Thanks Jorli,
Your opinions are duly noted and I feel as if i'm standing shoulder to shoulder with you in this situation. Since 1998, I have been shooting (ahem, cough.. ) brand specific videos with absolutely no support from manufacturers. If they offer you a " commercial " rate on a sled, it's a joke. Any ski hill or farmer can get the same offer, which is weak at best.
The aftermarket industry has been the only ones to offer any kind of assistance to help a brother out. The cost of making films has gone from hobby to addiction in my case, and I have gone into a financial nightmare because of it. Each year, I spend ( borrow ) enough capitol to buy at least 3 and a half brand new sleds to produce Boost. People ask, why have you been riding the same sled for the past 3 years ? lol, I respond, because I can't seem to get the first one paid off ! sounds funny, but camera equipment, production costs, insurance, and operational costs are sucking me dry.. literally.
I'm so glad you came out with this letter of appeal. A lot of these points are some of which I didn't have the balls to ask year after year. Don't get me 100% wrong, I love to make films, it's a passion, but when will it end ? my kids need to eat and maybe have a secondary education someday, and all I seem to be doing is pizzing it into the wind. Every year I cuss and swear that i'm not going to do this again, and I seem to fall into the same groove time and time again. To who's benefit ??? well, yes, big blue.
I think, since I already have the footage for the 5th season of Boost, most of the legal paperwork is done, and the editors are on schedule, that this will be the last year I dedicate to this film series. The turbo sled will have to go up for sale to pay off a portion of my debt, and I will be looking for either a sponsored sled, or a junkyard beater that will get me up the hill.
It's really a shame. I have looked after so many people and their best interests, with little to no return. I think there have been many that have benefitted from my productions, and that's great for them, but this guy can't do it anymore, I have to start looking out for myself.
You know, it really wouldnt take much. I have seen manufacturers donate twice what I would require as a budget to some off the wall cause.
Maybe I will go film maxi-pad commercials... at least I know those arent going away any time soon.
I wanted to say, Jorli, I feel your frusterations 100%. Your not alone out there. We love this sport so much, and having the talent to portray it in such a beautiful form, but without support, there's a brick wall to firmly place your head against in a forward motion with rigerous return.
peace out.
Veedy.
