Getting Paid

DanMitchell · Joined: 02 Oct 2011 Posts: 29

I've been doing comedy for a good few years now, and understand that the time between doing the gig and getting paid differs from promoter to promoter and that cash on the night gigs are an absolute blessing.

But what's the longest you've had to wait for payment? Mine currently is 10 months and still no sign of payment, despite promises and assurances and numerous phone calls and emails.

The company are notoriously bad at paying on time but this is just taking the piss.
It's not a large sum of money and I know the company haven't got a cash flow problem, so it's really beginning to annoy me that they haven't paid up and I really don't know what I could do to get the money off them.
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"Absolutely brilliant"-Ross Noble
"A joy to watch"-Bob Mortimer
"An instantly likeable stage presence & some razor sharp gags"-Dan Antopolski
"mundane"-Steve Bennett

www.danmitchellcomedy.co.uk

Paul Savage speaks Easy · Joined: 05 Dec 2007 Posts: 1491 Location: Wolverhampton

Under "the late payment of commercial debts act" act of 1998, I believe you have a right to ask for the interest.

Someone more scholarly/ lawyerly could probably tell you how to go about this.

Are you a Equity member? they may be able to lean on them.

Sean Cosgrove · Joined: 14 Feb 2012 Posts: 152 Location: London

You can demand interest at base rate plus 8% per annum (simple interest, not compound) - currently therefore 8.5%.

It is not up for discussion - if the invoice is overdue, they have to pay interest if you ask for it.

Bit of a sod to get, as they will ask you to re-invoice or invoice the interest separately - but a very useful threat to make as they don't have a leg to stand on.

anonymous the poet · Joined: 21 Dec 2005 Posts: 1949 Location: Derby

Hello Dan

Are you definetly speaking to the Organ grinder? If not go over the "guy your talking to's head
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comedians are like tinkerbell ..if you don't believe in us ...we die

spikymike · Joined: 18 Feb 2003 Posts: 5825 Location: Nottingham

Post the name of the promoter on here (not me is it?!!!). That will probably spring them into action, as it will affect their rep.
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DanMitchell · Joined: 02 Oct 2011 Posts: 29

It wasn't you Mike, you're alright. I don't think naming them will shame them, it's water off a ducks back to them.
Everyone I've spoken to who has gigged for them has had to wait months for payment from them but never 10 months.
It's just really frustrating more than anything else, wading through all the excuses and bullshit when they could just easily pay me.
_________________
"Absolutely brilliant"-Ross Noble
"A joy to watch"-Bob Mortimer
"An instantly likeable stage presence & some razor sharp gags"-Dan Antopolski
"mundane"-Steve Bennett

www.danmitchellcomedy.co.uk

Anthony Miller · Joined: 21 Jun 2001 Posts: 11023 Location: Chavdon

Dan, I dont want to incite you into "outing" anyone but naming and shaming does work... as does the threat of Equity action ...and I hardly see what you have to lose - they wont be booking you for another gig while they owe you money. 10 months is far too long. The longest I've done is 7 weeks.

Alternative is to use the small claims court
http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/MoneyTaxAndBenefits/ManagingDebt/Makingacourtclaimformoney/DG_195118
- the CAB will give you free advice.
It's not actually that hard just rather tedious in terms of paperwork.
You have to pay an upfront fee of £35 or something which you get back when you win.
All tedious but most people will pay up promptly if they feel you genuinely mean to get a CCJ against them
as it seriously damages their credit rating ...if nothing else...

Of course many people have cashflow problems sometimes and most of the time it can be sorted with a bit of give and take but remember honest people who pay their bills on time are effectively being undercut by business practices such as this. So the more times you let them knock you the more knockers there'll be on the block. Oh er missus...
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DanMitchell · Joined: 02 Oct 2011 Posts: 29

Believe me, I am examining all my options at the moment. I'm giving them til the end of the week before 'Outing' them and taking this to the next stage. Most of their gigs are shit anyway
_________________
"Absolutely brilliant"-Ross Noble
"A joy to watch"-Bob Mortimer
"An instantly likeable stage presence & some razor sharp gags"-Dan Antopolski
"mundane"-Steve Bennett

www.danmitchellcomedy.co.uk

Bethany · Posted: Tue May 29, 2012 1:28 am Post subject:

Aw, come on, this forum nearly got good here. where's the drama? I want a promoter who's clearly in the wrong to deny it and call anyone a cunt who they've pissed off.
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"Comedy is thus the very opposite of shame: shame endeavors to maintain the veil, while comedy relies on the gesture of unveiling."

DanMitchell · Joined: 02 Oct 2011 Posts: 29

Okay, okay. It was....
(sound of silenced bullet shooting through window)

aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa (gurgle)

Tune in later to see if I survive and tell you who they are
_________________
"Absolutely brilliant"-Ross Noble
"A joy to watch"-Bob Mortimer
"An instantly likeable stage presence & some razor sharp gags"-Dan Antopolski
"mundane"-Steve Bennett

www.danmitchellcomedy.co.uk

DanMitchell · Joined: 02 Oct 2011 Posts: 29

Well, another month on and despite constant reassurances that I'll get paid straight away and it will "be in your bank account by the 20th at the ABSOLUTE latest", the money is still not in my bank account.

They still haven't paid me, despite being one of the biggest, richest comedy groups in Britain. Weak.

Anyone else ever had a problem with them?
_________________
"Absolutely brilliant"-Ross Noble
"A joy to watch"-Bob Mortimer
"An instantly likeable stage presence & some razor sharp gags"-Dan Antopolski
"mundane"-Steve Bennett

www.danmitchellcomedy.co.uk

Arthur Daley · Posted: Tue Jun 26, 2012 8:17 pm Post subject:

Dan,

Whenever I say anything again ...erm ... dont listen

Cheers

Anthony Miller
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http://www.pearshapedcomedy.com

You dont get what you deserve
You get what you negotiate