Stepping stone for careers. Learn what not to do then move on.
Pros
The comradery between long term employees is unwavering. The team at PDI (excluding management , VP or president) is truly top notch. You will not find a better team of people who can buckle down and create truly amazing imagery. These really are some of the most talented people in the industry, Scrappy, resourceful and genuine are a few words that come to mind about the people who DO THE WORK. Unfortunately that cannot be said about the remainder of the support roles and management.
Cons
Zero sick days. No matching 401K. Unreasonable expectations of employees. No communication between departments let alone management to staffing. No systems or processes in place for employees to follow regarding work flow, equipment, propping or merchandise. The ONLY thing the owner cares about is how many shots did X employee get done today. He doesn't care how difficult it was or what hoops you had to jump through without proper support to get it done unless it takes so long he's bleeding money on one shot. Then everyone gets yelled at and are told to essentially do a better job. Owner doesn't seek to have annual reviews with employees and avoids them at all cost. If you are looking for a raise I almost say don't bother. He will openly tell the company he is saving money, getting additional funding and follow it up with don't ask me for money all in one sitting. Favoritism is absolutely a thing here whether they admit to it or not. For someone who refers to his business as world class, it truly is not. The technology and way things are done is archaic at best, If you try to "help" or offer cost effective solutions you are effectively dismissed because it wasn't the owners idea. Not to mention he will belittle you in conversation whether he realizes it or not, even if you are an expert or have more insight on that subject matter. The younger employee demographic is figuratively jumping ship as there is little hope to grow into a fulfilled well paying career. Owner has closed down their Chicago shooting location and fired off at least a dozen employees in the last 8 months during the transition and around half a dozen leaving on their own volition as the ship keeps sinking. If you're a freelance worker, you MIGHT get paid out net 60. That is if you don't lawyer up to get the payment within net 30 days. This is a stepping stone job/company. Learn what you can and leave as soon as you can.