When to to tell your friends to pay??

[Nigel]

I am shooting a short for a friend on my gear and no insurance. Usually I give these Pro-Bono gigs to the Karma police hoping that it all comes back. This time it is starting to get old. What should I do??

Thanks

[twister!]

That's a tough one.

If it's something you are actually excited about doing AND can spare the time - then do it.

Otherwise it's probably time start talking about money.

[Brooks Productions]

Id do it, but make it clear if anything brakes that isnt your fault someone will have to pay out

[Nigel]

Here is the thing...The project isn't getting me going. That is why I am thinking about bailing. It is taking to much time and I don't know if I will be able to get any return.

As for the breaking...If I put a contract in front of him there has to be a monatary exchange to make it binding. Then if I am doing that I may as well say that I will work for free but my camera only goes for full rate.

I like to work on projects for free when I feel like they are good and it would help me out. At the same time I feel like I am being drained on this project for no real reason.

Thanks

[Tasty Fish Lips]

Are there no big favors this friend could do for you in the future?

Is the friend aware and truly greatful for the free time, energy and equipment access you are giving him/her as well as the risk?

[Tasty Fish Lips]

greatful?

No.

grateful.

Much better.

[tim partridge]

I think you should be frank with your friend- it sounds like he's taking the proceedings with a concerningly light-hand sans insurance. As we all know, as filmmakers we have to assume EVERYTHING is going to go tits up from start, so compromising the insurance is setting a very bleak tone. Plus you and your responsibilities are being taken for granted on an unprofessional level too.

At this point you need some reassurance about the project directly from your director/producer, if no cigar jump ship and it's time to move on.

[Nigel]

That is kind of how I have been feeling...

I want to just say "Hey man--I need something here." But, it is the same story that you were warned against. Never enter into business with a friend. I should have never said yes to begin with. The project isn't what I thought it would be and the whole thing is starting to get old--And we have only shot two rolls of film. 22 minutes down the drain and I am unclear where he is going. We have even shot stills of the actor and actress which I think were to cover his ass for the lack of planning.

Its time that a line gets drawn in the sand and I say sorry. Call me when you have your shit in one basket.

On Pro Bono gigs I always make them get insurance at the bare minimum so I guess that is what I will use as my out. That I don't want my camera taking a dive off the tripod or walking off the set...Plus, he knows that I have made Indies get insurance.

Thanks for the advice while I vent a bit of steam.

Good Luck

[miker]

If he's dicking around without a schedule, get out. You can't turn down paid work just because you might be doing a freebie that week. I'm sure your friend would understand the reasoning.

If you have commiteed to a specific shooting schedule, see it through to the end. Of course, you may need to ensure that your own kit goes in for "maintenance" before continuing, thus ensuring he is forced to hire some kit or pull in more favours.

[assyrix]

I have done my share of pro-bono work and anyone who now wants do to business with me or my equipment has to pay, friend or not. Equally, anyone whose services I peruse is getting paid.

Friends are friends and business is business. If your friends are true friends they will understand this.