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Another bum production company


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I was hired to shoot a music video back in April. After a month without receiving payment I called to check in. I was told the artist was not happy with the final video and was refusing to pay the production company, which was the explanation as to why I had not been paid, or the rest of the crew for that matter.

 

I have gone back and forth with them since. My argument being the obvious paraphrase, "That shouldn't affect my payment," and their argument being paraphrased as, "There's no money." The struggle continues today.

 

I do hate to speak negatively about anybody, but I would also hate for any fellow op to fall into the same situation without warning.

 

The company is Rizen Phoenix. They are based in New York City.

 

Peace,

Afton

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I'll admit, I could've been more diligent with paperwork on my end. It was a last minute, "well paying" (ha ha) job. I did not get a cert, and have since employed the help of a couple fellow ops to put together a common contract. I'm not done fighting, but it's looking like I might only take away a couple good lessons from this one.

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I have a basic client agreement that I use with a lot of new clients. If it's a large and well known production company sometimes I won't bother but my attitude is if I present them with a simple agreement that states an agreed upon deal and they refuse to sign it, big red flag! If they're prepared to pay, taking one second to sign a piece of paper is nothing. Here's what I do and make sure to get signed before I start working. Obviously the content differs depending on the project:

 

-------------

 

CLIENT AGREEMENT

 

Date: April 21, 2006

 

Client: Joe Shmoe

310-123-4567

joeshmoe@joeshmoe.com

 

Project: ?XYZ? feature film ? Steadicam, B camera operator

 

RATE: [fill in your agreed upon rate] May 1, 2006 ? June 1, 2006

 

 

Terms:

 

For this project, Dan Coplan will bill Client at the above stated rate and for the above stated dates for camera operator services including Steadicam and camera operating as directed by Client. If production extends beyond the above stated dates, Client will pay $x/day additional. Client is responsible for all expenses including transportation, lodging, and meals. Dan Coplan will provide Steadicam equipment. Client will include this equipment on an insurance policy that covers full replacement cost without deductions for depreciation. Client is responsible for transportation of Steadicam equipment to the production location and back to Dan Coplan?s home at the end of production.

 

I fully understand the terms of this agreement.

 

 

 

____________________________________________

Joe Shmoe, Producer Date

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Find out who they rented their gear from and see who their insurance provider is, then file a claim with the insurance company for damages, I can gaurantee that things will start happening fast. These little companies cannot operate without some form of insurance for camera rentals and if you start squeezing it will shake some money off of the tree. It does not matter wether you had a cert or not, it's a dirty trick, but they deserve it.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I'll admit, I could've been more diligent with paperwork on my end. It was a last minute, "well paying" (ha ha) job. I did not get a cert, and have since employed the help of a couple fellow ops to put together a common contract. I'm not done fighting, but it's looking like I might only take away a couple good lessons from this one.
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