Possible scam - Need your advice
Tue, 11 Dec 2012, 08:10 pmmusicalc13 posts in thread
Possible scam - Need your advice
Tue, 11 Dec 2012, 08:10 pmLessons Learnt
Tue, 11 Dec 2012, 10:26 pmTo be frank, the only real thing you can do is learn from the experience. When-ever payment or a fiscal exchange is involved, always ensure you have a legal document signed by all parties BEFORE Commencing work. If you are acting freelance in that you took this job without Agency representation, and you are not a member of MEAA/Equity, then because the contract was not signed and still is not signed, then there is not much you can do.
However, I will say that not being paid until the TV station pays is actually more common than one may believe and the fact that this guy is still talking to you is interesting. I would suggest that you keep on his back in case he is honest but hold little expectation of anything much.
Maybe you could consider cutting your loses and see if he would be prepared to give you/your friend some of the footage, enough to be able to add to a show reel, not as payment mind you. Don't accept footage in place of payment. That way, if the dollars never eventuate, at least you gain something from it.
You could investigate legal options I guess and some legal firms/representatives may offer free legal advice, but not many. If you are a member of MEAA/Equity, then they may be able to assist in some way.
In the end, weigh up the anticipated payment against the experience and lessons learnt and make a judgement on if it is worthwhile pursuing.
Absit invidia (and DFT :nono:)
Jeff Watkins