As a
performer you are unique in what you do, if you
appear on television (except the regular news
program, or when you are promoting/publicizing
your appearance some-where,) you should be paid.
Ask
any of the people who appear on our show, if we
allow commercial photography or
TV
etc. and receive money, EVERYONE on the show
receives a share.
A
few years ago we arranged an appearance for
Harold Huge, The Fat Man, and Lorette our
tattooed lady to appear on a TV program.
They were to receive five hundred dollars each
plus their airfare, transportation, hotel rooms
and food. Chris was to receive the same to
accompany and take care of them.
I
delivered them to the Tampa airport. On arrival
in Chicago, they were transported by
limousine (which was in the contract) to the
studio for the shoot. After the taping
they were taken by limo to the "first
class hotel." It turned out to be a Motel
Six in a bad area of the city. The hotel
wanted Chris and Bruce to share a room.
After displaying the contract and arguing they
were given separate rooms. The fine
restaurant in which they were to dine turned out
to be a Chinese take out which they had been
given coupons.
The
next morning when the limo failed to arrive,
calls were made to the producers office, some
time later a guy who couldn't speak English
showed up with a beat up old sedan. They all
squeezed in uncomfortably and barely made their
flight.
After all that the contract checks never
arrived. Two months and over twenty phone calls
from Chris and our lawyer, checks arrived for
Bruce and for Lorette. More calls etc, were
placed but Chris never got paid.
On
the program both Bruce and Lorette were
presented in a very belittling way. Since that
time our policy is to be paid up front, in full.
Never, NEVER sign a release for your appearance
until you have the money in your hand.
We
have since done business with many ethical
companies, and a couple who were not forthcoming
with the money, leaving us empty handed.
Our
people do not perform without being paid for it.
