Written by Rob Andersin
A partnership is required in making indie comics between and a Writer and a Artist ( so long as the writer isn’t also the artist ) that is more like a relationship. You need open lines of communication that require listening and understanding. You need to trust each other and be able to rely on each other.
Like any relationship these days that involves money there are pre nuptials or in our case a contract of expectations. But the one issue and a real huge issue if you ask writer and creators is Money! Couple break up over it and so do creative partnerships. The Idea is to create a company that will be an Escrow company for comic books.
1st the company will not write contracts. Maybe after it was established it would a service offered down the line but certainly not right away. So the Company would only be about the Money in the project and making sure terms of the agreement are met. In layman’s Terms The Creator Bring us Money for the project or works out an Advanced payment schedule. The company reads the contract and will control payments to the Artist. Yes there would be a fee. The fee would be on costs of doing the work more than likely based on the whole price of the project. Think of a 5 dollar charge per pay out.
Why do this? It comes down to the fact people are getting screwed when it comes to money. Both Artist and Writers. This will be a company that will be able to see an issue coming and can helps a Writer and Artist have someone add control and oversight. As well knowing the project is funded with the money will help an artist work but as well can help make sure deadlines are reached. In fact I would think a late fee would be added to payment to an artist when they missed a deadline. This makes the company the bad guy. This process would also will be able to see funding issues coming and would give the artists head up.
This is only at an idea stage but is it something that you think could help Creators stop getting screwed or at least see problems sooner than later. Mind you by starting this we also would implement a Report card for all creators as we go. More on that on out Report Card Idea thread