Raw Footage, No Contract, No Deal

[Dominique Lee]

Craig Seeman you are hitting the nail right on the head. We did discuss working together in the near future on the next music video. Religion was never a pre-requisit in the agreement nor was it questioned when we met before production began. I believe with every bone in my body that if religion had never came up in casual conversation that he would have never asked to obtain the raw footage. The situation was not that he asked for the footage and I refused. It was “I don’t appreciate that you refused to listen to my religious views.. Now give me this or I’ll take you to court.” It seems very suspicious.

[Dominique Lee]

Andy Lewis I’m sorry if I’m reading your question incorrectly. But I do not want him to use the footage unless my name IS attached to whatever project. That was my time and effort put it, I should be credited for it.

And as far as recording. I did not answer any of his phone calls and everything he had to say is recorded on my voicemail.

[Craig Seeman]

[andy lewis] “If you do hand over the raw footage, is it possible to make sure they don’t use it with your name attached?”

I’m not sure if this client would have any motive to attach the production company’s name to the project but the bigger issue is that once trust is broken, there’s little reason for continued trust. Then you’re stuck with the added specter of enforceability once breached again.

The legal system, given the expense and time involved, is a last resort. This client seems to have made the threat of such a first step.

[andy lewis] “The tapes issue aside, I would suggest you start recording phone messages in case harrasment continues. from your account, it seems like you are dealing with people who are either cynically manipulative or mentally ill.”

Personally I believe in documenting all conversations possible. It’s not simply being overly defensive but such documentation can clear up very honest misunderstandings.

[Gary Hazen]

[Craig Seeman] “Once THEY involve lawyers it is NOT wise to defend oneself without one.”
Clearly you’re not a poker player Craig. “THEY” have yet to prove they have actual legal representation. “THEY” are bluffing. Obviously it’s unwise to not defend your self properly when dealing with a lawyer. That said, it’s foolish to go out and waste money paying a lawyer when it’s unnecessary.

You should try playing Texas Hold em’ once in awhile.

[Craig Seeman] “I suspect as part of his defense he’s including lawyer fees to be paid by the aggressor as well.”
There’s no guarantee that a judge will award legal fees if if Dominique wins in court. It’s a calculated risk.

Sometimes it’s best to cut your losses and walk away.

[Dominique Lee]

Gary, this man has brought up multiple times that I’m “young” and him and his representation wants to “teach me a lesson” he’s clearly trying to take advantage of me and my work. As he’s done before he gets a video made, has some differences with the producer, sues them for money,and then he has a video and his money back. I feel that I can’t let that happen.

[Bob Zelin]

Now, I love to cause trouble – so just keep that in mind, when I respond to this (and it’s Saturday – so what the heck …….)

Dominique – you are young. Let me tell you about business. Your job is to MAKE MONEY – that is all. If you don’t like this concept, then get a job. I am a non religious jew, and I have worked for Iranian TV. I have been in contact recently with Al Jazeera Television (a fine professional organization, by the way). I have helped film makers making anti Israel films. Heck, if the neo Nazi’s want to make a film – I am here to help – JUST GIVE ME THE DAMN MONEY. I have no morals, I have no pride, I have no self respect, I just WANT THE MONEY, and if you want me to worship space aliens who created the earth, then bless you all mighty – just GIVE ME MY CHECK.

When you get older, you will learn this lesson. You want a home, you want a nice car, you want to take care of your family, you want health insurance. All of this nonsense that the client wants is just that – nonsense. The client is “always right”, and you say “yes sir, you are correct, now WHERE THE HELL IS MY MONEY”. And when they hand that check over to you, and thy say “you were terrific, and very professional”, then you can say all the 4 letter words under your breath, but you have the check – AND you will get more work from them.

There are only two kinds of clients – one that pays, and one that does not pay. There is only one kind of S.O.B. the one you work hard for, and they ultimately don’t pay you.

Bob Zelin

[Nick Griffin]

This whole thing pisses me off. Because Dominique “likes” another artist who happens to be an atheist Dominique is to be the subject of overt, religious-based harassment?? This is clearly a bully, and from the sound of it, one who is bluffing.

I agree that you should not hire an attorney until and unless you are served any papers — proof that this jerk might actually be prepared to spend his own money rather than make empty threats. Personally I stand up to bullies, and they’ve almost always backed down.

That said, Zelin is right to a degree. One of the primary things to remember in this or almost any other business is going to the bank. Get the money and move on. And Bob, while Al Jazeera is a legitimate news organization, if you ever feel the need to help Neo-Nazis set up a studio, please reach out to those of us who would be willing to help you find other gigs or even float a loan.

[Bob Zelin]

geez Nick – just kidding !

Bob

[Dominique Lee]

Bob and Nick..as far as getting paid I completely agree. The whole Nazi thing..I mean to each their own. But I was already paid and I had given him the final product which he was very happy with. Nick I feel that he is a bully..and I don’t think I should back down. He’s ridiculous. I bent over backwards for that video project. I answered his texts at 1am about changes that needed to be made. So this raw footage situation just seems like a reason to try to get over on me.

[Grinner Hester]

wow. First, I dont know how religeon comes up in a pitch but don’t let it happen. Second, against what many will say, skip the contract and just get half down and half upon delivery. In my 25 years of doing this, never have I chased anyone away by dangling a contract in front of em. I also don’t make it a practice to preach my personal beliefs until we’re firing one up after the production. That’s when ther god, aliens, love life heavy topics come up… after the friendship is made. Rush that and you’ll run off everyone from girlfriends to mother in laws. lol