This Dallas-based filmmaker requested services from my company, but had little money to pay the hourly rate. He contracted with me to give me film credits and pay my out of pocket expenses if I would help him market his film.
After the film was nearly completed, after nearly one year of work -representing him at film festivals, creating promotional materials, working on his website regarding the film seawarriors.com, helping produce the trailer for marketing, reasearching & contacting worldwide distributors, sending the trailer of the film around the world for distribution 'look-sees', etc - he then decides he doesn't need help anymore, and will not "continue using my services".
In addition, as he walked me out the door, he says he will pay me for all that I did on the film - not to worry. One year later, invoice after invoice, email after email, he says he still cannot pay what he owes me - and that many othersare in line to be paid as well.
I contact my attorney, because he's obviously not going to pay, and it was his intent from the start, and he pays $500 toward his balance of $5000, saying it's "on account".
I am taking him to small claims court for the balance.
I spoke with other filmmakers (James Neel) who also said Chip Richie didn't pay him either, for the work done on Sea Warriors.
Chip Richie cannot be trusted. If you are a service company in the film industry, do not do anything for his company, or alias companies, unless you get cash up front.
0 comments