Refusing to pay
Hey guys, sorry if this already exists as a conversation but I couldn't find anything on it. I have recently worked a few jobs for students of a prestigious film school - jobs I have auditioned for and got through casting call. My questions is that although they specified a daily rate two out of three of these "student companies" are refusing to pay myself and my fellow actors and I wondered what to do about it? I am new to this country having come from the US so don't know if the law protects me in any way? I am an Equity actor and feel very violated working long days and trusting I would be paid.
Should I contact the school and let them know their students are doing this? Should I just eat the money and not make a stink in the hopes of getting the footage for my reel? I really feel in a bind. Would appreciate advice from other seasoned professionals.
I was told that Equity can chase money for you.
Did you sign a contract?
I would definitely contact the uni. Also try going through Equity, but I'm not sure how much sway they have over students.
If you are a member of Equity then they should chase it for you. You have a contract which, even if is not in writing, is enforceable. As a last resort you can use the county court with a small claim. I don't know how much you were promised but you can at least claim the National Minimum Wage which is enforceable in law.
Contact the school, Equity, your MP.
Read this
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/enforcing-national-minimum-wage-law
and Name and Shame if you do not get a result.
Refusing to pay...?? What's their reason ?
http://www.thestage.co.uk/news/2014/05/equity-employs-minimum-wage-enforcer/?utm_content=bufferf077c&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook.com&utm_campaign=buffer
that's a great link Dan, and is hopefully where people can get help from in their own wranglings. quote from the article:
' The actors’ union ( Equity ) has named Emmanuel de Lange as its low pay/no pay representative '
...yeah it's a bit different here than in the US whereby actor's are completely disrespected by many inc film students & film schools; They like you to believe your lucky to be cast in any project and have the unique opportunity of being part of the performing farts community!
Probably best if you send whoever it is an invoice for double the amount and I'll chase it for you f.o.c (free of charge) and add 20 % vat in the process!!
What terms were agreed in your contract?
Have you invoiced them?
I'd be tempted to forward my invoice and copy of the contract to the head of department/dean/finance office politely querying last payment...let their internal processes have the students not you.
If you are with equity then contact them for further advice
Definitely contact tutor. I had to chase a copy of the film for a friend once. Got through to head of debt. She put a rocket up them in a heart beat.
The tutors know they rely on good will for these student projets. The students you have dealt with may waltz off but the tutor has to worry about the next intakes.
This is one of many reasons why I never do student movies now.
Defintely contact their school, inform their tutor what they've done, tell them you'll be complaining to Equity about them, and even suggest you'll be complaining to CCP and asking for the school and / or student company to be removed in retaliation.
If you ahve any concners about whether it affects your reputation down the line; don't worry. The culprits themselves will likely not get anywhere in the industry anyway.
All the best, and I hope it works out.
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