HI Dave-
One thing we try to do is just write up a contract with a payment schedule, and have them sign it. If we don’t know the company, or have not worked with them before, we always ask for at least 50% up front. I want to make sure that any costs I’m incurring are covered. Then I don’t give them their final tape until payment is received. This is indicated in the contract as well. It seems to work for me. Of course, as producers sometimes our clients pay us slowly. But that’s not my crew’s problem. Perhaps your clients need to arrange the same thing, they get 50% and pay you. They (your clients) may need to pay you final payment before you release your master.