TV Watercooler

McGuinness Lee. Mark Lee. Alexandra Mcguinness use illegal unpaid workers.

(Detail for Google Searches)

A film with a budget of £100,000++, where many of the workers are being paid but when it comes to paying the "little people" suddenly there's no money in the bank:

Title: Lotus Eaters

Format: 16mm, 5D

Location: London

Number of positions being crewed:
1

What you need to know about crew position 1:
Costume Assistants needed for feature film - Shooting for 4 Weeks in London - pre-p now. We seek 3 reliable and dedicated assistants and these positions would suit fashion/costume people looking to gain further experience in feature film. Expenses only but you get to work with two experienced fashion stylist/ costume designers and get to work with new talented up and coming London designers. Please send resumes to lorraine@lotuseatersmovie.com with a cover letter.

Is crew position 1 paid or expenses only: Expenses Only

Is this a student project: No

Budget for production: ukp 100,000s

Will crew members receive a DVD of the final film: Yes

About the Film:
The film is directed by Alexandra McGuinness and is a contemporary film exploring the highs and lows of the London "bright young things" social elite through various intertwining characters, a modern day Blow Up or La Dolce Vita!

The film will feature the best of up and coming London bands, artists and fashion designers.

For information please refer to our website http://www.lotuseatersmovie.com, the production company is McGuinnessLee.

About the Filmmaker:
http://www.lotuseatersmovie.com

Shooting dates: Aug 02 - Sept 03

Production company: McGuinnessLee

Production company url: http://www.lotuseatersmovie.com

Is the project insured: Yes

Dear Lorraine,

I apologise for bothering you but I am writing about your advert as I wondered whether these positions should paid if you expect these people to do work for you?

Is that not right? I would be grateful if you would let me know.

Best wishes

No reply.

Hi Lorraine,

Would it be possible to have an answer to this?

Many thanks

These positions are expenses only.

Kind Regards

Lorraine Nolan
lorraine@lotuseatersmovie.com


Hi Lorraine, many thanks but should they not be paid at least the legal minimum?

No reply.

Hi Lorraine - isn't this the case?

No reply, so I wrote to Mark Lee, the Producer:

Hi Mark,

Would you be able to address this?

Thank you for your interest in our project. We are a micro-budget production, having gotten our start as a UK Film Council Microwave Scheme project one year ago. You may be familiar with this scheme -- the council grants 70K if you are able to show that you can raise 30K on your own. A film of 100K budget is one that is quite limited in scope, where the producer/director relies on the help and volunteerism of many dedicated actors, artists and technicians to actually make it happen.

We actually never made the final cut, though we were shortlisted, and the film has evolved since then to increase somewhat in scope and in budget. However, we're still at the micro-budget level, where we're only able to pay (basically) minimum wage to our Heads of Departments and other key crew members.

This is a passion project, and we're asking those who want to join to come aboard. We're not forcing our project on anyone, or tricking anyone to work for free. If you share in this vision, and would like to offer your services, we welcome you. If you feel that this is not the kind of project for you, we absolutely understand -- again, we're not forcing anyone to do anything they don't want to, nor presenting ourselves as something we're not.

I hope I've been able to answer your question. Please don't hesitate to contact us if you have any further questions or comments.

Yours,
Mark

mark lee | producer | lotuseatersmovie.com | +44 (0)795 535 2063

Hi Mark,

Many thanks for writing back and explaining. The reason I wrote is because using people as workers on the film does mean that they should be paid at least the legal minimum, and if you have managed to budget for the HOD, would it not be possible to stretch that to the junior workers on the film and make it legal too? Can I ask, is there maybe a profit share scheme for workers on the film who aren't being paid?

Many thanks

we are asking people to help out if they wish to. There is nothing illegal about that.

Thank you for your comments.

Yours,
Mark

Mark, that isn't the case though is it - you are advertising for people to work for you and then using them unpaid. Do you really intend to break employment regulations in this way?

No reply.

Dear Mark/Lorraine,

Is it the case then that you are not going to pay these people the legal minimum for their work on this production?

No reply.

So no pay for the Costume Assistants (and no doubt Runners too), no "deferred pay" and no profit share either. Just work, much like those who worked on London Dreams Motion Pictures production. And what of the profits that might accrue if this film made any - sliding nicely into the pocket of one Mark Lee you can safely assume. Nice scam Mark.

If anyone works unpaid on this production and would like to get the pay they are legally owed, please feel free to get in touch and I'll happily help you make a claim. Meanwhile:

McGuinness Lee. Mark Lee. Alexandra Mcguinness. Lotus Eaters: Freelancers Beware!

One week until shoot, according to their facebook page....

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Lotus-Eaters/103275309718493#!/pages/Lotus-Eaters/103275309718493?v=wall

Shame they never made the final cut, may have given chance to become little more familiar.

Microwave 2009 Guidelines for Applicants:

6. Budget Details

You should also ensure that in making the film you will not breach the legislation relevant to employers, including the requirement to pay the National Minimum Wage to all workers.
---------------------------------------------------------
...all applicants should, for the purpose of making their application, include the following items in their budgets and Film London will advise on costs if the application is shortlisted:

b) Unit photography (allow minimum 2 days shoot on set at National Minimum Wage).
--------------------------------------------------------
13. Microwave Conditions of Funding

Compliance: Applicants will be expected to meet the requirements of all relevant employer legislation, including the requirement to pay the National Minimum Wage. All cast and crew must be paid at least the minimum wage throughout the production.


http://www.mandy.com/1/jobs3.cfm?v=39715926
Ad created by User 458025 on 13-Aug-10

Vacancy: Runner Driver with car needed
Employer: McGuinnessLee
Location: London
Duration: 1 week, starts Mon 16th
Payment is on a lo/no/deferred basis.

We are looking for runner drivers with their own cars to work on a short film for a week.

The duties will be to pick up actors in the morning and evening and as a runner in the AD department.

Must have own car and full clean license. Please send cv's to lorraine@lotuseatersmovie.com.

Expenses only role.

More Info: http://www.lotuseatersmovie.com

Apply to: Lorraine Nolan

This thread is now appearing in Google Searches of these names. If you have arrived here in this way and have worked unpaid for these two then feel free to PM me to find out how you can get the pay you are owed.

''This is a passion project, and we're asking those who want to join to come aboard. We're not forcing our project on anyone, or tricking anyone to work for free.''

Passion project..good one! These types of people are so blinded by their passions that they expect others to make it happen for them without pay. I'm really passionate about one day having a 'Hof haus', wonder if mark would come on board to make it happen!

They're looking for extras now:

http://www.mandy.com/1/cast3.cfm?v=39885941

Extras?..........you say Wastrel? Thanks for reminder.

Ad created on: 24-Aug-10 http://www.mandy.com/1/cast3.cfm?v=39885941

Production: Lotus Eaters (Feature Film)
Location: London
Employer: McGuinnessLee
Duration: 3 days, starts 25th Aug, 26th Aug and 2nd Sep (Non-Equity artist contracts)
Payment is on a lo/no/deferred basis.

Director: Alexandra's McGuinness. The film is directed by Alexandra McGuinness and is a contemporary film exploring the highs and lows of the London 'bright young thing' social elite through various intertwining characters, a modern day Blow Up or La Dolce Vita!

The film will feature the best of up and coming London bands, artists and fashion designers.

For information please refer to our website http://www.lotuseatersmovie.com, the production company is McGuinnessLee.

We need extras to be in three very glamorous scenes on Wed 25th, Thurs 26th of August and Thurs 2nd Sept shooting in London.

Please see breakdown for what extras we need.

Web: http://www.lotuseatersmovie.com

Apply to: Lorraine Nolan

3 breakdowns:
1. Either gender / Any yrs. / Any Ethnicity. Requires Nudity.

We need hot beautiful party guys and girls for Thurs 2nd Sept to take part in a party scene in a mansion. Scene includes a swimming pool so must be comfortable wearing bikinis and swimwear. Expenses only.

2. Male / Any yrs. / Any Ethnicity.

We need 10 handsome well dressed men aged 20 - 40 to take part in scenes on Wed 25th and Thurs 26th August - two full days. The scene involves attending a cabaret performance and watching a burlesque cabaret. Will feature heavily in the film. Expenses Only

3. Female / Any yrs. / Any Ethnicity.

We need 10 beautiful women aged 20 - 40 to take part in scenes on Wed 25th and Thurs 26th Aug - two full days. The scene involves attending a cabaret performance and watching a burlesque cabaret. Women must be very beautiful and elegant. Will feature heavily in the film. Expenses only
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Created: 23 August 2010 http://www.starnow.co.uk/Casting-Calls/ ... august.htm

Tomorrow!! 24th August!- London, Casting no. 182261

Young high society London social scene. Need cafe customers

confident patient and professional.

Location: London, United Kingdom

Payment details: 10gbp, Lunch and a Credit

Cafe customer - confident patient and professional, Males, aged 18 to 37
----------------------------------------------------------
Created: 23 August 2010 http://www.starnow.co.uk/Casting-Calls/ ... day_th.htm

Wednesday 25th AND Thursday 26th – London, Casting no. 182357

Londons high society social scene

You will be needed to pose as someone having dinner in a restaurant but the scene is shot over two days so you will be required to come back as to keep continuity.

...to have more information about this film please see webaite (viewable on application)

Location: London, United Kingdom

Payment details: £10 cash, lunch and a credit

Elegant customer - Any gender, aged 18 to 99
There will be a Burlesque dancer on the second day so it should be a very fun shoot!
----------------------------------------------------------
Created: 18 August 2010 http://www.starnow.co.uk/Casting-Calls/ ... _id=181486

Lotus eaters- feature film - extras needed- London, Casting no. 181486

Females for scene shot outside of a Church

Appear as though you are leaving after a service. Modest dresswear.

Location: London, United Kingdom

Payment details: £10 cash, lunch and a credit

Support Artist - Females, aged 25 to 99

The director will talk to you directly, but to essentially appear as though exiting from a church service.
----------------------------------------------------------
Created: 17 August 2010 http://www.starnow.co.uk/Casting-Calls/ ... e_patr.htm

Lotus eaters - feature film - cafe patron extras needed – London, Casting no. 181215

Londons high society social scene

"black and white photographs. They look glamorous at first but on closer inspection they reveal all the dirt, wrinkles and cellulite...a mist of glamour covering the filth.

Shooting this film in black and white on a variety of formats, and with multiple cameras, the audience will be swept up in the madness of the scene. The style will be largely observational and documentary-like in its approach. The Paris nightclub scenes of Otto Preminger's Bonjour Tristesse", John Schlesinger's "Darling" and Fellini's "La Dolce Vita" are all templates for the storytelling and atmosphere we will achieve in Lotus Eaters by using contemporary London's rich and varied locations.

Each of the individual party scenes will be dressed by a different London designer. We are looking to create a current and stylised look, almost like a moving fashion spread. New bands and performers will also be used throughout, and visual artists work will be displayed in the characters homes. Alexandra is looking to build an excitingly layered world by combining all these expressive mediums.”
This film exists at the collision point of the fashion, music and art.

Location: London, United Kingdom

Payment details: £10 cash, lunch and a credit

Cafe Patron - Females, aged 18 to 50 To pose as a nicely dressed lady who likes to lunch/take coffee often.
Dress Size: 8 - 14
----------------------------------------------------------
Created: 17 August 2010 http://www.starnow.co.uk/Casting-Calls/ ... ras_ne.htm

Lotus Eaters- FEATURE FILM - Extras needed, Casting no. 181214

London's high society social scene

CAST-->

Antonia ………….

“Shooting this film …………..

Each of the individual party scenes will…………….

This film exists……………..

Location: London, United Kingdom

Payment details: £10 cash, lunch and a credit

Church People - Males, aged 25 to 99
Looking for 'Church goers' as in modest dressed Sunday service attire. A scene shot outside a church.
----------------------------------------------------------
Created: 16 August 2010 http://www.starnow.co.uk/Casting-Calls/ ... mm_fea.htm

Dayplayer actor required for 16mm feature film – London, Casting no. 180931

Male actor over 30 wanted for small role in feature film

Lotus Eaters is a low-budget feature film directed by Alexandra McGuinness and produced by Mark Lee.

We are looking for a male aged over 30 years to play the role of the 'tailor' for one day within the film. The shooting day is September 1st within London. Expenses only.

Location: London, United Kingdom

Payment details: expenses paid

Tailor - Males, aged 30 to 65, White male, thin build and well groomed.

Min Height: 172 cm / 5ft 8in
Ethnicity: White / Caucasian
Skin colour: White
Acting experience: Extra / background player, Previous unpaid speaking roles, Previous paid speaking roles
Languages spoken: English
Accents spoken: UK Posh
----------------------------------------------------------
Created: 16 August 2010 http://www.starnow.co.uk/Casting-Calls/ ... ras_ne.htm

Feature film - Lotus eaters - Extras needed! – London, Casting no. 180907

Money towards travel, hot lunch, food provided througout, credit, make-up and costume

CAST -
Antonia…………..

“Shooting this film…………..

Each of the individual party scenes…………

This film exists…………

Location: London, United Kingdom

Payment details: £10 cash for travel

Support Artist Enthusiastic - Females, aged 18 to 35, Dress Size: 8 - 14
Support Artist Enthusiastic - Males, aged 18 to 35
----------------------------------------------------------
04 Aug 2010 http://www.talentcircle.org/lotus-eater ... tails.aspx

Lotus Eaters

Company: Mcguinnesslee
Apply to: Lorraine Nolan
Posting date: 04 Aug 2010
Deadline: 20 Aug 2010
Starts: 04 Aug 2010
Project Type: Film (feature)
Shooting Format: S16mm
Available Roles: 1

The film is directed by Alexandra Mcguinness and is a contemporary film exploring the highs and lows of the London "bright young thing" social elite through various intertwining characters, a modern day Blow Up or La Dolce Vita!

The film will feature the best of up and coming London bands, artists and fashion designers.

For information please refer to our website www.lotuseatersmovie.com, the production company is Mcguinnesslee.

This film is an independent film featuring artists such as Johnny Flynn.

The Irish Film board are involved in the production along with Fastnet Films.

We are shooting from Aug 02 - Sept 09. Shooting in Ireland for one week from Aug 02 - Aug 7th and then in London for the rest.

Cast attached:

Antonia Cambell-Hughes (Bright Star)
Cynthia Fortune Ryan
Alex Wyndham
Nicola Martin (her debut feature - she is the sister of Coldplay's Chris Martin.)
Jay Choi
Gina Bramhill
Johnny Flynn - (Johnny is also penning a track for the film) - http://www.myspace.com/johnnyflynn

Crew attached:

Gareth Munden - DOP
Production Designer - Richard Hudson
Editor - Bert Hunger
Composer - Birger Clausen

Benefits: Showreel material, Food provided/allowance (expenses), Travel provided/allowance (expenses), Insurance

Roles

10th- 3 women in 20/30's and Cafe Staff
11th- a Yoga couple and 3 tourists, either all chinese or all Japanese.
12th- 4 males and 4 females in various states of undress- post party morning.
13th- 20 party goers and a soup server.
14th- 10 people, some for bathroom queue and some for exit.
16th- 3 band members and 15 party goers
17th- 3 band members and 10 party goers (preferably some of these return on the 25th)
18th- 15 party goers
19th- 6 people at Saskias flat
20th- 6 'Churchy' types to exit building
21st- 12 Gallery viewers and Band
24th- 3 people sat at table, waiter and 4 well dressed people in Boutique
25th- 5 people at restaurant along with two sets of twins (4)
26th- 10 people for tables, a waiter and Burlesque Dancer
31st- 2 photography assistants and 3 people sat in cafe
2nd Sept- 3 pool girls and 17 party goers 16 days
----------------------------------------------------------
http://www.gumtree.com/london/05/63397705.html

Feature Film Needs Extras

Title: Lotus Eaters

The film is.........

The film will.........

For information please.........

This film is.........

The Irish Film board are involved in the production along with Fastnet Films.

We are shooting from Aug 02 - Sept 09. Shooting in Ireland for one week from Aug 02 - Aug 7th and then in London for the rest.

Cast attached:

Antonia..........

Need the following extras: dates in August

10th- 3 women in 20/30's and Cafe Staff
11th- a Yoga couple and 3 tourists, either all chinese or all Japanese.
12th- 4 males and 4 females in various states of undress- post party morning.
13th- 20 party goers and a soup server.
14th- 10 people, some for bathroom queue and some for exit.
16th- 3 band members and 15 party goers
17th- 3 band members and 10 party goers (preferably some of these return on the 25th)
18th- 15 party goers
19th- 6 people at Saskias flat
20th- 6 'Churchy' types to exit building
21st- 12 Gallery viewers and Band
24th- 3 people sat at table, waiter and 4 well dressed people in Boutique
25th- 5 people at restaurant along with two sets of twins (4)
26th- 10 people for tables, a waiter and Burlesque Dancer
31st- 2 photography assistants and 3 people sat in cafe
2nd Sept- 3 pool girls and 17 party goers

This is expenses only role.

Please send headshot and details to
----------------------------------------------------------
http://www.gumtree.com/london/35/63700635.html

Feature Film- Support Actors Needed

11th August- Yoga couple and Asian Photographers
12th August- 8 people various states of undress
13th August- 21 people for party scene
14th August -10 people for party scene
16th August -18 people for party scene
17th August- 13 people party scene
18th August- 15 people party scene
19th August- 6 people, friends of 'Saskia' in her flat
20th August- 6 Churchy goers
21st August- 15 people at Art Gallery opening
24th August- 4 people Well dressed, 4 people in Restaurant
25th August- 9 people (including set of twins) Restraunt scene
26th August- 10 People for table, 1 waiter and 1 Burlesque dancer
31st August- 5 people for studio and Cafe scene
2nd September- 20 people for pool party scene

Please feel free to forward this message to anyone you feel would be interested in getting involved.

Thanks!
----------------------------------------------------------
http://www.gumtree.com/london/80/63983480.html

Twins Wanted Feature Film Male Or Female

Information about the film is below, we require 2 sets of identical twins to attend on Tuesday 17th of August 10am until 7pm.

We would love to hear from you asap if you would like to be involved!

“LOTUS-EATER
noun
a person who spends time indulging in pleasure and luxury rather than dealing with practical concerns."

Please feel free to forward this message to anyone you feel would be interested in getting involved.

Thanks!

“The aesthetic of the film is........

Each of the individual party scenes will........”
----------------------------------------------------------
http://www.gumtree.com/london/07/63408007.html

People Needed For Feature Film

“LOTUS-EATER
noun
a person who spends time indulging in pleasure and luxury rather than dealing with practical concerns.”

The budget is small and ambitions big, so we’d like to find people who would like to give some spare time being extras. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are provided (though not all roles need a whole day’s commitment, so for some you’ll just swing by, be in a film and then have free lunch before you leave). You will also be put through make-up and styling.

Presently we need:

3 women in their 20's or 30's- 10th August
4 females and 2 male all in various states of undress - 12th August
15 people for party scene – 14th August
18 people for party scene – 16th August
15 people for party scene – 17th August
12 people for party scene – 18th August
6 people (inc 2 sets of twins) – 19th August
15 gallery visitors (and twins) – 21st August
5 people – 25th/26th August
Mother and baby – 31st August
3 Bikini clad girls for Pool Party – 2nd September

Please feel free to forward this message to anyone you feel would be interested in getting involved.

Thanks!
----------------------------------------------------------
http://www.gumtree.com/london/57/63992057.html

Monday 16th Extras Needed- Feature Film

We have a party scene Monday 10am until 7pm

Deerhurst Rd, Streatham. SW162AN

There is an overground train service to Streatham railway station and it is within Zone 3, so covered by a travel card.

We will provide compensation for your travel! ...hair, make-up and costume provided...plus a credit!

Please call/email me to confirm and I will reply with the house number where are shooting.

Look forward to hearing from you.
----------------------------------------------------------
http://www.gumtree.com/london/66/64060466.html

Feature Film Extras Needed Wednesday 18th

PLEASE CONTACT ASAP

“LOTUS-EATER
noun
a person who spends time indulging in pleasure and luxury rather than dealing with practical concerns.”

The budget is small and ambitions big, so we’d like to find people who would like to give some spare time being extras. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are provided (though not all roles need a whole day’s commitment, so for some you’ll just swing by, be in a film and then have free lunch before you leave). You will also be put through make-up and styling.

CAST-->

Antonia........

This film exists at the collision point of the fashion, music and art.
----------------------------------------------------------
Posted: 22/07/2010 http://www.movieextras.ie/notices/182/@@index.html

Extras required for a feature film
Details of Role

Hi there,

we are looking for extras for a feature film to be shot in Coole, Co. Westmeath. Ideally extras will be based locally. We will be shooting between the 2nd and 6th of August inclusive. It will be unpaid but should be great fun and good experience for anyone interested in acting or getting a behind the scenes look at film-making.

Please reply with recent photograph to...........

Extras should be over 18.

Feel free to contact me with any queries.

Thanks for your time,
----------------------------------------------------------
Posted on 16 July 2010 http://www.uk.castingcallpro.com/job_view.php?uid=81068

No Pay: Male Actor - Scruff, Lotus Eaters

Partner to Billie, they make an odd couple, shes high maintenance and botox brigade, he’s handsome and and rough round the edges.

Between 35 - 45
European
Thin
Hip

A low-budget feature film shooting in Ireland the UK.
Directed by Alexandra McGuinness and Produced by Mark Lee.

Looking for day players, small parts with lines and definitely featured to take part in this ambitious and exciting project.

All advertised parts shoot in London.
----------------------------------------------------------
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Lotus-Eat ... 493?v=wall

Lotus Eaters LIKE LOTUS EATERS???? COME BE IN THE FILM!!!!

Anyone interested in being extras and featured background. Please send us a photo and contact.
----------------------------------------------------------
Labouring the point?
Maybe one day BECTU will be able to do something about this. One day?

Some people don't learn!!! or want to.

Title: Lotus Eaters
Format: 16mm, 5D
Location: London
Number of positions being crewed:
1
What you need to know about crew position 1:
Runner/Driver with full clean license and over 23 years of age needed to drive SWB Ford Transit van for feature film art department. Duties vary from pickups and drop offs of props to running on set. If interested please forward cv and copy of license to lorraine@lotuseatersmovie.com. Needed for one week from Sat 28th Aug - Fri 3rd Aug.
Is crew position 1 paid or expenses only: Paid
The amount you'll be paid: 200 pounds
Is this a student project: No
Budget for production: ukp 100,000s
Will crew members receive a DVD of the final film: No
About the Film:
About the Film:
The film is directed by Alexandra McGuinness and is a contemporary film exploring the highs and lows of the London "bright young things" social elite through various intertwining characters, a modern day Blow Up or La Dolce Vita!
The film will feature the best of up and coming London bands, artists and fashion designers.
For information please refer to our website www.lotuseatersmovie.com, the production company is McGuinness Lee.
About the Filmmaker:
www.lotuseatersmovie.com
Shooting dates: Sat 28th Aug - Fri 3rd Sept
Production company: McGuinnessLee
Production company url: www.lotuseatersmovie.com
Is the project insured: Yes

They're looking for more actors!

http://www.mandy.com/1/cast3.cfm?v=39903217