Alvin Kromka

Not sure if this is allowed (didn't see anything in forum rules regarding youtube clips) and I apologize if it isn't, but someone just sent me a funny clip that illustrates the frustrations of having to deal with clients. http://www.vendorclientvideo.com/

My situation was slightly different. I was paid $100 to do multimedia for a show. As a bonus I got my relatives, who are professional film makers to come and film the event. I said I would edit it together as an xmas gift to the performers. No commitments or agreements were made. I put together a promo clip and uploaded it to youtube. Everyone was happy except one performer who sent me an abusive email as she was not happy with her performance and in turn slagged off the whole production. I re-edited the promo, taking her out and continued editing. I received another abusive email and decided to put it on hold. Fast forward to January and suddenly there has been a change in attitude. Now she is claiming to be a producer of the show and wants the entire show edited and forwarded to her fictitious production company ASAP. I did not respond. The emails kept coming, this time threatening legal action. I had been assured by my Uncle (who filmed the show and is a professional editor) that she had no rights to the footage only to her image. So, I didn't have to give her anything, but I would need permission to use her image. I relayed this information to her through the actual producer and the legal threats stopped. Unfortunately in the creative service area everyone wants something for nothing yesterday and they will try and pull one over you until you let them know that you are not a doormat. Know your rights and don't cave in. Unless there is a signed contract stating that you are paid to film the show and that the artist has complete rights over the footage I cant see how they can legally retrieve it. I could be totally wrong though. Is there a lawyer in the house? BTW they were friends of mine as well. Were. I eventually gave them the footage once they understood that I wasn't going to give in to bully tactics.