ASK & DISCUSS
INDEXCo-directing & credit
11 years, 6 months ago - nena eskridge
In 2011 I paid a first time director $200 to direct the first 12 pages of my full length screenplay with the idea that we would use this edited footage to help raise financing for the full feature. It was also a test to see if this director would work for the feature. Unfortunately, I was unhappy with the footage that was shot for many reasons. BUT I did manage to put together a trailer from the footage that was used to successfully raise financing for the full feature.
I will be going into production soon on the feature and am not going to use the director I used in 2011. BUT I will be using some of the footage from the 2011 shoot (from that director).
My question is: what kind of credit should this first director receive? I don't think he deserves a co-directing credit, as he's demanding, but I want to do the right thing.
Thank you
PS I can't afford to reshoot the first 12 pages, so that's not an option.
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11 years, 6 months ago - Dan Selakovich
Why not take a day and just do some pick-ups on those scenes. Then you lessen the stuff of his you use, plus you'll have more coverage to edit from.
If you were going by DGA rules, this guy wouldn't have a leg to stand on. It kind of pisses me off that we wants to take credit, but I guess it is what it is.
Response from 11 years, 6 months ago - Dan Selakovich SHOW
11 years, 6 months ago - Dan Selakovich
Directing a few scenes isn't directing. There's editing, sound design, the mix... A director's involvement is much more than what he's done. I'm with Paddy: reshoot those scenes. If you're not happy with them, why are you using them? Plus they open your film, right? The first 10 minutes are hugely important.
At most, he should get an end credit that reads 2nd Unit director. I've directed tons of shit, and never got a credit. (fixing films). I could care less. Why someone would want a co-director credit on a few minutes is beyond me.
As Paddy mentions, did you sign a contract with this guy? If not, 2nd Unit is what he did.
Response from 11 years, 6 months ago - Dan Selakovich SHOW
11 years, 6 months ago - nena eskridge
I'd love to reshoot the first act but just can't afford it. I'm always looking for more financing so if that miracle happens I'll start from scratch. That would make me a very happy puppy.
Thank you Dan and Paddy.
Response from 11 years, 6 months ago - nena eskridge SHOW
11 years, 6 months ago - Paddy Robinson-Griffin
What does your contract say? Without a contract and release you *may* be over a barrel a bit - they could still exercise Moral Rights unless you could show they were waived, and so spanner your chain of title.
If you weren't happy with those 12pp, why reuse them? Sounds like you can't afford not to? Even if you use 25%, 3pp is just a day's filming if you use the same location etc., plus the lighting, sound etc will match.
If you absolutely must, then offer 2nd unit, or something like that. Or make up a credit 'Associate Director' or similar.
Response from 11 years, 6 months ago - Paddy Robinson-Griffin SHOW
11 years, 6 months ago - nena eskridge
Yeah, Dan, it was a surprise especially considering I've none the guy for 30 years. But as someone said it best, it is what it is. 2nd unit director it is if I can't raise the money to reshoot. will also follow your advice to shoot pick-ups, use the least amount of "his" footage possible. i'm not happy with most of it anyway.
Response from 11 years, 6 months ago - nena eskridge SHOW