That’s Not in the Contract: What Happens When Roles and Expectations Shift Mid-Project
You took the job. You signed the deal. Maybe it was to produce, consult, design, or co-write. But now, three weeks in, you’re expected to sit in on every call. Rewrite scenes on weekends. Mediate between talent and directors. Oh, and your rate? Still the same.
If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. In the entertainment industry, it’s almost expected that creative professionals will go “above and beyond.” But here’s the thing: when your responsibilities grow and your compensation doesn’t, it’s no longer collaboration, it’s exploitation. And without a solid contract or someone in your corner, it’s hard to push back without burning bridges.
Let’s talk about why this happens, how it plays out, and what you can actually do to stop it.
Scope Creep Isn’t Just Annoying, It’s Risky
“Scope creep” sounds like something that belongs in a project management textbook, but in real life, it’s subtle. It shows up as small requests that build over time. Maybe you’re asked to jump in on marketing strategy even though your job was to design assets. Maybe you're brought into budget talks when your contract says “creative only.”
In creative environments where roles are fluid and egos are high, the lines between jobs blur fast, and the pressure to say yes is intense. Everyone wants to be seen as collaborative. No one wants to be labeled “difficult.” But saying yes too many times, without the legal framework to back you, puts you at serious risk. Not just of burnout, but of being held accountable for deliverables you never agreed to, or missing payment for work you never scoped.
But We Thought You Were On Board With This…
One of the biggest issues with scope creep is that it’s rarely intentional. Most of the time, the people around you genuinely believe they’re just asking for a little help. You’re already part of the team. You already care.
But this mindset creates a dangerous gray area, especially when there’s no contract to clarify your role, boundaries, and compensation. Suddenly, you're caught in vague expectations that can shift week to week. And if something goes wrong, guess who gets blamed?
Without a clearly written contract or someone to help you enforce it, your “helpful” reputation can quickly turn into a liability.
Contracts Are Your First Line of Defense
A strong contract doesn’t make you rigid; it gives you room to breathe. It sets the tone for the relationship and gives both sides clarity on what’s expected. More importantly, it gives you leverage to renegotiate if things change (and in entertainment, things always change).
If you’re working without a written agreement or relying on a template from five years ago, you’re exposed. And if your contract doesn’t include detailed scope terms, exit clauses, payment milestones, or what happens if new duties are added, you might find yourself doing triple the work for the same check.
The solution isn’t just to “read contracts more carefully.” It’s to have someone on your side who knows how creative work gets messy, and how to keep it from getting expensive.
If It’s Not in the Contract, You Shouldn’t Be Doing It
This is the golden rule. Whether you’re producing an indie film, consulting on a podcast launch, or ghostwriting a screenplay, your time and ideas are valuable. If it’s not in writing, and you’re not being paid for it, you’re doing unpaid labor, plain and simple.
That doesn’t mean you can’t be flexible. It means you should be protected. When expectations shift, the agreement should too. And when clients or collaborators start treating you like an all-access pass instead of a creative partner, it’s time to draw the line.
At Wagner Legal PC, we help clients do exactly that, without blowing up the relationship, and without putting your future projects at risk.
You Deserve to Get Paid for Every Part of What You Do
If you’ve been asked to do more than you signed up for, you’re not being difficult, you’re being smart. And you deserve a legal partner who gets it. Wagner Legal PC works with creatives, consultants, and entertainment professionals across the industry to build contracts that hold up and help you say “yes” to the right opportunities without being taken advantage of.
If you’re already in a situation where the work has ballooned beyond your deal, let’s talk. We help resolve conflicts before they escalate and make sure your next contract makes room for your real value.
Don’t Leave Compliance Up to Guesswork
If you’re relying on generic training, you’re gambling with your business. Let’s stop guessing and start getting it right.
See how Wagner Legal PC designs workplace training tailored to your team, and your state. Schedule a call today and get compliance off your worry list, for good.
