Is it rude to ask DP this question??

[butter88]

I (producer) just had a big argument with the director and I thought I should ask you for your opinion.

the director has been interviewing a few DPs. Because this is a really low low budget film, I was concerned with the budget (we are 20K short). I decided to contact 2 of the DPs that the director feels most suitable for the project, to ask how much the camera package would cost. I also wanted to ask if they can get some good deals.

the director felt this was a very sensitive question and told me not to ask such question. he felt that it was like asking actors what kind of clothes he has.... lol

i just find this sensitivity so absurd. it is a very simple question and certainly something to consider when you hire a dp in this kind of low budget film.

I simply emailed him the question- telling him that I am putting together a budget and asked him how much a certain camera budget would cost.

now the director is very upset.... isn't this just absurd??!?

[lawriejaffa]

Yah I sympathise with you a bit there butter, unless the Director has some kind of crazy plan he thinks is 'the way' you deal with DoPs (to get an even better deal hrmph) then its just silly.

He can't afford to be over-sensitive in this regard, but then you are the producer, so aren't you setting the method of hiring / conditions / blah blah regarding all this?

[Andy Olson]

I could see it being an issue if you hire a DP that isn't very qualified but can get the best equipment for cheapest over a more the right DP for the job, but since you said you narrowed it down to the two suitable DP's then equipment can be brought into the decision. Usually for low budget productions, a DP's equipment is one of the main criteria for hiring.

I can understand the director's side because he wants to get off on the right foot with the DP and he doesn't want their equipment access to trump talent. However, for small, low budget productions to survive you need to try to get as much stuff free or cheap as possible.

Best,
Andy

[Chris Santucci]

I simply emailed him the question- telling him that I am putting together a budget and asked him how much a certain camera budget would cost.

now the director is very upset.... isn't this just absurd??!?


Yes. Absurd.

.

[Nexis]

I find there are many people who refuse to "name a price" since they use that approach as a strategy to extract more money out of the project at a later point. Don't let yourself get taken. If someone doesn't want to commit at this stage, it's likely that the money issue (and other issues, such as IP rights) will become major stumbling blocks later on.

[Dick Campbell]

Its one thing to ask for quotes, quite another to strong arm for professional services on the cheap. Maybe the director thought the latter. As long as business negotiations are kept professional, asking for quotes and negotiating are standard practices.

I'm always happy to provide a quote, and let them know I am flexible (if I am then).

[jetaddiction@mac.com]

sounds like your director wants to be a producer? tell him to stick to directing.

[wgzn]

yeah - 1. not the responsibility nor territory of the director 2. yeah, he sounds a little nutty

[Steve Laramie]

I would think it would be absurd not to know what the camera package was

[ajmax]

Get a new director!!!!!
It is easy for someone to be absurd when it is not their money....
Bring your project to me and i'll shoot for what ever budget you have :)
It will still look good !

[Stevet]

fuc*kin fire-em!