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CherrieMoon

Junior Member
What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? Georgia

Hello,

I am a freelance videographer and I recently worked on a pilot for a reality show, after having worked with this producer twice before. I invoiced her $300 but she only paid me $150 and has not contacted me about the rest.

The first time I worked with her, I shot interviews with my own camera for approximately 1 hour and was compensated $100. The second time, I shot one main subject working with clients for approximatlely 2 hours. Again, I provided my own camera but I also brought a few lights, microphones and someone to assist me. I was paid $200 and the producer pretended she didn't know about my assistant, which she did. I let it slide and I split the money with the assistant.

The third time around, the producer asked if I was available and if I could bring my camera. That was all I was asked. When we had a production meeting TWO days before the shoot I found out it would be a 10 hour shoot AND that she wanted me to bring sound equipment, which I also provided. In addition, she asked me to run errands and to handle duties that a DP is not responsible for handling. I work full time and I would not have agreed to work on this shoot on my day off for less than the day rate. The day rate for director of photography or camera operator is $300. I sent the producer the invoice for $300 and 10 days later I received a payment for $150 along with a note thanking me for my hard work. I sent her another invoice for the remaining amount but she has not acknowledged what she owes me. We did not discuss the rate before I agreed to shoot, but we also did not discuss the amount of work. She is well aware of the day rates for crew members and she knows I would never agree to get paid less for a 10 hour shoot than I was paid for a 2 hour shoot. All I want is the money owed to me and nothing more. I would have been willing to negotiate but her lack of professionalism makes that difficult.

NOTE: She has a copy of our contract, but I do not have one, due to her lack of organization -- nor do most of the other crew members. I realize I may have to take this loss as a lesson. I just wanted to verify before letting it go.

Please advise.

Thank you!
S
 


ecmst12

Senior Member
This has nothing to do with dangerous or defective products.

You can try to sue in small claims court, but without a signed contract agreeing to your rate, you may not get far. In the future, make sure you have an agreement in place, preferably in writing and signed by both parties, BEFORE agreeing to do the work.
 

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