High end crew applying for low end work

Phil Rhodes · April 29, 2015

Well, this is odd.

Over the last few days I've been putting together a single day of shooting on a short film and I have been approached by some very high end crew to work on it, including a gaffer, pyrotechnician and a very experienced first assistant director, all of whom have worked on things we've all seen big posters for.

Needless to say my reaction was to end the conversation absolutely as quickly as possible to avoid embarrassing us both - none of these people likely to be compatible with the sort of no-budget stuff I'm usually involved with at that level, and clearly some sort of miscommunication had taken place. I have no idea what the vector for this might be and it makes me shudder to think who might be trying to mess me about. But they still had to call me - good grief! Is there really that little going on? I thought the big UK studios were full of American shows right now!

Phil

Miguel Angel · April 29, 2015

Phil,

Maybe those people are interested in creating new connections within the industry.

Maybe they want to experiment with new things and the only way for them to do so is by shooting different things.

The best people I have worked with have the best people they can get around them :)

Do they know the budget of your short - film? if they do, then why don't you let them enter the project? You might be super surprised! :)

Have a lovely day back in London!

JD Hartman · April 29, 2015

Sometimes if work is slow in your neck of the woods, you just want to do something to keep busy. Sometimes something in the script just touches you.

Phil Rhodes · April 29, 2015

Believe me, it's never that slow. Ordinarily I wouldn't expect a production on this level to even have an AD or gaffer.

Satsuki Murashige · April 30, 2015

What's that saying about gift horses and mouths? ;)

Maybe your script really is that good. People do pay you to write stuff on a regular basis after all. Good luck with your film, Phil.

Adrian Sierkowski · April 30, 2015

People are tending to begin to respect you and want to work with you, Phil. It's a pain we all must eventually deal with. Take 'em on; find out their favorite drink of choice, and buy them a bottle as a personal thank you on top of rate and most importantly, smile.--- well ok-- maybe you shouldn't smile.