Using footage from another Cinematographer for a feature to be shot?

XiaoSu Han · February 5, 2009

Hi!

We are currently preproducing a feature film and have encountered a slight problem.

To explain the history of that feature film, it seems that it has been already shot once, but they had so many issues that they are re-shooting the complete film, including changing names, title, locations, basically everything.

We (are two DPs) got on board on this film at the end of last year, and since we are based somewhere else, we just arrived 3 weeks prior to shooting. Now that we're here and already started preproducing quite a bit, someone mentioned that they are reusing quite a big scene from the last film. It wasn't really told or discussed with us, we just overheard it.

So there are a few points why we won't accept the fact that they want to reuse the scene.

- We just heard about this now, after two weeks of script talks with the director and after arriving here.

- It's shot on the HVX200 with lens adapter, the new film is going to be shot on the RED

- difference in look, technical quality, and style

- difference of matching the scene (since there is a scene before and after that which go in continuity)

- having someone else's work in something you want to create from scratch

PS: this is a low budget film and we've been offered a small rate which we've re-invested into the film, we are paying for all our expenses ourselves.

Did someone encounter such a thing before and what would be the right thing to do?

Thanks for any inputs, regards Xax

Chris Keth · February 5, 2009

Ultimately it's not your movie, so it's not your choice. Have you seen the scene in question?

Personally, I would strongly advise against them reusing the scene. It will look very different and will probably be somewhat different in style and feel. I also wouldn't feel comfortable with someone mistaking someone else's work for mine.

Adrian Sierkowski · February 5, 2009

I have to agree with Chris 100%

XiaoSu Han · February 6, 2009

We've seen the other footage and it's completely not our style. We would have to adjust and compromise our shooting style for that, especially for the scene after and before that. (actually we are shooting the first half of that scene also). Other than that it's overexposed, lacks contrast and technical standard. We are absolutely not comfortable to have that scene under our name!

Since we've invested quite a bit into this film as in resources (we're bringing a camera package for free), wouldn't that make it our film as well?

Thanks for the input so far, regards Xax

Chris Keth · February 6, 2009

We've seen the other footage and it's completely not our style. We would have to adjust and compromise our shooting style for that, especially for the scene after and before that. (actually we are shooting the first half of that scene also). Other than that it's overexposed, lacks contrast and technical standard. We are absolutely not comfortable to have that scene under our name!

Since we've invested quite a bit into this film as in resources (we're bringing a camera package for free), wouldn't that make it our film as well?

Thanks for the input so far, regards Xax

Sounds like you should try hard to be able to reshoot that scene.

I don't know your arrangements concerning your investment in the film. You might have some degree of controlling interest or you may not. It all depends on what you agreed to.

Edited February 6, 2009 by Chris Keth

Mike Washlesky · February 6, 2009

We've seen the other footage and it's completely not our style. We would have to adjust and compromise our shooting style for that, especially for the scene after and before that. (actually we are shooting the first half of that scene also). Other than that it's overexposed, lacks contrast and technical standard. We are absolutely not comfortable to have that scene under our name!

Since we've invested quite a bit into this film as in resources (we're bringing a camera package for free), wouldn't that make it our film as well?

Thanks for the input so far, regards Xax

Why are they so determined to re-use that footage? Have they given you an explanation as to why?

Adrian Sierkowski · February 6, 2009

My bet is that it's a big and expensive scene to re-shoot....

XiaoSu Han · February 7, 2009

yes, it's a scene where a car gets smashed up pretty good. so budget is the main reason of course.

we've settled on using the very close shots of the car getting smashed only which is like 3 closeups and we designed a few shots for after and before the scene in which the car is not shown.

it was a pretty good talk and it has been settled so far

thanks for the input :)

Mike Washlesky · February 7, 2009

yes, it's a scene where a car gets smashed up pretty good. so budget is the main reason of course.

we've settled on using the very close shots of the car getting smashed only which is like 3 closeups and we designed a few shots for after and before the scene in which the car is not shown.

it was a pretty good talk and it has been settled so far

thanks for the input :)

Yeah if thats the case, mix and make it work. Re-shoot any close-ups or dialogue you can cheat away from main action, I dont think the audience will notice if you can hide the new material within the old footage. Sounds like enough action is going on to hide the image differences. As for the difference in styles, sounds like the plan was set before you guys arrived anyways...

Freya Black · February 9, 2009

Hi!

We are currently preproducing a feature film and have encountered a slight problem.

To explain the history of that feature film, it seems that it has been already shot once, but they had so many issues that they are re-shooting the complete film, including changing names, title, locations, basically everything.

Hang on this sounds familiar! This isn't a remake of a Polish film called "47" which was abandoned due to a terrible tradgedy is it?

love

Freya