I just received the following offer to apply for an "internship" with a Toronto restauranteur. Basically, he wants some film students to produce free content to promote his commercial venture. As always, creative labour is devalued to the point where those entering into the "industry" must undergo a period of indentured service, receiving no pay for the content they produce. No one asks pipe fitters, welders, doctors, or lawyers to work for free, and yet writers, artists, musicians, and performers are routinely expected to donate their labour for no pay.
This reality leads to the situation where content producers employed by established "content creators" often emerge from the moneyed class, as only financially-independent creative types can participate in their system of unpaid apprenticeships. As a spitefully personal example, in 2004 I was offered a fantastic but unpaid internship at an influential media production company in NYC. They were even going to pay the expenses to move there, but when I asked how an unpaid internship would cover $1,800 per month NYC rent and maybe $700 in food and other monthly expenses, I was told "Our people don't usually have those problems."
Of course, any decent Marxist will indicate the nature of exploitation in any economic relationship. But something special happens with artists...
Here's the original email:
"Dear Film Students:
The Project Manager below is in the preliminary stages of starting a Mini-Chain Restaurant with a Focus on Local Food, Cooked Slow, Served Fast... with immediate expansion.
In order to execute this properly he will need to utilize social networking channels effectively. One of the goal is to set a a You Tube Channel where each segment is approx 3 minutes in length Content will vary as time goes on.
- could be me visiting local producers ie farmers, wineries, breweries etc and discussing how these companies impact our community and my business
- other research methods ie recipe testing, wine pairings, the "ins and outs" of starting a restaurant etc
He is looking for:
a) a keen student who is capable of basic film and production
b) someone who is knowledgeable in regards to Social Networking Platforms esp You Tube
c) must have a drivers license
I have an HD camera with HD video capacity if needed, no need for crazy equipment unless student thinks they require
Time Requirement... a few hours a week depending on how many segments are shot a month. i think the first few months will be more involved as I do not have a location for the restaurant yet and will be on the road talking to suppliers etc.
Please have students email me Cover Letter, Resume and References to chef@mattbinkley.com
This could lead into a paid position is chemistry is right as I would like to continue the program once restaurant is set up."
Naturally, this email elicited from me the following response:
"Hi Chef Matt Binkley,
As the internship which you offered is in regards to a commercial venture, what is your justification for not remunerating film makers for their labour? Let me put it in other terms...
ATTENTION CHEFS
The Project Manager is looking for some help with a long-term project. Our goal is to set the table at least two (2) and possibly three (3) times per day.
-- could be me eating food, could be me hosting others at my house to eat food
-- research into new types of food to consume
He is looking for:
a) a keen chef who is capable of basic food production
b) someone who is knowledgeable in regards to vegetarian culture
c) must have access to public transportation, a bicycle, a car, or live next door
I have a KITCHEN and POTS and PANS and will supply INGREDIENTS
Time Requirement... a few hours a week depending on how many meals are eaten each day and the intricacy of each meal. I think the first few months will be more involved as you may need to learn your way around my small kitchen and acclimate yourself to my cat.
Please email me Cover Letter, Resume and References to: artists_arent_slaves@your_restaurant.org
This could lead into a paid position if the chemistry is right as I would like to continue to eat once the kitchen is set up and I begin to like your food."
