🎥 The H2O Project is a documentary I’ve been pouring my heart into since 2020, highlighting community voices around water access. We’re stuck because some footage is missing: the cinematographer I paid $2,000 via GoFundMe sent files that won’t open. The files I received were unreadable without an expensive software I don't have the space for on my laptop. An .mp4 would've been great.
I need to work up the courage to reach out and get the missing footage so these voices can be heard. I’m pretty sure this is just a misunderstanding, but it’s been really frustrating.
If anyone has advice on how to approach a situation like this getting someone to honor their commitment without burning bridges I’d really appreciate it. This is what I've played out in my head so far:
Suggestions for approaching the cinematographer:
Start neutral and factual: Focus on the problem, not blame. Example:
“Hey, I’ve run into an issue opening some of the files. Could you resend them in a readable format?” Problem is I did this and I was ignored.Reference the agreement/expectation: Calmly remind them of the work/payment arrangement. I tried to ask for a Venmo receipt of our transaction for my files since my account was deleted after moving to Florida temporarily to escape from a known sexual predator in the area, also ignored.
Offer options: Ask if they can provide the files in a different format or help troubleshoot. I tried this, but again, I was mailed a hard drive that I had to pay an additional $50+ for only to get more unreadable/unusable files.
Keep communication written: Email or message, so you have a record if needed. Unfortunately, some of the earlier communications were lost when I relocated and had to go into a self-imposed witness protection situation.
Assume good faith, but set a timeline: “Would love to get these by [date] so we can finish the project.” At this point, contacting him about this again without a third party would be akin to digital stalking, no matter how valid. I can't just ask the same question over and over again expecting different results, like files that I can actually edit with the tools I have that are .mp4.