I just watched Work For Free on Peter McKinnon’s YouTube channel. It mentioned a 3B principle for filtering jobs, which really inspired me:
This thing should either Build a Bridge, or go into the Book, or go into the Bank account.
Bridge (connections): if I do this shoot for free, can I meet key people, open the next door, and lead to better collaboration.
Book (portfolio or experience): can I shoot something worth putting in my portfolio, or gain experience with subjects, styles, or settings I usually can’t get. The work itself becomes leverage for future negotiations.
Bank account (money): it may not make money in the short term, but it should lead to future paid gigs, or at least not be a pure loss. Free is not the goal; long-term monetization is.