EXACTLY Dave.
If I had a nickel for every newbie that contacted me wanted to buy content and set up custom shoots every month I would have 2 Ferraris.
I vet everyone who contacts me and
still a couple a year end up wasting my time. Since I have been shooting now for over 20 years in adult I have learned that if I haven't already heard of them, that most people are all talk, looky-loo's, and dreamers.
I had a guy here on GFY a few months ago, who was looking for high quality exclusive shoots. I started working on a deal with him because he was affiliated with a well known site. After much back and forth with me explaining everything in detail though emails and skype we agreed upon a rate/expenses and terms. Since this was an introductory shoot I was doing it for a low rate with the expressed understanding it would cost more once we had a regular thing going. Once they knew I could deliver exactly what they wanted. I generated a delivery memo outlining the costs and my rate as well as what I was to deliver and when. I signed that and sent it. They then sent me a lengthy contract which I also signed and returned for their signature. The terms were simply that they paid all the cost up front as I do with any client. I am obviously not going to pay out model, makeup, crew, and location fees for a shoot that is custom made for a specific clients needs. They agreed to wire the money to my account that week.
At this point I had about 20 hours into this project. A week passed and no contract back and no wire. I emailed the guy and he said he would go to the bank that day. 2 days later I contacted him (pretty pissed off at that point) and asked where the funds were. He said he was "holding off" on sending me money since I had not booked the talent, crew, and location yet! I explained to him AGAIN how there was no way I was going to stick my neck out for a client who I have never met and who has not given me any kind of deposit. I don't ever want to pay the kill fees or waste anyone's time. I told them I no longer trusted them since they lied about sending me money as well.
When I pressed them for the contract and deposit he responded that they couldn't send me the money as they were not sure they could trust me lol. I referred them to THEO, Adam&Eve, Twistys Rob etc. In the end I told them send me the money or fuck off.
Another photographer in his thread said he was not serious and wasted people's time. I should have heeded that
That is why I tell people who say they need content that they must prove they have the budget and are transparent and legit before I go down the road with them. I have been doing this since 1992 and I have a verifiable track record. Setting up a high end shoot is costly and time consuming. Lots of people are involved who have other work conflicts etc and can lose money if a job gets cancelled.
