It's alot but please read.

I am a Non-Union actor (for now). I don’t live in Hollywood or NYC. I work for copy and credit with open arms. The problem I seem to keep running into now and then is that I sometimes I will have to send a lot of emails call the director and keep hounding them about getting me a copy of everyone’s hard work. I figure I did my job, now why can’t they just give me a copy of the film. I even had to say a few times to the director that I signed a contract that said that I would get a copy. Now I want my copy! Another time I didn’t get to see one of the films I did for 6 years because some of the footage and sound was messed up and they put it on the back burner. I don’t care, just give me what you have, I said.

I don’t like confrontation, so I get uncomfortable once it’s gone past a few friendly emails or phone calls. And its not like I give them time to edit etc. I usually wait 1 month. I figure that’s enough time. I am sick and tired of excuses.

Is it because I don’t live in CA or NY, or is it because I am Non-Union. Or both. How do I cope and get a copy ASAP.

If they're going to sibmit them to some of the festivals ie Sundance, they can't make copies of the film until after the festival or it gets rejected. This goes for the crew too. I had one that was going for Sundance.

The problem you're encountering has nothing to do with where you live. When it comes to "copy and credit" deals, we've all had to deal with flakes.

When they cast you, they're happy to promise anything. Once your work is done, getting you a copy suddenly seems like an inconvenience.

I have a few small suggestions, but none of them are going to magically fix the problem.

1) When you sign on, ask them to commit, in writing, to a date by which you'll recieve your copy. (This should answer the film festival question. They'll know that they can't furnish a copy until after the festival date.) You can tell them it's not that you don't trust them, only that you've had problems in the past, and had to take legal action. (Saying that will "front load" your case, and place it in the back of their minds that you're not afraid to take someone to court.)

2) Since you're not comfortable with confrontation (I understand. Neither am I.), ask around and see if you have a friend who could pretend to be your agent or lawyer (or henchman) in the event that you have to chase someone down. Some people love doing that stuff. Just be sure they don't cross the line and make threats. That opens up a whole other can of worms.

3) If it's you who's talking to the people who owe you a copy, it's OK to be nice, but you have to also be firm. If they don't have your copy yet, ask for a specific date by which it'll be ready. Ask them to explain the delay. Be gracious, but make it uncomfortable. If they attach a negative to delays in getting you your copy, eventually, we hope, it will be easier to just get it to you.

If you're doing a student film, in addition to what Michael suggests, get the professor's contact info.

Amazingly enough, of the approximately forty copy/credit projects I've done, I have never failed to get my copy. A couple took me awhile, but I have them all. But I have had friends that have had problems getting copies here in Los Angeles, and it is common.

It does help if they like you... if the filmmakers thought you were hard to work with, they might not want to go through the trouble of mailing the thing (even if it was the agreement). And if it's a student film, don't let them take too long or they might graduate and go home... then you will never get a copy. You have to keep on them.

Now if you will excuse me, I have a couple e-mails to send… I’ll get it.

Im somewhat glad to hear that it has nothing to do where i live.

Thanks for the feedback. I now have a few more ideas to try to get MY copy. Like asking for the Professers name. I never thought about that.

I didnt know that they supply us with a copy until after a film festival. That explains one of the problems.

quote:

Originally posted by ELDORADO59:
If you're doing a student film, in addition to what Michael suggests, get the professor's contact info.

Yes!

quote:

Originally posted by skeeterkitty2004:
If they're going to sibmit them to some of the festivals ie Sundance, they can't make copies of the film until after the festival or it gets rejected. This goes for the crew too. I had one that was going for Sundance.

I don't know that this is accurate....I mean, I realize Sundance and other festivals want premieres but no rough copies to cast and crew? If they tell you this is the reason, I would suggest you ask for DAILIES and not a finished copy. Then edit your own scenes, featuring YOU. Get the final version later. This works for people who just haven't finished the film, too. Tell them "just toss my scenes onto a dvd or minidv UNEDITED" and sometimes that will work....

Jackie, getting a copy of just my scenes before they are finished is just fine with me. That guarantees I will get ME even if they end up not finishing the movie or something else. Thanks.

I heard Sundance has a really big thing about it.It's in the rules when the film gets submitted. I heard that they can't make any copy of it.