....and it finally comes full circle.
Well, the show from hell is finally over and I must say it had somewhat of a happy ending. Towards my last day (I left a few early) my tool box was found deep inside the video playback ops truck. I know him pretty well and believe him when he says that he had nothing to do with it getting there, so the why will remain a mystery but I got it all back and that's what's important. Thanks to everyone who offered support and help and at least we should all take from this little experience the idea to COMPLETELY inventory your widget box (I've also taken some pix of everything spread out on a white sheet just for good measure).
As a parting note, a little last day nicety from the UPM from hell on the shoot from hell. As I mentioned, I had to leave early by a few days (they went over) so about two weeks prior I told the DP and the UPM and gave them both the name of someone here in LA who was good with everyone and was willing to fly out. Cut to the night before my last day and the UPM calls the 1st to ask "What are we doing regarding the steadicam operator". Long story short is he purposely dragged his feet on the whole thing long enough so he wouldn't be able to fly someone out in time. He used as an excuse that he wasn't sure if I was actually leaving or not, yet he had OK'd my travel memo three days prior. Whatever. He then proceeded to say to the 1st "Well you sort of have Dave's physique, couldn't you do the steadicam". I won't repeat what the 1st told him, at which point he said "Well what about Julio (DP), couldn't he do it if the shot wasn't too tough?"
Unbelievable.
The next day I went up to him to make sure that once I left, my equipment would not leave the truck and to let him know that I had locked everything up. He looked at me and said ever so innocently "Why on earth would you ever think I would try to do anything with your equipment?" To which I replied (while looking at him straight in the eyes) "Well, I wouldn't want anyone on the show like Trey or Julio, or anyone with my general physique to think that they could strap the gear on and try to do a shot so I just wanted to make sure that we were on the same page". All the blood (and the stupid smile) drained straight away from his face, he quietly said I had nothing to worry about, and walked away.
So there you have it boys and girls. Don't think they think your anything more than a warm body cuz they don't.
Now to work on my anger management issues.
Thanks again for all your words.
Dave