Instead, use procrastination. "We're waiting for investor funds." You are not an investor. What you're providing is a completed service. Unfunded ≠ You are taking a risk. This is to pass on the company's financing risk to the staff. “Studio/Client has not disbursed funds” Commonly used in commercial photography. “They often say that they have to wait for the customer to make a payment.” However, there is usually no direct contractual relationship between you and your client. Your contract is usually still with the production company. This is a common responsibility shift. "Accounting department is processing" Will drag: 2 weeks 4 weeks 8 weeks But there's never a specific date. This is time consuming warfare. "Definitely next week" This is the most common psychological delay. Always say: "It will be dealt with next week." But there is never a specific payment confirmation.
Batched micropayments e.g. owes $8,000, Start with $1,000. Then drag it out. The purpose is to: Reduce your motivation to sue Create the illusion of “processing” Request to resubmit documents Common: Re-submit Form W-9 Resubmit Invoice Refill Purchase Order (PO) Re-sign Document tactics drag time. Leverage industry relationship pressures “We've worked together before.” "Don't make this difficult." "We're all friends here." Moralize the recovery. You're embarrassed. Harnessing the psychological pressure of young workers Common goals: Newbie International staff
People who are afraid of spoiling relationships Because they usually don't go through the legal process. Extend Late Stage Infinitely Still editing Still dimming and toning. Not yet finalized trimming Link the payment to a vague definition of “Done”. Last Chance: Silence When you start being tough, They suddenly disappear. This is a test to see if you're really going to sue. California Practice Reminder In California, If the amount does not exceed $10,000, Small Claims is an effective tool. Many production companies pay when they receive a court notice. Because: Court Costs > Arrears. Core Realities Often, payment delays aren't caused by a lack of money. Because: There is no cost to dragging you along. When you send: Official Reminder
Reminder Court Notice The cost is there. Conclusion The most common delayed payment methods used by production companies are: Transfer of Liability Time Consumption Psychological stress Document tactics Micro-soothing The answer is not emotion. It's a process. When you go through the process, They will recalculate the risk.