Funny phone call about production costs.

[nickey1952]

I have been shooting a long time and this phone call takes the cake. On Wednesday I get a phone call from a mystery client that wants me to quote him 10 scenes to be shot VR (virtual reality). I guess he got my name from GFY and I sent him a quote.
He called me back with some questions and I asked him what company or sites he has and he said he wants to remain confidential but he said they have been in adult since 1997. His phone has a Chicago area code, so I kind of new he wasn't a producer but rather a website owner. As we went thru the quote he asked me about talent costing $1000 plus an agency fee. I responded I think we can get talent a bit cheaper as long as they are not a big name or a high ranking on freeness.
He said "I see on twitter girls saying you can book them for 700-800 and no agency fee" My response was I can book them for that price if you want , but if we are on location with hair and makeup and a male talent, is he willing to pay all the costs if the girl does not show up? Crickets, Silence , I said hello, hello? Then he went on to ask what was the mark up I was putting on the scenes. I said very little, and I am not doing this to look at naked girls, or to loose money. I am in business to make money, I own the production company, I assume the $2million liability policy and all the risks. Do you want to deal with cutting costs or get scenes that make you money? I then told him I will work with you but not going to work cheap or do anything cheap, My final words to him my motto " If its worth shooting , its worth shooting well or not at all. I haven't heard a peep out of him.
We as producers face all the penalties if we get in trouble with Cal Osha or the Board of Equalization on talents Workers Compensation. I am wondering how many production companies charge their clients for that.

[MaDalton]

it is amusing and sad at the same time sometimes

[Paul Markham]

We had that for years.

The business has always been full of people who think we shoot and lose money.

Then bitch that someone cheaper ran off with their deposit.