F3: OT: Feature Film shoot in El Paso, TX

[greenheron]

El Paso, Summer, No Money. Believe me you just dodged a BIG bullet.

Happy trails from New Mexico!

 

[Douglas Villalba]

honestly sounds like you dogged a bullet. If it was the day before and he just then canceled, that means it could have very well happened while you were on set and then stuck with no money. Also sounds like unprofessionals on the money side of things, which could have left you with bounced checks and other bad things. i say you got lucky you were warned ahead of time.

I agree. He even told me when I told him off that he could have done that, but he still wants me to DP the 6 weeks shoot once the money is there.

That's a shame when you have something good. I assume you have no ownership interests in the script. Does he have the money for the rest of it (other than your advance fee and flight)? If so, other arrangements could be made.

I don't think he has it. He was counting on this one investor that according to him had told him that he had made my deposit and ticket.

Well, technically speaking you could still finance it yourself from where you're at. If you went and shot it anyhow that'd be the same as putting cash money in from El Paso, no? Maybe negotiate an equity position in lieu. Any donation of services could be seen as a form of service-in-kind financing. If it's really a project you're on fire about there's always that. Not that I'm suggesting you do anything like that, just saying. OK, I'll butt out now.

-k

Traveling for a shoot is different than just filming in your area. You still conduct regular business while you are in your area and plan shoots around it.

sorry it didn't work, there are so many opportunities for let-downs in this biz, after having put in a lot of effort and attention. but on the bright side, he told you he didn't have the money before​ you got on the plane.

I have been self employed for more that 30 years. I've gotten ripped off a couple of times. That is why I asked for a cash retainer and paid two way tickets. I was supposed to get another cash when I arrived at the airport and the balance of the cash before I deliver files. I was also getting a percentage at the sale of the film.

Or will he sell the script to you for a reasonable price?

Even if I can get the scrip for free, the problem is the distance.

 

[FilmDude]

sounds all not worth it to me, I've been doing this for a long time, just be glad it didn't go south while you were there. I'd pack it up and look for another feature.

 

[Douglas Villalba]

Everything happens for a reason so I was provably lucky. It only goes to confirm why throughout your life you set up rules. One more time I broke my own rules so it cost me once more.

The guy who has over 20 credits in IMdb email me a few minutes ago apologizing and asking me to do it in Sept. As a businessman I have to be open, but all rules apply this time. My full day rate, plus equipment rate apply. :laugh:

 

[starcentral]

If you get that feature, shoot it on the F3 and once she fills up with sand and gets that abuse after your shoot is done sell it and go for F55 or EPIC. :happy: