Warning: Don't work for John Ewing III (executive producer) or Marie Hedwood (line producer)!
They will not pay you! They will offer you less than minimum wage, then give you B.S. runaround stories about why you aren't being paid per the terms you originally agreed. More than a dozen crew members on their latest venture together are now waiting for their pay that was due at the end of the shoot!
So... If they are hiring you as the editor, good luck! You probably won't get paid either!
(...just bend over...)
Friday, March 20, 2009
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
David O Neal
Hello i recently answered an add for a guy that called himself David O Neal. He wanted stock footage around the L.A., Santa Monica, and Hollywood area. After I filmed what he wanted and he said he would send me a harddrive to transfer the files onto. He kept telling me it was on the way. Kept telling that. It was the holiday season so I gave him the benifit of the doubt. The harddrive never came and and he stopped returning the emails and phone calls. He is a scammer.
His email is editingbydave@aol.com
The title of the add was "2 day Stock Footage shoot Camera Person wanted (LA)". He also did one in Las vegas too I saw later. He said he would pay $950.00 Thanks and beware.
-----------------------------------------
Date: 2009-01-18, 6:12PM
I feel for you... David Oneal hired me on Dec. 17, 2008 to do the shoot and he asked me if I can deliver the footage to him before the end of the year? Then he wrote again (the same day) saying it would be nice to go out and get some footage in the rain and if I can start that day(it was raining that day). I thought that was odd since we haven't even spoke on the phone. So i told him i can start the next day and I would be happy to drive by his place in Burbank to introduce myself and also to pick up deposit since this was a big job...He never responded so i never did the shoot. I learned my lesson last year when a friend of mine friend ask me to shoot and edit his corporate event. We agreed on the fee of $700.00. I sent him the final and he said the check was in the mail. That was January 2008.
Good Luck, sorry you have to go through this just cause some idiot is out there trying to rip people off. This is one reason why us (camera ops) need to stick together and 1st stop taking work that pays peanuts and 2) get some kind of deposit up front. I know it's hard to ask, cause so many cameramen just are so hungry to get work we don't want to rock the boat.
----------------------------------------
Date: 2009-05-01, 11:43AM PDT
Due to the many responses regarding this clown I have to tell you to stay away. It's obvious he has done this to many of us free lancers. He hired me and quite a few others to shoot for some show on discovery about theme parks and stock type footage. I was stupid for starting the project without a contract, my mistake. As free lancers sometimes you take the work that way....Most of the people I have worked for are professional and appreciate the work that we do.
I shot some stuff and he kept telling me to send it to him on a drive. I told him to buy the drive and send it to me with the deposit. This he agreed to and even asked for the paypal account. After 3 months of "Oh yea I will send it over right away" I gave up knowing my work was a loss. I told him I was going to file with small claims and he kept saying "Don't do that, let's talk" HE NEVER DID WHAT HE SAID HE WOULD IN ALL OF OUR CONVERSATIONS.
I got some emails telling me that some of you were hired by him and even got paid while some of you did not. Feel lucky he paid you. I imagine he just hires a bunch of us to go shoot with for a steady rate then the first one of us who sends the footage on the drive either gets screwed or partly paid, while the rest of us who have worked get nothing.
I found postings on craigslist from other free-lancers that said they were hired for the same exact job as me and they were not paid either.......
LET MY STUPID MISTAKE BE A WARNING TO NOT WORK FOR THIS SCAM ARTIST WHO DOESN'T CARE ABOUT OUR INDUSTRY....
daveoneal.com
DAVE ONEAL
DAVID ONEAL
DAVID SHANAHAN
His email is editingbydave@aol.com
The title of the add was "2 day Stock Footage shoot Camera Person wanted (LA)". He also did one in Las vegas too I saw later. He said he would pay $950.00 Thanks and beware.
-----------------------------------------
Date: 2009-01-18, 6:12PM
I feel for you... David Oneal hired me on Dec. 17, 2008 to do the shoot and he asked me if I can deliver the footage to him before the end of the year? Then he wrote again (the same day) saying it would be nice to go out and get some footage in the rain and if I can start that day(it was raining that day). I thought that was odd since we haven't even spoke on the phone. So i told him i can start the next day and I would be happy to drive by his place in Burbank to introduce myself and also to pick up deposit since this was a big job...He never responded so i never did the shoot. I learned my lesson last year when a friend of mine friend ask me to shoot and edit his corporate event. We agreed on the fee of $700.00. I sent him the final and he said the check was in the mail. That was January 2008.
Good Luck, sorry you have to go through this just cause some idiot is out there trying to rip people off. This is one reason why us (camera ops) need to stick together and 1st stop taking work that pays peanuts and 2) get some kind of deposit up front. I know it's hard to ask, cause so many cameramen just are so hungry to get work we don't want to rock the boat.
----------------------------------------
Date: 2009-05-01, 11:43AM PDT
Due to the many responses regarding this clown I have to tell you to stay away. It's obvious he has done this to many of us free lancers. He hired me and quite a few others to shoot for some show on discovery about theme parks and stock type footage. I was stupid for starting the project without a contract, my mistake. As free lancers sometimes you take the work that way....Most of the people I have worked for are professional and appreciate the work that we do.
I shot some stuff and he kept telling me to send it to him on a drive. I told him to buy the drive and send it to me with the deposit. This he agreed to and even asked for the paypal account. After 3 months of "Oh yea I will send it over right away" I gave up knowing my work was a loss. I told him I was going to file with small claims and he kept saying "Don't do that, let's talk" HE NEVER DID WHAT HE SAID HE WOULD IN ALL OF OUR CONVERSATIONS.
I got some emails telling me that some of you were hired by him and even got paid while some of you did not. Feel lucky he paid you. I imagine he just hires a bunch of us to go shoot with for a steady rate then the first one of us who sends the footage on the drive either gets screwed or partly paid, while the rest of us who have worked get nothing.
I found postings on craigslist from other free-lancers that said they were hired for the same exact job as me and they were not paid either.......
LET MY STUPID MISTAKE BE A WARNING TO NOT WORK FOR THIS SCAM ARTIST WHO DOESN'T CARE ABOUT OUR INDUSTRY....
daveoneal.com
DAVE ONEAL
DAVID ONEAL
DAVID SHANAHAN
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Kevin Shulman/Kevin Dwyer @ Axiom 8 Films
I have worked on several jobs with Kevin Shulman/Kevin Dwyer, owners/producers of Axiom Films inc. aka Axiom 8. On each job I have done with them it has taken months to receive checks. There are several jobs from January that I haven't been paid on yet. I am not alone, there are other crew members in the same boat, ranging from Steadicam operators, grips, electrics all the way down to PA's. These people are not to be trusted, they have told me, and others, numerous times that my check is "in the mail" only to never receive one. They need to be stopped. They applied these same shady techniques with Raging Nation Films until they were both fired from that production company and started Axiom films Inc. applying the same shady practices.
Signed,
Disgruntled Gaffer
Signed,
Disgruntled Gaffer
Thursday, February 28, 2008
Michael Bowers / Xhaled Productions
Cam ops/Editors: AVOID Michael Bowers and Xhaled Productions
This is a warning to all Camera ops and editors:
Do not do any work for Michael Bowers or Xhaled Productions. He writes bad checks and refuses to pay for work you have billed him for. He might pay you on time for a couple jobs, but eventually he will just stop paying you.
Xhaled does paintball videos, and operates under the company CAM Business Solutions.
This is a warning to all Camera ops and editors:
Do not do any work for Michael Bowers or Xhaled Productions. He writes bad checks and refuses to pay for work you have billed him for. He might pay you on time for a couple jobs, but eventually he will just stop paying you.
Xhaled does paintball videos, and operates under the company CAM Business Solutions.
Thursday, December 27, 2007
Nu-Lite productions / Christina Johnson
Anonymous said...
I responded to an ad posted by this company. They're supposed to be a company that makes films about God and Jesus but they don't give a SHIT about that stuff.
They just want to make money.
---------------------------------
Posts from Craigslist:
Sunday, August 12, 2007
email from Nu-Lite productions - amazing reading - such assholes!
Date: 2007-08-12, 2:38PM PDT
the orginal contract said 6 days, she has never paid me the gas money, she never rented the gear I needed and now she is threatening me to take away my credit (big deal) if i don't work four more days.
Can you belived this? Too bad I never signed her silly contract. Any DPs out there want to take over?
As you can imagine, this was for free, I have no one to blame but myself.
Here's what we shot so far (two lights and a very small crew):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nmpabuV-Gfs
Doug,
How about these conditions. i get you nothing on that list that you
sent me, and you work with the lights that you have been given. You
give me the 4 days that we need to complete the picture, as
contracted. Or we hire another DP to complete the film and let him
take credit for your amazing photography. You have til Monday to give
me your response.
enjoy your weekend.
regards,
Christina Johnson
* Location: They make $50K
-----------------------------------------------------
director of photography
Reply to: nu.lite.managementcj@gmail.com
Date: 2007-08-13, 6:00PM PDT
we are a small production company with distribution. we produce two feature films a month and are looking for a dp.
* Location: Los Angeles
* Compensation: no pay
---------------------------------------------
gaffer with a few lights for 4 day shoot
Date: 2007-08-18, 11:58AM PDT
DP is dying on this project. I need some help.
Willing to spilt my (low) fee with gaffer with a few lights.
Easy shoot, lots of helping hands.
This is what we've shot so far.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nmpabuV-Gfs
Three days in West LA, one in downtown.
Starts Sunday (8/19).
Could be a good relationship builder.
* Location: westside
* Compensation: very low rate
---------------------------------------
FILM CREW NEEDED; for production company
[**********EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED*************]
Date: 2007-08-22, 4:26PM PDT
Production Company: Nu-Lite Entertainment
Non Union Feature Film. DP (preferably with camera), boom operator, production/set designer (could be art school student), prop master, gaffer/grip, wardrobe, makeup and hair, office/set production assistants, script supervisor, assistant camera,
also looking for screenwriters **some pay, depending on position. full credit + room for creative growth within company
* Location: los angeles
* Compensation: no pay
------------------------------
Sat, Feb 23, 2008 at 7:53 PM
Hello, this is [NAME REMOVED]. In regards to your posting that was posted on January 30, 2008 about the ad I posted on Craigs List... I was also a victim of this production company. I was working under Nu-Lite Entertainment for solely a week when I walked out due to the fact that they were not going to pay me as promised. I was overworked and I agree that this production company should be black listed. I would appreciate if my name/email was removed from this posting as if I did something wrong, because I am not one of their employees nor am I associated with them at all. The posting was made because I was told to recruit more people on the day they hired me. At the time I did not know what I had gotten myself into but as the week went on I was being extremely taken advantage of.
If there are any further questions, PLEASE get in touch with me.
Best Regards,
[NAME REMOVED]
------------------------------
Talented Film Crew Needed
Date: 2008-05-14, 5:41PM PDT
Nu Lite Entertainment in association with Black Christian Movies is currently seeking a DP, Gaffer, 1st AD, and a Production Assistant for an upcoming, independent feature film. The Shoot is scheduled for 9 days, May 24th- June 1st.
Compensation:
DP- $100.00/day
Gaffer- $50.00/day
1st AD- CREDITS ONLY, NO PAY
PA- CREDITS ONLY, NO PAY
This is a very low budget film but it will be a great experience and a good way to build credits. Please reply to asmmendoza@pcpa.org with position applying for in the Subject Line.
* Compensation: 50.00-100.00 pending experience
-------------------------------------
Director of Photography
Date: 2008-05-15, 12:05PM PDT
Nu Lite Entertainment is seeking an experienced DP for a low budget feature film. 9 day shoot May 24-June 1st. 100.00/day
* Compensation: 100.00/day
-------------------------------------
DON'T WORK FOR NULITE THEY ARE THIEVES (NULITE BLACK CHRISTIAN THIEVES)
Date: 2008-05-15, 12:30PM PDT
DO NOT WORK FOR NU LITE OR BLACK CHRISTIAN MOVIES. THEY ARE THIEVES WHO WILL ROB YOU AND NOT GIVE #*@! THEY HAVE DONE IT COUNTLESS TIMES TO PEOPLE IN THIS INDUSTRY AND ARE CONSTANTLY BEING TURNED INTO THE LABOR BOARD
* Location: NULITE BLACK CHRISTIAN THIEVES
* Compensation: PAY ATTENTION
----------------------------------------
Date: 2008-05-15, 1:22PM PDT
I second that.
Stay FAR AWAY.
-----------------------------------------
Flag Nu Lite Entertainment (LA)
Date: 2008-05-15, 1:02PM PDT
Nu Lite Entertainment produces black Christian films. Regrettably they have not treated those they've hired with Christian values and honored their commitment to pay their hires. Sorry to add to the echo of bad sentiment but these are untrustworthy people. Good luck.
------------------------------------------
Nu Lite
Date: 2008-05-15, 1:49PM PDT
Yes very bad. They are very shady.
------------------------------------------
RE: NULITE AND SUCH
Date: 2008-05-15, 1:39PM PDT
If I may quote William S. Burroughs:
"If you are doing business with a religious son of a bitch, GET IT IN WRITING. His word isn't worth shit, not with the good lord telling him how to fuck you on the deal."
------------------------------------------
Response to Nu-Lite bad news.
Date: 2008-05-16, 1:04AM
Yes, these guys are bad news though there's worse out there. If you absolutely have to have your name on a feature do one with them but they will lie then treat you badly even when there's no benefit for them to do so. It's just their nature.
------------------------------------------
DP WITH CAMERA FOR NU LITE CHRISTIAN FILMS (LA)
Date: 2008-08-09, 9:09AM PDT
DONT WORK FOR NU LITE OR BLACK CHRISTIAN FIMS.
THEY ARE FARRRRRR FROM CHRISTIAN.....CHRISTINA JOHNSON IS A FRONT WHO CAN"T FIGURE OUT SHE SHOULD BRING WATER TO THE SET, BE ON TIME OR LET ALONE PAY YOU ON TIME.
IF YOU ARE DESPERATE MAKE THEM PAY YOU IN ADVANCE FOR THE WEEK.
THEY ARE NOT WORTH THE FRUSTRATION OR DISRESPECT THEY HAVE SHOWN COUNTLESS OTHERS.
YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED.
PEACE
* Location: LA
* Compensation: $1.00
---------------------------------------
12/3/08
hi,
i have been posted on your blog with wrong information. the dp did not
get paid, he stopped showing up for work. i am asking that remove this
information immediately. please reply asap.
christina johnson
I responded to an ad posted by this company. They're supposed to be a company that makes films about God and Jesus but they don't give a SHIT about that stuff.
They just want to make money.
---------------------------------
Posts from Craigslist:
Sunday, August 12, 2007
email from Nu-Lite productions - amazing reading - such assholes!
Date: 2007-08-12, 2:38PM PDT
the orginal contract said 6 days, she has never paid me the gas money, she never rented the gear I needed and now she is threatening me to take away my credit (big deal) if i don't work four more days.
Can you belived this? Too bad I never signed her silly contract. Any DPs out there want to take over?
As you can imagine, this was for free, I have no one to blame but myself.
Here's what we shot so far (two lights and a very small crew):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nmpabuV-Gfs
Doug,
How about these conditions. i get you nothing on that list that you
sent me, and you work with the lights that you have been given. You
give me the 4 days that we need to complete the picture, as
contracted. Or we hire another DP to complete the film and let him
take credit for your amazing photography. You have til Monday to give
me your response.
enjoy your weekend.
regards,
Christina Johnson
* Location: They make $50K
-----------------------------------------------------
director of photography
Reply to: nu.lite.managementcj@gmail.com
Date: 2007-08-13, 6:00PM PDT
we are a small production company with distribution. we produce two feature films a month and are looking for a dp.
* Location: Los Angeles
* Compensation: no pay
---------------------------------------------
gaffer with a few lights for 4 day shoot
Date: 2007-08-18, 11:58AM PDT
DP is dying on this project. I need some help.
Willing to spilt my (low) fee with gaffer with a few lights.
Easy shoot, lots of helping hands.
This is what we've shot so far.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nmpabuV-Gfs
Three days in West LA, one in downtown.
Starts Sunday (8/19).
Could be a good relationship builder.
* Location: westside
* Compensation: very low rate
---------------------------------------
FILM CREW NEEDED; for production company
[**********EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED*************]
Date: 2007-08-22, 4:26PM PDT
Production Company: Nu-Lite Entertainment
Non Union Feature Film. DP (preferably with camera), boom operator, production/set designer (could be art school student), prop master, gaffer/grip, wardrobe, makeup and hair, office/set production assistants, script supervisor, assistant camera,
also looking for screenwriters **some pay, depending on position. full credit + room for creative growth within company
* Location: los angeles
* Compensation: no pay
------------------------------
Sat, Feb 23, 2008 at 7:53 PM
Hello, this is [NAME REMOVED]. In regards to your posting that was posted on January 30, 2008 about the ad I posted on Craigs List... I was also a victim of this production company. I was working under Nu-Lite Entertainment for solely a week when I walked out due to the fact that they were not going to pay me as promised. I was overworked and I agree that this production company should be black listed. I would appreciate if my name/email was removed from this posting as if I did something wrong, because I am not one of their employees nor am I associated with them at all. The posting was made because I was told to recruit more people on the day they hired me. At the time I did not know what I had gotten myself into but as the week went on I was being extremely taken advantage of.
If there are any further questions, PLEASE get in touch with me.
Best Regards,
[NAME REMOVED]
------------------------------
Talented Film Crew Needed
Date: 2008-05-14, 5:41PM PDT
Nu Lite Entertainment in association with Black Christian Movies is currently seeking a DP, Gaffer, 1st AD, and a Production Assistant for an upcoming, independent feature film. The Shoot is scheduled for 9 days, May 24th- June 1st.
Compensation:
DP- $100.00/day
Gaffer- $50.00/day
1st AD- CREDITS ONLY, NO PAY
PA- CREDITS ONLY, NO PAY
This is a very low budget film but it will be a great experience and a good way to build credits. Please reply to asmmendoza@pcpa.org with position applying for in the Subject Line.
* Compensation: 50.00-100.00 pending experience
-------------------------------------
Director of Photography
Date: 2008-05-15, 12:05PM PDT
Nu Lite Entertainment is seeking an experienced DP for a low budget feature film. 9 day shoot May 24-June 1st. 100.00/day
* Compensation: 100.00/day
-------------------------------------
DON'T WORK FOR NULITE THEY ARE THIEVES (NULITE BLACK CHRISTIAN THIEVES)
Date: 2008-05-15, 12:30PM PDT
DO NOT WORK FOR NU LITE OR BLACK CHRISTIAN MOVIES. THEY ARE THIEVES WHO WILL ROB YOU AND NOT GIVE #*@! THEY HAVE DONE IT COUNTLESS TIMES TO PEOPLE IN THIS INDUSTRY AND ARE CONSTANTLY BEING TURNED INTO THE LABOR BOARD
* Location: NULITE BLACK CHRISTIAN THIEVES
* Compensation: PAY ATTENTION
----------------------------------------
Date: 2008-05-15, 1:22PM PDT
I second that.
Stay FAR AWAY.
-----------------------------------------
Flag Nu Lite Entertainment (LA)
Date: 2008-05-15, 1:02PM PDT
Nu Lite Entertainment produces black Christian films. Regrettably they have not treated those they've hired with Christian values and honored their commitment to pay their hires. Sorry to add to the echo of bad sentiment but these are untrustworthy people. Good luck.
------------------------------------------
Nu Lite
Date: 2008-05-15, 1:49PM PDT
Yes very bad. They are very shady.
------------------------------------------
RE: NULITE AND SUCH
Date: 2008-05-15, 1:39PM PDT
If I may quote William S. Burroughs:
"If you are doing business with a religious son of a bitch, GET IT IN WRITING. His word isn't worth shit, not with the good lord telling him how to fuck you on the deal."
------------------------------------------
Response to Nu-Lite bad news.
Date: 2008-05-16, 1:04AM
Yes, these guys are bad news though there's worse out there. If you absolutely have to have your name on a feature do one with them but they will lie then treat you badly even when there's no benefit for them to do so. It's just their nature.
------------------------------------------
DP WITH CAMERA FOR NU LITE CHRISTIAN FILMS (LA)
Date: 2008-08-09, 9:09AM PDT
DONT WORK FOR NU LITE OR BLACK CHRISTIAN FIMS.
THEY ARE FARRRRRR FROM CHRISTIAN.....CHRISTINA JOHNSON IS A FRONT WHO CAN"T FIGURE OUT SHE SHOULD BRING WATER TO THE SET, BE ON TIME OR LET ALONE PAY YOU ON TIME.
IF YOU ARE DESPERATE MAKE THEM PAY YOU IN ADVANCE FOR THE WEEK.
THEY ARE NOT WORTH THE FRUSTRATION OR DISRESPECT THEY HAVE SHOWN COUNTLESS OTHERS.
YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED.
PEACE
* Location: LA
* Compensation: $1.00
---------------------------------------
12/3/08
hi,
i have been posted on your blog with wrong information. the dp did not
get paid, he stopped showing up for work. i am asking that remove this
information immediately. please reply asap.
christina johnson
Monday, October 22, 2007
Chad Marshall
IT IS TIME TO SPEAK THE TRUTH OF CHAD MARSHALL OF BELOW THE RADAR...CHAD BILLS HIMSELF AS A HOLLYWOOD PRODUCER BUT THIS BLOG SHALL REVEAL THE TRUTH. THIS SITE HAS BEEN SET UP FOR PEOPLE TO SHARE THEIR EXPERIENCES WITH CHAD MARSHALL.
http://chadmarshall.blogspot.com/
http://chadmarshall.blogspot.com/
Larry Ewing, Robert Johnson, EC Entertainment
These bastards produced a music video for MC Eiht & Ice cube a ways
back. Almost NO ONE got paid - not crew, not the location, not the
production staff, not vendors or catering, not even our firearms-
packing security Sully's Crew got their money. No deferment
agreements prior, no nothing. The address they gave as the place of
business turned out to not even exist (verified by Sully and his crew).
What is worse than all that is these people disappeared and let blame
fall upon the production and directorial staff who hired the crew and
rented the equipment from their own rolodexes, pulling favors in many
cases to get lower rates - effectively killing all those relationships.
It could be that Larry Ewing is just a poor Line Producer trapped in
between a dishonest scumbag Executive Producer and everyone who
didn't get paid. If that is the case, he is still a f*cker deserving
of scorn for not taking any steps to fix or honestly explain the
situation.
Robert Johnson (the executive Producer, NOT the glorious bluesman)
and EC Entertainment, however, need to be kept out of the business at
all costs. Despicable attitude and even worse business ethics. It
is not simply a case of running out of money or great
misunderstanding - it is outright fraud and they need to be painted
red so everyone knows it. And MC8 & Ice Cube, well, who knows how
much of this they were actually financing, if any, so...
back. Almost NO ONE got paid - not crew, not the location, not the
production staff, not vendors or catering, not even our firearms-
packing security Sully's Crew got their money. No deferment
agreements prior, no nothing. The address they gave as the place of
business turned out to not even exist (verified by Sully and his crew).
What is worse than all that is these people disappeared and let blame
fall upon the production and directorial staff who hired the crew and
rented the equipment from their own rolodexes, pulling favors in many
cases to get lower rates - effectively killing all those relationships.
It could be that Larry Ewing is just a poor Line Producer trapped in
between a dishonest scumbag Executive Producer and everyone who
didn't get paid. If that is the case, he is still a f*cker deserving
of scorn for not taking any steps to fix or honestly explain the
situation.
Robert Johnson (the executive Producer, NOT the glorious bluesman)
and EC Entertainment, however, need to be kept out of the business at
all costs. Despicable attitude and even worse business ethics. It
is not simply a case of running out of money or great
misunderstanding - it is outright fraud and they need to be painted
red so everyone knows it. And MC8 & Ice Cube, well, who knows how
much of this they were actually financing, if any, so...
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