"Intruding" on another Documentary Makers Turf

Well, it does appear that this other filmmaker may be a bit more concerned with the selling factor of his docu than getting this guy's story out. But who knows? It's kinda hard to gauge without the other side's perspective. If it were me, I'd write the guy a considered email or offer to take him out for a coffee or lunch and try to work out a way you two can help each other. Maybe he could explain his reluctance and maybe it's all a misunderstanding. Or maybe he's just a jerk. I wouldn't let it stop me, though.
 
Just after reading your first post, I thought the situation sounded kind of sticky. Then I thought about it for a split second... it's not sticky at all. I agree, maybe an attempt to talk to the director of the doc would be a more polite way to go about it, but if you think there really is an injustice and you just want to help, nothing else should matter. If a man is in jail that shouldn't be, step on as many toes as need be to help him get out. Legally, that is :happy:
 
it's not like the other guy bought the rights to the story, is it? i dont see how he has any 'ownership' of it to dispute.
 
GenJerDan said:
Huh?
Someone wants to try to prevent you from doing something they haven't gotten around to doing?
Click to expand...

Well in fairness they started shooting four years ago. Come to think of it this sounds like a movie I shot 3 1/2 years ago that still has yet to be completed. It was edited and just awaiting a music score but then the director wanted to go in an entirely different direction with the material.

What angers me though about the other filmmaker is that we're on the "same team" the way I see it. We're both trying to spread this man's story to help him meet his goals. Saying that I am doing this just for personal gain and to not talk to me is dividing us. I think he may have this "Direct Cinema" mentality of not wanting to interfere with the "natural progression" of things. And I'm saying to myself, "If you have this footage that can help potentially get this man released from bondage, why not slap something together?" If he doesn't have time...I do. Time is ticking away on this man's freedom. If I were holding a camera and someone were drowning I would put that stupid thing down and save the person.


Update: The filmmaker and I came to a truce. He clarified his position on things so we're good. Previous messages deleted!
 
Last edited:
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top