Err, Gettin' Bored.

Doc Bernard

Doc Bernard

Indie Arms Member
Okay, past couple weeks has been a bunch of lookie loo's and shopper's. Lots of emails asking to get me on their projects and I send rates (which are very Indie/Student film friendly, BTW. Pay my day rate of 350-400 as your tech advisor/armorer and my entire arsenal is at your disposal, no further rentals needed, or if you only need a few weapons, I can arrange for that too). If cast training is needed, and I am on the production, I discount the training severely (25 per body, otherwise 100 per for 8 hrs hands-on training)

I get the "OMG, that's cheap, your hired!" line. Then 2 days later, or in this latest case, the next day, "Well, we found someone cheaper. Sorry." Apparently free is better than having an experienced armorer who understands the needs for film on set. Believe me, just having the weapons does not mean anything, their are some subtle but distinct differences between the branches and jurisdictions on tactics and equipment. I spend every free chance I get developing my database about the weapons, tactics and appearance of every organization out there. But, if you want someone free over someone who really understands what it takes to look bad-ass on film, be my guest. The real thing does NOT work here. There are a bunch of subtle differences you have to employ.

I was not even going to apply a distance surcharge on this.

So, venting, and fuming, right now. Gotta find a way to put a halt to this, if possible. I am going to go work on the 50 cal machine gun designs to take my mind of of this. Got the gas rigs reserved now to make 2 of them into full simulators.
 
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That sucks, Doc. I feel your pain, though. Most of the time someone wants to hire me, they start off talking about how little money they have (meaning they're looking for me to do it for free). It gets pretty damned sickening to devote time and money to this, only to have people devalue it.
 
Yeah, my mil. vehicle guy is pissed too. I had this lined up for 2 fully loaded Humvees (I mean LOADED). Somebody is trying to cut him out too. I mean this guy is cool, and has worked every major film/tv production out there (really knows his stuff), and he was cutting them a huge discount for his Hummers. So, if anyone in So Cal is looking for an Armorer and Mil Vehicles, let me know.

True, right now I am upset, but I have an ace in the hole. I am going to have weapons no other small time wanna-be is going to have. Already in contact with BATF and working on some major proppage. Stuff that will blow people's minds and pop their eyes out, because an indie company will have access to it without going full budget. (Including shoulder fired missiles, and large CSW's)

On a good note, got the de-mil barrel and shroud for the .50 cal aircraft gun today. Going to expand the WWII stuff over the next couple of months. That may give you a hint to where I am going.
One of these:
stock-photo-machine-gun-defense-blister-on-worl-war-ii-vintage-boeing-b-bomber-16064143.jpg
 
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Now I Know... bcmavila@yahoo.com Please Send me some more Info and Contact information. i have Several Projects .. What About explosions? can you do those too?

Also ... If you dont Mind Sharing.. Where in Texas Could I buy Mil type Prop Full Flash guns? We film all Over. I def will keep your info for My LA projects
 
LOL, you must work with a nice budget. Pyro in CA is expensive, but do-able. Me, no license yet. But I have people who can assist throughout the country.

And I can set things up for the simulators in TX, but again, those bad boys run 1500 to 2000 each for purchase, at least the ones I am doing right now. That is why I am making my own with approval from BATF (this is important!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!). Screw this up, and it's 10 years in the Federal hotel. But if that's in the budget, I'll share.
 
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