice along with your photos. You can always add a discount to cover the amount invoiced. That, at least, will tell them the value of your work.
Harlan Ellison was one of the greatest writers in the last 60 plus years and didn’t suffer fools. He told it like it is and was highly protective of his work. And why not! It was how he earned his living. He may have been a cantankerous SOB, but he was a literary master in his genre and he respected himself enough not to be taken advantage of by studio executives and bean counters. I’ve shared this video a few times over the past several years and it rings true more than ever.