I propose the use of the U.S. Better Business Bureau and their online search utility to identify potential work leads as having troubled pasts. I say this as we need a method for risk management. I don't believe a “black-list” is the most ethical solution. The Better Business Bureau is a legit entity and can be used by anyone virtually anywhere to see if a company has had issues when handling in payment to freelancers, etc. The best part is it's free to use and open to anyone.

Just go here to file your formal complaint: http://odr.bbb.org/odrweb/public/getstarted.aspx

Go here to see if the studio your interested in doing business with has been listed: http://www.bbb.org/us/Find-Business-Reviews

Risk Management is what this is all about.