May have screwed up... little help!

[Production]

I've started a production with a DGA director without being a signatory. I was under the impression that you could work with union personnel as long as you pay the pension, health, etc to the union. In fact, I was calling the DGA to ask how/where to pay the pension and health, when they asked if we were already a signatory - I said no.

Unfortunately, we've started production, paid the director his startup fee, but done so without being signatory first.

I'm currently applying to be a signatory, but wondered, should I apply without letting them know that we've started principal/paid the director, or just go ahead and come clean and let them know what we've done.

I guess my worst-case scenario worry is that they reject us or yank the director or he gets in trouble... can any of this happen?

It's a small budget doc, and we've only really shot for two days so far, but I HAVE already paid the director.

Please let me know what I should do. I've asked people I trust and they say to just apply and say nothing. I just usually don't like going down that route - I would rather fess up, but don't want to do it if it gets us in trouble.

Thanks!

 

[directorik]

This is a business. Do not lie to the guild.

What if you lie to them and they reject your
signatory status? Will that be a better business
decision for you in the long run?

Yes. Your worst-case scenario might happen, but
in my opinion lying to the guild in the hope you
will avoid problems isn't the proper way to do
business.

 

[Samiammi]

Yeah, I'm not as far along as yourself, but if you attach your name to a project - making a mistake is human, it could develop into a trust issue in the future if you try to cover it up though.