 Maybe you’re just starting out in the AVL production industry or maybe you are an old road dog needing to learn new things. Yes I am sure lots of people know about this but my hope is to help those who don’t. My other hope is that this blog will help you find new ways of expanding your freelance business and making the day rate you really deserve. I, like some other folks, didn’t realize that some gear manufacturers provide FREE in-person classes and online learning sources. After doing a bit of research I found multiple places to take some classes on major industry gear. First let’s go through why you should take these classes. If you are a full time freelancer or your desire is to go full time as a freelancer maybe even your job will require you to learn this type of equipment. Please for those of us who want to get into these classes, which are sometimes limited, so for the rest of us don’t take up seats that the rest of us could really utilize. What else do you need to know? If you are just starting out in AVL please know that these classes generally require some basic knowledge. For example if you don’t know the basics of audio and audio consoles then you will probably struggle in an Avid or Digico console training or if you don’t know basic video signal and paths then. If this is you you’re asking yourself, “How do I get basic training in the three major areas of AVL?” For any beginner in this industry this can be a tough question but it’s actually an easy answer if you’re not afraid of a little hard work.  Learn the basics, free!Free ways you can learn the basics before taking a class:
Things to know Even with a basic understanding sometimes these classes are tough to understand even with a good understanding of your area. If possible try to get some time on that particular piece of gear and someone who knows how to run it. This will set you up for the best possible learning environment. Now most of these free classes are at an onsite facility and you will need to travel to them for the in person classes. Yes this means you will need to expense some travel and hotel costs so it may not be as free as you think but if you are in the city where the training takes place then you’re in more luck than the rest. Links to free classesAvid Venue console training: Beginner Venue Class Advanced Venue Class Venue Certification Class Digico Audio consoles: Console training MA lighting GrandMA training Barco online training: Barco E-learning online courses Christie digital online and in class Online and in person classes Fee based classes:Hippotizer Media server training Hippo Aviary Digital display mapping/routing Barco In-person Classes If there are any classes I'm missing please post in the comments below and I will update appropriately. Day rate increase? Now you're wondering how does this get me to increasing your day rate. Obviously you can't just demand an instant increase, you have to build your market for this new skill and part of that is proving that you learned something probably to someone who knows that system really well. I would do your research before taking your class by asking around for what an average day rate is for the position you're seeking. It may not be worth it to you and it would be better to know before hand. Let's say it is a significant increase and the companies you work for aren't used to paying you that much. This is where the relationship building come in. Hopefully by now you have already built some good relationships with labor coordinators and if that is a sound relationship and they start calling you for the position you've desired, just ask them what rate they normally pay for this position. Sometimes the upfront approach works sometimes it doesn't feel it out you'll know them better than me. If that doesn't work you can't really raise your rate unless your busy enough to turn people down. Be sure to market your new skill to old as well as new companies and if you can book up your time now you can start to renegotiate your rate.
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