I'm Not Allowed To Pick My Dp

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Preston Ford Capra

New member
Just wondering what others thought.

I have a group of investors who want to produce my script and I get to direct (also edit). I guess that's the good news.

The bad news.
1. I don't get to pick my dp.
2. I can't even bring anyone onto the production, even if they'll cost the same as the crew that will be provide, even if they're a Hollywood veteran vs. for example a guy who lights for the local TV station (nothing against the local guy, he could be great but I've never worked with him so I don't know). On the plus side I have seen one person's reel and he's good (not the dp or gaffer though).
3. I'll be lucky if I get to pick my actors.
4. I get a director's cut. ( guess that could be good news)

Okay my thoughts on not taking the job (yeah some will think I'm crazy).

1. I can be fired (so they get the script cheap).
2. The budget is smaller ($750,000) than I really need so to make it work. But I can do it so I need someone I've worked with and that I know can make it happen. My dp has shot numerous movies and has directed 4 films in the $1m range so like myself he knows how to do something at a cheaper price but make it look like it costs more.
3. I know this is another crazy one. But the location is as much a part of the story as anything etc. Thing shooting a desert with nothing around for miles and then you have to shoot in Hawaii and that doesn't fit the story. No its not that bad. But who knows who might read this site and figure out some things.

My first counter offer about hearing the good news on the phone was:

1. I'll forgo part of my payment to cover the cost of my dp and a producer I know. In other words they won't be out anything.
2. I have someone who might match funds.

I was rejected on both ideas right off the bat. I can understand the producer, but my dp. And the matching funds I can see they want no partners.

Okay they do know that I was part of the producing team on a film that's in the American Film Market as I write this. I would say we're about 90% of the way closing a deal with the a cable network to buy the film and to make two sequeals. Plus they know that we already have another feature lined up next summer.

So my new offer might be this.

1. I can't be fired as a director (maybe the reason why the footage looks bad is because you stuck me with a dp who's only done video, again nothing against anyone who's shot video. I'd take some time dvxuser Steven Dempsey as my dp any day) because I'm not giving away the script.
2. Again I'll forgo part of my payment to cover the cost of my dp, and still my producer (but the last one is not a deal breaker, but the first is probably a very good breaker).
3. Two director cuts.
4. Of course back end.

Over the course of my life I have produced several feature films, directed and produced over 10 music videos and throw in a few TV spots. So its not like I haven't done anything.

So I just thought I'd like to hear (or really read) what others think.


 
This seems a bit dodgy as they may just be trying to get the script and cut you loose. I would consider making penalties for each creative choice that they want to take away from you.

As an example. If they want to use their DP, then say that is fine, but if not given the choice to hire my guy, I want and additional $XX,XXX for the script rights.

Do the same for each and every area that is in conflict. Make them really think hard about removing the choices from your domain.

The property (script) is likely what they really want so make it cost them.

Let us know how it turns out. I would be curious to see the outcome.

Best of luck!
 
Sounds like you might have a good script on your hands. You wrote it? Maybe the deal just isn't worth it. Heck, with the Red Camera and all your experience, you could probably shoot it yourself the way you want with the people you want.
 
I think some things you need to ask yourself are:-
Are these people purely investors (i.e. money people) or are they actually film makers?
What have they produced before, have they been successful?
Is it worth giving up certain things to be in business with them?
Will they actually finish and sell the film if they cut you loose after your cut?
As you know a good director/dp relestionship is extremely important in making films so you have to ask, why wont they let you use your dp, if it's not a question of money?
 
So, essentially, they're buying the script and hiring you as Director. Period.

Hired guns should get more money than someone making their own film.

Get more money.

And if it comes out sucky, well, Alan Smithee comes to mind.
 
Doesn't sound to me like you really ought to do business with these people, at all.

Some of the stuff you describe just shrieks 'amateurs who don't want to risk learning anything from professionals..."
 
I have seen that kind of situations before, and it never turns out well for anybody, especialy the creatives. Do you have an agent? what does he/she think? Maybe you should wait until AFM ends, to see if you make the other deal. Maybe you can shop your script around more, assuming the investors don't have an option on your script.
 
ozduc said:
I think some things you need to ask yourself are:-
1. Are these people purely investors (i.e. money people) or are they actually film makers?
2. What have they produced before, have they been successful?
3. Is it worth giving up certain things to be in business with them?
4. Will they actually finish and sell the film if they cut you loose after your cut?
5. As you know a good director/dp relestionship is extremely important in making films so you have to ask, why wont they let you use your dp, if it's not a question of money?
Click to expand...

I added numbers to your questions so that I can respond to them.

1. Both, and they don't want to be just the money people. Which I can understand.

2. Yes they have produced before or at least one has and yes to the second part.

3. That is the big question.

4. I believe so. But that kinda of goes back to number 3. Do I gamble and give away a good script for little money for the chance to direct a feature and then be let go because all they want is the script. That's the big one.

5. Yep I couldn't of said it any better.

So far all the post have been thoughts that I've been thinking.
 
It's pretty common to attach the director to get the script and cut him/her loose so they own the project.

If the budget is $750k, then they aren't the biggest of hitters so you have to ask yourself how confident you feel in your project to do it another way if they won't meet your terms.

Good luck.
 
PS-You could do much more damage to your career by not being able to choose the people and tools that you want. Just look at Project Greenlight. Sometimes having nothing more than the money can be the kiss of death.
 
It's not a massive budget, your filming in a location that does not live up to what you want, you can't work with people you know can pull it off, they are being unreasonable from the get-go....What's it going to be like 3 weeks down the line? If you feel confident that you can make a good movie from the script, hey what am I saying a 'Good movie'? If you can't make it into a GREAT movie, you've got to work out if it will benifit you in the future...Will you be proud of it, will it hurt getting future better/bigger productions?
Saying that if you need the money...:)
Jp
 
Wow I have a deal that could be in the works that sounds real close. But less money. But all the money is in place.

Debating between that and going to upstate New York. There I have almost everything covered for a feature except money for actors and some production costs. Plus I have two known actors already on board and one of the actors thinks he can get his friend another known actor to be in the New York film as well.

Thought I'd post an update or really a question. What have you decided to do Preston?
 
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I would absolutely walk away from this.
Making a film is difficult enough under ideal circumstances.
Making a great film is nearly impossible.

With the obstacles and suspicions that are in place already, it seems you're setting yourself up to make something that will be a fraction of what you want it to be.

If you're not fully attached to the script then offer to sell it to them for a hefty fee if you like - just get your money and walk away.
But if this is something near and dear that you truly want to bring to life yourself - I would pick up your toys and go home.

Just my 2 cents.
 
I'd start out by asking to see a demo reel of the DP they want to use. If you like what you see ask to meet him and discuss the job. Then decide.
 
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