Model agency not paying

aj16_2

My 2 kids were cast as back-up for a web series end of March. All confirmed and agreement in writing with, agency, production company and council. Payment was supposed to have been made in 90 days, up to a maximum of 120 days

Now I know this industry is notorious for slow payment but this is becoming ridiculous. I have chased agency up on a number of occasions but the only responses I get are "payment is taking a little longer" and "some companies are late with payment because of covid". They assure me kids will get paid but have provided no evidence that they have chased production company up.

Am giving it until beginning of next month before my next follow up, when I will be less polite. Anyone out there with any experience of this and a higher authority who I could complain to? As I said, its all in writing. 

68ComebackSpecial

The "higher authority" would be the small claims court. Hopefully you will receive payment soon, but failing this there is guidance as to how to initiate a claim on this forum.

aj16_2

Thanks. Hopefully it doesn't come to that and payment comes soon.

comeandgo

I think you are being a bit premature with your responses.  It would be end of July for 120 days so they are not out with any contracted payment dates yet.  Also, consider if you want your children ever to be used again as your extra pushy will certainly put some companies off.

aj16_2

Understand but I certainly haven't been pushy at all. Just general follow ups asking what is going. The 120 days is only stipulated on their website faqs. It's the 90 days which is the official one

MattMattMattUK

I deal with production companies for film and TV all the time, production companies are brilliant payers, they always say 30 days but rarely take more than 20. Now agencies... many of them rightly have a bad name, usually with people they regard as replaceable and are habitual late payers, so much so I will not deal with them without upfront payment unless it is someone I already have a good relationship with.

The agency will tell you they have not been paid, prerrt much the only reason that would be true is if they did not invoice the production on time. Keep pushing the agency, do it in via email as well so that you have a paper trail. However some of the less scrupulous ones seem to rely on some people giving up on being paid.

aj16_2

That's really good information. I'll follow up again soon. I have found their responses a bit hard to believe tbh but will monitor the situation.