A friend of mine recently did a product photo shoot contracted by Mindblossom.com on behalf of Virgin Mobile Canada. Omar Rizvi (VP Finance & Operations) <omar.rizvi@mindblossom.com> and Hasiya Au-Yeung (Sr. Manager, Engagement Management) <hasiya.auyeung@mindblossom.com> signed the contract. (will be posted here shortly).
After the job was completed and delivered to Mindblossom they refused to pay her for the work with no explanation. No one at Mindblossom would return her calls or explain what was going on. Via email she was told to “sit tight” while weeks passed by without a peep. She tried to contact Omar Rizvi, the signatory on the contract who refused to return her calls.
Only after putting the delinquent account of Mindblossom into collection did they provide any details on why they refused to pay.
The response came from Genti Kongjika, (Finanace Manager), <Genti.Kongjika@mindblossom.com>
“As per my previous communications to you our position is based on two major issues: Performance – quality of the product was not there and did not meet the criteria as per the contract. Time of delivery – the only document signed by both parties that I have stipulates that the delivery date was July 10th 2008. This deadline was never met.”
I’ve spoken to the photographer and have summarized her feedback below.
1) As for late delivery is concerned: due to complications during post production a new delivery date was agreed upon via email between Hasiya Au-Yeung (Sr. Manager, Engagement Management) and Francesca Teotico (Engagement Manager) <francesca.teotico@mindblossom.com>. Mindblossom is choosing to ignore this communication and the revised dates.
2) Regarding quality of product: One example of 11 photo animations completed is posted below. As you can see the quality of photography is quite good and I fail to see what “poor quality” Mindblossom is referring to.
Please Boycott Mindblossom and let them know that not paying contractors is bad for business and their reputation.
[update 1] I have convinced the photographer to send me all correspondence to post here. Stay tuned for the whole story. You be the judge and decide for yourself.
[update 2] It seems that Hasia is no longer with the Mindblossom. hrmm…
[update 3] The photographer is taking further legal action against Mindblossom and Virgin Mobile for non-payment, breach of contract, lost opportunities, court and collection costs. Willkeep you posted here.
[update 4] It appears there are others who have also had problems with Mindblossom. Search Google and you will find them. I’ve posted one below.
Tags: Aegis media, Au-Yeung, bad debt, canada, collection, doesn't pay freelancers, internet marketing, Isobar, lawsuit, legal action, mindblossom, mindblossom.com, Omar Rizvi, photography, rizvi, Teotico, Virgin, Virgin Mobile, virgin mobile canada
November 29, 2008 at 3:57 am |
It doesn’t surprise me that Virgin mobile keeps company with fraudulent agencies like MindBlossom. Virgin itself, or at least their billing and customer service department have repeatedly shortchanged me of service, giving me on average 20 days per month when I’ve paid for a full month, and as I discovered today double-charging me for my first month on a new plan.
Feel free to join the Facebook group “Virgin Mobile Sucks”:
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=47400470219
November 30, 2008 at 5:53 am |
That’s completely insane. It’s like every photogs worst nightmare. Stay on them! The worst thing would be if they got away with it.
November 30, 2008 at 10:24 am |
I am very saddened to hear about this. I know the photographer, Jessica and IMNSHO, she’s an incredible photographer. It must be awful for her to have to go through such an ordeal (I’ve been there too). Unfortunately this is an all too common occurrence for contractors and freelancers. I hope it all works out for her.
As for the quality of the work, I think it looks great, especially for an animated GIF. I am an Art Director & Designer and have done similar work in the past and I give it two thumbs up no matter what Mindblossom may be saying. I fail to see what problem there could possibly be with the quality of this. I also noticed this is an animated set of photographs and not computer generated graphics making this even more of an incredible feat to accomplish. I’d love to see the high-res photos although based o my past knowledge of her work I have little doubt they are also top quality — that girl is obsessed with photography.
As an Art Director/Technology Director I often contract new media services from companies like Mindblossom (although I’ve never heard of them before this). I will definitely NOT hire Mindblossom in the future and will be sure to discourage any of my clients, colleagues and associates from doing so.
Good Luck, Jess!!! Hang in there.
November 30, 2008 at 11:13 am |
SHAME ON THEM!!!
Good Luck Jess.
Let me know if you need any help — letters, referrals, hacking their asses =)
I’ll be sure to spread the word.
November 30, 2008 at 5:33 pm |
I have been working in stop-motion animation and VFX for over seven years, and this piece is excellent. Far superior to most of the animation done for film and television, never mind web ads. It is disgraceful the way companies like “Mindblossom” exploit artists. Shame on them. Jessica, I hope you bankrupt these losers.
October 9, 2009 at 7:06 pm |
I might have the same issue with mindblossom. I quit last month and still not getting paid yet. Keep me posted