oh boy

Steve Laramie

Steve Laramie

Veteran
Ok so I got a job as a DP on a feature. yesterday was the first day of shooting this morning I get a call saying the lead actress backed out... What do I do about money? He paid me $2000 up front and ows me installments of $5000. I am wondering what I do with the $2000 I was given up front. I cleared 30 days and lost a decent amount of work
 
Well, just because the lead actress backed out does NOT mean that production is halted. What did the producer say? I assume this is the same feature that you've been speaking about for a few months where you've had a couple problems, right?

You should have had it included in the contract that if for whatever reason, the shoot was canceled you would get X amount of days pay for losses (time booked off, etc). If you did NOT have that included, I wouldn't start spending that money yet. I would still try to negotiate to keep at least the $2000 based on the fact that the shoot did not go through and you have to expense your lost time..

You also have to think though - can the producer/director find a new lead actress in a couple days? For a production of this scale I would assume that he would at least have a backup in consideration.

Don't think that it's all over yet...keep thinkin' positive.

Kegan
 
Don't worry about it. Spend the 2k and should the production get back up and running, invoice for the remainder as ya go.
 
I don't see the can. You were given money down for a gig. You either showed up for the gig or were ready to. By cashing the check you greatly increase your chances of the production going forward and getting paid the rest of what you were promised. By giving it back, you just teach them to drop the ball more often.
Cash it. Enjoy.
 
my best guess is that they intend to pay you the agreed upon amount but delay the start of production without remuneration. but really, you'd have to talk to them. not me. and not grinner. :)
 
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