Funny phone call about production costs.
 

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.

it is amusing and sad at the same time sometimes

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.