Everybody has complained about at least one or an ongoing miserable experience in the entertainment and news business at one time or another but this documentary has got to be the most comprehensive and best depiction of this screwed up business that I have ever seen. It’s not told with the typical cynical complaining that you might expect but instead in a calm, respectful way, considering how the industry treats contractors. It is about visual effects artists and their company that worked on the 2013 Oscar winning movie, Life of Pi, but were bankrupt just two weeks prior to that awards ceremony. And to add insult to injury, they didn’t even get mentioned by the award recipients on stage because of reasons you will see.
It shows the dangers of a flat rate contract and how quickly it can erode your profit on the backend. It shows how studios chase tax incentives in other states and countries requiring relocation of the VFX facilities and staff along with the toll it takes on them. Just as most of us do, it shows how they absolutely loved their craft and sometimes worked with very late or no guarantee of pay just to get it done right. It states that the compensation structure for VFX companies and artists is flawed. Take a moment to watch this well produced documentary, you’ll be glad you did. It gives another meaning to the phrase, all dressed up and nowhere to go.
Life After Pi VFX Bankruptcy Documentary
http://youtu.be/9lcB9u-9mVE