Involved in first low budget feature film as a producer. We are 3 producers. 1 wrote and also directed the film (1) , as well as investing own money. 2 Others (incl. me - 3 - have worked for deferred payment and brought on 70% of cast and location sponsors/set/costumes). The 3rd producer is also the lead actor (2).
There is a scene in the film of 5 lines causing conflict. 2 is refusing to do it, after it seemed it had been cut anyway, 1 will not compromise and wants it in.
1 fired 2 (remember they are also a producer not just an actor) without my consent. I managed to organise a meeting to find a compromise, non could be found, neither will back down. 2 walked finally. I demanded 2 be reinstated and we continue filming. I have rewritten the scene, offered options but 1 is saying it's not up to me, it is all 2s fault and nothing can be done and refuses to do the ultimate compromise and strike the scene and has once again said 2 is out.
Questions:
1. In what scenario could 1 be able to ride rough shod over the suggestions of the other 2 producers (hard cash vs. deferred payment and free work) or can we make him come to heel to get the film done? What are my rights as far as having a say in the outcome of this situation?
2. In what case and how could 2 be convinced to do this scene? Can something legal be enforced?
3. The nr. 2 in this scenario has not signed any release forms for his film footage and is in most scenes. Can 1 then use that footage if 2 does not give him permission? He wants major distribution to happen.
4. Can I step out of the film with no legal complications for me. I feel my work and my reputation is being completely abused and compromised in this scenario. As I understand if 2 enforces no release we have no film anyway, so 2 will always have the stronger case (whether he is behaving fairly or not).
Anyone with thoughts and help on a legal and managerial level please say. This is my first feature film as a producer, it's low budget with big dreams and I cannot convince 1 they need to compromise to have a viable product to sell and I no longer want to be involved if my demands and that of the other producer cannot be met.
There is a scene in the film of 5 lines causing conflict. 2 is refusing to do it, after it seemed it had been cut anyway, 1 will not compromise and wants it in.
1 fired 2 (remember they are also a producer not just an actor) without my consent. I managed to organise a meeting to find a compromise, non could be found, neither will back down. 2 walked finally. I demanded 2 be reinstated and we continue filming. I have rewritten the scene, offered options but 1 is saying it's not up to me, it is all 2s fault and nothing can be done and refuses to do the ultimate compromise and strike the scene and has once again said 2 is out.
Questions:
1. In what scenario could 1 be able to ride rough shod over the suggestions of the other 2 producers (hard cash vs. deferred payment and free work) or can we make him come to heel to get the film done? What are my rights as far as having a say in the outcome of this situation?
2. In what case and how could 2 be convinced to do this scene? Can something legal be enforced?
3. The nr. 2 in this scenario has not signed any release forms for his film footage and is in most scenes. Can 1 then use that footage if 2 does not give him permission? He wants major distribution to happen.
4. Can I step out of the film with no legal complications for me. I feel my work and my reputation is being completely abused and compromised in this scenario. As I understand if 2 enforces no release we have no film anyway, so 2 will always have the stronger case (whether he is behaving fairly or not).
Anyone with thoughts and help on a legal and managerial level please say. This is my first feature film as a producer, it's low budget with big dreams and I cannot convince 1 they need to compromise to have a viable product to sell and I no longer want to be involved if my demands and that of the other producer cannot be met.
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