Financing a Dream

Update as of 10-15-2018 -- The case has been dismissed by both parties.  As we have agreed to move forward, the dismissed case will remain confidential.

Independent Filmmaking

I still remember the day I read the financing agreement. The contract was clearly one sided and favored Victor in every single way. He would get my money to pay for the production of the movie. He would also be paid about 25% of the total budget for his "services." I would be risking my life savings and would not get anything in return if the film failed or did not reach completion. I am not stupid and knew that the contract was not fair at all. Why wouldn't I take over the rights to the film if Victor breached the contract? I am the one financing it, right?  I remember jokingly telling him. "Wow, this is such a one-sided contract. You are not going to stab me in the back, are you?"  He quickly responded without looking at me, "of course not. I would never do that to you. I love you, baby."

After he responded to me, something felt really wrong. I felt a sharp pain in my stomach. I ignored it while I talked myself into this "generous act" I was doing for the man I loved....  and failed to hear my own inner truth.

Alfieri took advantage of my lack of experience in filmmaking. He led me to believe that I would virtually have no rights even though I was the sole financier of the film. The person with the money should have control and ownership, right? But that is not what Alfieri believes. He claimed to be entitled to my money, to all production decisions and to the rights over the film.

Almost three years after I signed that financing agreement with Alfieri and Bondolini Productions, I have acquired much more experience in independent filmmaking. I have learned that the toughest obstacle to overcome is the financing of the film. I have worked with production teams in raising funds and attracting investors.

These great teams with which I have worked, have been really appreciative and grateful for my contribution to the film. These films have great scripts and wonderful actors already attached to the projects. But why aren't some of these films in production already? Because the complete budget has not been raised.

This was not the case for Victor Alfieri. I gave him the greatest gift any independent filmmaker could ever wish for - I financed his dream!

How Did Alfieri Pay Me Back?

He took my money and did not thank me once. In fact, he acted as if he were doing me a favor by "allowing" me to invest in his great masterpiece. He eventually took what was left of my money and used it to hire and attorney to sue me.

The "traumatic" experience financing and producing "Looking for Clarissa" (formerly "Looking for Clara") turned my whole existence upside down. There were so many false statements about me made by Alfieri all over the internet. The assumptions people were making about me were harming my personal and professional life while tarnishing my reputation. I felt I had no other choice but to give my side of the story.  I became brave to speak my truth.

Just right before the Trevino-Alfieri story started, I used to be so afraid to speak up if it involved "telling on" somebody or  simply disagreeing with someone else's opinion. I wanted to be liked and accepted by everyone.

I have finally learned that my former people-pleasing attitude does not serve me any longer. It does not serve me, or anybody else, for that matter.  Who wants to hear lies or "sugar coated" truths? Some might say that they prefer to hear "white" lies instead of something hurtful. Is this actually true? If we search deep inside of us, we will find the answer... We are always looking for the truth. Being ready and able to face other people's and our own truth... That is a different story.

So do we bluntly state our likes and dislikes? There are always multiple ways to say the same thing without lying. There is nothing wrong with being polite and considerate towards others when communicating. In fact, that is the way I choose to live my life. But, there is a line that, when crossed, blurs our sense of self-respect and integrity.

How do we know we are crossing that line?  We ALWAYS know. It is that feeling in your gut - a sudden blow to the stomach, alerting you that you are stepping into a situation that goes against yourself, a situation that will throw you off balance. This experience certainly knocked me to the ground. Two years have passed... I have gotten up. I am standing strong in my truth, facing the present with honesty and looking forward to the future.

Disclaimer – As of October 15, 2018, all legal issues have been resolved. This resolution was reached during arbitration. There are no pending issues related to fraud or theft. The resolution was mutually agreeable. There will be no more posts written about this story.