Need Opinions on an issue with co-writer

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Filmmaker2099

New member
Hello everyone,

To make an incredibly long story short, I'm the director and exec producer for a short film and the guy I co-wrote with has become too much to handle.
During pre production I gave him a small role.

From there he's demaned to be in auditions, casting, then he forced his way on set and started directing actors.
He's caused issues between me and the DP, producers, producers and me, etc. I had a meeting with him and he and I had it out. I set him straight and he said he understood what was going on.

I wanted to fire him Day 1 on set but again because he had that role (which was important to the story), I couldn't because it wouldn have ended horribly.

The film is done but he keeps calling about updates, music, etc. And now I;'m going to have it out with him (again).

What would any of you had done in this situation? I know in LA, we both would have been fired had something like this happened.
 
"Thank you for your contribution as writer and actor. The film is now in post-production; when it's completed, I will invite you and everyone else to the premiere. Until then, goodbye." Repeat until he gets the point.
 
A writer on set is a good tool to have, only if you guys can work together. I guess that goes for anyone on set, once the relationship between the two of you is compromised and working together becomes difficult then you as the bigger role with the film need to eliminate any problems that are going to effect how your film is going to turn out. Especially a writer who his job is already done. When you have so much invested you have to step up.. good luck
 
I was the co-executive producer and director of a project that we are taking to major studios and networks and have managers backing us--and the writer was giving me problems. I finally worked things out with him. But at the end of the day, if that guy still isn't squared away, it's time for him to learn a little hierarchy:

Unless this is network television, and the writer is a big-time showrunner,

Director > Writer

and

Executive Producer > Writer

Always. To my understanding if you are billed as executive producer on this short, you probably funded this thing. And not only are you the executive producer, you are the director of this short film, therefore you call the shots.

You are the money, and you are in charge of the vision. Pull your rank. Yes, I know it sounds harsh, and I would have done so as well if me and my writer didn't work things out. As a director you carry the weight of this film, and as the executive producer you are responsible for the financial backing. Without you, his script would still be sitting on a shelf collecting dust. I have been in your position twice now, and twice the writers have tried pulling these stunts. If they so badly wanted that kind of control, they would have raised the funds themselves and elected to direct.

This writer isn't Aaron Sorkin or Ryan Murphy. Even then, they still answer to the drumbeat of the production executives and the network or studio. In a professional setting that writer would be banished to writing twitter updates.

I would have fired him right away.
 
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