Actors Entitled to Free DVD? - IndieTalk

**M1chae1** · 11-20-2009, 10:42 AM

Hey everyone.

My question is: do you think all actors that worked on a set are entitled to a free copy of the DVD? Regardless of the time spent on set, and whether or not the film was picked up for distro. What about if it's not in the initial contract the actor signed? No matter what the budget?

Is it the right thing to do?

Thanks.

**WeightOnWheels** · 11-20-2009, 10:54 AM

In my opinion it is.

***Uranium City*** · 11-20-2009, 12:00 PM

This is the standard compensation for every movie I've ever directed. We usually go the "all-volunteer army" route and your contract states that your compensation is credit and one DVD copy. This goes for all crew, too.

**directorik** · 11-20-2009, 01:12 PM

If they have worked for free - which enables the filmmaker
to make a movie he would not be able to make - then a
free DVD and selected scenes in a standard format used by
most NLE's is, in my opinion, essential. Contracted or not,
it's the right thing to do for people who have donated their
time and talent.

**Zensteve** · 11-20-2009, 01:18 PM

If they're in the credits, they get a copy.

Someone trying to weasel you out of a copy, for some small bit-part or sumthin'?

Reminds me, though, a friend of mine worked on a film where everyone got an email when the film was finished. They were offered a copy at half retail.

**Scoopicman** · 11-20-2009, 06:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zensteve

If they're in the credits, they get a copy.

Hell, yes! On EXILE, my actors got 2 copies, each. They were also paid. Anyone in the credits is welcome to a copy.

On THE AWAKENING, we only paid for 3 days (then ran out of money), so we gave the actors 2½ DVDs for each day they worked. Some people were getting 16 or 17 DVDs. The idea was to give them at least $50 worth per day. Then, they could either sell them or give them to family and friends.

**CDCosta** · 11-20-2009, 08:59 PM

isnt Copy, Credit, Meals, Transpo the standard for any film set even if the budget is $0?

Where the hell do people think they get off...

***indietalk*** · 11-20-2009, 09:08 PM

Damn you better give/get a DVD! Not sure what side you are on this time, are you asking as an actor?

Stardust Walking · 11-20-2009, 09:14 PM

Yes! all actors and all crew members. It's all part of saying Thankyou.

Terry

***indietalk*** · 11-20-2009, 09:41 PM

Have to disagree on the crew member one, if they are paid their rate. That can get costly to the filmmaker, and if they were paid their rate, then they should buy one if they are interested.

**Reg** · 11-20-2009, 10:35 PM

If I ever worked on a movie and wassn't offered a dvd copy I would probably be pretty upset.

**grinner** · 11-22-2009, 05:56 PM

man, if asking them to donat their time, the least you can do is give em a copy.

Graeme · 01-19-2010, 07:59 PM

Not having completed a movie yet: My impression and expectation is that every actor/ress gets a DVD who had a role in the movie*, its basically free promo for you as you know there are going to show friends and family who may want to purchase a DVD for their own.

As for Crew, if they were paid I think I would side with allowing one "at-cost" DVD purchase if they so desire, if they volunteered, again like the actors they would get a free DVD.

* If your movie has a bunch of "extras" who are in only a few scenes but numbers are quite large I understand why they wouldn't get a DVD for free because that could add up quickly; an option of "at-cost" would be more appropriate.

I may be wrong, but that my initial feelings on the matter.

aceofspades70 · 01-19-2010, 08:07 PM

Actors/Crew always get a copy. Always.

Beeblebrox · 01-19-2010, 09:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CDCosta

Copy, Credit, Meals, Transpo the standard for any film set even if the budget is $0?

Copy/Credit/Meals, absolutely.

Transportation is your discretion. I've never been compensated or compensated others for it and haven't heard of anyone else doing this either as a standard practice.