Consulting on a Major Studio Project

[BattleDolphinZero]

Also, in animation it's common for all the various artists to chime in with story ideas as the movie is being made.

This is a strange situation.

[jimjimgrande]

Yeah, I second what Jeff said about having your attorney contact the outside producers.

Maybe after you've met the internal producers and told them that you've been consulting on the project and after you've met with the agent and, to whatever extent you can, asked his opinion of the situation.

Be curious to know how this turns out (and what it is, too - but posting it here probably isn't a good idea.)

credit, at least as anything other than a consultant, doesn't seem like it can be on the table, but getting paid should be.

[bortus]

Thanks folks. It's definitely a weird one... I'll report back once there's some progress.

[Geoff Alexander]

As everyone else has said, it is strange, and your entertainment attorney should bring up the question of credit and payment with the parties with whom you've worked. I have a question for you, why you? Why are you in a position to consult on a preexisting property for a company when you seem to have no track record? Do you have specialized knowledge, i.e., military, police, medical, that sort of thing, that would give your input value for their process?

And, I'd have to say that two years goes way beyond doing someone a favor or giving casual input. If what you did was substantial work and is something that they used to move the project forward, then you should tell them you want a credit and you want to get paid should the project go into production. Period.

[BurOak]

Originally Posted by SBScript

As everyone else has said, it is strange, and your entertainment attorney should bring up the question of credit and payment with the parties with whom you've worked. I have a question for you, why you? Why are you in a position to consult on a preexisting property for a company when you seem to have no track record? Do you have specialized knowledge, i.e., military, police, medical, that sort of thing, that would give your input value for their process?

And, I'd have to say that two years goes way beyond doing someone a favor or giving casual input. If what you did was substantial work and is something that they used to move the project forward, then you should tell them you want a credit and you want to get paid should the project go into production. Period.

I was wondering the same thing myself.

[bortus]

Basically a unique subject matter expertise, combined with being in the right place at the right time, and knowing the right person. Just crossing my fingers that we can keep the whole thing going and get everything above board!

[Geoff Alexander]

Originally Posted by bortus

Basically a unique subject matter expertise, combined with being in the right place at the right time, and knowing the right person. Just crossing my fingers that we can keep the whole thing going and get everything above board!

I sort of figured it was specialized knowledge. Get what you can, but be willing to settle. It could be anything from a "Special Thanks" in the credits and a little payment to a (co) Producing or EP, or AP credit, all contingent upon how clearly your contribution would be reflected going forward and upon how well your attorney is able to navigate the companies to create a reasonable agreement.

[LIMAMA]

Boy, talk about a minefield.

[Rhodi]

Correct me if I'm wrong, but it seems to me like this guy has followed advice similar to that often dispensed by pros on this forum regarding working on spec for production companies and has gotten seriously burned.

Bortus - I truly feel sad for the situation you find yourself in, because I have a very bad feeling you'll end up paddling with your hands at the tributary of Up **** creek and **** Out of Luck river.

[bortus]

Nah. Even if I never get a dime or a thank you, it's been a great project and a huge calling card. Professional recognition would be great and I'll pursue that for as long as possible -- but there's nothing to be sorry for here, this is overall a really good situation.