Jorgelee.me

This blog post is a rant. I thought that since I’ve committed to my readers with inside look into my life, I should tell them the not so good as well. This incident was with one of my sponsors who own a music schoool providing music lesson in Markham and conductor of orchestra performing at Glenn Gould Studio in Toronto. If you type music school in Markham or Markham music school, their site will probably show up.

Some of you may know that the iDream project will no longer feature Kindred Spirit Orchestra because of differences. They basically wanted to make me a video grapher instead of a producer. Rreally? Like how? Like taking archival videos instead of b-rolls. The details are boring but the following events will make anybody’s blood pressure boil.

1. After looooon exchange of emails, most of which I have been threatened with lawsuits. Kindred Spirit Orchestra conductor and owner of International Music Academy Kristian Alexander agreed to just purchase the tapes. I thought it’s fair to be compensated for labor hours (which he believes is lesser than he claimed). There are 33 tapes with about an hour of video each. They agreed to pay $820.

2. Before the meeting, I told them by email that a dvd of one of the interviewee was to follow – western digital’s hard drive is busted (it’s a power problem).

3. Kristian Alexander of Internatioal Music Academy and Kindred Spirit Orchestra didn’t reaspond.

4. At the meeting, his boyfriend Jobert came first. Twenty minutes after, Kristian Alexander came and talked briefly – arrogantly.

5. His boyfriend took the tapes and put them beside him. Then Kristian asked where’s the cd – when I said it would follow he announced that he wouldn’t pay me.

6. I was ready to leave, tried to get the tapes and when Jobert pulled the tapes from me… Kristian told me that I was attacking Jobert. Seriously? By taking the tapes. I’m sure Novotel has security videos – so maybe we can watch it Kristian?

7. Fast Foward… I told them that I can’t produce the dvd on Friday because I’m preparing for a conference and leaving Toronto. He said that he wouldn’t pay me. Calmly I told them it’s not acceptable - this is a matter of principle. I will have to get what is owed to me. Kristian Alexander of International Music Academy and Kindred Spirit Orchestra has to live up to his promises as per his emails. Do I need the money? $820? Pfff… but if clients like this will continue to exploist freelancers, artists and designers… who will stand up for their/our rights?

8. We signed and agreement that they would be $820 if tape 6 (missing tape) and dvd were produced. If not, they have to pay $700. They have until August 16 to pay. But I honestly don’t trust them. Anyone who would say that I shouldn’t be transparent to musicians because “he knows his musicians” is… uhmm… not trustworthy.

All in all, it’s not a pleasant experience. I’ve been asked to document footages prior to talking to the musicians and been asked to discuss the project slightly different from what was intended. The irony? They call the orchestra Kindred Spirit Orchestra.

Good luck Kristian Alexander, but I’m ready to fight for my rights (not money, rights) and set an example for other freelancers.

Status: I emailed Kristian to inform him that the hard drive is inoperable and that we should agree on 700 as noted on the invoice. I haven’t heard a reply. His deadline to reply is at 12pm today.