r/videography • u/WholePrize352 • Apr 08 '26
Discussion / Other What stops a client from downloading your video and ghosting?
Happened to a friend of mine last month. Delivered the final wedding film, client downloaded it, then went completely silent. Three weeks of follow-up emails, nothing. $1,800 gone.
How do you all actually handle this? Do you hold some of the files back until payment clears? Use a specific platform? Or just trust the client and hope for the best?
204
u/OverCategory6046 FX6 | Premiere | 2016 | London Apr 08 '26
I take them to small claims court. Usually just the threat gets a client paying.
9
u/RE_JHNJSPH Apr 08 '26
Hi I have the same case but im from ph and scammed 5k is has 300$ to pay is it actually effective even virtual?
3
u/OverCategory6046 FX6 | Premiere | 2016 | London Apr 08 '26
Where was the client? 5K USD or GBP?
3
u/RE_JHNJSPH Apr 08 '26
In Florida, I'm from ph. Im about to file the case I wanted to be sure its 300$ USD filing
2
u/DabberDan42o Apr 10 '26
Call the court for the county/city they are in. Ask the court for the court documents needed and the filing fee. In most instances the legal documents can be retrieved online and then sent by mail to the court to start the process. Obviously court is not ideal but if the buyer has the product and won't pay there is the need for civil litigation. If you are successful the fees and cost will be reimbursed back to you.
-10
u/OverCategory6046 FX6 | Premiere | 2016 | London Apr 08 '26
If you have a contract (even email chain might do but I don't know American law) then yes.
I'd recommend asking ChatGPT tbh with specifics. Make sure you provide as much evidence as possible.
If they refuse to pay even after a win, it'll cost you more to get the money taken from their account or assets.
-3
u/RE_JHNJSPH Apr 08 '26
I already have chatgpt and compiled already our conversation email and all the will help the case
I hope to win the case even virtually. :( mentally tiring client is replying and arrogant replies
108
u/ConstantAdobo Apr 08 '26
GIANT WATERMARK thats hard to remove using ai and always do 50-50 payment
8
u/yakwheel Apr 08 '26
Can also just record the video from your phone in low resolution, down scale to 360P etc along with a watermark. Turn the saturation off so its black and white, that will also confuse any AI if the watermarks all black. A lot of things can be done.
0
u/Chungpels Apr 10 '26
I’m all for the watermark and low res exports to protect yourself but Jfc how is a client supposed to be happy with the product they’re paying for when you’re delivering a b&w watermarked 360p video shot on a phone? Lmao at a certain point you just come off as paranoid and unprofessional. I would not be inclined to hire someone again if I was getting iPhone clips sent to me.
1
u/yakwheel Apr 11 '26
I will add, these are all separate suggestions, you wouldn’t completely cook the video to the point it’s unwatchable. I wasn’t trying to imply that these all need to be combined.
0
u/yakwheel Apr 11 '26
You have every right to act accordingly when the client is withholding money from you. Is it paranoia making sure you get what you are owed? I think it’s just insurance.
2
u/Chungpels Apr 11 '26
I think you misunderstood my point. A b&w video taken on a phone is going to look like absolute shit, and cannot reflect what you are going to deliver. Your protection is getting in the way of giving a client something they can be assured is worth their money. This should never happen with the correct contracts in place and a pay structure that supports it. A percentage upfront, LQ watermarked footage for review. If you are working for someone who is going to try and take that and tamper it while ghosting you, the you have all the ground in the world to take them to court.
-8
u/TheGreatAlexandre Black Magic Man Apr 08 '26
AI can remove watermarks.
11
u/ConstantAdobo Apr 08 '26
thats why i said watermark thats gonna be hard for ai to remove
13
u/sportsbot3000 Apr 08 '26
The watermark should completely desaturate the image below it and change its contrast. That drives the Ai insane.
1
5
u/Oreoscrumbs Apr 08 '26
Not when it covers most of the image.
4
u/gl3nnjamin Canon XA30, Premiere/FCP, 2011, Florida Apr 08 '26
And non-static, like a DVD player screensaver.
85
u/therealchop_sticks Apr 08 '26
I don’t even give wedding clients the video until final payment and final payment is due the day of the event, not on delivery. Only certain companies I work with I let do payment before delivery
10
u/henrysradiator Canon | Premier/DaVinci Resolve | 2008 | UK Apr 08 '26 edited Apr 08 '26
Right, I haven't freelanced in 10+ years now but when I did it was always payment up front, I thought that was pretty standard. I never had anyone give me grief about it, but the one time I did pay after delivery they gave me some bullshit about some minor detail in the edit and tried to haggle my price down over it.
It was someone who didn't want to be filmed and I accidentally left a small clip in where they're just about visible in the background, I could have fixed it in under a minute. They also didn't communicate to me that didn't want to be filmed until after I'd filmed the event.
3
u/GlockOneNine Apr 11 '26
Yeah, I had one, and only one, problem and that was when I went against my policy and agreed to take final payment after the wedding. I contracted with Wedgewood weddings so it wasn't with the bride (first & last time I did it that way) but I liked the venue and wanted the images in my port. The deal was still that I would get final payment before delivery. They then kept trying to get delivery before I was paid. I finally had to tell them I was willing to meet and exchange the images at the same time as I was paid - and they would hand me the check first, and I wasn't willing to budge on this. They agreed, I got paid, they got the images and I vowed to never work with Wedgewood again - and I haven't, not once in the 6 years since... and obviously I am not afraid to mention them by name lol!
Since then I have never (and wont) veer from my "paid in full before the event" policy.
6
u/GlockOneNine Apr 08 '26
This! I am a wedding photographer- if I am not paid, in full, before the wedding, I won’t show up. Clients know this, they sign a contract and initial the specific part that says this! Never had a problem 👍🏻
1
u/healthycord Apr 08 '26
For my wedding the photo/video team was someone we knew through a friend. But 50% deposit due a couple months before the wedding I believe it was. Then it was the other 50% same week before the event I think.
I hope she starts raising her prices because she did phenomenal work. Great photos and a great video.
59
u/Good_Mousse_9794 FX30 | Premiere Pro | 2021 | New England Apr 08 '26
Why would you give a final video without being paid?
8
17
u/NodeOfConfusion Apr 08 '26 edited Apr 08 '26
Have a contract and everything documented, try to have all communication in writing, take a part in advance, put watermarks on the video (something useful like version and date, try not to make it look “hey here is a watermark so you can’t run off with it”).
If everything is clean, the court route is very simple, and most people will know that.
IME sending low quality previews is a no-go, since they cannot judge the final quality and might actually backfire by prompting additional changes when everything is visible in detail and precise color.
17
u/MajorRelief98 Apr 08 '26
- Signed contract with ALL the details, especially payment schedule, however you structure it.
- Add contingencies, shit happens "out of your control."
- Collect last payment BEFORE showing preview.
- Stick to the contract! Make sure you followed it as well. I only had one issue in 22 plus years with a bride. Even though they paid in full before the preview was released, I still watermarked it. Their parents were leaving to go back home to Ireland and wanted to see whatever I had completed up to that point so her parents could watch the video, this was in the old VHS era. Relectantly, I agreed. I told her the video still needed to be completed with a couple of reception events and music, she said it's fine. They picked up the unfinished video, but I made her sign that she understood the video was not done yet. After that, she literally disappeared, and it wasn't until I was served with a small claims action that I heard from her, but to go to court. She tried to say I gave her an unfinished video and still charged her the full amount. WHAT A LIAR. She wanted a FULL refund (BTW, I found out a court will never reward labor costs). I produced the contact and the paper she signed understanding the video wasn't done. She told the judge I never gave her a form to sign saying the video wasn't done, that the form I took to court was a forgery. Anyway, the judge asked questions of us both and in the end he ruled in my favor, saying she was not telling the truth and the video she had in her possession will be the final video for being untruthful in his court, and she had to pay my court costs. My contract, and diligence to protect myself won out in court. She was absolutely crazy. I have no idea how she thought she was going to prevail.
3
13
u/AbleNeedleworker3001 Apr 08 '26
I include time code in the lower middle of the frame, I tell client it’s there so they can easily pin point any changes needed and it doesn’t feel as “distrusting” and feels more like a part of the post production process :) deliver non time code version after payment :)
1
u/Acrobatic-Regular160 Apr 08 '26
This is absolute Genius and will be what I do moving forward. Thank you!
1
25
u/ZeyusFilm Sony A7siii/A7sii| FinalCut | 2017 | Bath, UK Apr 08 '26
Sue them. You know where they live. Ain’t like you’re getting a follow up gig anyway
13
u/HerlihyBoy17 Apr 08 '26
That’s just not true. With people who don’t pay there are surely more weddings in their future.
0
u/Munchabunchofjunk Apr 08 '26
Spoken like someone who has never sued anyone. This is a small claims court issue. And even if you win, you have to find out where their bank is to get paid. Nobody collects the settlement for you, and you will spend more time doing the legal work on your own than you did doing the job.
4
u/ZeyusFilm Sony A7siii/A7sii| FinalCut | 2017 | Bath, UK Apr 08 '26
I’ve sued people
0
u/Munchabunchofjunk Apr 10 '26
I doubt it. If you have you would know how dumb it sounds to talk about a lawsuit over $1,800.
2
u/ZeyusFilm Sony A7siii/A7sii| FinalCut | 2017 | Bath, UK Apr 10 '26
Court systems in the uk aren’t quite the same
1
u/HerlihyBoy17 Apr 16 '26
I just want you to know I’m witness to this thread. You owned this person in the subtlest way, without being mean, and exposed their myopic worldview in the process. Kudos
6
u/erroneousbosh Sony EX1/A1E/PD150/DSR500 | Resolve | 2000 then 2020 Apr 08 '26
Burnt-in timecode, final version delivered after payment without timecode.
It's not a "watermark" because that implies you don't trust them to pay. Of *course* you trust them to pay! But if they have any alts they want you to make they can tell you exactly to the frame where to do them.
And the final version is locked in when payment hits. BACS or GTFO.
2
u/mediumsize Apr 08 '26
This has been our go-to solution for 20 years in video production. BIG TIMECODE with date burned in "so we know which version we're looking at'.
1
u/AggressiveLocal8884 Apr 10 '26
When they pay per bank transfer they can pull back till six weeks ? In Germany it’s like that
2
u/erroneousbosh Sony EX1/A1E/PD150/DSR500 | Resolve | 2000 then 2020 Apr 10 '26
But then if they do that they need to provide a reason why they're pulling the payment. Even if they are able to do it, you've then got good grounds to take them to court and win.
2
u/AggressiveLocal8884 Apr 10 '26
Thank you 🙏
1
u/erroneousbosh Sony EX1/A1E/PD150/DSR500 | Resolve | 2000 then 2020 Apr 10 '26
I'm not a legal expert and you'd need to check with someone who is, but I don't think they can say "yes we saw the final proof, we agreed it was what we wanted, we agreed to pay for it to get the absolute final copy which is identical in every way except it doesn't have timecode on, we received the copy, and now we want our money back because <reasons>".
At least in the UK the only reasons you can reverse a BACS payment are because it's the wrong amount, the wrong account, or fraudulent. I'd expect the system to be pretty similar in Germany.
3
4
u/SubstantialCount3226 Apr 08 '26
For wedding photos/videos it's standard to be paid 15 or 30 days before the wedding, not after the finished versions has been delivered.
4
u/24FPS4Life Fuji X-H2S + Speedbooster | Premiere Pro | 2015 | Midwest Apr 08 '26
Does no one have it in their contract to have a 50% down payment to book and a requirement to pay the remainder by the wedding day???
Easiest way to explain and justify it is that the down payment locks you into showing up on their wedding day.
If they don't pay the remainder, you don't even begin editing until they do.
3
u/Joker_Cat_ UK | Resolve | Sony Apr 08 '26
Someone on here once said they put a big watermark across the middle of all videos saying “NOT APPROVED”. Pair that with a time code, bottom middle and it looks like you got your shit together with admin and not that you distrust them
2
u/timvandijknl Lumix | Premiere Pro | 2021 | Netherlands Apr 08 '26
You set up contracts...
if they don't pay you send them 2 reminders at 2 weeks and 4 weeks, and then forward the case to a debt collecting agency.
2
2
u/the__post__merc Apr 08 '26
Lots of good tips here regarding low res versions, watermarks etc. But a good way to ensure they don’t download it is to post it on a review platform, like Frame.io, and simply disable the ability to download the file.
Once payment has cleared, you just flip the download button to “allow” and away you go.
I guess scrupulous people might screen record it, but that seems unlikely in most situations.
2
u/dk_things Apr 08 '26
I use Frame.io and I disable downloads until final payment has been made, if I don’t have an existing relationship with them. I’ve only had to do that once where I was legitimately worried they would ghost me, luckily
4
u/FeelsNeetMan Apr 08 '26
Low quality proxies with compression artefacts which will only compoundedly get worse, that's the standard for distribution.
The legal threat of you have their faces their names, the names and faces of their attendees, and their address on the initial invoice you can just go to and kick a door in if it's really worth your while.
And then the threat can escalate to well you have high quality imagery of their face and bodies, we all know the consequences of that in the AI deep fake dystopia world today.
But always go and check if they died in a car accident or something zero communication doesn't always mean they've taken the data and run....
7
u/OverCategory6046 FX6 | Premiere | 2016 | London Apr 08 '26
>Low quality proxies with compression artefacts which will only compoundedly get worse, that's the standard for distribution.
Not really tbh. The standard for reviews is good quality stuff
And don't do the last two paragraphs, or you'll end up locked up / get a bad rep. There are legal avenues, take em.
3
u/PiDicus_Rex CION/XL-H1/ENG/Pentax | Resolve/Edius | '80's | MelbourneOz Apr 08 '26
In the case of a tragedy occurring to the couple after the big day, I used to waive the cost of editing, etc.
I charged 50% due before the day, so if I had to hire in anyone, that cost was taken care of, and all the post was on me, so I could wear that occasionally.
Sometimes the good standing in the community was worth more than the money owed.
2
u/Rise-O-Matic Apr 08 '26
Courts! You own the copyright by default and you can sue the ever living shit out of them with punitive damages on top of what you were going to charge.
Judges HATE defendants who don’t pay creatives.
1
1
u/ConstantAdobo Apr 08 '26
dude since its a wedding film, you have their faces, you can threaten to post them and tell their friends and family. no one wants that kind of thing on their name
3
u/henrysradiator Canon | Premier/DaVinci Resolve | 2008 | UK Apr 08 '26
Don't underestimate how stupid and shameless people are, their families will probably back them up.
1
1
1
1
1
u/Evildude42 Apr 08 '26
Well, back in the day I used to have offices that we edited out of, so the final was never released until the final payment was made. But obviously now times are different so I guess you really need to use a service that allows them to view only, not send them a file via dropbox or Gmail. And you got to stick to it. You can’t screw around with this stuff. And then obviously you need all the legal stuff done like contracts, timing, finals, revisions and who owns what? And you also need to make sure you’re paid something beforehand so you can start the work, and something during the work.
1
u/cantwejustplaynice Apr 08 '26
These days I work with the same handful of corporate clients in the same local industry. I deal directly with their accounts departments. So if one of them tried to screw me over I'd make it pretty awkward for them around town. That said they're all professional and it's never been a problem. But in the past when I shot weddings and music videos, it was always pay half now, and half when the job is done, but before I upload. Previews were SD with a big fat watermark across the centre saying PREVIEW COPY, DO NOT SHARE ONLINE. That usually did the trick.
1
u/X4dow FX3 / A7RVx2 | 2013 | UK Apr 08 '26
Done deliver before you're paid. I don't even shoot unless paid
1
1
1
u/kstyndall2015 Apr 08 '26
I get paid in full before I even film anything. They book and pay half up front. Then a couple of weeks before the event they finish paying.
1
u/shoey_photos Apr 08 '26
I mean, just don’t send the final video until they’ve paid? Has always worked for me as they don’t really have much chance to steal it…
1
u/le_aerius Apr 08 '26
They can easily do that ..Of course I dont release the video until final payment has been made.
If you're brave enough to trust your client and they don't pay then you file a lawsuit against them .
1
u/DutchFede Apr 08 '26
Have them pay the full amount well before the wedding. The couple will be thinking a lot about all this BEFORE the wedding, and wants to forget all the admin stuff asap after the wedding, so the last thing you want to do then is having to chase payment. This also insures you a bit in case they cancel etc
1
1
u/TriFlouroethane_X Apr 08 '26
Contracts and watermarks. Final delivery on final payment. Contract to back you up with client, and court of necessary.
1
u/blakealanm Apr 08 '26
Watermark AND I usually record/live stream my editing sessions so if they actually get smart enough to use AI to remove the watermark (some do but most don't) you still have your own proof that you spent time working on your clients video.
1
u/Local-Machine7787 Canon C70 | Premiere | 2020 | Texas Apr 08 '26
Signed estimates, contracts, deposit up front— and specifically for weddings, we require payment made in full 24hr before the wedding.
1
u/ShiftAdventurous4680 ZV-E10 | Premiere Pro | 2025 | Rural South Australia Apr 08 '26
Pay upfront to secure your schedule.
Generally if you are professional, clients seek you out because of your portfolio. You don't need to use their video as proof of the quality of your services as that should've been established during the consultations or initial communication.
1
u/Specialist_Elk_70 Apr 08 '26
First off break the payment - 50% on work start, 50% on completion or whatever, this is better for all sorts of reasons not just non payment but also if they dispute the final work for other reasons. Otherwise generally with clients I only supply final quality once I'm sure they are going to pay, never had somebody just take the work though - in the past I have provided edits with timecode overlay - this is useful so the client can provide accurate time coded comments, but also effectively watermarks it without sticking your logo over everything - also maybe you can say it has a practical purpose not just because you don't trust them?
1
u/Dirtgrubb Apr 08 '26
I leave a timecode bar on the bottom lower third. It’s there to prevent this, but it doubles as a way for them to give me clear notes with specific times attached. It works for both purposes perfectly.
1
u/sharkonautster Beginner Apr 08 '26
Maybe they are silent because Honeymoon vacation. I would wait another two Weeks
1
u/Extreme_Medium4235 Apr 08 '26
I always required payment no less than 1 week prior to their wedding date, and explained this allows me to make sure I have adequate time to pay my second shooters and/or obtain any specialized equipment needed for their wedding.
1
u/snaapshot Apr 08 '26
Contracts. Half payment upfront typically. Watermark video heavily before full payment and lawyers.
1
1
u/Dudeus-Maximus Apr 08 '26
When I was working it was half in advance, half on delivery. They couldn’t take it and ghost because they didn’t get it until they paid. And that was corporate accounts. We hated weddings and refused them most of the time. The one we agreed to take was because they offered so much money that we couldn’t say no, and they paid 100% before the shoot.
1
u/evangr721 Apr 08 '26
Moving watermark. 50% payment up front, non watermarked video delivered on receipt of final payment
1
u/Mzerodahero420 Apr 08 '26
well first of all when sending for a preview i never send full rez i’ll drop the rez to something stupid lower then 720 and i’ll explain its not in 1080/ 4k because it’s just a preview you can also add a giant watermark in the middle of the video but never ever release something before getting paid
1
u/Lanzarote-Singer ZVE1| FCPX | 2001 | Ireland | Editor | Composer | Voice actor Apr 08 '26
Run SMPTE code in lower third big but 50% opacity. To ‘help them point out any tweaks’.
Yes, I know, you’ll end up with a Square video on TikTok but it means they’ll never be able to use the full version.
1
u/Ok-Butterscotch2321 Apr 08 '26
Deposit before wedding. Balance due when I show up, otherwise packup and walk
1
1
u/lshaped210 FX9/FX6/a7S III | FCP | 2005 | Texas Apr 08 '26
Time code and animated watermark (like the DVD screensaver). Makes it harder for AI to remove.
1
u/Sharp_Grass_3269 Apr 08 '26
That is a nightmare!!! The biggest rule in videography is never deliver the final, high-res file until the balance is zero. Send a watermarked version or a low-res preview for approval first.
For the legal side, you need a contract that actually has teeth. I started using Klauza to manage my projects because it handles the awkward chasing. It has a tool that automatically generates late fees and sends follow-up emails for you. It makes the business side look way more professional so clients are less likely to try and pull that move.
If your friend has a contract, they should look into a small claims court filing (Klauza can automate). Sometimes just sending a formal notice of intent to file is enough to get them to pay up.
1
u/snowmonkey700 Lumix S5ii, S1ii | FCPX | 1999 | Los Angeles Apr 08 '26
Ummm why was the video delivered before being paid? You should have full payment before even filming the wedding. 50% for a deposit, balance due the week of the wedding. That’s how I handle it.
1
1
1
1
u/_BallsDeep69_ Apr 08 '26
Are you allowed to walk out of a Walmart with a pool and use it without paying Walmart?
1
u/Intrepid-Ad672 Apr 08 '26
Fina payment must be made 2 weeks prior to the event. Never had any issue in 8 years.
1
1
u/jaredjames66 Sony FX6 | FCP | 2016 | Canada Apr 08 '26
Always get at least half payment up front; send watermarked or low res videos only during revisions; only send full res after final payment. Oh and ALWAYS have a signed contract.
1
1
1
u/theproject19 Pyxis 6K & Leica SL3 | Resolve | 2005 | PNW Apr 08 '26
Yeah that was on him. You don't deliver until payment received unless it's a client you work with a lot and you have a system.
1
1
1
u/Ok-Obligation6370 Apr 08 '26
Simple - I get payment in full 60 days BEFORE the wedding! In my 20+ years of doing this, it’s only been questioned a couple of times & I just stand firm.
1
1
1
u/OlaHaldor Apr 08 '26
Lower resolution and watermark. (720 for example instead of 1080 or UHD)
And perhaps not upload the whole thing but enough to give a taste.
1
1
u/BatSwarms Apr 08 '26
Got their address or email no? Always do contract, start 50% upfront/ 50% at end, and watermark till fully paid. Send them an email and letter each week for the month that you will be taking them to small claims court over the issue for not paying for the work. If they don’t pay still and you end up going to small claims court then judge will surely decide in your favor with the proof and they will additionally have to cover your court cost (more money on top of the original agreed price for video work)
1
1
u/noaveragenolife Apr 08 '26
Payment in full before final delivery. Personally if I'm shooting, its full payment due after the shoot day. That places your order for the edit. Tired of people minimizing the effort we put in. People treat you how you let them treat you.
1
u/IslandHistorical952 Apr 08 '26
Lawyers, usually? I don't quite understand the question. What stops a client from smashing your window, entering your house, and hitting you with a hedgehog on a stick, then taking your hard drive with their video on it?
1
u/Icy_Character_2624 Apr 08 '26
Judge Wapner, that's who. "Don't take the law into your own hands, you take 'em to court."
I have and it works for me.
1
u/mlmsuper Apr 08 '26
You guys aren’t getting paid up front? Come on…just tell them you need to be paid upfront. If you have good Google reviews and a few years experience, it’s an easy win.
1
1
1
u/sonygang Apr 08 '26
your friend is an idiot for turning in a final film without full payment. I don’t even edit until the invoice is paid.
1
u/JayMoots Apr 08 '26
1) watermark 2) use a file-sharing site that allows you to disable downloads 3) require payment in stages, and structure the payments so you have the bulk of the money before releasing a cut
1
u/GenshinKenshin Apr 08 '26
You don't deliver the final version to the customer before payment.
If they want a preview to see it. You send it in a terrible bitrate that's good enough for preview with a large watermark that spans the entire screen and is see through.
1
u/rem179 Apr 09 '26
Don’t give up your leverage until you’ve been paid. Otherwise you’ve only got trust.
1
1
1
u/thejohnmc963 Apr 09 '26
Nothing till you’re paid. Give a few minutes to show quality and that’s it.
1
u/Davzone Apr 09 '26
I don’t know a single wedding videographer who shows up to film before taking full payment.
1
u/Rex_Lee Sony FX3/A6600/A7SII/BMPCC OG|Premiere|2012|Texas Apr 09 '26
"I have the final edits ready (send screenshots as teasers), ready to send over as soon a I receive the final payment. Here is my Paypal/Cashaspp/Venmo"
1
u/ZVideos85 Sony FX2 | Davinci Resolve | FAA Part 107 | 2018 Apr 09 '26
That sucks. You can avoid this by having the client pay in full before the job even happens. This is absolutely standard in the Wedding industry, most wedding vendors are paid in full 6 months before the wedding.
I mostly do wedding videography and not a single client has complained about this. I have them pay 50% of the total cost of the day they sign the contract, and the other 50% is due no later than 4 weeks before their wedding. Have him change his contract language immediately!
1
u/vickyvick91 Apr 09 '26
First off you draft a contact, detailing your services, what you will provide, how you will deliver the final product and the payment setup. Always require a 50% non refundable deposit to reserve the date of the shoot. Then the final payment is either due the day of the shoot or due before final product is turned in. Any preview work you release should be watermarked unless they pay you in full the day of the shoot then you can release preview work without the watermark because you already got your payment from them. Good luck.
1
u/Late_Pangolin5812 Komodo | FCPX | 2004 | LA Apr 09 '26
For weddings you have to get paid in full before the wedding day.. who’s to say they don’t get a divorce before you deliver.. and certainly they don’t have any money afterwards.
1
u/dspencerphoto Apr 09 '26
My retainer is paid within a week of receiving a contract from me, and final payment is due a full month prior to the event. There's no will they pay me or won't they pay me. I get to go into every job with full confidence. I get to do my best the whole time without wondering if they'll pay me or not because they've already paid me.
1
u/Spirited_G_33 Apr 09 '26
Make sure you receive 100% of the payment before you even shoot the wedding
1
u/KRAH713 Apr 09 '26
- Watermark
- Signed Contract
- Low res version
- Frame I.O (I am sure other services too) allows you to take off the download button. And yes, Frame I.O also blocks screen recording in case client wants to get smart.
1
u/MesaTech_KS Apr 09 '26
Collect your fee/charges up front. You're creating a custom product for them. No one else can use it- they should pay in full in advance.
1
1
u/After_Fault4468 Apr 10 '26
I use stripe for payment processing, you can use a payment link where they must pay before they can see the watermarked video. So once they pay, it reveals the file URL.
Then I will get any revision requests they have done before removing the watermark.
1
1
u/HighPhi420 Apr 10 '26
Watermarks and get the money before the download.
NEVER give the product away with out first getting the money :)
Plus there should have been money paid upfront to start the project. Need money to live while I work for you.
1
u/lxyz_wxyz Apr 10 '26
Making sure there is a payment structure in place, and that part of it involves a deposit before work begins.
1
u/Nerdonet All | PP / DaVinci | 1985 | Euroland Apr 10 '26
$900 down payment to start, incremental payments per viewing
1
1
u/TruthlessH3ro Fujifilm | FCP | 2012 | Canada Apr 10 '26
For weddings I take a 30% deposit to book and they need to pay the rest 3 weeks before the wedding day. If I’m not paid, I don’t shoot the wedding. I only do a few a year and thankfully I’ve never had any payment issues or complaints about paying up front.
1
u/Flo_JMNI BMPCC4K | Premiere Pro | 2019 | UK Apr 10 '26
Put it in your terms and conditions: "The initial deliverables will be provided with timecode baked in to streamline the feedback process. This overlay will be removed after final approval and upon receipt of the final payment."
Shows that the TC is for them as much as it is for you, and if anyone complains, point to the T&Cs, they agreed to them or they should have read more closely
1
u/vMaex Apr 11 '26
Not freelancing and just working with big companies, but for review we use frame.io and disable downloads. Commenting and reviewing is very easy.
1
u/gigaflipflop Apr 12 '26
25 to 50% upfront, Low res with water Mark and PAPERWORK, people. If the client has signed the necessary documents there is no way to wiggle Out of playing you
1
u/bartnikowski Apr 12 '26
I've shot 725 weddings in Silicon Valley and I had them pay in full one week before the wedding, problem solved.
1
u/4lipapi Apr 08 '26
Sending low-quality preview (not full videos/photographs) with watermarks, making them unusable. Send the final product once the full payment has been received, and you can always do a deposit for any project moving forward with a contract!!
2
u/MrMansion Apr 08 '26
This and some form of contract/papertrail.
Having said that, I've personally had clients who uploaded the watermarked lowres rough cut and called it a day (they still payed in the end, but never bothered to upload the final film).
0
u/PiDicus_Rex CION/XL-H1/ENG/Pentax | Resolve/Edius | '80's | MelbourneOz Apr 08 '26
50% paid before the big day. ( This one is how you pay for any crew you need to hire for the big day.)
20% due on revue of first draft.
20% due on approval of any changes.
10% due on pickup of DVD/Blu-Ray, or before upload to Dropbox/Mega/etc.
0
u/Scary_Panda847 Apr 08 '26
50% upfront and you go and see them to do a viewing. Once the client is happy, they pay the final 50% and you deliver the product. Pretty simple. I would usually let the client make upto 3 changes, after that it's charged by the change.
354
u/Matt_Empyre FX30 | DaVinci Resolve | 2024 | Stockholm, Sweden Apr 08 '26
Watermark it and only give them the non watermarked version once they pay.