Filmmaking / Directing : Do you need a deal memo or a contract for unpaid/deferred payment film? by Daniel Mooney

I was told that paperwork is king and as someone who wants to direct - can help get a foot in the door for the DGA. But unpaid, "everyone wears every hat indie feature" - should you really push for it? What about if it stipulates deferred payment or would that be another document? Basically I have a director on a project who is saying he would sign a paper that says I crewed on it but won't sign an actual contract because he wants a lawyer "after the film makes bank" to do all that. Thoughts? Not like I am expecting anything but I just want to know for future projects if I should get everything, including payment on paper up front.