Non payment to models

[tj the cameraman]

Hi Guys and Girls

Ok this post is going to come with positive and negative views, but either way the issue needs to be addressed
I have been in this industry for over 14 years now, a newbie to some in the trade but nether the less i have seen a lot, learnt a lot and given a lot .
Over the last few years to problem with non payment of fees to models has escalated, i am sure you will all agree that this is poor practice and must be stopped if the industry in the UK is to maintain its integrity.
In just the last few months i have heard of at least 4 female model going to shoots and not getting paid, the same old stories, ?i will send you a cheque? or ?make this a test screen shot and and i will get you more work? its all b....x excuse my language, sorry, but it really is getting to me.
We are suppose to be professionals in the industry so why are we doing this ?
If you don?t have the funds then don?t book a shoot, simple as that, unless there has been a agreement between the production company and the model concerned.
Some of these girls are living on the line, maybe only getting one or two shoots a month, they need there fees to pay bills, just live or whatever, there not here as free bees, some travel many miles costing them money they don?t have only to never get paid, how would you not like to be paid for a service you provide ? maybe you do, i don?t know but i know i wouldn't so why do the same.
This is really bad practice and its not on, what should be the solution, do we name and shame the guilty party ??
I am 100% backing models who don?t get paid, they do there work, weather they like the work or not it makes no difference, at the end of the day the have kept there side of the agreement so please keep yours.
If you are reading this and know you are one of the culprits do the right thing and pay up, keep the UK up there where we belong and keep this industry positive.
Well that my banter, just needed to get that of my chest, excuse the pun! and get it aired
Interested in your views so don?t be shy.

[one eyed jack]

14 years in this business makes you far from a newbie TJ

I agree. This kind of business practice is outrageous and should not be tolerated but what can we do?

Well I for one would distance myself from the people that do such things but again I'm not against hearing both sides of the story.

There are a lot of people doing tfp and content share stuff not getting their end of the deal too and personally i think this no one pays for anyhting so everyone profits mentality is part of the reason the business is dying on its feet but what can you do?

I also heard from a colleague that people coming into the business are working bareback and untested with new girls that dont know no better but yet still the very same bsuiness we are in choose to turn a blind eye and say what can we do about it?

Well if you cant beat em?....Keep your distance away from them. Everyone is shit scared of naming and shaming because of the possible threat of libel so thats why its open season on the talent.

In truth some of these cases could be well avoided too and I would advise people have their smarts on now in this age of rip off merchants.

UKAP was formed to distance regular professional and amateur producers away from the dodgy armchair crowd contingent that are becoming a growing menace to the business in general. We hold parties so people can meet us. We proovide information and a lot of stuff for free to help people out.

That is the least we can do. Have you any suggestions to combat this problem?

[tj the cameraman]

Hi T, ill pm you on what i have in mind a little later !one eyed jack wrote:

[one eyed jack]

Damn! She never got cash on the day????

What is this business coming too?

Part of the attraction of this business was being paid cash on the day. Now I hear so many people paying cheques (which is understandable if they are a legit company) just not nice when the cheque bounces and its months before you get your money.

You can see why escorting has its appeal

[Matt P]

Any producer who doesn't pay a model the agreed fee is sort of shooting themself in the foot.

Without giving names here's an example to pause for thought. On 2 seperate shoots the models I was working with each got a call from the same guy who was looking to hire new girls. Both unknown amatuers & both turned him down. Neither of them wanted to work for someone that doesn't pay.
Moral of the story is the female models from A-lister to 1st shooter all talk. He's going lose money as no one is going to buy porn if it doesn't look good.

[tj the cameraman]

anymore for anymore !
keep em coming !

[Matt P]

Tj could I get some more info on your ideas please?
The angle I would come up with is something like an agreed contract of behaviours. It's essientially free & would help performers avoid the minority that give porn a bad name.

[belfast_birty]

As a survivor of many years in this business,I have always paid girls/women on signing of a model release.I ensure that the fees are agreed before ladies show up.How difficult is that?

[pbphotography]

There is no excuse for non payment.

Agree a rate before the shoot email is probubly the best way as you have a record, whether that be money, payment in kind for example time for prints or offering other services such as web space etc.

If you are going to accept TFP work then ensure the photograpgher is worth it.

Once the model arrives produce a writen agreement (two copies one for you one for the model) get both parties to sign it. This could be in the form of a model release with a note of payment and will act as a contract and a receipt.

I can't aford to shoot at the moment !sad!

therefor I don't. !tears!

Some cock (no pun intended ) will always try not to pay. But as others have said word will get around he or she will then not beable to get models in the future.

Have the money there at the shoot as cash. (I have found that Bank of England ?20 notes are best, but I prefer Clydesdale Bank Notes as they are prettier however many people especially in England and Wales refuse to accept them)

If payment is by cheque then this must also be agreed before hand. I would also say be very careful about this as there will be no real recourse if it gos wrong.

Makesure a cheque gaurantee card number is written on the back of the cheque and if the cheque bounces pursue the matter.

Hope this makes sence.