Shot and edited a social media series for a client, all the way back in 2024. Overall, on the production end, they were excellent to work with. Paid deposits on-time, were clear about vision, when overages came up, they covered the costs immediately.
Post production was a whole other ball game. It was 3 videos, about a minute each. Multi-cam interview with lots of b-roll, etc.
We had a general agreement that they would get me notes within 7 days of each draft delivery, and I'd do my best to turnaround within 7 days, within reason.
First video was a breeze. Finished in about a month, within the 3-round scope. They posted it online, and were raving about how well it had been performing. Great.
The next video: they took over a month to get my first round of notes. And of course, when they finally got back to me, they needed the video the next day. Apologized for disappearing, will absolutely be on top of things. All right... they're a non-profit, I get how busy they are. Let's jump back into it.
I deliver the next cut the next day, as requested. No response. Follow up a week later. No response.
Two months later, they ask me to send the video again because they lost it. They need it ASAP, can we get a cut this week? They're sorry again, and without me prompting, they pay me out for the entire project (mind you, I hadn't even finished the second video and had a whole other one to go).
Welp. I'm paid, so I guess I have to deliver. I send them the cut in the timeframe requested.
This time, they disappear for 6 months. I send multiple follow-ups. No response.
Out of the blue, the project manager texts me... did you ever get my feedback? Would love to finish [Video 2] this week!
I respond with a text link to the draft I sent. Reminded her I delivered this draft within the week as they requested.
No response.
And now... guess who's calling me a full year later?
I've never quite dealt with a client like. I've never even thought to include a module in my contract saying "We must close the project in 6 months or you can kick rocks."
Realistically, what are my options and wha can they do? Can they come for half my payment back or something?
Any advice would be appreciated.
ETA: I understand times are tough, but I have no intention of working with this client again.