Producing : Background Check? by Steven Kalocinski

I think eye-to-eye and 'gut' feelings are best.

Well, what is the concern that would require one? I don't do them, don't agree with them, and don't work for people who ask me to submit to one (with RARE exception). There are a couple situations which require them - sometimes working on reality shows with kids require them (though I worked Redneck Vacation, and seriously, the BG check certainly said nothing about people on that set who passed).

it is necessary to check on some one who worked with them before.

I don’t have a concern, but there’s no harm in checking the background of who’s financing your film, especially if you don’t know the person. Any recommendations are appreciated.

Thanks, Willem!

If you've got a solid contract with them that doesn't give them any kind of control, the only important thing is that their checks don't bounce.

Unless you're worried that guys with no necks and hairy thumbs might come to collect. :)

No, I’m not worried, and I don’t have a contract either. I have been taken advantage of before, and I don’t want it to happen again. I’m just looking for recommendations. I don’t need to do a background check now. I’d rather be prepared if the time comes.

Steven Kalocinski Since it seems you are talking about financiers, you can and should check their professional credentials and history (that's not a "background check" in my book). As them what they have successfully funded before, and do your own due diligence in checking those films out - imdb, the film makers themselves, etc. As a rule, when I deal with investors/finders and reps, I exchange professional information, which is to say I don't give my own unless I am getting theirs first or at the same time.

Thank you.