Paying for an inerview?

J

Jokerswild

Well-known member
Hello friends;
I have been working the better part of two years now on a documentary film about veterans and POWs. I have 10 interviews in the can. I have recently encountered an individual who was filmed and signed a release that basically states, his name in the credits is the only compensation. Additionaly, he gets to tell his story and will have the knowledge that participating in this project will help to aid other veterans should the docu be successful. (my plan is to donate some of the proceeds, if any)

Now this person has come back at me stating thru his attorney that he thinks he should receive a percentage (5%) of the film's profits. Is it customary to pay for interviews in documentaries because I am not going to pay a dime to him as it dishonors the other veterans in the film who have not asked for anything and have stories and tales of suffering equal or greater than this person's story.

Now I know what many of you may be thinking..Just don't use the interview! It's not that easy. I have over 40 hours of my time into the research and setup just for his story. This doesn't include the makekup, sound, lighting setup, catering, and all the other associated expenses associated with his one hour interview. I may use 5 or 10 minutes of his interview at most.

I would appreciate any opinions you may have on this. Thank you.
 
No, it's not customary to pay the interviewees for anything other than compensation (food, gas, shelter, things like that). Doing so is considered a potentially unethical practice in some situations, since a person paid is a lot more likely to say what they think will play best rather than something honest. If you have a contract signed you're in the clear and the attorney knows that; he just wants to scare you into putting something out. But doing so will undermine your credibility as a documentary filmmaker and certainly with the other interviewees.
 
I completely agree with Cassius. Paying for an interview is unethical, asking for it is also unethical. And coming back after the fact with a lawyer adds sleazy on top of that.
 
He signed. Tell him politely to jump overboard. I can't stand when people try to renegotiate contracts.
 
Thanks folks. This makes me feel much better. Don't misunderstand me though, I do not intend to pay one red cent for the interview. It is just so disappointing coming from a WWII veteran. I would never have expected that from this individual.

Zak, I am not sure if the errors and omissions insurance would cover a documentary film in this instance.
 
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Tell the old git to jog on!

haha

In all seriousness, it is a cheek to send an attorney over to you... after he's signed a release etc...
he will probably come back saying he wasnt 'fit enough' to sign a contract etc and you took advantage of him.

And 5% is a large portion of any possible profits you make considering how long you have been working on this etc!



Tom.
 
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