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free edit work.. can I use in my demo reel?
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[paolo zuniga] “do any of you have suggestions on how I can prevent this from happening again??”
Yes, Paolo, and it couldn’t be easier.
You just talk it over with the client before accepting the job. That’s it.
Let him or her know that you’d like to use the footage you’re about to be working on for your reel. They may say “Sure! That’s fine.” Or they may say “Sorry, but no you can’t use it.” If so, then it’s up to you to decide whether or not you want to take the job under those parameters.
Same goes for pay. You’d never take a job not knowing what you were going to be paid. “Sure, I’ll dig this ditch for you, we’ll talk about how much you’re going to pay me for it, if anything, after I’m done.” No one works that way. In your previous experience with this film, you apparently did talk about your rate… which was zero. You offered a free job, and the producer took you up on it. That’s pretty much end of story there.
So, simply enough… in the future just talk it over with your client in advance so everyone has the proper expectations about who can do what. And get it in writing, at least in some form. It doesn’t have to be a “real” contract, but some documentation of the expectations of both parties are in order.
T2
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Todd Terry
Creative Director
Fantastic Plastic Entertainment, Inc.
fantasticplastic.com
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Got it. Thanks so much for your help. I’ve definitely learned a lesson in this.
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[Scott Sheriff] “There are much better uses of your time, like trying to work out why the director didn’t like your cut”
I fully agree with Mark, Todd and Scott. Paolo, IF (perhaps a big if) you still have a relationship with the director/producer ask specifics and see what you can learn. You’ll either know more about the style he had in mind, that he has no cogent idea what it was he was looking for or perhaps that he simply didn’t like his own footage and blaming the editing was a simple out. It’s always best to get and keep people talking. It might even earn you a second chance.
And yes, Glen’s suggestion is NOT a prudent way to proceed, to say the least.
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Thanks, Nick. That if is indeed a VERY big IF. The short film was pretty much a personal project (he was producer, director, lead actor (1 of 2 roles) and now, editor) for the purpose of kickstarting his stagnant career as an actor.
Anyways, from what I gathered, he felt that my choice in shots in the edit didn’t really showcase his talent. I made it known that my main goal was to create an edit that told a clear and engaging story, obviously, using the best takes. He didn’t care for that and decided he could do a better job.
Live and learn! Thanks again for the advice!
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[paolo zuniga] “he was producer, director, lead actor”
Ahhh… that explains a lot, Paolo.
As some fellow COWs know, in a previous life I was a working actor for quite a few years. And have been a director in my day job since then. I would never attempt to direct myself. And certainly not edit myself.
A few actors can direct themselves, and do it well. Clint Eastwood can. So can Woody Allen. Even George Clooney has proven to be surprisingly pretty darn good at it. Many others, not so much.
And often many actors who are also good directors are only good at directing others… and have a tougher time turning the lens on themselves. A friend of mine who is both one of the best actors I know and one of the best directors I know couldn’t direct himself out of a wet paper bag. I’ve seen him try, he just can’t do it… doesn’t know how to make the right choices for himself.
I’m sure this guy was looking at your cut with a very narcissistic eye… not one of objectivity. Don’t sweat it, and move on (which by now, I’m sure you have).
T2
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Todd Terry
Creative Director
Fantastic Plastic Entertainment, Inc.
fantasticplastic.com
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That was pretty much the case. Oh well, great lessons has been learned. Now I’ve got time to focus on my other editing projects.
Thanks again!
paolo
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