Case study: the clause that paid her when a deal died

Case study: the clause that paid her when a deal died

A kill fee = money you keep if the brand cancels after you've started the work.

A creator spent two days scripting and filming a $1,200 video. Then the brand emailed: "Marketing changed direction, we're cancelling." Without protection, she'd get $0 for two days of work.

Luckily her contract said: "If cancelled after production begins, a 50% kill fee applies."

She invoiced $600 and the brand paid — because they'd agreed to it in writing.

The lesson: deals fall through for reasons you can't control. A kill fee makes sure your work still gets paid.

Your move: add one line to your contract — "50% kill fee if cancelled after work begins." It costs nothing and saved her $600.