Help needed. Model Release?

[Blingblang]

Hello there,

 

I've recently completed a set of images for an architectural firm but have decided to discontinue work because of a) Unreasonable/unworkable deadlines.

 

They requested the model that I've done to be released for another firm - this model is massive - the project is like 5 major buildings in one. And I do not want to release it because it takes about 100 hours+ to build+update. I believe I reserve model right because I was commisioned for the imaging.

 

Any replies would be greatly appreciated.

[bricklyne]

From what I understand of what you've explained, the company only have the right to demand the images (which you've already provided them with) as that is the extent of your commission. The model is made by you for the primary purpose of enabling you to produce the images, and as such you still reserve the right to withhold it, if you prefer, or to sell it to them ( yes, sell it; especially seeing as it represents a fair chunk of your productive workload, and hours, that can ultimately be used to produce more images faster by someone else using your sweat, time and efforts).

 

I would recommend you try an negotiate a price to sell it to them for, if that is what you decide, considering the fact that you are also selling them the right to use it as they please, as well as to take credit for it. Of course if they are reluctant to meet your price( as they likely may be), then let them do without it and have whomever they hire next construct a model from scratch. After all, they (that architectural firm) are trying to get out of having to pay the extra hours involved in modelling the building from whomever they hire next, which is why you should be paid regardless of the fact that you already produced the images as per your commission.

 

just my 2 cents.......

[GeraldH]

Others may do it differently...but my standard contract states that the client is purchasing a printable, digital image. The model (less materials and lighting) may be purchased separately if a price can be agreed upon.

It sounds as if your agreement is fairly loose if you can back out of the job before what was initially determined to be the completion of the project. There is obviously much I can't know about your relationship with this client, like payment history and satisfactory performance of both parties up to this point...but, you may want to consider the position they are in.

Good luck.

[Ernest Burden III]

Don't release the model unless you absolutely have to. It's unclear how much of what you promised to do you actually did before deciding to bow out. But unless you said they would get the model, they should not get the model.

 

If the client wants it so another company can complete the project, they must understand that they will be paying more and waiting longer to get there. So the best option for all is if you can work out some new terms by which you can complete the thing. Unless they were completely dishonorable, you should be able to come up with a time/cost that you are willing to complete under. And if they were jerks to you, you shouldn't worry so much about leaving them without a model to continue with.

[bokkins]

The best way i guess is to negotiate it. are you still under contract with them? if you happen to be, you are still oblige to produce images that are within the scope of the contract, terminating the contract will also mean surrendering the model for continuity of timeline (no backlogs). if it will be for another contract, then you have the right to sell your model.

[Sindala]

I agree with ernest.

 

Also your model probably has commercial textures and models in it. Remember you can't simply hand these over.

however, if you want to keep a good relation with the client you might consider stripping it and handing it over for a fair price to keep their project running. we 3d-guys are only a small cogwheel in the whole process. And i've found that architecture is a small world where reputation can be just as important as quality. On the other hand, if you hate their guts, it's your compagny, so screw em !

[4DM]

You may still find you are under an obligation - legal, or moral - to provide them with what you agreed to at the beginning of the commission.

 

In the event that you are pulling out of this arrangement, albeit with good reason, and if you are absolutely sure that you would have no further involvement in the project, it would actually benefit you (and your client) if you sold your model to them (minus textures, or any 3D objects that you have bought in, if necessary) for an amount that reimburses you for your time spent.

 

That way, everyone goes away happy, and your reputation is still intact, if somewhat battered!

 

It is a small world, and no-one wants to be thought of as unreliable in this business.

 

But that also cuts both ways, of course - and if the firm in question has a habit of treating their suppliers unreasonably, word will get out about them too.

 

Don't get mad, get even !

 

Good luck,

 

D.

[JamesTaylor]

this will sound very harsh and is probably unreasonable too!!

 

if you are obliged to give them the model, you could always explode the 3d solids (presuming its an autocad file) so they just become 2d faces! it'll be a pain for anyone who has to work with it there after!

 

like i say probably out of order, but........

[Craig Ramsay]

this will sound very harsh and is probably unreasonable too!!

 

if you are obliged to give them the model, you could always explode the 3d solids (presuming its an autocad file) so they just become 2d faces! it'll be a pain for anyone who has to work with it there after!

 

like i say probably out of order, but........

 

Hehe yeah, subdivide it with something like lightscape 1st