Please help... What to do about this film-making partnership?

S

Steve33825

Member
A bit long but please bare with me...

I live in NY and I've been friends with this guy since Feb. We have a LOT in common - same age, sun sign, opinions, intellect, same first name, same interests - among other things. We get along very good too. We're both interested in filmmaking. One of my scripts that I wrote (AND copyrighted) is a 30 min short and we decided to do it together since I have no physical experience however I did my research for years, he has some exp. directing a short before, he also knows some ppl who are in one way or another connected to the business. I practically don't.

We want to start our own production company too, I basically updated the logo i drew for my own company and incorporated his name into it. Its not legally established yet of course, just a logo drawing/concept/idea. We didn't put any money down with a lawyer or anything like that, right now this company thing is all talk and drawings.

Anyways, last month one of his family members screwed him out of his place he was staying at so I let him crash with me in for a couple days until he could purchase a ticket to go down to FL to stay with his Aunt and build himself back up again. While he's down there, he's been trying to get us both hooked up cuz he has some contacts down there (i.e. a friend who's father is a viacom exec). He lets me know whats going on whenever he can, hes usually busy cuz he works down there now and is trying to find a place. He's supposed to be coming to NY for a few days so we can get things started on the 30 min. film, like auditioning people. That's suppose to happen this week or next. Here's the problem...

Sometimes, like I said before, I can't get ahold of him and am usually the one contacting him lately, he does apologize to me that he's been very busy down there trying to establish himself in his new home/job for the past month. He is very sincere and honest. He was even upfront with me that he wrote several new pages for the short and will send it to me to see what i think, he doesnt care if i use them or not. I trust him and doesnt seem like a guy who would screw me over, like what John Russo did to George Romero.

Its JUST that my filmmaking dream is on hold cuz I have to wait for him to get his butt up here in NY so we can move forward. I'm just aching to do it, ya know? I just dont know what to do, cuz I want to move forward. I'm not saying I wanna ditch him, I dont know what I'm saying. I would really prefer to do this one project by myself but the thing is he's somewhat involved in it already, he began storyboarding and wrote extra (optional) scenes. I really wanna get this film thing going so I can get that part of my life back on track, I have to PSYCHOLOGICALLY see that my dream is moving forward and not standing still like it is right now. Any advice?
 
This sounds like a lovers quarrel... Just grow a pair, say you want to make your movie and you're not waiting.
 
I was in a very similar situation a few years. Guy moved from St Paul for us to work together. Started off promising, but the longer I counted on him, the worse it got. Partnerships are great, but you should work with him on a few projects (if that even works out) before you plan anything long term.

Like Jeremy said, make your movie. Good fences make good neighbors.
 
We've all dealt with this. He seems to really want to do this, but is taking too long. To tell you the truth, give him an ultimatum. Be honest, tell him that you want to work with him, but unless he does what he needs to do, you'll go ahead with it alone.

I had that situation with someone recently. He was genuine, apologizing for not being able to help, etc. But then I gave him a deadline or else I would work on it (as it needed to get done) and to my surprise he did it. He understood it needed to get done, with or without him. He wanted to help, so he put time aside for it when he realized he was given no choice.
 
Wow, others have my same past frustrations :).

Unfortunately the lesson is to not count on anyone. I'd recommend putting this short on hold so as to not burn the relationship (in case he comes around) and then start a new one, preferably a 10 page or less so you can more easily do it, and plow forward.
 
The best way to never accomplish anything is to depend on someone to help you achieve your goals.
 
I'll take a different approach here than the others, though what they say is valid. Your friend is having a tough time, what if the situation was reversed? You can actually work together even though you're not phyisically in the same location. Just email, notes, sketches, etc... and talk on the phone. You can even start and actually do the production without him being present but ne can still playing a vital role in getting the script right, perfecting the storyboard, preparing a logical and efficient shot list... if he's a great partner he'll want the production to move ahead, with him or without him, because the work isn't about either of you, it's about the story, that's what counts, the story.

If he is your friend and partner treat him right, it may be the only partner you'll ever find....yeah, it's that tough to find someone on the same page as yourself. Be the partner you'd want him to be to you.

I'm in my 50s now and I've learned one thing in my half century of life, your integrity & honor is what counts more than any thing else.
 
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I would say what 10s said but still don't depend on him. Move forward and hope he moves with you. I have tried a few ventures with people in the past and they never seem to have the same drive as me so I moved on.
 
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