p.7 #1 · Gameface media - heads up on getting paid
gordorad wrote:
It would be nice to know why the payments are random....Are they picking straws? Flipping a coin? It should be in order of event. Not really fair that some people are getting paid for more recent events.
I believe that would be the fairest way to go through this. I have a feeling like they're responding (read: paying) to letters demanding payment from hired lawyers first, though.
p.7 #2 · Gameface media - heads up on getting paid
Question from last field....
A typical contract in photography states that all copyright agreements specified are conveyed upon payment. Should those off you waiting to get paid, demand take down notice to any online posting of your photos?
p.7 #3 · Gameface media - heads up on getting paid
gschlact wrote:
Question from last field....
A typical contract in photography states that all copyright agreements specified are conveyed upon payment. Should those off you waiting to get paid, demand take down notice to any online posting of your photos?
Nothing within our contracts rely on delivery of payment nor is any stated time frame for payment specified.
p.7 #4 · Gameface media - heads up on getting paid
shooshoo wrote:
Nothing within our contracts rely on delivery of payment nor is any stated time frame for payment specified.
I'll comment. If not compensated, couldn't it be interpreted that contract has not been honored by GFM, and photog could exercrise copyright ownership. What does it specify in terms of copyright and termination of contract by photog? Also, copyright dispute, responsibility would fall on them to d demonstrate to others and uspto legal rights to use since you are owner.
p.7 #5 · Gameface media - heads up on getting paid
Gameface might have a problem calling their photographers contractors. By doing so they avoid paying mileage as well as SSI, Medicare, unemployment taxes and workers comp. I don’t know if there ever has been a legal challenge, but specifying what time to show up, where to stand and exactly what camera settings to use may qualify the photographers as employees. However, Gameface could say that their photographers work only on a temporary basis and supply their own equipment and are therefore not employees, but independent contractors. There may also be an issue calling team leaders contractors because they often work every event in their area, are paid mileage and are required to do more than just shoot photos.
I’m pretty sure most photographers don’t care if they are called contractors or employees – they just want a paycheck. Certainly, if GF had to pay mileage and employment taxes they would pay their photographers considerably less than standard $50 per hour. I don’t know what is going on with GF internally, but if they end up going bankrupt, and I hope they don’t, all of their contractors are classified as creditors and will probably never get paid. However, employees are treated a little better. They get to go towards the head of the line, behind the IRS and the banks and may actually get something when everything is settled.
I hope GF can pull themselves out of this financial hole. Then all of this talk is moot. They are well organized, have a good business plan and have really changed the sports photography business for the good.
p.7 #6 · Gameface media - heads up on getting paid
IKnowNuttin (another new poster!)
As someone who has hired contractors to shoot for him, a couple of your arguments don't hold water. The "what time to show up" and even "where to stand" still are within the guidelines of a 1099 MISC contractor. I'm contracting you to take photos of an event. Obviously, you must be AT THE EVENT to take the photos, and need to be there in time for the start of the event. If I'm contracting you to specific photos, you will need to be in a specific area to take the specific photos.
As an example, if I'm contracting you to take outfield shots of each batter, and I want them to be straight-on, then you'll need to be in center field before the start of the game. No other way to shoot what I'm contracting you for without being there at that time. If miss the first inning or get 1st baseline shots, you didn't get what I contracted you for.
Mileage has nothing to do with contractor; one could negotiate travel or not. In fact, employees are almost NEVER paid travel from their home to their location of work (commuting).
I am not a lawyer. Your mileage may vary. Contents may settle during shipment.
p.7 #7 · Gameface media - heads up on getting paid
With IC... there are always ways to interpret it both ways. If they wear a shirt that says GFM, that could be interpreted as employee. If you "train" them, that can be interpreted as employee. However, in the industry, for the most part, photogs for said company are ICs. The IRS could choose to go after all the photography companies if they choose to. But as for now... it's being left as is. We have all our photogs sign documentation listing them as IC. As a company owner, it's important to know the guidelines in and out.
p.7 #8 · Gameface media - heads up on getting paid
I shot for Gameface on 7 May and am still waiting to get paid. I see that others who shot games after that date have already been paid. What's up with that??
p.7 #9 · Gameface media - heads up on getting paid
pjheller wrote:
I shot for Gameface on 7 May and am still waiting to get paid. I see that others who shot games after that date have already been paid. What's up with that??
I'm in the same boat as you. That 5/6 weekend still nothing for that or 3 events post that event.
p.7 #10 · Gameface media - heads up on getting paid
From the front page of the Gameface Media web site:
"We are able to do this by letting advertisers pay for your pictures instead of charging you the crazy rates that most photo companies want you to pay."
Interesting business model, but this unfortunate language just further corrodes the value of professional photography in the eyes of potential clients.
p.7 #12 · Gameface media - heads up on getting paid
garyvot wrote:
From the front page of the Gameface Media web site:
"We are able to do this by letting advertisers pay for your pictures instead of charging you the crazy rates that most photo companies want you to pay."
Interesting business model, but this unfortunate language just further corrodes the value of professional photography in the eyes of potential clients.
Yeah, one adjective too many. You can't condemn photographers on one hand and then depend on their services to sustain your business on the other.
p.7 #16 · Gameface media - heads up on getting paid
I have been waiting for my check for two months now. Don't think I will see it. Won't shoot for them again. Flo foto has your check ready at the end of the event.
p.7 #18 · Gameface media - heads up on getting paid
I've had several fellow shooter friends hire attorneys and write threatening letters to GF and they have all received their money in full. It sounds like this is the ONLY way to get them going.
p.7 #19 · Gameface media - heads up on getting paid
superfly5 wrote:
I've had several fellow shooter friends hire attorneys and write threatening letters to GF and they have all received their money in full. It sounds like this is the ONLY way to get them going.
I might have to see if someone can do me a favor...thankfully I know a few attorneys.
p.7 #20 · Gameface media - heads up on getting paid
Latest update:
received a contract earlier in the week stating: We are currently experiencing a delay in payments to photographers. We are slowly, but surely, getting caught up on payments and resuming our normal pay timelines. Please do not accept this contract if you are not prepared to wait longer than normal for payment. Thank you for your understanding, and consideration.
Received a contract today stating: We are looking at approximately a net 60 payment timeline for this event. Yes, Gameface has had payments delayed lately but we anticipate being caught up to a more normal pay schedule soon. If you can wait ~60 days for payment, then this should be a good way to make a bit of extra money. If not, please do not accept.
Can anyone confirm/deny that payments older than 60 days are starting to be settled? I'm not exactly in a position to turn down jobs ($$$) on days I'm free, but I would greatly appreciate knowing a reasonable window of when that will be. I'm fine to wait 60 days if its actually 60 days. I am less fine with "eventually," bordering on "never"
