Musical artists in LA beware of "Daevilus & Lismatic Ent." run by the duo Anna Grafman (thin black woman) and Miguel Davilus (Mexican man). They are a couple. To get to the point, I am a music artist who signed a contract for them to shoot a music video for me back in March. It is almost August and I still have nothing to show for it. It all started when I answered an ad on Craigslist to have a free music video shot. 3 other artists and myself were selected by "Daevilus & Lismatic Ent." to have their videos shot. At the first meeting I was told I would need to provide $350 for equipment and catering. I agreed to that and paid $350 in two installments as they requested. Later on I was told I would need to pay another $200 for a location or find a location of my own. When I couldn't lock down my own location I came up with the $200 for theirs. The video was originally slated to be shot in May. At the last minute 1 day before I was told that the dancers and the choreographer had to go out of town for another gig. I recently found out that was a lie from the choreographer himself. I also found out that they lied and told him that I changed the location at the last minute. Anna, who supposedly handles all of the business while Miguel directs, said that we would shoot the video in July instead.
So since May I have been having to keep in contact with them, while they tried to get it together, which they never did.in the meantime I was told in April that they were doing a press release/show for the videos that were shot and wanted me to perform a set. I agreed to pre-sale tickets which I don't do anymore, especially for promoters I don't know. I did it because I trusted them. Anyway I ended up coming out of my pocket an extra $70 as a result. The show date comes in June and what do you know, Miguel and Anna are no shows. There is no video showing, there was no promotion for it, and the people at the venue rudely rush me on stage only to find out that the next act has bailed out so they beg me to do two more songs. My people showed and a few others, but over all I was duped. Of course when I speak to Anna she says "We we had nothing to do with that show." What? I wouldn't have done the show if I was told that. Another lie.
Ok, so all during June I'm asking for dates for the shoot. It takes her days and sometimes a week to get back to me with the same answers, "We don't know yet" and "We're shooting pilots for Showtime." Really? Ok. Alright through this whole time, I'm being very patient and understanding with these people. We get to the beginning of July and Anna says "Ok. If we can't shoot the video this month we'll just give you a refund." I say ok, either way is cool because this track is on my next project anyway, it's not urgent. We speak a few days later and she says, "We're going to just do a refund so we don't keep you waiting. It's going to take two weeks for us to get it to you." I say "Why would it take two weeks?" She says "Because our business manager has to write us a check and it could take up to two weeks or maybe less." Now I'm thinking, it doesn't take two weeks to write or receive a check from your own business account, but ok. 1 week later I call for an update. Anna is all flustered and can't even get the lie out straight. She says "Our business manager refuses to give the money back, because it's already spent." Now I'm getting pissed, but I stay calm but assertive to let her know I'm onto her BS. I asked "What do you mean it's all spent? I don't have a video." She proceeds to tell me what the video would have costed. My point still remains, this is the agreement we signed stick to it.
This is now the 18th of July so it had been 3 and a half months since we signed the contract and now she wants me to wait another month until the 16th of August until I get my money. Long story long, I told her that was unacceptable, sent her an email detailing my side of things and now they are avoiding my calls, emails and a request for a public sit down. Miguel seemed to be a good guy and talented as well. But the fact that he hasn't reached out to me at all doesn't sit well with me. When we first started to discuss the refund Anna even tried to insinuate that I was only owed $175. So either she was trying to be a snake or she wasn't on top of her business. Neither are good. They owe me money and whether or not I get it back from them I think the world should know that Annastasia Grafman and Miguel Davila are Big Liars.
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