Help with script

[Samsuperfly]

Basically, we started shooting our first project in january of this year, but due to my deparure to New Zealand, we didn't get the chance to finish it. Therefore I am completley re-writing the script ready for when I return to the UK over christmas. The problem is that the person who is helping me doesn't really contribute much (even thought he thinks he is), he comes ups with ideas but is not willing to take those ideas further. He keeps asking for me to e-mail him the story and script etc, but I am reluctant to send them to him, especially online. But I do not want to upset him because he is one of the leads in the film. Can anyone help me?

 

[titaniumdoughnut]

Ohhh... that's tough, yeah, I've been there. If alienating him would have a bad effect on the film you need to string him along, doing his work too, until it's done and then explain that he didn't contribute enough to warrant the same credit as you I think. Just try to keep him happy. If he can't pull his weight as it is you can probably let him do simple stuff and he'll feel good.

Do you think he's going to rip you off if you send him the script?

 

[Samsuperfly]

I'm not sure, he's been my friend for a while, but during the time i have been away, he has left college, and hasn't got a job at the moment, and is eager to get into film but hasn't done a thing to get there. Thats why i'm not sure about sending it to him. Incase he uses it for himself. Do you think i should send it to him via post with my signature etc on? Or should i just give him a brief outline of whats going on, and not actually send him the script.

 

[Loucien]

You could send him an outline and assign him some specific - quantifiable - tasks (such as finding a suitable location, sourcing costumes, sourcing other cast and crew, researching something you're thinking of including in the story) to keep him working on the film (and giving him set goals so he'll know when he's not pulling his weight). Then say you'll send him the full script once you've done tinkering with it, and make sure that coincides with you being back from NZ.