Finance

Rules are normally there for breaking. Using banking systems to get paid are an exception.

1. Let’s get on the same page
We want to make working with Mellor&Smith as easy, as enjoyable and as profitable for you as possible. After all, if you’re supplying a service to us, then you’re far more likely to smash it out of the park if you’re happy.

So we’ve listed out exactly what you need to submit invoices and get paid. Easy peasy, lemon squeezy.

2. Getting started
Your point of contact will be with somebody in the Mellor&Smith (M&S) team. That person can approve the expenditure with you.

We like to keep things really simple. So written approval will be in the form of an email from your M&S contact. Included in that approval will be the project number, which is also the Purchase Order number.

3. Getting all legal
3.1. The omnipresent NDA.

Often you will be required to sign an NDA prior to us disclosing any info about a project or client. You will be provided with an NDA called “NDA Agreement“. Take the time to read it before signing. It’s awfully important that you adhere to the terms & conditions. A new NDA will be required for each new project, so even if it’s the 50th project working together, you’ll need to sign & return the NDA to your M&S contact before we can get started.

3.2. Studio freelancer strategist, copywriter, art director, duo, production designer, animator, editor, soundie, etc.

You will be provided with a contract called “Freelance Agreement” it’s the contract governing the relationship between you and M&S on the project. It will detail the scope of work, the deliverables, the day rate and the total fee. This needs to be signed and returned (to your M&S contact) before we can get started.

Sometimes projects change or extra scope needs to be added during a project. If that’s the case, and you’re happy with the changes and the fees. Then an Addendum to the original freelancer contract will be emailed to you by your M&S contact detailing out the changes and the fee.

3.3. Production crew freelancer director, DOP, 1st ad, camera op, producer, gaffa, soundie, art director, costume, make-up, runner, etc.

You will be provided with a contract called “Crew Agreement” it’s the contract governing the relationship between you and M&S on the project. It will detail the scope of work, the deliverables, the day rate and the total fee. This needs to be signed and returned (to your M&S contact) before we can get started. We adhere to the current APA day rates on all productions. Eeeesh.

3.4. Production on-screen talent (actors daaaaarling).

You and/or your agent will be provided with a contract called “Actor Agreement” it’s the contract governing the relationship you and Mellor&Smith on the project. It will detail the scope of work, the day rate, equity buy-out and the total fee. This needs to be signed and returned (to your M&S contact) before we can get started.

Sometimes projects change or extra scope needs to be added during a project. If that’s the case, and you’re happy with the changes and the fees. Then an Addendum to the original freelancer contract will be emailed to you and/or your agent by your M&S contact detailing out the changes and the fee.

3.5. Production companies.

We typically work with you based on your production contract. Much easier that way, just don’t take the piss. If you do, then we won’t work with you again.

3.6. Other suppliers, nowt to do with production.

We’ll probably work with you based on your supplier/client contract. Much easier that way, because it could be anything from paper clips to smoke bombs. Don’t take the piss. If you do, then we won’t buy our flame-throwers from you again. Capeesh?

4. Submitting your invoice
Apart from the strong desire to work with the gorgeously dazzling minds of Mellor&Smith, we imagine getting paid is higher on your list. So please follow these simple steps to get paid.

4.1. On your invoice you need to include the following; project name, your services, the name of your Mellor&Smith contact and the Mellor&Smith project number.

4.2. Attach the invoice as a PDF or include as a link, and email to both accounts@mellorandsmith.com and your Mellor&Smith point of contact. Emailing it to just accounts or your point of contact doesn’t count.

4.3. The accounts team will then process the invoice and ensure it is paid as per our payment terms. 💰

5. Payment terms
Because we aren’t big enough to have a dedicated finance department, and we don’t trust AI (yet), our payment runs are once a month. So our payment terms are “Net 30 days EOM” also known as “Net 30 days End-of-Month“. Meaning, invoices are paid 30 days after the end of the month in which the invoice is received.

E.g. If the invoice is received on 15th July, payment is made 30 days after the last day of July. If the invoice is received on the 28th July, payment is made 30 days after the last day of July. If that 30th day falls on a weekend, then it will be paid on the Friday before the weekend. Dangerous timing for some but YOLO.

Thanks for giving us your best Underdog thinking.

Paul, Jim, Max and team 💋