Filmmaking / Directing : To not look amateurish and look like I did everything in my short... by Beth Zurkowski

Alan Smithee is a name that directors can use if their movie has been altered against their wishes. So I can't use Alan Smithee. I didn't know the DP would have been that appalling when I had him working for me. The sound guy doesn't want credit because he wants to be anonymous.

“Alan Smithee” is no longer used, anyway, except as an in-joke. Beth, I’d say, yes, you can just make up a name for the sound guy, since he doesn’t want his name attached anyway. I’m not sure about the DP– did you actually end up using him? And does he want a credit?

just move on.. its not worth making yourself crazy... There are many many people in this business that shouldn't be. I look at it this way, ( the usual I'm not an attorney note here ) ...If you have a contract with a crew member that stipulated a credit then, unless you fire them for cause, or they violate the contract, you have a legal requirement to list them. If they are doing something on a small project with no contract and they piss you off, well, its your project, decide for yourself what's in your long term best interest. If they want their name off, get it in writing and follow their wishes... As for a credit for a specific job that now has no name,,, leave out the credit. easy. If anyone asks you can choose to explain what happened.

Rachel Miranda Jones, Yes the DP was used. He did the work but it was at the end of shooting where he did the deed and it was so horrible and so much money was spent that he's not going to get credit. And yes he would love credit. But No.

Thanks Crystal Diane Stevens and Georgia Hilton.

What did that person do? Can you divulge, without naming names publically? Why, I ask, is that it would help all of us reading this thread, to know the kinds of things other Producers experience too, that are less than 'savoury'. Helps us to heal and understand, we are not alone when these things happen; and to be prepared for warning signs of certain behaviours about to transpire. If you can share, that would be such a blessing to us all......... thanks.

Jada Chela Drolma, he was a nice, helpful person with no warning signs other than refusing to look at my storyboards took my footage and wouldn't return it until I took him to court and then when he didn't show up I had to get the police to go get it. Bryan Lomax, with my legal counseling my attorney said don't give him credit.

Thank you Beth. My goodness... I am grateful for your revelations. I learn from all these experiences... and, I can empathise. I've had some pretty hairy things happen to me too, in my career........ Undermining from others; the 'Boys Club' antics due to sexual harrassment issues; sincerely assisting others who were too lazy to do their own work, who then backstab you... oh, the shenanigans in this industry. You are not alone in your sufferings... and, it is always a shock when these things happen. Stay strong; keep your cool... and, thank you for sharing.

Thanks Jaya.

Give him credit if you use any of his work. Font size three settings small, wedged between "thanks to the city of Hobokken for their distinct smell which we should have recognized around the work of" "Marginal Director of Photography Joe Bloe" Make sure the good DP gets good credit early in the credits. Divulge the turd's name to anyone that would possibly use him. If we do not uncover these unscrupled people in the industry they stay in the industry. I for one would want to know and avoid using him at all costs.

No thank you I will be sued for defamation of character. This happened in Rock county Wi. Look up the court records. I can't tell you anymore.

you don't decide the Film... the Film decides you...!

Well, if it's a comedy maybe you could put "DP - name redacted to protect the innocent" or something silly like that. BUT, you might want to check with someone who knows the legal ins and outs- you may have to give credit. I don't know.

Tiffany I like your idea about Name redacted to protect the innocent. I just called my lawyer and she said, The judge ruled in my favor, so, no, I don't need to give him credit.

You do not have to omit credit when asked, but it's nice to. As for DP ( Despicable Person ) it's up to you... unless there is a contract obligating credit. As a DP, I have a contract clause that allows me to choose credit, including none, and if I was in an unpleasant standoff with a producer I think I'd want my name off as much as they did. Sometimes we like to get removed from a stinker or disassociate ourselves from Despicable Producers. In the end it's probably moot. The only place it gets weird is if someone actually wants to take credit for all the work, as in a director who won't credit a DP and then uses the work on their own " Director / DP" reel.

Beth, as to the guy who doesn’t want credit for his participation, it’s his/her choice/right. Not knowing what the other party did; I really can’t comment. I’ve had a similar situation with a person who wanted to direct one of my productions. He failed to complete the project in a reasonable time and hijacked the film and some of the crew for his own use. I’ve learned to never use him or the crew people he took again. There are people like that out there - I just go on with others. (Oh, I won’t release the film – it’s really bad.)

Thanks Royce, DP (Despicable person works for me LOL!) Doug what happened to you sounds so close to what happened to me it's uncanny. Sorry to hear of your nightmare.

Beth, it’s not my nightmare, in the long run it’s his. He screwed the cast and crew out of festival exposure and himself out of any promotion, support or future work. Fortunately, I can just write him off, but I really feel badly for others involved.

its really simple. ( yes.... here's the: I'm not an attorney and an attorney should be consulted before making any final decisions ) ... Lets assume there is a written contract and it calls for work to be completed and for a credit. IF there is a contract calling for a credit you Give it to him whether he wants it our not. IF he doesn't want it you need to get a written letter asking you to allow him to get out of his contract with you. You hold the decision making at this point. If you DO NOT want to give him a credit and he is not willing to give you something in writing that lets you off the hook on the credit... in writing.. you need to either prove he's in breech of the contact. On the other hand if no contract exists OR the contract does not specifically call for a credit. You are completely in your rights to provide no credit at all.

Georgia, thanks for your comment. There was only a verbal agreement he would do the work. No contract. Of course after the fact he wanted me to sign his contract stating he owned all rights to the footage.And to give him $850.00 for 8 hours of work. Then he said I would be able to use the footage however I pleased. Yeah right.

Ouch! Call an attorney immediately!!!! .... or toss the project in the trash. ...if HE shot the footage and YOU don't have a contract or work for hire ... HE own the footage not you. you don't have any legal right to the footage... and the other side of it is HE doesn't have any legal right to the story... So unless you too come to an agreement its a total bust. You might have a slim chance in hell going to small claims court... if you have some emails, or electronic communications, or other proof he's shooting it FOR YOU as a favor. But frankly, a small claims court Judge, unless he simply doesn't show up in court, will probably tell you you'll have to pay him something for the work...

Georgia the judge ruled in my favor. My attorney says the footage is mine and I don't have to give him credit.

Beth, sorry to hear this occurred. Remember always put legal in first before doing anything - that is how to avoid issues. However, in this case I would suggest speaking to the attorney first yes. Then do what is fair for all involved. good luck

OUTSTANDING !!! Congrats... leave the jerk behind and move on!