I have read about other people trying to obtain footage/copy of productions they have worked on, but I was wondering what the "norm" might be in the process.

For example, if copy is offered, is it usually only after a film is distributed or released? Once post-production is completed?

I understand that the process and time line will vary among student films, Indies, and Wide-released films, but when is it acceptable to request or remind the producers that you would like a copy of (at least the scenes you are in) the footage?

Because segments in a reel are usually about 20 seconds, in most cases, the footage needed/used probably isn't long enough to contain spoilers or tell too much of the story, but I am guessing this may play into the point in which copy is available.

It's been a frustrating process getting copy of anything I have worked on. One film I worked on this year is an independent full-length feature, and they are actually going through a complete post production process, including looping, etc. There is no distribution plan yet, but there is talk of submitting to festivals. This was the biggest project I have ever worked on, with a cast of dozens, a full-sized crew, a four-month shoot. I just don't know the protocol in a bigger project.

For another (non paid, independent) film I worked on this year, I asked if I would be, at some point, provided footage for my reel, and the director told me that the film wasn't being made for the intention of an actor's reel, but when it was released (?) that he would "be happy to purchase two copies" for me.

I worked on a short film summer '08, and it never made it into the editing phase. It doesn't look like it's going to be completed. I am on a talking basis with the both the director and camera guy/editor, and when I asked the director when it might be completed (or when I can have footage as promised), and he told me to contact the camera guy/editor to find out when he would be done with it. So that put me in between an argument, where they won't speak to each other, but ask me what the other one said.

Perhaps it's too high of an expectation to get get footage from projects that I worked for free on, but I feel that it's the least that can be done for the actors who spent the time and work into rehearsing and shooting, the money traveling, used their own wardrobe, etc.

Any suggestions or input is appreciated. I am not bitter, just itching to get some of the footage for my reel. Thank you in advance!