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I got fucked in a video job, help

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*Fujative*
Posts: 8554 - Karma: 183
Spark notes: for about a month I have been working on an indie film with this director. He told me he would pay me $20/hour. I signed a contract and logged my hours. He paid me $200 up front, and est 100 hours of work. However while editing it was shoot very poorly and last week decided to reshoot it. I asked him for some money because I was in need. He told me that he wasn't going to pay for this because he is reshooting and that he will pay me for the next one. He said I can use this as a "school project" and talk to my teachers and get an A... too bad it doesnt work that way. I so far have logged 65hrs in this. What should I do?

-I never got a copy of the contract, so that is pointless, I guess
-I gave him he scene (33) compressed to check out, but never the full copy
-I'm going to talk to my teacher for help on Tuesday
-He wants me to work on the next one, but if he screwed me on this, he can screw me on the next one

Any ideas/tips?
Thanks.
Feb 22 2010 1:23PM
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horner
Posts: 2439 - Karma: 1,578
what was your crew position?

Your biggest mistake was not getting a copy of the contract you signed, you may have dug your own grave there. If you can get a copy of it, then you have a chance of getting paid. Otherwise, you may be out of luck, he may not even have that contract anymore, it may have been "misplaced."

If he doesn't pay you for your time, never speak to this guy again and part ways. Don't let him intimidate you either, hold your ground until you get what you deserve.
Feb 22 2010 2:55PM
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*Fujative*
Posts: 8554 - Karma: 183
I was the only editor.

True, I screwed myself on the contract part.

He wants the video because he wants to show it to crew so they can get a better feel for it the second time. But again, he has the compressed version. I'll see what happens but I'm not giving up.
Feb 22 2010 3:03PM
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Brenone
Posts: 4944 - Karma: 296
from a business perspective you each have something that the other person wants. at some point, some kind of agreement will be made. just stand your ground. if you have the film, you have the upper hand.
Feb 22 2010 3:32PM
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*Fujative*
Posts: 8554 - Karma: 183
True. I just hope to wants it enough to pay for it.
Feb 22 2010 4:04PM
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-Mugatu
Posts: 2579 - Karma: 84
Keeo the film and never give it back. Sell it for two thousand bucks and get your money out of him.
Feb 22 2010 4:34PM
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Blandct
Posts: 1858 - Karma: 37
Use what you do have to gain leverage for the contract, Tell him you will give him what he wants for a copy of the contract, and see if you can't get a copy of the contract and then hold him liable for the terms of the contract if he doesn't pay up.
Feb 22 2010 5:01PM
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