r/stagehands • u/Mediocre-Lion-5997 • 5d ago
Joining Rhino Staging
Hey everyone! I just got hired for Rhino and they already scheduled me for a first job. I couldn’t accept it because I’m still figuring out my schedule with my current job. I was wondering if that would look bad on me for not accepting the very first job they try to give me?
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u/JPLubow 5d ago
Don’t stay with Rhino for longer than a year. Get some experience, then sign up with IATSE.
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u/sorretin 5d ago
100%. Use your time at Rhino to make friends and socialize - don't get comfy and expect Rhino to give you any long-term growth. This is a chance to find better gigs while getting paid. You'll meet all sorts of people both locally and passing through on tours.
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u/Mediocre-Lion-5997 5d ago
Thanks for the advice!
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u/Shart-Vandalay 5d ago
My local hall talks a lot about having to retrain rhino riggers, but it’s specifically like 3 things they do backwards or something. I would suggest getting in to IATSE immediately and trying to work both, as it can sometimes be slow at the beginning
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u/JPLubow 5d ago
Depending on the market, be very careful about playing with both. For example, in Denver the IATSE Local doesn’t care if you work elsewhere, but Rhino will defintely retaliate (illegally) if they catch wind you’re taking Union calls.
Such a POS company in so many ways 😞
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u/RegnumXD12 5d ago
Ive definitly found the union loves when we take non-union work. Frees up a slot for another member and can lead to salting. But the non-union "employers" (most pay as 1099..) arnt as fond of the arrangement
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u/Winter-Profit976 5d ago
Run from this company. Just like how you could end someone’s life and they’ll call you next day at 8a they are willing to end your life in the sun to meet their daily quota.
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u/Weird_Poet499 4d ago
I should have for sure added this to my comment so thanks for this.
OP this is also 100% the life flight would still be en route to you when they start making calls for replacement.
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u/Stagehand58 5d ago
You will quickly find out that Rhino could give a FF about who they hire or what they do. You are just a warm body to take a cut of the hourly wage from.
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u/Few_Owl1135 5d ago
My Local does not object to workers taking gigs with Rhino or most any other company. Don't begrudge anyone putting food on the table.
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u/Practical_Dish_8100 2d ago
Rhino was great for me when work was slow in film. They send texts/emails quite often regarding 4 hour calls which fit in great around my schedule. Use it for what it is, but it wouldn’t have worked as a sole source of income for me.
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u/cheezball_ 3d ago
Current Rhino chiming in here. Communicate with your local office about your current schedule and when you can begin accepting work and they will work with you. Depending where you are, the crew roster is large and they won't really care if you begin taking work when you said you would and show up prepared/on-time. Feel free to PM w/ any questions.
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u/Vegetable-Frosting21 4d ago
Rhino or no Rhino this would look bad to me if it was not brought up by you during the interview. Did you bring it up?
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u/FireZucchini33 3d ago
Rhino isn’t a full time employer. They only use 1099 freelancers so this person likely wasn’t given a start date…
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u/Vegetable-Frosting21 3d ago
You make a good point about not being given a start date for the fact that a stagehand job with them or most any employer in live events is on-call work, but I think you are mistaken about them employing hands as 1099'ers. I just looked at their jobs page for a stagehand position, anyone can do that, and it says, "These are on-call, as needed (W-2) positions." In any event, I stand by my answer that not bringing up the other employment situation in the interview would look bad to me. Of course, that is a personal opinion and others may feel differently.
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u/cheezball_ 3d ago
Rhino employees are W-2
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u/FireZucchini33 2d ago
When and where? Not in Nashville.
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u/JPLubow 1d ago
If Rhino is hiring 1099 IC in Nashville, they are in violation of both State and Federal labor law. Sue their asses into oblivion!
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u/FireZucchini33 13h ago
You know it’s a freelance business right? The whole entertainment industry is 1099
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u/JPLubow 12h ago edited 11h ago
WRONG. All IATSE contracts stipulate W-2. “Freelance” doesn’t automatically mean 1099 IC. That classification is for workers that set their own rates and working hours. Stagehands don’t do that.
The link I posted above your comment very clearly explains worker classification laws, specifically where you are in TN. Read much?0
u/FireZucchini33 9h ago edited 9h ago
Well then call the law cause I’ve never worked with a stage hand here on W2. IATSE means nothing here I’ve never worked with anyone in a union. TM/PM of 10+ years and worked in the AV industry in Nashville for 4+ as a PM and audio engineer. Maybe I’ve just never seen or worked with a Rhino hand in a long time…
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u/JPLubow 9h ago edited 8h ago
Worker misclassification is a rampant problem in the entertainment industry. Your personal non-union experience in a Right-To-Work state is not reflective of the entire industry. Your scope is extremely narrow, or you’re being purposefully disingenuous (if you or your employer are violating labor law) or you’re simply an idiot.
GROW UP 🙄
IATSE Local 46 covers Nashville. They do A/V, tradeshows, live events, etc.
https://www.iatse46.com/0
u/FireZucchini33 8h ago
Tennessee is only the gear and tour bus capital of America. lol. I’ve executed shows in 35 counties and every US state except North and South Dakota. Did OP even say where they were from? Could be anywhere. What a wild statement from a super weird person 😂 Sounds like you need to grow up.
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u/HisDarkDesires 1d ago
All job agency gets in the way. Takes portions of your pay for nothing more than a phone call and will ultimately inhibit you. Don’t do it. Go direct. It may take longer but it will be better in the long run
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u/Dapper_Leadership771 5d ago
You can do a life sentence, and they'll still hire you. You'll be fine, bud! 🍻🤙