i am working in a DV, feature production as an AD. It's in pre-production stage.there is no 'contract' between me and the production company/producer.They verbally said they would pay around $ 200 a week, which is very low.There was a line producer but he left caz of low-wages and other things.
Now, there is no PA or not even a production manager. I can forsee the forthcoming probelms as the director/producre is new/ firsttimer.finally during the shoot, he will held me responsible for his mistakes. I dont know who will be setting up the set/location.There is a prop-lady but she is also new.
Also, the director expects me to help setting up props ? for the the set?and to plan all of scheduling on my own and perform other production work. 12 days left for the shoot. I am not comfortable working in these situations. I have done the best i could.
I am in big debate: .How to say 'goodbye' to this work in a good friendly way. ?The director is short tempered.? Am I legally bound to work for the production?. what would be the consequences? I am nervous. I am new in america? NY? so i dont know how it goes down here. Plz suggest me pals:
Thanks
quote:
How to say 'goodbye' to this work in a good friendly way.
From what you say here - this is going to be impossible.
A producer offering $200/wk for an AD/location manager/prop master/UPM/PA won't take your departure well. He will "attempt" to badmouth you. But really, who's he kidding?
$200/wk is $2.39 an hour. (assuming 6, 14 hour days) There isn't another producer in NY who would blame you for not taking the job.
I suggest you ask for a contract with your job duties detailed IN WRITING - and tell them you need it before you do any more work on the project. If they won't give it to you in 24 hours, tell them you cannot take the job.
If they do deliver it then explain that you will take the $200/wk to be an AD (assuming you really need the credit) but won't do all the other duties unless you are paid $200/wk for each one.
If that's not what you want to do - then just call them first thing Monday morning and tell them you cannot afford to work for $200/wk. If all you say here is correct, the producer/director will be very angry. You cannot control what his reaction will be, so treat him respectfully and professionally and get out of this terrible deal.
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The aim of an argument or discussion should not be victory, but progress.
Joseph Joubert, essayist (1754-1824)
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The aim of an argument or discussion should not be victory, but progress.
Joseph Joubert, essayist (1754-1824)
I did called him up to tell that i wont be able to go further in his project.As predicted, he was sort of shocked/paralysed.Then he stared talking nicely long about finding whats had gone wrong etc.
Then, he offered me $more week but i said: NO.
I am relieved now, but, still sad that i wasted my 3-4 months hoping huge from this project. i managed and said "Thanks for everything and bye bye...good luck etc...i dont know if he would pay me any dime for all my pre-pro work?
Thanks for suggestions
