Frustrated!!

Razorbill RIBs · 13 August 2010, 14:26

Don't really go in for rants etc....but wanted to share my frustration...

Won't name names as would be cutting off my nose to spite my face....I have more work coming up with the client....BUT....

Having assisted the client (film crew) with locations, local knowledge (boat and non-boat / related to story etc), organised some extras....and generally having gone the extra mile, got a sheepish phone call to say they won't be requiring us for this particular shoot anymore.....

Dug a bit deeper and turns out that the Police (who were recently asked to contribute to the story) have now offered to bring two of their RIBs round (at least 40 plus miles by sea /road and off their working patch) to do the filming etc....all for FREE....

To say i am unimpressed is an uderstatement....they will be benefitting from all our hard work....and, how is that a proper use of public funds?

boristhebold · 13 August 2010, 14:53

Not surprised your frustrated, not a nice thing for them to do and yes is annoying as we will all be paying for them to do that out of our taxes. Does seem a waste of public money and not supporting local business.

captainpugwash · 13 August 2010, 15:03

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dan Worth

Don't really go in for rants etc....but wanted to share my frustration...

Won't name names as would be cutting off my nose to spite my face....I have more work coming up with the client....BUT....

Having assisted the client (film crew) with locations, local knowledge (boat and non-boat / related to story etc), organised some extras....and generally having gone the extra mile, got a sheepish phone call to say they won't be requiring us for this particular shoot anymore.....

Dug a bit deeper and turns out that the Police (who were recently asked to contribute to the story) have now offered to bring two of their RIBs round (at least 40 plus miles by sea /road and off their working patch) to do the filming etc....all for FREE....

To say i am unimpressed is an uderstatement....they will be benefitting from all our hard work....and, how is that a proper use of public funds?

That is absolutely appalling Dan. The Dyfed Powys Police Force (I guess its them)is facing cuts of millions of pounds from its budget and I will bet the very prudent Chief Constable knows nothing of the Marine Branch's little jolly for the Boys in their very new toys.
That is just not a proper use of the now very limited public funds and not a level playing field for local businessmen like yourself.
They will probably try to justify it as a Training Exercise.
I bet your local MP would love to have a jab at this as well.
Feel free to PM me on the subject.

Screaming04 · 13 August 2010, 15:11

I'd call the chief and explain the situation.

Poly · 13 August 2010, 17:04

Of course if there were a marine incident which required the police boats be somewhere else then you might have an opportunity to sell your services at short notice for a premium. Not that I'm advocating you create an incident of course.

Simon B · 13 August 2010, 17:32

It's the sort of "luvvy" behaviour you may encounter with film types. Get a contract straight away or work day rate on "research". The prospect of some purposeful boat filled with uniform is oftem enough to turn a producer to mush - roll VT "Could you taser that guy again, we weren't watching"

C2 RIBS · 13 August 2010, 19:33

Dan , I feel your frustration over this having tried to set up similar jobs with film crews for big networks and then told they have found a free boat at the last minute before deposits paid. I guess like all organisations the funding is being restricted.

In relation to your incident I would call their marine chief and express an real concern about use of public facilities and see what the response is. I guess if a stink is made they will be pulled back to their normal work but the question is , would the film people come back? Good Luck

sarahscottiedog · 13 August 2010, 20:52

That is definately a public outrage. I would definately be sending an email complaint to the chief constable asking how he has got money to waste public resources when the whole counrty is trying to save money.
Bang out of order

willk · 13 August 2010, 20:55

Just a thought from the Edge...

I'd leave the coppers well alone. It's called Life, deal.

Bigmuz7 · 13 August 2010, 20:57

indeed

Razorbill RIBs · 13 August 2010, 21:39

Quote:

Originally Posted by willk

Just a thought from the Edge...

I'd leave the coppers well alone. It's called Life, deal.

Don't disagree....as i said, just sharing my frustration really....am also expecting more work from them (but not banking on it

) so would be remiss to cause a stink....

Just venting....have been stuck on land for the past few days due to Northerlies (even missed a couple of lifeboat shouts)...back out diving tomorrow /Sun, so normal service will be resumed....

Thanks for listening to my woes

cheaper than therapy!!

willk · 13 August 2010, 21:57

Having said all that, one day you'll find yourself at the helm of a rib, miles offshore, with a mewling mass of luvvies beseeching you to return them to terra firma. Life will seem good.

And don't forget Extras. Not the acting sort, the billing sort. Your day will come, don't be shy with the Invoice...

Cookee · 14 August 2010, 08:19

As someone who has worked quite a bit in the film business with boats I can empathise with you - sadly this is not a unique occurrence, but more of a regular one! Good luck with sorting this one out - I have to say we never got beaten on a quote by the Police!

Jizm · 14 August 2010, 08:34

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cookee

- I have to say we never got beaten on a quote by the Police!

what about just plain beaten by the police?

willk · 14 August 2010, 08:37

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jizm

what about just plain beaten by the police?

Do the cops race ribs?

Mollers · 14 August 2010, 09:27

http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x5s...the-fuzz_music

sarahscottiedog · 14 August 2010, 13:14

Quote:

Originally Posted by willk

Just a thought from the Edge...

I'd leave the coppers well alone. It's called Life, deal.

I couldn't disagree more. Just because they are the Police they are still a public service, spening my, honest tax payers money,for a couple of coppers to go and play movies is outrageous. They have a reposibility to the public they serve to spend it effectively and efficiently as possible. This in NO WAY serves any public function.

If I was any way involved with this company or even a local I would definatley be rocking the boat , and talking to the local press, they'd just love a story like this, and I think it would have very different outcome.

willk · 14 August 2010, 13:44

Quote:

Originally Posted by sarahscottiedog

I couldn't disagree more.

I'm quite sure you could.

Quote:

Originally Posted by sarahscottiedog

If I was any way involved with this company or even a local I would definatley be rocking the boat

I'm quite sure you would.

However, in my experience, a small business operator in a "rural" or "remote" location (sorry Dan

) is best to stay on the right side of Officialdom. They tend to have long memories and can be quite vindictive. I'm afraid that life isn't always fair.

In Dan's case, a few friends on the Force would be better than a bunch of lads sharpening knives for him. IMVHO, of course.

Nice horse, BTW

Hightower · 14 August 2010, 14:36

Put it down to an experience and insist on a deposit payed in full before a booking goes ahead and information starts to flow.