Scott Altman. Defunct Films.

Way back when, before everyone in the industry realised that it was entirely wrong for businesses to take on young people and set them to work unpaid, lots of TV and Film companies were doing this kind of thing. 

Now companies rightly shun such abhorrent practices, concluding that it is not only wrong to use people in this way, but also thoroughly socially divisive.

However not all companies it seems. Word is in of one called (appropriately enough) Defunct Films, run by Scott Altman. 

It seems that Scott has been busy supporting his company's bottom line with a stream of young people who he has put to work doing jobs for him on the basis that - while it may not help them put bread on the table - it would be good for the career they are keen to start. 

Leaving aside the question of whether doing a series of administrative tasks for a company like this would be of any benefit to anyone, there is of course the question of why Scott feels he should retain what he would otherwise have to pay in wages rather than hand the money over to people who would very likely be more in need of it that him, and who are getting far less out of the bargain than he is.

Scott maintains that taking on unpaid entrants to the industry is "good for the economy" and that the "experience" is what these people get is much more valuable than giving them a wage he says he can't put his hands on.

That mantra of "you can't have what you can't afford" is clearly not one which Scott ever picked up along the way in his life as he seems determined to carry on using these individuals without paying them. Given that, it's right that a warning go out to avoid his company until he does. And if there is a minimum wage claim to be made - and any individual would like to make it - do feel free to get in touch for any help and support needed.

Meanwhile the message is clear - Scott Altman and Defunct Films: Freelancers beware!