Videographer Not Finishing Video -- Need Advice

cjtisdel

We used a videographer that we've recently discovered will not be finishing our video.  After a long period of not hearing from him, he finally returned my husband's email after we threatened suing him (which honestly, we would rather avoid).  He told us giving us a refund on our deposit would probably be the best option. 

He mentioned that he could "sell" us the raw footage, although he doesn't know what to charge since he hasn't done this before.  I know he's had some hard times this past year (hence the reason he couldn't finish the video), but I'm still feeling slighted after waiting for over a year.  He did travel an hour and a half to the venue and filmed the event, so we're thinking some money is due considering he did video the wedding.  Any thoughts from members on this?  What do you think is fair? We've never seen the footage, so we're doing this blindly.

Summer2011Bride

Did you have a contract with him? I guess it depends what you would like more: your money back or your video. For me personally, I would want the video since that's something we couldn't re-do. Is there anyway that if he gives you the raw footage, you know someone else who might be able to edit it for you? I frankly think he should give you a refund AND give you the raw footage for free and that's what I would argue for since he is not holding up his end of the contract.

melissarand

Get the raw footage! Editing video is no big deal at all. There is software for that so cross that bridge when you get it it. Once the video is in hand go to Best Buy and ask for easy to use video editing software or start asking around in your area for a local Videographer.

StephBeanWed61502

Get the raw footage for sure - you could definitely find someone to finish it for you relatively easily and probably not that expensively.

How much have you paid him so far?  Our videographer is giving us the raw footage, and our "raw footage only" package was actually significantly cheaper than the packages with finished videos, since the videographer doesn't have to spend any time on editing.  If you've already paid him a significant portion of what you owe him, he should just keep it and give you the footage, not charge you extra for it.

cjtisdel

We're working on getting the raw footage from him, but it just occurred to me after reading all of your posts that he might be thinking he is getting more money for that footage.  I'm having my husband clarify that he isn't actually looking for more money, because that just isn't happening.  We gave him $750 of the $1000 we were going to pay him.

I would like to get at least $500 back in addition to the footage.  I know he spent the time that day filming it, but he also waited to respond after months of messages to him only when he was worried that we were going to sue him.  It's been over a year -- I'm thinking we should be getting some kind of consideration?   Does getting money and the raw footage back seem fair?

photogbride12

I think you can get either money or raw footage, but not both in this case. Obviously the raw footage is the more valuable of the two so go for that.


In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/special-topic-wedding-boards_photos-video_videographer-not-finishing-video-need-advice?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Special%20Topic%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:30Discussion:07c5e809-f4cb-40cf-9809-8addfef72733Post:5e0ce034-c141-4f4a-8259-024225beffee">Re: Videographer Not Finishing Video -- Need Advice</a>:
[QUOTE]We're working on getting the raw footage from him, but it just occurred to me after reading all of your posts that he might be thinking he is getting more money for that footage.  I'm having my husband clarify that he isn't actually looking for more money, because that just isn't happening.  We gave him $750 of the $1000 we were going to pay him. I would like to get at least $500 back in addition to the footage.  I know he spent the time that day filming it, but he also waited to respond after months of messages to him only when he was worried that we were going to sue him.  It's been over a year -- I'm thinking we should be getting some kind of consideration?   Does getting money and the raw footage back seem fair?
Posted by cjtisdel[/QUOTE]

nkschwb

Paying him 3/4 of the agreed upon amount already is more than enough.  For him to think he should receive anymore is ridiculous.  The raw footage belongs to you.

MikeLemovitz

Worry about the financial aspect after you have the footage in your possession!  If I were him, I'd be refunding and providing the raw footage for free.