Vendor Warning

Meltini

Hey everyone, I really hate to do this since I don't like confrontation, but I would like to advise everyone to avoid Spectrum Video LLC in North Riverside, IL.  They did the photos and video for my wedding and as of yet I have not received my pictures or video.  Basically what is happening is that the owner has not paid his photographer or editor (I believe) for the last 6 weddings that they have done.  In order to get the money the editor is using my photos for leverage.  The editor has the only copies and is refusing to release them until everyone gets paid.  This really stinks.  Luckily for me I got the cell number of the photographer and she has been keeping me in the loop.  The owner of the company has been ignoring my emails and phone calls since the wedding.  I'm sure when I get the photos and video they will be wonderful but I don't want anyone to go through what I am going through.  

beautifulnryan

Oh no   I'm so sorry!  I hope this gets resolved soon and you get your pictures!

kthame

I'm so sorry to hear this; it's so unfortunate that business pull sh*t like this...we're the ones that end up getting hurt/screwed out of our money.

drbwedding

I would consider legal action if I were you and you have paid in full. Those pictures are yours and they are holding them 'hostage'. That is not right for the owner or editor to do that. The editor should release those photos and then pursue legal action against the owner, not use clients as leverage. I'm surprised the editor and photographer aren't worried about any legal action from clients. What a crappy business. They are all acting unprofessionally. Sorry you have to deal with this.

andy71781

Seriously - what did the contract say?  If the language about releasing the images feel free to paste it here and I can take a look.

andy71781

Sorry - I meant to say if the language is weird or confusing

Madge999

I think I'd go for a face-to-face.  It's a lot harder to avoid people that way. 

Meltini

Unfortunately the contract doesn't say anything about me getting the pictures and video in a specific amount of time.  I wish I had made sure that was in there.  I do know where he lives and I am seriously considering taking DH over there with me to get some answers.

erkarpf

I would also threaten informing the BBB of their lack of action, and then if they don't follow through, report them!

bridetobefun14

Thanks for posting this.  I know my friend was looking into using them. I will make sure I tell her to STAY AWAY!! I'm sorry your going through all of this. You need to take legal action and report them. Keep us posted.

jen6222

I had him for my Oct. 17 2009 wedding and I haven't gotten my video or a response either. AND I see that the website isn't up anymore. Can you please let me know how you went out finding out if you were getting your video or if you did? THANKS

jenventura88

Jen6222 and Meltini,
I also used Spectrum for my photography and videography for my Sept 12th wedding. What an absolute jerk he is!  Believe it or not, he is a friend of a friend, too. My friends feel absolutely horrible for recommending him. Their video turned out great, but it was done for them very cheap and in turn was used on his website as a demo (the Yonke wedding).  It took over three months for me to see any picture proofs. He had multiple excuses for not getting back to me. Think about the person you may work with who's grandmother has died 14 times...yeah that's exactly who this guy is!  And I had to drive all the way to his house to pick up a burned disc with all my proofs on them when they finally were ready. How totally unprofessional! They were all out of order and unedited. And after pretty much begging him, he put them up on a viewing website so my family can view them...and guess what..they were all out of order and unedited there too! How embarrassing! I have threatened to call a lawyer multiple times and that seems to be the only way he gets anything done. But you still shouldn't expect it done on time...I gave him a deadline to have my video done by January 12th which he agreed to (in writing)---and it is now february 1st and still no video! At one point, my mother called him about 20 times in a row until he finally texted me back. See, he is too much of a coward to actually answer a phone call or call you back. So the story now is that I am picking up my video tomorrow night. If he doesn't give me my video tomorrow, my parents are calling their lawyer.  I will let you know what happens. My advice to you ladies...use email or texting only when you correspond with him. I have saved every email that I have ever sent him as well as any email I have ever received from him. I agree with you Meltini on a couple things----the contract is absolute crap..says nothing about a timeline or about photography for that matter. I do have a copy of the "packages" he offered and the "package" name is listed on my contract. I also agree that I think he avoided paying his photographers. He told me that he was no longer including photography in his packages because it was too difficult to coordinate or something like that. Jen..I also noticed that his website is not there...I googled his complany name and actually that is how I came across this blog. I was astonished but relieved at the same time. We should join forces and take this guy to court together! Let me know your thoughts!!! I am so sorry this is happening....I know how heartwrenching it is. Keep your chin up...and dont give up!

jen6222

Has anyone gotten their videos yet?

Meltini

Just sent you a PM.

girardgen

A friend recommended this guy to me too.  After the exact same thing all of you are experiencing, the no pictures, the no video, suspicions of him not paying people, and finally he stops returning emails and phone calls, I filed a claim with the BBB.  Mr. Scola offered to give me a $500 refund for all the “problems” and to deliver everything.  He never did anything he claimed and the BBB closed the case and recommended I go to small claims court.  My court date is Monday. July 26.  I am suing for the full amount plus the money for the dinners I had to pay for at my reception for him and his crew.  WISH ME LUCK.  Also if you want any information on how to sue Mr. Scola, please let me know I already doing it and know how.   I still can't believe I am going through this.

girardgen

Also, I forgot to say. Look at his business cards!! 

They say the work is guaranteed to be done in 4 WEEKS.

jenventura88

Hey Girardgen!
Please let us know how your court date went!!! And shoot me an email if you can jenwaters88@hotmail.com....I need one of those business cards...I want to take him to court also! Thanks

girardgen

Hey jenventura88 ,

I sent you an email.

I'm glad to help anyone defrauded by this guy.

Meltini

::bump::

I'm bumping this hoping someone else who hired Mike and got ripped off will see this and send me a message.  We need to work together to take this a$$hole down!!