When I was starting out a few years ago I agreed to do a music video for a well-known producer in Nashville.  We agreed on the price of $1500 plus expenses.  After the music video was done and everyone had signed off on it, he told me that it was the artist’s responsibility to pay me… and she didn’t have any money.

Client: But don’t worry, it’s good for your resume!

He released it on his channel and I shared it on Facebook as something I had created.  

Client: I can’t believe that you took credit for directing, shooting, and editing that video!

Me: But I did direct, shoot and edit that video.

Client: That is not how it works in this business.  The LABEL takes all the credit for the video.  You were working for the LABEL.

Me: If I was working for the label, I would have gotten paid.  How is this video “great for my resume” if no one will even know that I had anything to do with it?

Client:  You will never work in this town again!

Yes, he actually said that. 

Me:  You mean, I will never work for FREE in this town again.