As the sign outside the store suggests, everything in Andrew English’s shop is old. That includes his set of values, and when the owner of Everything Old Canada in Brentwood Bay deals with players in the film industry, he’s a handshake kind of guy.
“Our relationship and their reliance and care for us as a vendor has been such that we’ve just stopped asking for deposits,” he says.
As fate would have it, that policy backfired. Usually production companies approach his business for props to be used in films. They bring it back, and they get an invoice from Andrew.
“It goes to the production office, they pay, and we’re done,” he says.
English says that process wasn’t followed recently when the movie “Fate” wrapped shooting in Greater Victoria. The film stars Harvey Keitel, Faye Dunaway, Andrew McCarthy, Mena Suvari and Cheech Marin using Colwood’s Hatley Castle as a backdrop – and it spelled the end of a long, strike-induced drought for film crews on Vancouver Island.
“This was the first [big] show that came to Greater Victoria so people were anxious to work,” says Vancouver Island South Film Commissioner Kathleen Gilbert.
According to IMDB, the film has a $10 million budget, and despite the fact that the movie is headed for post-production, vendors in Greater Victoria have yet to be paid, including English.
RELATED: New movie ‘FATE’ starring Harvey Keitel, Faye Dunaway films at Colwood’s Hatley Castle
“For us, we’re talking less than a couple thousand dollars, which might seem laughable,” he says. “It might as well be a million dollars. I know that amount would pay several bills, so now I’m put behind and now other people are put behind.”
English posted his plight to a Facebook group for film industry professionals on Vancouver Island and the Lower Mainland, and the response has been overwhelming.
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English says there’s a long list of vendors owed money by the production company, including a local woman who’s out $40,000.
“I started out thinking I just want to get paid right, now because I’m hurting. Now I want everyone to get paid,” he says.
Gilbert says the situation is an outlier.
“Ninety-nine point nine per cent of all films that come through the CRD pay their bills on time and in full,” she says.
Cast, crew and extras have been paid wages in full, but Gilbert says many are out of pocket for extra expenses and “kit rentals.”
It’s common practice for industry professionals to “rent” their equipment to the production company and bill them for use. The camera crew, represented by International Cinematographers Guild Local 669, took action, telling CHEK News the Labour Relations Board has ordered the employer to pay all compensation to camera department employees.
CHEK News contacted the film’s producers but did not receive a response.
“Fate” is scheduled for release in 2025, but English is hoping for a satisfying ending to the film’s off-screen drama.
“I’d like a hero to come in and save the day,” he says.
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