Hey, I wouldn't wish my year on my worst enemy! I've had three huge gigs fall through on me.
One was a DOC that was to go around the world (New Guinea, S. Africa, Mexico, USA). 30 shooting days. Shooter thought he had the choice of soundmen and asked me if he got it would I be interested, I said 'yes'. He got the gig and called me. The next day he said I should probably talk to the producer as there was a 'problem'. She interviewed me, thanked me and told me that she was going to go with another guy anyway. Seems the shooter got his wires crossed and thought he had the choice when the producer had already hired another.
Producer wins, Other sound guy wins, I lose.
The second was a lifestyle-design show, 56 shooting days. They had problems with the soundman they had getting across the border into the USA. They called me up and offered me the job. They even went so far as to get my paperwork and passport info and equipment list for carnet etc. Two days before we were scheduled to go they call and say "Oh, we worked it out with the other guy."
Producer wins, Other sound guy wins, I lose.
The third was the series I had lined up for the summer. Easy gig Every Wednesday and weekends off. 33 shoot days. All along they've been saying "Yes, we're a 'go'. Yes, you have the gig. (I did it last year)' A week before we are due to go to picture the Production Manager (a new one) calls me and asks if I can come down. I think "Great, now's the time to sign the deal memo." When I get there she closes the door and says "Your services are no longer required." Needless to say, I'm stunned and ask why. Quality of my work? Nope, it was just fine. Attitude? Nope, she says that the staff all thought I was a swell guy. Rate? Nope, the rate wasn't an issue. In fact, it wasn't just me. They let everyone below the line go and hired completely new crew. Shooters, lighting , sound, Camera assistant, PAs, EVERYONE. This was a team that worked their butts off last year to pull this show from thin air for these guys. The only thing we can figure is that she was new so she got rid of the old team and hired all her friends.
Producer wins, Other sound guy wins, I lose.
Add it up, that's 119 shoot days lost since late October.
Add that to the hockey lockout and I've probably lost another 20 days
Since then I've only been able to pick up crumbs. One day a week, sometimes none. It's like everyone's forgotten about me.
I've spoken to other shooters and they say that everything's been tight in our area lately. One is doing home renovations now. Not shooting it, swinging a hammer.
Everyone goes through a dry spell once in a while but this one has been particularly hard so Steven, Tom and Warren get on your knees and thank God that you have the problem of having to say 'no' to a client to get a day off. I'll trade places with ya anyday!
