Ep. 27 - The Blu Digital Group Scandal: When Freelancers Get Burned

SummaryIn this episode of the Found in Interpretation podcast, hosts Alain R. Breton and Brian Bickford discuss the troubling payment issues faced by freelancers in the translation and subtitling industry following the acquisition of Decentia Studios by Blue Digital Group. Guest Daniel Sikos shares his personal experiences with delayed payments and the broader implications for the freelancer community. The conversation highlights the challenges of navigating contracts, legal recourse, and the importance of raising awareness among end clients about these issues. In this conversation, Daniel Sikos shares his experience with late payments from a major company, Blue, and discusses the broader implications for freelancers in the industry. He details his efforts to advocate for timely payments not just for himself but for the entire freelancer community, highlighting the need for transparency and accountability in business practices. The discussion also touches on the importance of professional organizations and the lessons learned from navigating these challenges.Chapters00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guests01:23 The Acquisition of Decentia Studios by Blue Digital Group04:51 Payment Issues Arising Post-Acquisition09:58 Freelancer Community Response to Payment Delays12:43 Legal Implications and Challenges for Freelancers14:51 The Scale of Blue Digital Group's Operations20:53 Freelancers' Experiences and Financial Impact25:59 Raising Awareness Among End Clients27:53 The Challenge of Late Payments40:41 Rallying for Change in the Freelance Community50:02 Lessons Learned and Advice for Freelancers