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Subject: Re: [AE] contracts, slightly OT
From: Jim Curtis <jpcurtis@me.com>
In-reply-to: <list-4753600@media-motion.tv>
Date: Thu, 21 Jun 2012 10:32:39 -0500
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Message-id: <0D1CA07B-C17B-4933-B246-55A135CEA24F@me.com>
References: <list-4753600@media-motion.tv>
To: After Effects Mail List <AE-List@media-motion.tv>

I have different kinds of clients.  Some are small production companies =
and agencies.  Some huge corporations and non-profits.  The latter ones =
make me sign their PSA, and I always get paid on their schedule.  It's =
the small agencies who are the worst, and the most likely to either =
nickel-and-dime me, take forever to pay, or dock my invoice for some =
imagined shortcoming.

I wish I could hold onto masters as a lien/security, but most projects =
are time-sensitive, and that's seldom possible or practical.

When I was in production, and on the hook for payments for film, =
freelancers, meals, travel, etc., I demanded =E2=85=93 up front, =E2=85=93=
 upon completion of production, and balance upon delivery of master, =
spelled out in a written agreement.

But, now I'm strictly post.  I do have a standard spiel for new clients: =
 I charge by the hour until a working relationship is established, so I =
know what I'm getting into in terms of client involvement and working =
methods.  If they demand a bid, I tell them up front, I'm going to bid =
double what I think the job will really require, to try to prevent =
working for half price.

Nothing is written.  It says on my invoice that "Payment is due upon =
receipt" (although many of them ignore this, and pay me after they get =
paid). =20

I haven't been shafted since I cut an independent short for a so-called =
"friend."


On Jun 21, 2012, at 8:28 AM, henry birdseye wrote:

> After reading the absolutely horrifying stories on The World's Longest =
Invoice (http://worldslongestinvoice.tumblr.com/), I'm highly motivated =
to require a contract with new customers.
>=20
> How many of you are using contracts and do you have an example of one =
that pertains directly to motion graphic work?
>=20
> Thanks in advance.
>=20
>=20
>=20
> +---End of message---+
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