UHH help requested: Film production: My son is an independent producer and has been working on a documentary for a client for six months. He has done productions for him for two years...

Wes Loc: Dallas

My son is an independent producer and has been working on a documentary for a client for six months. He has done productions for him for two years at scale. The company is worth billions and has its own film department. His documentary will be broadcast in a week and the film director sent him a letter asking him to sign it, indicating he would do the work for half the agreed price. In addition the director refused to let our producer interview the owner, instead, sending him a download of a twenty-minute interview that had no relationship to the six months of post production that had already been down. The interview was pointless and the cameraman was obviously not a professional.
My son has one week to re-do six months of work. His name will be on this nationally broadcast production and there is no way it can be the masterpiece he envisioned. A disclaimer is out of the question because it may cause a rift in this well known and well liked company

franksfun Loc: Bucks County PA

Sounds like you should be talking to lawyers about this, not photographers.

Wes Loc: Dallas

franksfun wrote:

Sounds like you should be talking to lawyers about this, not photographers.

That's a thought. He's afraid it might upset the owner and thwart any future business.

TriX Loc: Raleigh, NC

Wes wrote:

That's a thought. He's afraid it might upset the owner and thwart any future business.

Does he want to do future business with someone who cuts the price in half after the work is done? Was there a contract specifying the price?

Wes Loc: Dallas

TriX wrote:

Does he want to do future business with someone who cuts the price in half after the work is done? Was there a contract specifying the price?

They were relying on last year's agreement at scale. He is favored by the billionaire owner as indicated by the owner choosing him instead of his own film department to do the productions. Except for this last caper the compensation has been agreeable. Another of his productions for the owner aired tonight.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Wes wrote:

My son is an independent producer and has been wor... (show quote)

That's why I'm glad I don't work for anyone anymore. Rich companies can get away with anything. Get all the paperwork together and see a lawyer. It would be nice if your son could hold that documentary for ransom.

rpavich Loc: West Virginia

Wes wrote:

My son is an independent producer and has been working on a documentary for a client for six months. He has done productions for him for two years at scale. The company is worth billions and has its own film department.

Billions with a B?

Quote:

His documentary will be broadcast in a week and the film director sent him a letter asking him to sign it, indicating he would do the work for half the agreed price. In addition the director refused to let our producer interview the owner, instead, sending him a download of a twenty-minute interview that had no relationship to the six months of post production that had already been down.

Our? Who's our?
Owner of what?

Quote:

The interview was pointless and the cameraman was obviously not a professional.
My son has one week to re-do six months of work. His name will be on this nationally broadcast production and there is no way it can be the masterpiece he envisioned. A disclaimer is out of the question because it may cause a rift in this well known and well liked company

I'm sure there must be a question in here somewhere...I just can't find it.

Also, why in the world would you come to a place like the 'hog even ask anything about this situation?

Wes Loc: Dallas

Our? Who's our?
Owner of what?
Our refers to our son, the independent producer. why in the world would you come to a place like the 'hog even ask anything about this situation? "Other than photography matters" Many members are also in film and video. At the Dallas colleges many students take photography and Premiere as well as Final Cut Pro. Somehow they are kindred subjects.

NewGuy

Wes wrote:

My son is an independent producer and has been wor... (show quote)

He needs a lawyer.

Cragzop Loc: NYC

"In addition the director refused to let our producer interview the owner...."

You claim the owner likes your son. I would tell your son to directly contact the owner and explain the situation. I will bet dollars to donuts, the owner is unaware of the scam the director is pulling.

Unless I'm missing something in your post, there is no reason your son shouldn't contact the owner. What has he got to lose?

John_F Loc: Minneapolis, MN

I think the last thing your son should do is sue, that creates ill-will and freezes him out forever. Of course, you son is getting screwed over, but he must no create any ill-will for personal survival reasons. If there are other employer options he should pursue those. If your son is competent, he will be in demand and be able to choose who to work for.

kymarto Loc: Portland OR and Milan Italy

Sounds like some internecine jealousy on the part of the film department that was edged out. Apart from the money, how frustrating to be given crap footage that needs to be included. If there is a way for your son to contact the owner directly and explain the situation, that might be of value.

Wes Loc: Dallas

. I would tell your son to directly contact the owner and explain the situation.
I suggested that but my son said "He's an employee and I am an independent produer. He may favor his employee." I still think it would have been a good idea. time has now run out for such a remedy. There is no time left to do 8it right. As noted they had six months to make the owner available, but duh.

Wes Loc: Dallas

kymarto wrote:

Sounds like some internecine jealousy on the part of the film department that was edged out. Apart from the money, how frustrating to be given crap footage that needs to be included. If there is a way for your son to contact the owner directly and explain the situation, that might be of value.

Thanks.

speters Loc: Grangeville/Idaho

franksfun wrote:

Sounds like you should be talking to lawyers about this, not photographers.