Dropping out of a project.....

Doc Bernard

Doc Bernard

Indie Arms Member
My email to the production company:

"I have been looking at the footage, and have realized my involvement is not crucial to the overall storyline, but just as a fill-in cameraman. And honestly, I feel that is on me. I deal with many different production companies on a daily basis, I was not "sold" on the vision, based on the involvement asked of me. A few minutes of shooting for the project does not make me an integral part of the project.

With what I have coming up for my own company, this is a good time for me to graciously bow out. I wish each person involved the best. The actual storyline has so much promise, and I am there in the BG rooting for you guys.

But my time is valuable and if my skills are under par for your use, let's not waste anyone's time. I have some other options I would like to go after for my primary company.

Should you need anything, please do not hesitate to ask. Like I said, I will support the idea and direction wholeheartedly."

Was I un-professional in this?
 
I would hope there is a qualified replacement standing by to fill your position. Even if you feel you weren't delivering work to the best of your ability, it would be far worse to leave the production high and dry in the middle of filming.
 
I can't give too much info about the actual project. But these are the broad strokes:

"Doc, you are an actor and know camera work. We want you on this project."

"Okay, let me know when/where"

Got on the project, and I had to show them settings on their own cameras. Okay, BTDT before. First major day of principal, the producer had the camera for most of the shoot and shot what he wanted, and I sat twidling my thumbs.

"Hey, what do you want me to do? You brought me in as a cam-op, but not doing much with a camera here."
"Grab a beer, and chill."
"Ohh-kay"

I was frustrated. I wanted to get involved deeper, but I suspect micro-management is key on this one. And that is where I drew the line. No feedback on the quality of my work, which could have been stellar or atrocious. But never knew. I shot all of 10-15 minutes of film in 3 hours of filming.

So, I pulled the plug on my involvement. I hate wasting time, mine or theirs.
 
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Are you being paid to do this work? And are these contacts mission critical? Because honestly, if not, I would walk. And any producer that spoke to me that way... well, I give you credit for being as diplomatic as you were. There are too many people/projects out there to waste your time on this one.
 
Doc Bernard said:
No feedback on the quality of my work, which could have been stellar or atrocious. But never knew. I shot all of 10-15 minutes of film in 3 hours of filming.
Click to expand...

how do you not know if the quality of your work was good or not?
 
That was well spoken, and very professional. That said, I would have gone the Charlie Sheen route and started demanding my own trailer, booze, and hookers... just to see what I could get away with :)
 
Yes, you were nice and professional in that e-mail, but the reason(s) seemed a bit scattered and contradictory. You go from saying that you're not being fully utilized to saying you weren't sold on the vision to saying you're too busy with upcoming projects to saying you will support them wholeheartedly.

Not saying what you sent them was wrong or bad; just think you should've communicated one main reason and only offer up the other things if they pressed for more understanding of your decision.

The bottom line is you were honest and spoke your mind.
 
I do believe the letter was pleasant and professional in tone, however I would just be concerned about my obligations and where I left them.
 
As long as you werent on contract I think you were very professional and honest. Its much better then lying and saying something like, "My great aunt has fallen ill in Mongolia and I must tend to the family farm."
 
Could have said less and done it on the phone. Simply a matter of paid work takes precedence over deferred pay, and since they seem overmanned and you are not being used for what you were supposed to then I think it's fine. No need to mention differing visions of a project. Just that you need to support yourself and since they don't need you you need to chase gigs.
 
I would have first communicated my discontent and see if they would have a resolution for me. Then if they did not, then I would have walked in and told them it's not a good fit for "me." I think the email is fine, but I really don't like notices in emails. I'd rather be told up front. It was professional enough, but Stevie, if you're having to ask us if it's okay, I think somewhere down deep inside you know you could have gone another way to handle the matter. (wink)
 
I think Charli is right. This may be gnawing at you. It was deferred pay though. I am sure they understand.
 
There was no reason to say you weren't sold on the project, especially if you talk about how much potential the storyline has later. Wasting time is also a very negative phrase. You seem to be trying really hard to come up with reasons, which wasn't really necessary after the part about how you aren't being used and have other projects to work on. I personally prefer receiving emails, but that's mostly because I have a terrible phone. If that weren't the case a quick chat could come off as a bit less cold. But it doesn't sound like they'll miss you too much, so it's really a non issue.
 
Deferred pay, cash upfront, whatever. In the eyes of a producer any intent to pay counts as a deal.
Being sidelined as a DP is definitely a blow to the ego but balls to the wall integrity should really be a priority here.
This is very much a word of mouth industry and that douche producer might have some buddies (now or future) who he could drop your name to if he was excited about your contribution.

I have had an entire crew gang up on me and 'tool down' because of late payment (had some late paying investors). They were well in their rights but I will never hire any of them again, nor will I give them a favorable mention in any of my circles. Why? They made my problems worse, not better.

Guard your integrity as a dependable workman as well as you can! Even douchebag producers have influence with the good guys.
 
Update: Had a long conversation with these guys this AM. I agreed to continue, as long as I was utilized and not left sitting around on set. And they agreed that my paid work will take precedence in a scheduling conflict.
 
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