So I got a call from a client last week. This is a client that hadn't paid me for a project I helped them cast. As it turns out, the client hadn't paid me yet because they were tallying up the total amount they owed me based on the number of times they used the talent that I sent their way for other projects. Not only am I getting paid for the one project I thought I'd have to take a loss on, but I'm getting more than I thought!
TIP OF THE WEEK: I am very fortunate that I have never had to "eat" a gig because the client didn't pay up. I have heard many horror stories of my peers getting hosed by a client and I count my blessings. For you new talents out there, you need to do a few things to make sure you get paid:
1) Watermark your auditions or only submit a sample of the script for consideration so they can't use it.
2) Document all compensation agreements, even if you just save the email confirming the rate. If it was agreed to over the phone, send a confirmation email detailing the rate, form of payment, technical requirements, and deadline.
3) Invoice the client immediately. Make sure you breakdown the compensation structure, expected turnaround, etc.
4) Don't be afraid to follow up! Just make sure you do it in a reasonable and professional manner. For example, if the cycle is 30 days, give it 30 days plus a week for the check to process, print, and get mailed to you.
QUOTE OF THE WEEK: Let the small stuff go. Charles Grodin
STUFF!: My old friend Jason Yudoff and his band The New Hotness is performing this week. I've seen them live and they are the shiz-nit!!!
From Tom Dheere's apartment, this is Tom Dheere, GKN News.
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