client cancels filming event 1 day before. anything I can do? at DVinfo.net

Dave Morgan · July 26th, 2010, 11:18 AM

I had scheduled a concert to film 2 months ago, and the client cancels 1 day before the event. I didn't get any down payment or contract signed. just have emails where he says and agrees to the price and to have it shot.

I already asked another 2nd camera guy, now i have to tell him i don't need him. and told him i was going to give him 200.00

the total gig was going to be 800.00

is there anything I can do?

Adam Gold · July 26th, 2010, 11:41 AM

Without a contract and deposit, not really. Now you see the importance of having both. You can try to collect from the client but I doubt you'll get very far.

Maybe you can get the client to reschedule and get a contract and deposit for the new date.

Chris Davis · July 26th, 2010, 11:44 AM

That's business. That's why we get deposits, sign contracts, etc.

If you want to be a stinker, you could try to collect, maybe even take him to court. But you'd have to demonstrate to the judge that you actually lost other opportunities because of this booking.

Steve House · July 26th, 2010, 01:32 PM

While contracts don't HAVE to be in writing, for a contract to be binding some 'valuable consideration' must change hands, ie, a deposit. Since you didn't get one, as it stands right now it doesn't appear there ever was a contract so there's nothing enforcable. Sorry, next time get it in writing.

David Barnett · July 26th, 2010, 02:27 PM

In your emails did you mention anything about a cancellation policy, or amount of notice needed? If not, then what's your case? Client needed you, client doesn't need you. Didn't violate any terms.

Would you likely do business with them again? Probably not, but they didn't do much wrong from what's probably in writing. I'd email the 2nd video guy asap & say the client flaked out & apologize (was this a Craigslist jobbie? If so, it's typical). You could say to the client you understand and ask they keep you in mind in the future, but to be honest it sounds kindof amatuerish, I'd let it go.

Steve Wolla · July 27th, 2010, 11:35 PM

Been there too....Sounds like you lose on this one. But it's a valuable lesson, just know that from here on out get deposits and contracts.

July 26th, 2010, 11:18 AM	#1
Dave Morgan Major Player Join Date: Feb 2006 Posts: 293	client cancels filming event 1 day before. anything I can do? I had scheduled a concert to film 2 months ago, and the client cancels 1 day before the event. I didn't get any down payment or contract signed. just have emails where he says and agrees to the price and to have it shot. I already asked another 2nd camera guy, now i have to tell him i don't need him. and told him i was going to give him 200.00 the total gig was going to be 800.00 is there anything I can do?

July 26th, 2010, 11:41 AM	#2
Adam Gold Inner Circle Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Woodinville, WA USA Posts: 3,467	Without a contract and deposit, not really. Now you see the importance of having both. You can try to collect from the client but I doubt you'll get very far. Maybe you can get the client to reschedule and get a contract and deposit for the new date. __________________ "It can only be attributable to human error... This sort of thing has cropped up before, and it has always been due to human error."

July 26th, 2010, 01:32 PM	#4
Steve House Inner Circle Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Hamilton, Ontario, Canada Posts: 5,742	While contracts don't HAVE to be in writing, for a contract to be binding some 'valuable consideration' must change hands, ie, a deposit. Since you didn't get one, as it stands right now it doesn't appear there ever was a contract so there's nothing enforcable. Sorry, next time get it in writing. __________________ Good news, Cousins! This week's chocolate ration is 15 grams!

July 26th, 2010, 11:44 AM	#3
Chris Davis Trustee Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Willmar, MN Posts: 1,400	That's business. That's why we get deposits, sign contracts, etc. If you want to be a stinker, you could try to collect, maybe even take him to court. But you'd have to demonstrate to the judge that you actually lost other opportunities because of this booking.

July 26th, 2010, 02:27 PM	#5
David Barnett Major Player Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Philly, PA Posts: 951	In your emails did you mention anything about a cancellation policy, or amount of notice needed? If not, then what's your case? Client needed you, client doesn't need you. Didn't violate any terms. Would you likely do business with them again? Probably not, but they didn't do much wrong from what's probably in writing. I'd email the 2nd video guy asap & say the client flaked out & apologize (was this a Craigslist jobbie? If so, it's typical). You could say to the client you understand and ask they keep you in mind in the future, but to be honest it sounds kindof amatuerish, I'd let it go.

July 27th, 2010, 11:35 PM	#6
Steve Wolla Major Player Join Date: Nov 2005 Posts: 477	Been there too....Sounds like you lose on this one. But it's a valuable lesson, just know that from here on out get deposits and contracts.