Authentic Cowboy Gear-Makers for Movies

[will ghormley]

I hesitate to post this, 'cause I don't want to get anyone's hopes up.  But if I wait till the last moment, it might be too late, so here it goes...

Occassionally, I get calls to make gear for movies.  Usually, the time frame is real short and the money isn't real good.  Sometimes, Hollywood types take advantage of us little guys.  I'm currently trying to recover almost seven thousand bucks worth of gear that dissapeared from a set, or collect the re-embursment due me in the contract.  The guy who I used to sub-contract a lot of the work got paid his thirty-five hundred bucks and spent it already.  I'm still waiting to get paid.  It's a tricky business.  I say all this to take the shine off the notion of seeing your gear in movies.  I don't reckon it will stop too many folks.

But here is the deal:  I would like to have a collection of leather crafters I can call on when I need more gear for movies than I'm able to make.  Like I said, it would most likely be last minute.  For me, that means working 20 hour days for over a week to make the dead-lines.  If you aren't willing to make a commitment to deliver on your word, don't bother with any of this.

So, if you like to gamble, are interested in working long hard hours for little pay, don't mind dealing with people who may-or-may-not keep their word, and would like to see some of your handy-work in a movie, answer this post.  I'll need your contact information, what you can make, (holsters, belts, saddles, etc.), how much you can produce on a last minute notice in one day's time, and what you expect to get paid for it.  The details will change from one project to the other, but there are currently two or three westerns in the works.

I won't make any promises, except:  I'll keep my word and live up to my end of our bargain, even if it costs me.  I won't work with anyone more than once who doesn't.  I do expect loyalty.  If you want to work with me, great.  If I get you started in the business and you decide you want to do it on your own, great, but expect to work on your own, don't come back to me lookin' for jobs.  If you can deal with straight talk like this, we can work together.  If you can't, don't.

Well, there ya' have it.  Let me know if you are interested.

Will

[Curley Cole]

Will

I won the rig from Happy Trails you made for Brad Pitt. It is one of my prized items. It is a great piece of work. If I could do decent leather work...(I used to do a bit, but the arthritis has taken even that part out.)

Anyways always heard you were a stand up guy and hope you get some good responses...

Curley

[Marshal Will Wingam]

Belly up, pards. This could be a good chance for those of you who have the skill and the time to take the opportunity.

[will ghormley]

Hey Curly,

Thanks for your kind words.  I'm happy you're enjoying your "Jesse James" reproduction rig.  And, thank you for supporting "Happy Trails Children's Foundation".  You can't find an organization that does a better job for the kids than Happy Trails.  Their program has served as a model for improving rehabilitation in juvinile facilities in the state of California.  Dutch, (Joel Dortch, the Director at Happy Trails), is a great guy and has done so much for those kids.

Dutch recently had an emergency opperation for brain cancer.  He came through it OK and is recovering.  However, it has slowed down his work at Happy Trails.  Many people have called-in, sent cards and emails wishing him a speedy recovery and their prayers.  This is great.  However, one of the bigger jobs Dutch does for Happy Trails is fund raising.  Since he has been out of action, funding for the good work at Happy Trails has sagged.  If you would like to wish Dutch a speedy recovery, send in a small donation to Happy Trails along with your best wishes and prayers.  You can reach them on the internet at:

http://www.happytrails.org/

Pass this information on to all your cowboy pards.  This is one substantial way the cowboy community can come together and show how much we love this country and it's citizens.

Thanks,
Will

[harpman]

Will, that is darn nice of you to offer this for your pals on here...If they dont want to pay an american atleast 25 bucks an hour, they should buy Mexican products or chinese..LOL ...PS.I did buy some of your patterns and am totally pleased with them..great job !

[Curley Cole]

Will

I had heard about Dutch, and sent him my regards, he manages to get a good deal of my money everytime I see him (I really would have liked to win the Frank James rig to go with my Jessie)
I think you do a great thing helping out yourself, especially considering your own setbacks...

Hope ya get a lotta folks to step up and help out with the movie leather, it is a great opportunity to get yer work on the "silver screen"

Curley