Freelancer FAQ

1. How does ProductionBase work?

ProductionBase, the industry’s online network that allows freelancers and groups to showcase their work, connect and find their next opportunity in TV, film, radio, theatre and commercial production.

The ProductionBase website is a multimedia environment which showcases the work, credits and talent of over 5000 freelancers working across all grades of pre-production, production and post-production.

A key industry resource, ProductionBase has aided employers in finding crew and sourcing talent for over 10 years, providing an easy to use search and job posting service. Since upgrading the service ProductionBase members can now enjoy and benefit from the latest online recruitment, networking and media hosting technology.

To find out more about the ProductionBase service read on for more information. Alternatively view our online demo to see how things work.

2. How do I register?

You can register via the ProductionBase homepage by selecting CREATE AN ACCOUNT. Once you have submitted your registration you are required to confirm your account by email. After confirming your account you can then create the relevant profile/s, depending what you want to use the service for. If you want to use the service both as a freelancer and an employer you can now create both profiles and manage them using one single log-in/account.

3. What different subscription types are available?

At ProductionBase we offer three different packages, the ShowFolio Standard, ShowFolio Plus and the Group ShowFolio. You now get 3 minutes of ShowFolio upload time with the standard package which allows you to showcase your best media clips or showreel.

You can choose to pay either monthly or annually. The monthly subscription is our flexible package as it can be cancelled at anytime. The annual subscription is for a continual 12 month period and is much more cost effective if you are planning on subscribing for more than 3 or 4 months.

To learn more about the benefits of each package and to view prices and online demos click here.

4. How much does it cost to subscribe?

Click here to view the different packages, subscription rates and online demos.

5. How can I pay for my ProductionBase subscription?

ProductionBase uses Worldpay Online Banking to process all subscription payments. You can make a secure payment on Worldpay using all major credit/debit cards. Once your payment has been successful, your account will be instantly made active. It is important to retain your Worldpay username and password in case you wish to change any of your details in the future.

If you prefer to pay by cheque ProductionBase is happy to accept cheque payments for the annual subscriptions only. All cheques must be made payable to Interbase UK Ltd. Please make sure you register your account before sending a cheque payment.

6. What industry discounts do you offer?

Members of BECTU, NUJ, Women in Film and Television, PMA, Directors UK and The Indie Training Fund can obtain 25% off our standard monthly and annual rates. To subscribe at a discount simply create an account and follow the steps to activate your free trial. You will just need to enter your valid membership number for verification.

As a PB member you also receive a 25% discount off BECTU, Women in Film and TV (WFTV) and the Indie Training Fund memberships. Contact us for the valid promo code.

7. What is a Group ShowFolio?

The Group ShowFolio is a package that allows universities to showcase the work of their students. It provides a cost effective and easy to use multimedia environment, where the work and credentials of multiple students can be presented.

To learn more about the benefits of Group ShowFolio and to see online demos click here.

8. Does PB cater for my area of work?

ProductionBase covers all grades of pre-production, production and post-production. The industries we service are animation, commercials, corporate, film, mobile content, music promos, online, gaming, radio, theatre and TV.

9. How much does it cost to post a job/search the database?

Employers can post jobs and conduct unlimited searches at no cost. All you need is a verified employer profile. To create one register today.

10. What are the member benefits?

As a member of ProductionBase you are part of an exclusive and influential industry group. Whether you are just starting out in your career or you’re a seasoned professional, ProductionBase can expose you to the right people and assist you in finding work.

See our Member Benefits page to learn more.

11. What is the 7 day trial? Does it allow me to trial the site without having to commit to a paying subscription?

Yes, if you have never subscribed to ProductionBase you are eligible to receive a free 7 day trial. The 7 day free trial allows new members to trial our services before making a payment.

If you have never subscribed to the site simply login or register and choose the subscription that you’d like to trial. Your payment will not be deducted from your account until day 8 of your subscription, so if you do not wish to continue and pay for it, simply cancel online before your payment is due.

Cancelling your 7 day trial is easy. You can cancel at any point within the 7 day trial period. To do this simply login and select MY PB from the blue navigation followed by SUBSCRIPTION INFO. Once you have successfully cancelled your subscription a notification will be emailed to you and no payment will be deducted from your account.

If however, you are happy with the service and wish to continue, your subscription start date will commence from the date of your first payment, so you receive 7 days free access! Sign-up to the 7 day free trial today.

1. How do I update my ProductionBase profile?

To update your profile log-in and select PROFILES from the blue navigation. Here you can choose which profile you wish to EDIT or CREATE. Members can create a freelancer and employer account and manage them both from the same log-in.

2. How can I add/edit/delete or reposition the production credits that are displayed on my profile?

Production credits should be added to YOUR CREDIT LIST. Log-in and select PROFILES from the blue navigation. Here you can choose which profile you wish to EDIT or CREATE. Expand the blue PROFILE TEXT BOXES & CREDITS bar to edit/delte your credits. Here you can also reposition the order of your credits by selecting the UP and DOWN buttons.

3. How can I format text in my profile?

Production credits should be added to YOUR CREDIT LIST. Credits entered in this section will be included in employers’ credit searches. Log-in and select PROFILES from the grey toolbar. Here you can choose which profile you wish to EDIT or CREATE. Expand the PROFILE TEXT BOXES & CREDITS bar to edit/update this section.

4. I don’t want my telephone number to appear on my profile, can I hide it?

If you prefer to not to have your contact number displayed on your profile you can amend your PROFILE SETTTINGS to keep this disclosed. To do this log-in and select PROFILES from the navigation bar and then choose which profile you wish to EDIT. Your profile settings appear at the top of the edit profile page. Employers can only contact you by email if a telephone number is not displayed, this could be a deterrent if they need to hire someone quickly.

5. Can I see which employers have been viewing my profile?

A summary of your profile viewings can be found on your MY PB status page. Your MY PB status page is like your member homepage and is the first page you are directed to when you log into your ProductionBase account.

To view your stats in full log-in and select MY PB from the navigation bar followed by MY STATS from the sub-menu. “Full Profile” views indicate employers who have looked at your PB profile. “Profile summary” views indicate the number of times your profile summary has been viewed by employers in search result listings.

6. How do I amend my availability?

To update your availability log-in and select PROFILES from the blue navigation. Select to EDIT your freelancer profile. To amend your availability open the second expandable bar titled, “Availability, Job Types & Preferred Work Area”.

There are two ways you can set your availability on ProductionBase. You can either select it simply to show “available” or “unavailable”, or you can you add “to” or “from” dates or both. Once done, remember to scroll down to SAVE CHANGES.

7. How do I attach a document to my profile and what file types are accepted?

To attach a document to your profile select PROFILES from the navigation bar and then select to EDIT your freelancer profile. Expand the first blue bar titled, “Contact Details & Documents.”

You will see the option to attach documents in this section. Just browse for the file you wish to attach and select UPLOAD.

Accepted file types are Word, Excel, and PDF. Attached documents appear at the top of your profile.

8. How do I edit/remove documents attached to my profile page?

The documents you have uploaded to your profile are a static page - you cannot amend them online. To make changes open the file on your desktop, update it, save the changes and then re-upload it to your ProductionBase profile.

9. How do I add a website link to my profile?

To update your profile log-in and select PROFILES from the blue navigation. Here you can choose which profile you wish to EDIT or CREATE.

On the edit freelancer profile page expand the bar titled PROFILE TEXT BOXES & ATTRIBUTES to be directed to the free text sections. Here you can format the text on your profile page and insert web links. You don’t need to add HTML code, simply select the hyperlink icon and add the web address. Remember to scroll down and SAVE CHANGES.

10. How do I upload a picture to my ProductionBase profile page?

You can add one avatar to any of your existing profiles. To add a new picture or change the existing one, log-in and select PROFILES from the blue navigation. Choose the relevant profile and select EDIT. The image uploader appears at the top of the edit profile page. You can delete your current image or add a new one. Accepted file types are JPEG, GIF and PNG. . To prevent your picture from stretching resize your image to make the width and height the same (square shaped).

11. How can I upload multiple pictures to my profile?

The ShowFolio Standard Freelancer package allows you to upload up to 5 pictures to your ShowFolio. You can upgrade at any time to the ShowFolio Plus package for an unlimited image allowance, just follow the UPGRADE on MY PB when you login.

12. How can I create a profile webpage that non-ProductionBase members can view?

When you subscribe to ProductionBase a URL for your external profile webpage is automatically assigned to you. This allows non-PB members to visit your profile at anytime and it can be found on Google. Your URL is displayed on the MY PB homepage when you login.

You can change your external profile URL and privacy settings on the UPDATE PROFILE page. To do this, log-in and select PROFILES from the blue navigation. Choose to EDIT your freelancer profile. At the top of the edit profile page you will see your Profile Settings and the option to EDIT “Your External ShowFolio URL & Privacy Settings”. We advise you not to change your ShowFolio URL more than once.

1. What should I write in my About Me section?

In such a fiercely competitive industry it’s vital to make yourself standout from the crowd. Market your skills and experience and find your unique selling point. The ABOUT ME section is the best place to do this. You should also be clear about what it is you do and what you want to do more of! It shouldn’t be longer than one or two paragraphs, but it should be engaging, informative and coherent. Remember to always check your grammar and spelling.

Upload your showreel and media clips and photos to your ShowFolio to increase your chances of being found by employers.

2. How should I detail my Credits/Employment history?

Your profile is your sales tool and prospective employers need to feel confident that your clients have the skills and experience needed for role they're hiring. Add your production credits to YOUR CREDIT LIST within the update profile page.

By entering them in this section they will become searchable when employers use the credits search. Use the arrows to sort the order in which they will appear on your profile. To edit or delete your credits simply select the Add/Edit credits button to make your amendments.

The Employment History section is where you can detail all of your non-broadcast experience and should be completed in a similar manner. This is your chance to show everything you have worked on, whether you’ve been credited for it or not.

3. Where should I add/edit my Company/Agency/Clients production credits?

Add credits to your credit list. By entering them in this section they will become searchable when employers use the credits search. Use the arrows to sort the order in which they will appear on your profile. To edit or delete your credits simply select the Add/Edit credits button to make your amendments.

4. What should I write in the Skills section?

In this section you should detail any skills that you possess. If relevant detail both those skills that are unique to your role or area of work as well as generic ones. For example, a Production Co-ordinator might be skilled in setting up foreign shoots or clearances. A Producer might have experience in shooting in hostile environments or can edit or self-shoot. The more relevant detail you include on your profile the more chance you have of being found and hired by employers.

5. What should I write in the Software/Equipment section?

Here you should detail any software packages that you are proficient in. These should include any that are specific to your role or niche area. You should also include details of any equipment that you are proficient in using, stating any kit that you own or have access to.

For example, a cameraperson might be proficient using many different types of cameras, Z1 for example. The more relevant detail you include on your profile the more chance you have of being found and hired by employers.

6. Is there any other information I should include in my profile?

You should think of your profile as your sales tool. It should aim to instill confidence in any potential employer looking to hire you. If you have extensive experience which relates to more than one or two job types then you can detail additional information in a document and attach it to your profile. You can attach Word, Excel and PDF files so you may wish to attach references or rate cards, for example.

7. What information should I include in my cover letter?

A well written cover letter can support and enhance your application. Every person has a different opinion about what you should write, so make it individual to you. Being a creative industry, don’t be afraid to let your creativity and personality shine through.

As a guideline you should:

• Create a good impression, keep it brief and focused
• Outline the purpose of the letter in the opening paragraph
• Outline your current position, status and rates (if relevant)
• Focus on your experience and the skills that you have that are relevant to the role you are applying for
• Address the requirements of the job specification and let the employer know why you are the right person for the job.

8. What are PB’s top tips for Freelancers?

1. Sell yourself and let everyone know that you can be found on ProductionBase!

In such a fiercely competitive industry it’s vital to make yourself standout from the crowd. Market your skills and experience and find your unique selling point! The ABOUT ME section is the best place to do this. It shouldn’t be longer than one or two paragraphs, but it should be engaging, informative and coherent. Remember to always check your grammar and spelling and let everyone who’s everyone know that you can be found on PB at anytime.

2. Instil Confidence

Your profile is your sales tool and companies need to feel confident that you have the skills and experience needed to succeed in the role their hiring for. If you have production credits add them to your CREDITS LIST within the update/edit profile section. Credits entered in this section will be included in employers’ credit searches. Any other employment history should be detailed within the free text employment history section. When listing your employment history, you should always try to include:

• Dates
• Job title
• Company name
• A brief summary of your role & responsibilities

3. Let your talent and personality shine through!

The ProductionBase ShowFolio is a great way to achieve this. You can upload your media and create playlists to showcase your talent. You can also upload pictures and images. This could be a photo of you on set, or of a location, set design, anything that you deem to be relevant.

4. Maximise your Searchability

Making the correct job type selections is crucial as these determine which searches you’ll be included in. You can choose up to 4 job types, but 2 of these must be your primary and secondary. You should also consider the ‘Key Words’ that you use within your profile as employers regularly conduct specific searches for particular programmes, credits, skills, software proficiency etc. If you have media uploaded to your ShowFolio, you should also consider the key words you use to tag media as these are made searchable.

5. Be Realistic

Applying for jobs you’re not qualified to do will only annoy companies and knock your confidence when you fail to get an interview. Always consider the job requirements and don’t apply if you’re not what their looking for. Visit www.skillset.org for information and career advice.

1. How will a ShowFolio benefit me?

The ShowFolio package is an easy to use multimedia environment that allows you to visually showcase your talent. You can upload your videos in many accepted formats and they will be encoded to a high quality. You can create customised and categorised showreels and playlists, which will be searchable on the PB database. The ShowFolio webpage looks very much like your own website and you can create a dedicated web address so any of your clients can view your credits and work at anytime.

To read full benefits, view demos, and to subscribe click here.

2. What is ShowFolio??

The ShowFolio is an easy to use multimedia environment that allows you to visually showcase your talent. You can upload your videos, audio and images in many accepted formats and they will be encoded to a high quality for others to view. It also plays HD. You can create customised and categorised showreels and playlists, which will be searchable on the PB database. The Standard Freelancer package comes with a limited ShowFolio upload allowance. If you need more upload space subscribe or upgrade to the ShowFolio Plus package.

3. How do I upload my media to my ShowFolio?

1. After logging into your account select PROFILES from the blue navigation bar.
2. Select MANAGE MEDIA from the sub menu options.
3. In the blue sub navigation bar select UPLOAD MEDIA.
4. Navigate to UPLOAD MY FILES and select BROWSE to search for relevant media files. To view the accepted file types select WHICH FILE FORMATS DO YOU ACCEPT.
5. Select UPLOAD.
6. When screen shows UPLOADS COMPLETE your file will then be encoded. Please note, the time that this takes can vary depending on how big the file is.
7. Once completed you can choose to be navigated to the BATCH EDITOR in the blue sub-navigation bar at the top of the page.
8. Navigate to your new uploaded file/s and title and tag them in a relevant way so that they can be easily searched. Select the MAKE THIS PUBLIC option if you would like the media file to be displayed on your profile.
9. Once you’ve titled your media files they can be viewed by selecting MANAGE MEDIA navigation.

4. How many videos can I upload to my ShowFolio ?

The simple answer is it depends on the size and length of your video/s and which package you are subscribed to. ShowFolio Standard allows you to upload up to 3 minutes of media, with a maximum file size of 1GB. The ShowFolio Plus gives you the maximum storage capacity of 4 hours and maximum file size is increased to 2GB.

To view your storage details navigate to UPLOAD MEDIA and view the two pie charts in your ACCOUNT STORAGE DETAILS section. These depict your uploaded audio/video and images. The pie charts display your virtual memory in minutes rather than memory, which will help you to evaluate your uploading capabilities quickly and efficiently.

5. What file type/s can I upload to my ShowFolio?

Any of the file types below are accepted.

Video: asf, flv, asx, avi, divx, dv, dvx, m4v, mov, mp4, mpeg, mpg, qt, wmv, 3g2, 3gp, 3ivx and 3vx

Images: jpg, gif, png, bmp

Audio: mp3, wav, aac, mp4

6. What is the maximum size of video I can upload?

The maximum file size is 1GB. The length of your clip mustn’t exceed the storage capacity that is available.

7. How do I create a playlist?

1. After logging into your account select PROFILES from the navigation bar.
2. Select MANAGE MEDIA from the sub menu options.
3. Navigate to blue sub-navigation and select CREATE PLAYLIST.
4. Drag your chosen video files into the right hand panel named PLAYLIST.
5. Once you have dragged all required files into the playlist panel you can change the order of selection if required by simply dragging each file above or below one another.
6. Navigate to the bottom of the flash player and title the new playlist.
7. Select SAVE PLAYLIST when you’re happy and have completed.
8. Once saved you should then edit the playlist details and add more information so that it can be searched easily. To do this select VIEW PLAYLIST.
9. On the top right you will see the option to VIEW DETAILS select this followed by EDIT DETAILS to title and tag your playlist. You can also select whether or not you wish to make your playlist public or private.
10. View and edit your new playlist here and check the PUBLIC field if you would like this media file to be viewed by everyone.
11. Select UPDATE to save any changes you may have made.
12. To share your playlist with friends and colleagues simply select the SHARE THIS button.

8. How do I move files to different categories?

1. After logging into your account select PROFILES from the navigation bar.
2. Select MANAGE MEDIA from the sub menu options. All of your media files are displayed here.
3. To edit the category of a clip simply select the media file thumbnail and choose EDIT DETAILS from the top right.
4. Here you will see the CATEGORIES field, simply select the drop-down menu to edit this.
5. Select UPDATE at the bottom of the page to save the changes.
6. The files will now be viewable and searchable in the new category you selected.

9. How do I add/edit titles to my videos once uploaded?

1. After logging into your account select PROFILES from the navigation bar.
2. Select MANAGE MEDIA from the sub-navigation.
3. Select the media file that you wish to edit.
4. Select the EDIT link on the top right hand side of the screen.
5. Title files appropriately and select UPDATE at the bottom of the page. Please note, the detail, title and tags that you use will determine how your media is searched so make sure the information you enter is relevant.

10. Once I have uploaded my media files where can I find them?

1. After logging into your account select PROFILES from the navigation bar.
2. Select MANAGE MEDIA from the sub menu options.
3. If you’ve already titled you media item/s then they will be listed on the MANAGE MEDIA page.
4. If you have only uploaded your clips but have not yet titled them they will remain in the BATCH EDITOR so select the BATCH EDITOR sub-navigation to find these.

11. What is the maximum video length I can upload?

ShowFolio Standard allows you to upload up to 3 minutes of media , with a maximum file size of 1GB. The ShowFolio Plus gives you the maximum storage capacity of 4 hours and maximum file size is increased to 2GB.

12. The quality of my uploaded video is poor; do you have any tips to improve the quality?

ProductionBase aims to retain as much of the original video quality as possible. Please ensure the file you uploaded is very good quality. For further guidance please read the Troubleshooting FAQs.

13. Can I move images or stills to a playlist?

No, the flash player does not read image files. Please edit your stills gallery locally.

14. Can I make a playlist with audio files?

Yes. Upload your Audio files and create a playlist as you would video files.

15. Once I have uploaded my video can I change the thumbnail that's displayed?

Yes. Navigate to BATCH EDITOR if you have not already titled your media files. Use the arrows to the left of the screen to choose a new thumbnail and select UPDATE when happy with selection. If you have already moved your media files from batch editor simply click on the thumbnail you would like to update and navigate to EDIT in the tabs bar to the right of the screen. Use the arrows to choose a new thumbnail and select UPDATE to save changes.

16. Can I edit my videos once I have uploaded them to ShowFolio?

No. You must edit all media locally and then upload your files as you would like them viewed. You can create playlists, which is similar to a customised showreel.

17. Can other people upload media for me on my behalf?

Yes. You can allow non-PB members to upload your media on your behalf. Simply login to PB and navigate to MANAGE MEDIA and then select UPLOAD MEDIA. On this page you will find the 3rd party upload URL. Just copy this and send it to the relevant people. The link will direct to an upload box, allowing people to “browse” and upload the file(s) on your behalf. Files uploaded by 3rd parties will not be made public until you choose to make them so.

18. Where can I view how much media storage space I have left?

You can view how much media space you have left on the UPLOAD MEDIA page. Select PROFILES followed by MANAGE MEDIA and then select the UPLOAD MEDIA tab from the sub-navigation. On this page you can view your storage capacity which is displayed in 2 pie charts.

19. Can I upload clips in Widescreen?

Yes. Simply upload your clip in Widescreen format. The ShowFolio media player is designed to use the same aspect ratio as the clip uploaded so if you upload a widescreen clip, it will play in widescreen format.

20. Can I upload High-definition (HD) quality clips, and how do I use this feature?

Yes. You can upload HD clips in the same way as you would a normal quality clip. The new ShowFolio Media player handles both standard and HD quality video. You can also choose which quality you want to play your media clip in. Simply play the clip you wish to change to HD and then choose the Low Quality/High Quality tab, which can be found on the bottom right of the video clip playing.

21. What are my external ShowFolio privacy options and how do I edit them?

If you are subscribed to ShowFolio you can edit your ShowFolio privacy setting on the EDIT PROFILE page.

1. Login to PB and click the PROFILES tab.
2. Click to EDIT your freelancer profile.
3. At the top of the page you find the External ShowFolio URL & Privacy Settings.
4. Select EDIT.
5. Here you will be able to change the URL address and the privacy/search settings of your External ShowFolio webpage.

22. How can I improve the number of times view rate of my uploaded media?

Good tagging and titling of your media is the best way to increase your media views. You should add all of the relevant keywords so that your clips have the best chance of being found in employer searches. Remember to use key words that are directly relevant to the media clip in question and always make sure it is titled accordingly.

Sharing your media and ShowFolio webpage link with friends, colleagues and clients, social networks etc, is also another great way to marketer your talent and skills as well as getting your media seen by the right people.

23. What are media tags, and how do they benefit me?

A tag is a non-hierarchical keyword or term assigned to a piece of information, digital image, or video clip. Tagging is used for search purposes and the tags that you enter will determine how your media is found through searches conducted on ProductionBase.

For example if you have uploaded In order to get the most out of your clips and tags, it is important to tag your clips with specific keywords relating to your video clip. E.g. – If your clip is full of footage from the latest “Come Dine With Me” TV series, then you should tag your media accordingly, i.e – “Come Dine With Me, Channel 4, Entertainment”.

24. How do I share a video?

1. After logging into your account select PROFILES from the navigation bar.
2. Select VIEW your profile.
3. Select the media file that you wish to share.
4. Select the SHARE THIS button under the flash player to reveal the URL.
5. Select COPY THIS which will save your URL to your clipboard.
6. Once copied, you can then send this URL to your friends and clients.

You can also share your media with others on Twitter and Facebook. Simply select the relevant icon which appears by the player.

1. I’m registered as a freelancer can I post a job?

To post a job you need to create an employer profile for yourself. To do this log-in and select PROFILES from the navigation bar and select to CREATE. Once you have confirmed your employer email address you can then search the database and post jobs.

To read our top tips for employers click here.

2. How can I change the job type selections that are currently listed on my profile?

You can change your job type selections at anytime. To do this log-in and select PROFILES from the navigation bar. Use the quick menu to be directed to your job type selections. You can choose up to 4 job types in total.

Your job type selections determine which employer searches you will be included in, as well as which job alerts you will receive, so you should take care when deciding which ones to choose.

3. How can I apply for a Job that’s advertised on PB?

To apply for a job you must have an active freelancer subscription. If you are not yet subscribed you should firstly register and then create a freelancer account. To activate your account and subscribe log-in and follow the links via your PB status page.

To read more about the different packages we offer and benefits click here.

4. How can I report a job posting that I deem to be inappropriate?

All job postings are quality checked by PB admin before they go live on the jobs board. On occasion something may be missed. If you deem a job to be inappropriate for any reason open the job posting and select REPORT THIS JOB. PB will then look into this and let you know the outcome.

5. Why am I not being included in company searches?

To be included in searches you must have an active freelancer subscription. By default your profile will be included in searches. Search results are displayed in order of most relevant followed by recently updated, so it is important to update your profile regularly.

To view your profile settings or to opt in or out of searches log-in and select PROFILES, then choose which profile you wish to EDIT. Your PROFILE SETTINGS can be found at the top of the edit profile page. You can conduct a Profile & Media Search to see if you appear. Before doing this update your profile so that you appear on the 1st page of search results.

6. Why haven’t any employers viewed my profile?

PB’s employer members can search for freelancers using either very basic or complex criteria. To be found by employers searching the database you need to firstly check that your profile is set to be included in searches. To do this log-in and select PROFILES, you then need to choose which profile you wish to EDIT. Your PROFILE SETTINGS can be found at the top of the edit profile page.

When completing your freelancer profile consider the key words that you use. Companies will often conduct ‘key word’ searches to find freelancers who have worked on particular productions or who possess certain skills. To increase your search potential make sure you regularly update your profile, as search results are displayed firstly by relevance, but then by most recently updated. Your job type/s and other profile selections such as preferred work area, programme types etc, will all determine which searches you are included in.

7. Where can I see which employers have viewed my profile?

You can see a summary of which companies have viewed your profile and job applications on your PB status page, this is the first page you’re directed to after logging in. If your profile has been viewed you will also receive an email from us titled ‘Who’s looking at you,’ which is sent every Friday afternoon.

8. How can I view/delete my past applications?

All of your current and past applications can be viewed by selecting JOBS from the navigation bar followed by PAST APPLICATIONS, which appears in the sub-menu underneath. From this page you can manage your applications and view their status. You can also delete past applications if desired.

9. Why aren’t companies responding to my applications?

Although we encourage all employers to respond to applicants using the quick email tool, unfortunately we cannot guarantee that all employers will use this. We know this can be disheartening, but unfortunately this is often the case for jobs that attract a high volume of applicants and it isn’t something that is unique to this industry. You can see whether or not your application has been viewed by selecting JOBS from the navigation bar followed by PAST APPLICATIONS.

A well written cover letter can support and enhance your application. For tips on completing your cover letter click here. To make sure you are getting the most out of the PB service read our Top Tips for freelancers.

10. How do I know that my application has been sent?

The status of both your current and past applications can be viewed by selecting JOBS from the navigation bar followed by PAST APPLICATIONS, which appears in the sub-menu underneath. From this page you can manage your applications and view their status.

11. Why are some profiles highlighted when search results are displayed?

Highlighted profiles indicate those members who have a PB ShowFolio account. This means they have uploaded media to view.

To learn more about the benefits of the ShowFolio package, to view demos and subscribe click here.

12. I’ve applied for a job, but when I view the recently made application, the cover letter is full of strange characters/HTML code

This error can occur when text is copied from a formatted text program (such as Microsoft Word) and pasted into the cover letter section of the application. When copying and pasting text on to ProductionBase it is essential that you paste text using the CTRL + V for PC users or APPLE KEY + V if you are using a MAC, so that all of the formatting is stripped out by the plain text editor. If in doubt paste your text into Notepad (PC) or Text Edit (MAC) and then copy and paste this text on to your PB profile or cover letter.

In this instance please contact us and we will resend a copy of your cover letter and profile link directly to the employer.

1. How do I change my email/password?

You can change your log-in email address and password once logged in to PB by selecting MY PB from the navigation bar followed by LOG-IN DETAILS. When you change your email address you will receive an email which requires you to confirm your new address.

2. How can I request a password reminder?

If you’ve forgotten your password simply select the FORGOTTEN PASSWORD link which appears under the log-in box on the homepage. Just enter your email address and your reminder will be sent to you. If you don’t receive this safely to your inbox you may need to whitelist us.

3. Where can I view my subscription and payment information?

All of your subscription and payment history can be viewed by selecting MY PB followed by SUBSCRIPTION INFO from the navigation bar.

From this page you can view payments, request VAT receipts and cancel your subscription.

4. Can I request a refund?

If you don’t want your subscription to automatically renew you should cancel it online up to 24 hours before the renewal date.

PB considers issuing refunds on a case by case basis. You must contact Online Services within 48 hours of your payment being made.

5. How can I obtain a VAT Receipt for my subscription payment(s)?

You can request a VAT receipt for any of your subscription payments by logging in and selecting SUBSCRIPTION INFO from the MY PB navigation bar. You will just need to enter the month you wish to receive a receipt for and it will be emailed to your primary registered email address. If you don’t receive this safely to your inbox you may need to whitelist us.

6. How do I update/change my payment details?

All of our online payments are processed by Worldpay online banking service. Payments are deducted from your registered debit or credit card. If your card has been lost, stolen or has expired to avoid your subscription being cancelled you should log in to Worldpay and update your payment information. Please follow the steps below:

1. Visit Worldpay shopper help. HERE
2. Enter your Worldpay username and password. This was detailed on your original receipt email from Worldpay upon signing up to PB.
3. If you do not have your username select FORGOTTEN PASSWORD and enter your email and agreement ID, you will then receive your reminder by email (If you do not have your agreement ID to hand this can be obtained on ProductionBase by selecting MY PB followed by SUBSCRIPTION INFO)
4. Once logged in, you will see your current agreement on screen. Next you need to click on the agreement number (It is a clickable link, in blue). This will bring you to a new page where you will need to click the button marked CHANGE PAYMENT DETAILS
5. Enter your new card details into the relevant fields. Check your entries and then select the SUBMIT button to update the card used on your agreement.
6. Once your card details have been successfully updated your payment will be automatically retried.

7. Why has my payment failed?

Your payment can fail for a number of reasons, which is why Worldpay will try to deduct payment 3 times on consecutive days should it fail. If your card has been lost, stolen or has expired then Worldpay will not be able to take payment as the card is no longer active. Under these circumstances please follow the steps to update your card details as soon as possible. If none of the above applies to your circumstances, please contact your bank directly for further details.

8. Why has my profile been made inactive?

If ProductionBase has been unable to collect payment for your subscription after 3 attempts your profile will be automatically made inactive. You should have received an email from Worldpay notifying you of a problem if this is the case. If your profile has been made inactive and no payment was made please log-in and REACTIVATE your account via your PB status page.

9. How do I cancel my subscription?

You can cancel your subscription and prevent any further payments from being taken on the SUBSCRIPTION INFO page. This appears in the sub-navigation after selecting MY PB from the navigation bar. When you cancel a subscription by default your account will remain active for the period that’s been paid for. If you’d like your account to be made inactive immediately you can choose to do so.

Please think before cancelling your account. Once your account is inactive your profile can no longer be searched by companies and you cannot apply for any jobs posted. If you have any outstanding job applications employers will not be able to view your application. To ensure you get the most out of the PB service click here.

10. Can I change my subscription type?

You can upgrade your subscription or change pay frequency at anytime, however, you can only change your pay frequency from monthly to annual. Just follow the link to UPGRADE via your PB status page. The initial price charged will be calculated according to what subscription you are currently paying for and how many days/months you have been subscribed under it for. Once your first adjusted payment is made, regular payments will be made at the standard rate.

For further details on the different packages and member benefits click here.

11. Why has my subscription been cancelled?

If your account has been cancelled and you don’t know why, it is likely that there has been a problem processing the payment for your subscription. Worldpay, the online banking service we use to process payments should have emailed you to let you know about a problem. For further information please see “Why has my payment failed?”

12. I’m an annual subscriber can I freeze my account?

The annual subscription is for a continual 12 month period and cannot be frozen and returned to at any point. See PB’s terms and conditions. If you are currently working we advise you to update your availability and line-up work for when your current contract ends.

13. Can I change from a monthly to an annual subscription, or vice versa?

You can change pay frequency at anytime, however, you can only change your pay frequency from monthly to annual. Just follow the link to UPGRADE via your PB status page. The initial price charged will be calculated according to what subscription you are currently paying for and how many days/months you have been subscribed under it for. Once your first adjusted payment is made, regular payments will be made at the standard rate.

For further details on the different packages and member benefits click here.

14. How can I upgrade to a ShowFolio account?

You can upgrade your subscription to a ShowFolio package at anytime. Follow the link to UPGRADE via your PB status page. The initial price charged will be calculated according to what subscription you are currently paying for and how many days/months you have been subscribed under it for. Once your first adjusted payment has been made regular payments will be made at the standard rate.

For further details on the different packages and member benefits click here.

15. How can I reactivate my account?

If your account is inactive you can reactivate at anytime. To do this simply log-in and select the SUBSCRIBE/RE-ACTIVATE ACCOUNT button on your PB status page. All of your information will remain on your profile so you will just need to update it, choose your subscription type and enter your pay details on Worldpay.

16. What is the 7 day trial? Does it allow me to trial the site without having to commit to a paying subscription?

Yes, if you have never subscribed to ProductionBase you are eligible to receive a free 7 day trial. The 7 day free trial allows new members to trial our services before making a payment.

If you have never subscribed to the site simply login or register and choose the subscription that you’d like to trial. Your payment will not be deducted from your account until day 8 of your subscription, so if you do not wish to continue and pay for it, simply cancel online before your payment is due.

Cancelling your 7 day trial is easy. You can cancel at any point within the 7 day trial period. To do this simply login and select MY PB from the blue navigation followed by SUBSCRIPTION INFO. Once you have successfully cancelled your subscription a notification will be emailed to you and no payment will be deducted from your account.

If however, you are happy with the service and wish to continue, your subscription start date will commence from the date of your first payment, so you receive 7 days free access! Sign-up to the 7 day free trial today.

17. Why do I have to enter my payment details in order to take out the 7 day trial?

The 7 day trial allows you to trial any of our subscriptions before making payment. Your payment details are collected upon signing-up however your payment will not be processed until day 8 of your subscription. You can cancel your trial subscription at anytime, if you do not wish to make your first payment make sure you cancel online before your payment is due.

18. I subscribed to ProductionBase a long time ago can I take out the 7 day trial?

No, only new members who have never subscribed to the ProductionBase before are eligible to receive the free trial. Please contact Online Services for further guidance.

19. Why has my subscription automatically renewed?

All ProductionBase subscriptions automatically renew unless you choose to cancel. To prevent your monthly or annual subscription from renewing simply cancel online before your payment is due.

20. I cancelled my account and chose to leave my profile active for the remaining subscription period, but my account has been made inactive. What should I do?

Contact ProductionBase and we will extend your subscription by the amount of days you had left.

1. How do I create a new topic?

1. To access the Watercooler once logged into ProductionBase select NETWORK from the navigation.
2. Choose the relevant subject topic that you wish to post in for example, Career Development.
3. All of the existing topic discussions will be displayed here.
4. Select the NEW TOPIC button which appears on the top right of the page.
5. Create your own thread on the forum, for other people to view and respond to.

2. How do I reply to a topic/post?

If you are a subscribing member you can reply to any of the discussions posted. To do this simply open the discussion and select the REPLY button on the top right of the page.

3. I can no longer find a Watercooler discussion why?

ProductionBase may move your discussion if we feel that it was posted in the incorrect topic category. To avoid your discussion being moved please ensure that you post it in the relevant topic. ProductionBase will contact the creator of the thread to let them know of any changes made. On rare occasions ProductionBase may remove a post or thread if they deem it to be inappropriate.

4. I think my post has been deleted, why?

ProductionBase monitors the Watercooler daily and we may delete posts if:

1. We feel that the comments made are abusive or offensive to others.
2. The content posted is inappropriate.
3. The post/topic has nothing to do with the subject/original thread topic.
4. A company is found to be promoting themselves and/or another business that is not directly related to the industry.
5. Something liable is said against an individual or company, so please do not mention the names of companies or individuals if you are making accusations or statements.
6. Your post promotes services for commercial gain.

Please note, if posts/topics are removed, then the individual who posted the removed post/topic will be contacted and made aware of why their post(s) have been taken down.

5. I want to report inappropriate/abusive content, how do I do it?

If you come across a post that you deem to be inappropriate then use the SPIKE tool to notify us. The SPIKE button can be found above each comment posted. Select SPIKE and write a short message which will then be forwarded to ProductionBase staff to investigate. Alternatively please email us at info@productionbase.co.uk and let us know of any topic/post you would like to report.

6. Somebody has said something liable against me/my company. What should I do?

Please email us at info@productionbase.co.uk or call on 0207 7935 5378. You will need to provide the discussion title, URL as well as details regarding your grievance.

7. Is my name displayed when I post a comment on the Watercooler?

Your name is only displayed to other subscribing freelancer members. Employers and guests cannot see the name of anyone posting on the Watercooler – they will appear as "Hidden".

8. I’m an employer can I post on the Watercooler?

No, only subscribing members can post on the Watercooler. If you have something you would like to post which you think would be of interest to our Freelancers then please email us at info@productionbase.co.uk. If we agree that your post is useful then we can post the ad/comment for you.

9. Can I add an avatar to my Watercooler posts?

Yes, you can add an Avatar/picture to your Watercooler profile which will be displayed beside your name on any posts/comments you make within the Watercooler.

To find where to add your avatar please follow these steps:

1. Click the NETWORK tab after logging into PB.
2. Click the MY PROFILE from the blue sub-navigation which appears at the top of the page.
3. In the left hand menu titled PROFILE, select AVATAR. Here you can create/edit and save your avatar.

Here you can upload an Avatar to use with your Watercooler comments.

10. How do I add a signature to my Watercooler posts?

You can add a signature to your Watercooler profile which will be displayed underneath the comments that you post.

To add your signature please follow these steps:

1. Click the NETWORK tab after logging into PB.
2. Click the MY PROFILE from the blue sub-navigation which appears at the top of the page.
3. In the left hand menu titled PERSONAL PROFILE, select SIGNTAURE. Here you can create/edit and save your signature.

Here you can create your Signature to use with your Watercooler comments.

1. I’ve created a playlist, but the first clip which shows on my ShowFolio is not the clip I selected first in the Playlist

If this happens it is probably the ranking of your clips which needs to be edited. Navigate to the MANAGE MEDIA section of PB (via the profiles tab) and click on the clip you wish to play first in the playlist. To the right of the media player click EDIT DETAILS and then open the VISIBILITY drop down menu. The video which you wish to play first in the playlist should be marked as “Public higher ranking”.

2. The video and audio on the clip I’ve just uploaded is out of sync

Please check that you have used the correct settings while exporting the file. If you are sure that these settings are correct then please contact PB and we will take a look

3. When I select HD on the media player, the video becomes jumpy and/or distorted

HD requires the person viewing the clip to have a good graphics card and a very fast broadband connection on their PC or Laptop. This is because the file size and quality of HD content is much larger than a standard video clip, therefore, your internet connection will need to download enough kb/s for each second the video clip plays. The clip in question may be jumpy or not play at all if the connection is not fast enough.

4. I’ve uploaded a video but it doesn’t seem to be playing in the right Aspect Ratio in the Media Player

Please double check that you have exported this correctly using your editing software. Try exporting the file again but using AAC, as this is our recommended codec.

If none of the above fix your issue then please contact us directly to discuss further.

5. My ShowFolio link takes me to an error when I click it

This can happen if the ShowFolio web server is temporarily down, or under maintenance. If you are still unable to access your ShowFolio page after approx one hour, then it is possible the error page has saved itself to your temporary internet files, which you will then have to delete.

Depending on your Internet browser type, in order to do this, please follow relevant instructions below.

Windows Internet Explorer - PC

• Open Internet Explorer
• Click “Tools” – located at the top of the browser
• Click “Internet Options”
• Under “Browsing history” on the “General” tab, please click Delete
• When the option box appears please delete the following: “Temp Internet files, Cookies, History and Form Data”
• Close Internet explorer, reopen and try to login to ProductionBase again

Firefox - PC

• Open Firefox
• Click “Tools” – Located at the top of the browser
• Click “Clear Private Data”
• Close Firefox, reopen and try to login to ProductionBase again

Safari/MAC

• Open Safari Internet Browser
• Click the Safari Icon
• Click “Empty Cache”
• Close Safari, reopen and try to login to ProductionBase again

If after following these steps you are still unable to access your ShowFolio then please contact us.

6. Why won’t my media files upload to my ShowFolio?

Firstly, please check that you have enough storage capacity to upload new files. To check your current storage allowance/usage navigate to the MANAGE MEDIA tab by selecting PROFILES from the main navigation. Select the UPLOAD MEDIA to view your storage pie charts.

Secondly, please check that you are uploading clips/images in an accepted file format.

7. The clip lengths on my profile show a longer time than they actually are

If you notice this error then please contact us to have the time displays altered back to the actual clip length.

8. I’ve uploaded some media clips, but I cannot find them

Once you have uploaded a clip via the UPLOAD MEDIA tab, your clip will be sent to the BATCH EDITOR where it will remain until you title it. When uploading has completed you should be automatically directed to the batch editor page. Otherwise you can access the BATCH EDITOR at anytime simply by selecting MANAGE MEDIA followed by BATCH EDITOR from the sub-navigation.

If ShowFolio fails to encode your clip successfully it will not appear on your MANAGE MEDIA page. If this happens then please upload the clip and try again.

9. I’ve uploaded some media clips, but they do not play

Please check that the format of your files is an accepted upload format. The accepted files types are detailed on the UPLOAD MEDIA window. If you have uploaded in a incompatible format then delete this, and re-upload it once you have changed the file type.

10. When I save my profile nothing happens, and my changes are not saved

If the page seems to just refresh, and nothing happens then it will usually be because you have failed to fill in a * required section of the profile form you are currently editing. Incomplete required fields will be marked throughout the profile in red text. Please complete these fully before re-trying to save your profile.

11. Why can’t I find myself in the search?

To be included in searches you must have an active freelancer subscription. By default your profile will be included in searches. Search results are displayed in order of most relevant followed by recently updated, so it is important to update your profile regularly. You will only be included in searches for the job types you have selected. To update your profile page please click on the Instant Update button which can be found on the MY PB page. Please allow a few minutes for your profile to be re-indexed.

You can opt in or out of searches via your Profile Seetting which can be found at the top of the Edit Profile page. Log-in and select PROFILES, then choose which profile you wish to EDIT.

12. After hitting “INSTANT UPDATE” I can’t find myself in the search

Once you have “instantly updated” your profile it is re-indexed in the database, bringing your profile to the top of relevant employer searches. The re-indexing process can take up to 5 minutes. Please allow this time before trying to search for yourself via the search facility.

13. I’ve received a new job notification but when I click to view the job it’s no longer available

Jobs get filled very quickly on ProductionBase which is why it’s important to apply as quickly as possible. If you have been notified by email, or by checking your stats on your homepage that a suitable job has been posted, yet when you view the jobs board you cannot see it, then it usually means that the job has been expired by the company who posted it.

14. I cannot log-in to ProductionBase and I am not receiving my password reminder when I click “forgotten password”

Firstly, please check that our ProductionBase email address is whitelisted with your email provider. For details on how to do this please click here.

If you cannot rectify the problem please contact ProductionBase and we will find and correct the problem.

15. I thought I cancelled my account but have still been charged another months subscription

Once an account has been cancelled, you will be notified both on the ProductionBase website and by email. Your cancellation date will be detailed on your SUSCRIPTION INFO page which can be found under the MY PB Navigation.

If you did not receive either of these notifications then you have not successfully cancelled your account. Users wanting to request a refund must do so within 1 week of their payment being made.

16. When I upload my profile picture it looks distorted/stretched?

If you have uploaded a picture and it looks distorted/stretched then it is probably due to the dimensions of your uploaded picture.

For the best results when uploading profile pictures, please make sure the picture is square before uploading. Both the length of width of the image should be the same. This will stop the aspect ratio from being stretched or condensed to fit the picture area.

1. What emails can I expect to receive from ProductionBase?

As a member of ProductionBase we will send you regular emails to your primary log-in email address as well as your private PB inbox.

All of your payments are processed by Worldpay our online banking service, so they will also send you emails concerning payments and changes to your account status.

You can change your EMAIL SETTINGS at anytime on the update profile page.

To add ProductionBase to your ‘safe senders’ list, and ensure that our emails arrive safely in your inbox, click here and follow the appropriate instructions below for the email program you are using. By default regular emails you should expect to receive from us are:

Subscribing Freelancers/Companies

Communication	Frequency	Email Address
Job alerts	Daily	jobs@productionbase.co.uk
The Fortnightly newsletter	Fortnightly	marketing@productionbase.co.uk
Here’s looking at you (Detailing your company views)	Weekly (if viewed)	jobs@productionbase.co.uk
Payment Confirmation	Monthly/annual	shopper@uk.worldpay.com
Worldpay Account info	n/a	shopperhelp@worldpay.com
Subscription Payments	n/a	Payments@productionbase.co.uk
Member Support	n/a	Support@productionbase.co.uk

Employers

Communication	Frequency	Email Address
Job posted notification	n/a	jobs@productionbase.co.uk
The Fortnightly newsletter	Fortnightly	marketing@productionbase.co.uk
Job expiry notification (Detailing your company views)	n/a	jobs@productionbase.co.uk
Member Support	n/a	Support@productionbase.co.uk

2. Why am I not receiving PB job alerts/emails?

If you are not receiving emails from us please firstly check your email settings. To do this log-in and select PROFILES from the navigation bar and select the profile you wish to EDIT. Your email settings appear at the top of the update profile page. Make your selection and click to SAVE CHANGES. If it is already set to receive emails from us then you should be receiving emails to your personal PB inbox as well as your primary log-in email address. If you are not receiving emails to your external email address then please follow the steps to whitelist us.

3. How can I opt out of receiving emails from ProductionBase?

You can change your email settings at anytime. To opt out of receiving emails from us, log-in and select PROFILES from the navigation bar and select the profile you wish to EDIT. Your email settings appear at the top of the page, make your selection and click to SAVE CHANGES.

4. How can I make sure emails from ProductionBase don’t end up as junk mail?

To make sure emails from ProductionBase don’t end up as junk mail please follow the steps to whitelist our emails. Many email programmes contain filters to protect you from spam email. Sometimes, an email message that you wish to receive is incorrectly judged as spam and is sent to your junk folder.

You can take action to ensure that the messages you want come into your inbox. To add ProductionBase to your ‘safe senders’ list, and ensure that our emails arrive safely in your inbox, click here and follow the appropriate instructions below for the email program you are using.

See the table below which shows which email addresses you should whitelist.

Subscribing Freelancers/Companies

Communication	Frequency	Email Address
Job alerts	Daily	jobs@productionbase.co.uk
The Fortnightly newsletter	Fortnightly	marketing@productionbase.co.uk
Here’s looking at you (Detailing your company views)	Weekly (if viewed)	jobs@productionbase.co.uk
Payment Confirmation	Monthly/annual	shopper@uk.worldpay.com
Worldpay Account info	n/a	shopperhelp@worldpay.com
Subscription Payments	n/a	Payments@productionbase.co.uk
Member Support	n/a	Support@productionbase.co.uk

Employers

Communication	Frequency	Email Address
Job posted notification	n/a	jobs@productionbase.co.uk
The Fortnightly newsletter	Fortnightly	marketing@productionbase.co.uk
Job expiry notification	n/a	jobs@productionbase.co.uk
Job applications	n/a	application@productionbase.co.uk
Member Support	n/a	Support@productionbase.co.uk

5. When I email other members on PB can they see my email address?

When emailing other members on PB your email address will never be displayed, only your name and employer details if relevant.

1. Job Posting Guidelines

• Only one job per form should be posted at a time. All jobs posted must adhere to the UK National Minimum Wage for 22 year olds +.
• ProductionBase will not accept any non/low-paid or deferred payment job postings.
• Please detail as much information as possible in regards to salary, duration, location and the job specification, to allow our members to make an informed decision about whether or not they wish spend time applying.
• To avoid receiving unsolicited applications and enquiries please do not include any information in the job detail that will disclose the identity of your company.
• ProductionBase is not liable for the content of your job advertisement. Please abide to UK Discrimination laws when writing your job posting.
• ProductionBase encourages all employers using the service to post jobs to reply to both successful and unsuccessful applicants.

2. Watercooler code of conduct

Messages written in the Watercooler do not represent the views of the ProductionBase. On occasion messages may be vetted by ProductionBase staff.

If you read something which you believe to be offensive or defamatory, please click the SPIKE button or contact ProductionBase Online Services. This will immediately remove the thread and the administrator will be notified. Anyone acting in breech of the Acceptable Use Policy may have their access to the ProductionBase system withdrawn.

The watercooler is a medium for networking, shooting the breeze, asking advice, passing opinion, and comparison of notes. Any advertising of personal or professional services will be deleted. The PB administrator reserves the right to intervene in any discussion that becomes out of hand, is offensive, aggressive or defamatory.

3. Self-Policing

ProductionBase operates a successful self-policing system. Think before you breech the terms and conditions of use, as it’s unlikely that you’ll get away with it!

4. Report Abuse/Misuse

Please refer to the ProductionBase Acceptable Use Policy. ProductionBase does not tolerate any abuse or misuse of the service, database and website functionality. Cyber bullying or harassment are unacceptable. If you are found to be marketing your services on ProductionBase without our permission you may be permanently prevented from accessing the site.

Links:

ProductionBase Privacy Statement Subscription Terms and Conditions ProductionBase Acceptable Use Policy