Date: Tue, 1 Aug 2006 16:05:31 -0400
From: Kevin Pittman <klp-AT-moonshade.oit.gatech.edu>
To: puptcrit-AT-lists.driftline.org
Subject: Re: [Puptcrit] Contracts: A group question


On Fri, Jul 28, 2006 at 09:40:40AM -0700, Tim Giugni wrote:
> I I have a question for the group.
> 
> I received a contract from a large national chain (LNC) that contained
> a clause at the very bottom: (company) reserves the right to cancel
> this agreement for any reason and at any time before the Performance.
> Should (company) exercise the right to cancel, (company) will incur no
> liability nor owe performer any compensation.

It sounds like this discussion is about the very same contract that I had to
consider, and unfortunately I went ahead and sent mine in last week before 
this thread began, so it's too late for me to do anything about it.  I was 
willing to accept those annoying terms, mainly because I only do puppetry 
part-time right now and took the job more for the challenge than for the pay.  
I had no concerns about potentially starting late, and if they were to cancel 
then I would just work my regular job those mornings and not be out anything.

Still, I am glad to see this discussion and I'll definitely be noting the ideas
that have been presented on negotiating contracts.  I will be going full-time
with my puppetry in a few years, and when that happens I will have to be 
extremely concerned and cautious about these very important issues.  Much 
better for me to learn my lessons now than later when my monthly income 
is dependent on my bookings.

I would like to ask for those of you who attempt to negotiate on this 
contract to please report back here on the outcome of your efforts.  I'm
very interested in seeing if anyone is able to get the terms of this 
contract changed in their favor.  I never even considered trying to 
negotiate with such a large company, and would love to know if anyone
ends up being successful in doing so.

Thanks,
Kevin

----------------------------------------------------------------
Kevin Pittman    info-AT-forestpuppets.com    www.forestpuppets.com         
                     
Professional puppeteer and costume character performer
Specializing in fun, fairy tale style puppet shows, featuring
Personally designed, lovable and lifelike animal characters.
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