Used up and thrown out

[pfassett]

So this is a, "Hi first time poster thread" mixed with a bit of ranting about a project I worked on recently.

So hello everyone, love the site, love the videos. Very helpful stuff here, especially the DIY lighting rigs.

So I worked recently for this production company out of Philly. They are a new company, don't really have much going for them except a good camera, and a steadicam vest. Which is a great start, but from a talent aspect they were lacking. They brought me in originally to direct, but had me doing cinematography, and some pre production on a script that we just wrapped filming on a week ago. I busted my ass this last week, breaking down their scripts ( and reformatting to a proper format. They were using some weird modified stage play format).

First let me say, the director was supposed to get a boom mic, but failed to do so. Instead they used the on camera mic, which I protested against, but was forced to film with anyway.

So when we got to shooting I was basically by myself, directing, sound, lighting, and cinematography. It felt like they wanted me to fall on my face, it was a strange feeling.

I was getting great reviews from everyone, they loved that I knew what I was doing, and loved the composition and lighting in my shots. I was pretty happy with it as well. After the shoot was over, they all glowered about how happy they were that I was with them helping them out, even their current cinematographer was giving me compliments (also owners brother).

Today I exchange emails with the owner because we were supposed to shoot the rest of the scenes this weekend, and I wanted to stay on top of pre production:

ME:
Are we shooting again this weekend, or the weekend after?

OWNER:
We are but it will be a skeleton crew.

Thanks,

-k

So now I am in panic mode thinking "Holy shit, did I do something wrong. Oh my god! Did I forget to take off the lens cap!" So I write her another email hoping to get some clarification.

ME:
Will you be needing me then?

OWNER:
No,

Umm. So yeah, now I am getting angry, but I keep my composure and ask another probing question hoping to get a real response with some actual information in it.

ME:
Ok, have you had a chance to take a look at the footage yet? Did it come out ok?

ONWER:
i did have a chance to look at the footage. i will be re-shooting the scene this weekend.

Re-shooting! WTF mate? Once again, what did I do? So I send another email figuring maybe she means she is doing ADR or something to cover up the crap audio she would get from the on cam mic.

ME:
What happened? Was the sound no good?

OWNER:
Unfortunately, we are not a fit and therefore we will no longer need your services.

-k

Thanks for playing but you lose. So I sent her another email asking why. I said no hard feelings just want to know why. Never got a response. Worse thing is, my girlfriend is an actress on that show, and now they are doing the same thing to her. So not only do I get to wonder about what I could have possibly did wrong, but she has to pay for it too.

Quite possibly the worst experience I have ever had. Have you guys ever had this happen to you, and how common is this? I have pretty much abandoned hopes of ever working for other people, and just doing my own thing. I can never get back those 30 hours of my life.

[Episk Productions]

1. Welcome to IM
2. I'm sorry that happened to you bro, but unfortunately, that's what happens sometimes in the film industry. In Hollywood, if they buy a screenplay from you, they will hire professional writers to rewrite until THEY like it. It's the way the business goes, don't take anything for granted.
3. Don't let this stop you from working with other people. Collaboration and cooperation is essential to filmmaking, especially directing. Maybe post a video of your specific "style" or "craft" of shooting for reference, so the next people who are interested know what kind of filmmake you are

[evmo]

That sucks. You say they are doing this to your girlfriend. Well if I was in the owners place I would at least write back, I mean I've been in bands where this happened they quit calling and then I guess I was out.