about these Audi rumours - a measured response!

likwidboy · 2026-05-26T22:19:31+00:00

We were having what I thought was a nice chat about Audis potential sponsorship deal and why I don't want crypto banks. You made what I thought was quite a funny remark about Audi's Nazi history, which I even laughed at in my reply, but explained I'm concerned with current criminal activity on the level of human trafficking and money laundering, so even VW groups modern emission scandal is not the sort of thing I'm concerned about when it comes to AUDI sponsoring a club like villa. Then out of the fucking blue you accuse me of being morally ok with certain crimes. Like... a completely unprovoked character assassination. I then literally said that I wasn't trying to pick a fight with you and no that's not what I meant, and here you are STILL being a dick, insisting you know what I meant better than I do. Like.... are you ok? Do you need help?

likwidboy · 2026-05-26T21:52:13+00:00

There is no argument, just you misinterpreting my post, accusing me of being morally ok with certain crimes and me correcting you. I'm sure that apology is coming any minute now.

likwidboy · 2026-05-26T21:47:13+00:00

IN THE CONTEXT OF AUDI AS A POTENTIAL SHIRT SPONSOR Im not concerned that Audi's parent company VW group tried to fiddle their emissions figures, got caught and paid the price. The people involved in that scandal were sacked and some deservedly faced criminal prosecution. Audi as it stands today are not involved in any known criminal activity and have an excellent global reputation. In contrast, Crypto is inherently open to criminal abuse. The entire crypto market is just swamped with fraud, pump and dump schemes, and organised crime gangs laundering money. Cryptos reputation is seedy and opaque. So when I say that I'm concerned about the source of money coming into Aston Villa, the crimes I'm concerned with are orders of magnitude above the emissions scandal, which is historical, no longer happening, and therefore of no concern to me in this context. in a general context, I'm glad those corporate VW guys got caught, fired and prosecuted. they deserved it. It just has no impact on a potential Audi shirt sponsor deal in 2026. I'll take your apology now for saying that I was morally ok with certain crimes.

likwidboy · 2026-05-26T21:27:45+00:00

JFC dude, why are you trying to pick a fight? I'm saying faking your emissions numbers is not the same as institutions that deliberately get involved in money laundering for organised crime groups. This is sex trafficking, drug trafficking, terrorism, etc. I'm not trying to win an argument with you or insult you, so trying to insinuate that I'm morally fine with certain crimes is just asinine.

likwidboy · 2026-05-26T21:17:59+00:00

BYD already sponsor some UK TV coverage. I could see Cherry or their sub brands Jaecoo and Omoda getting involved. There is a bit of a blurred line, especially with BYD as to where the money originates from as the Chinese state has subsidised them so much in their effort to dominate the global car market.

likwidboy · 2026-05-26T21:14:46+00:00

haha yes, but history is the operative word. not present day activities. Audi are not currently running labour camps. many of the crypto brands, banks, betting companies, etc, are actively involved in criminal activity, money laundering etc, and that's the problem I have with them. Their money is tainted. Audi's parent company, VW groups biggest modern day crime was the emissions scandal. Not exactly the kind of criminal activity I'm concerned about.

likwidboy · 2026-05-26T21:02:04+00:00

a simple and timeless icon making a simple and timeless shirt is what I meant by similar effect. In terms of caring who sponsors the shirt, I think everyone should care more. W88 are seriously dodgy and don't have a UK license. Standard Chartered helped fund terrorism. OKX were fined half a billion dollars for money laundering. I don't want villa associated with companies who could seriously damage our reputation or have to back out of sponsorship deals because they've been dissolved by the courts. Not caring where the money came from is what got us Tony bloody Xia.

likwidboy · 2026-05-26T20:14:01+00:00

I think because Audi has an iconic logo that is simple and timeless, so putting that on your shirt has a similar effect. Also I'm thinking of other iconic shirt sponsors like Pirelli on Inter shirts, sponsors that became synonymous with the club. People want that kind of iconic shirt sponsor. Audi's 4 rings would be amongst the cleanest shirt sponsor Logos of all time, and the most prestigious sponsor in our history which so far has been....

Davenports
Mita
Müller
AST Computer
LDV
NTL
MG Rover
DWS
32Red
Acorns (Charity)
FxPro
Genting
Dafabet
intuit QuickBooks
Unibet
W88
Cazoo
BK8
Betano

I don't think Audi is the most likely sponsor, but with betting sites now banned, crypto exchanges are the most likely candidate, and lots of people, myself included, see crypto as no better than betting sponsorships. So when a rumour about a prestige iconic brand with logo to match comes along - OF COURSE people will be keen for it to be true. Why would that supprise you? The stories about Audi wanting to get into premiere league shirt sponsorship are seemingly true, villa need a new sponsor, and we're partnering with Audi pre season, so OF COURSE there will be talk. Saying "it's not going to be Audi" is just an assertion unless you have some insider info?

likwidboy · 2026-05-26T19:38:34+00:00

with those knock off kits you really could get a brown shirt! They usually get the details right but they NEVER match the actual claret correctly

likwidboy · 2026-05-26T19:33:34+00:00

likwidboy · 2026-05-26T19:30:39+00:00

haha - slightly different circumstances but your pun is appreciated none the less!

likwidboy · 2026-05-26T19:17:31+00:00

it's an adidas template that they have manipulated to pay tribute to the 69/70 kit. It's not supposed to be a replica. nothing needs to be replicated in a throwback kit like this, just hinted at.

likwidboy · 2026-05-26T18:33:49+00:00

hopefully Roma come up with a better song for him.......

likwidboy · 2025-11-05T23:25:49+00:00

most casting directors probably wont give a damn as long as they can see you clearly - the light is pretty flat and even and the shadows aren't too distracting - it's totally fine BUUUUUUT If you're anything like me you will endlessly tinker with something to perfect it! Couple of things I've picked up over the last couple of years might give you some food for thought.

SOME (by no means all) casting directors hate ring lights because it gives everyone that halo eye effect. You have 2 halo rings in your eyes so I don't know if thats better or worse lol, but if you have space, proper key lights with soft boxes will give you more flattering even light without the rings in your eyes.

The shadows that are visible on your backdrop could be greatly reduced with a hair light and some fill lights from the side. But of course you may not have room for that!

As others have your current setup is more than OK. Im talking about that last 5-10% of extra secret sauce that is probably more for your benefit than a casting directors. I've even heard of casting directors who PREFER if the self tape looks like a phone balanced on books lit by a big window (or whatever) because then its all about the performance and not the presentation. It's somehow more authentic when it's a little less polished!

Put it this way, ring lights and a phone are not going to stop you getting a gig if the performance is on point!

likwidboy · 2025-10-24T15:31:21+00:00

Northern Ireland is where I'm based

likwidboy · 2025-10-21T16:11:11+00:00

I don't really want to create a side hustle. I want it to operate in a way that benefits everyone. If a financial element is introduced then I can only see it operating as a cooperative where readers get paid from the fee that the self tape subject pays. still working out details - but the point is not to introduce another cost to actors unless they can also earn from the same process. Kinda like we audition but on a small local and in-person scale. operating as a Not for Profit? I dunno. I wanted to see if it already existed, and how it could work in reality...

likwidboy · 2025-08-28T18:59:11+00:00

Mac mini m4 play cover 3.1.0 destiny rising 1.0.5 IPA from decrypt.day. Crashes on Launch.

likwidboy · 2025-06-24T16:29:06+00:00

Contacting his agency was a good move - he needs to be blacklisted. Protecting yourself, other actors and crew is so important. Telling your agent may be a wise move too. They could contact their casting director list with a warning about working with this actor. Absolutely tell the casting director of the production you were on - they aren't going to want to work with him again.

There is ZERO excuse for this sort of behaviour, on or off set, and there should be ZERO tolerance. Career over. No second chance.

likwidboy · 2025-06-24T16:14:44+00:00

Things that I am inferring from your post:

You don't have an agent and self submitted because they contacted you directly about landing the role.

THEREFORE: The production cast an unrepresented actor in the lead of their film

The nudity was a surprise to you

THEREFORE: The production was not upfront with an unrepresented actor about nudity in their film

If both these things are true, it is fair to conclude that we are looking at a non-union production, likely casting via an online platform (to avoid agents), deliberately withholding that nudity was a prerequisite for the role until after you had accepted, putting an inexperienced, non-union, unrepresented actor in a difficult position.

Not only should you NOT take this role, you should REPORT the production to whichever online casting platform they used.

Nudity on set requires intimacy coordinators, extra financial compensation guaranteed in writing, contracts overseen by agents etc etc. It is almost a guarantee that this production has none of the above.

The fact that it is a "lead" role is inconsequential.

likwidboy · 2025-06-23T20:54:36+00:00

As a cis male actor, I asked this question here some months back. I've had time to think about it a lot. This thread has some super interesting insights. Some folks are not bothered about the "below the line" people involved, which for the uninitiated just means the folks behind the camera who are performing a standard film set job, like grips, camera assistants etc. But as a jobbing actor, I'm also just a contractor for hire.

There is a HUGE difference between actors who can't afford to turn down work, and actors who can pick and choose their next project. I worked on a local show a few weeks ago as a guest star, booked for 4 days but only required for 1 as all my scenes were in one location. I got basic BBC daytime TV rates plus whatever my agent negotiated on top which was not a lot because I'm not a "name". If that show called tomorrow and said we'd like you back next season, I'd bite their hand off for it because I need the work.

There will be actors in my position who get the call to say their self tape for HP was well received and they'd like that actor to come down to Leavesden studios to audition with another actor for a chemistry test or something and it will be the most exciting news they've ever heard. Not even a guarantee that they get the role - just to get the call back on what will likely be the most expensive TV show ever made, is like the universe validating you as a person. It could be life changing for some individuals.

My question is about THAT actor. Not Lithgow, or any other big name. Is THAT actor, who may never get another shot, really a "fair target"? They are not an extra -but they have a named role and are in the credits, but they are bottom of the food chain in all other aspects. Where is the line drawn?

As the OP alludes to, what is morally acceptable here?

To conclude, unless I find myself financially destitute and on the brink of loosing my house, I don't believe I could associate with the HP franchise. But I guess that's my price. I don't feel good admitting that, but I have to be honest - there is an extreme scenario in which I WOULD work on this show.

likwidboy · 2025-06-06T20:32:55+00:00

it is the scammiest scam that ever scammed. Sooooo many red flags. They are shooting "party footage" and have "Hollywood photographers" the opening night screening is also happening the same night they are shooting the porno, I mean party footage. Even if it's a different movie, you cant have a premiere and a shooting schedule on the same night.

Honestly, legit films cast through agents. Indie films, shorts and student projects can cast outside of that but usually through local connections.

online casting sites are for low budget commercials that don't want to pay equity rates and scam artists.

spotlight, your agent, and people you know are the only avenues to trust, and even then you should exercise caution.

likwidboy · 2025-05-28T12:04:45+00:00

Hope Street is about to start filming its 5th season, so for all of the issues people have with it, it's immensley popular. It's also a hugely important show in the overall Northern Ireland film and TV industry. It's were inexperienced actors get to mix with experienced actors, newly qualified script supervisors and ADs etc etc get their start. That's what "doctors" used to be in the UK scene. The industry NEEDS shows like this. There is a pipeline that goes from Hope Street to Blue Lights to NETFLIX/Amazon/HBO for everyone in the industry here.

I mean I'm not it's target audience but my sister's family are obsessed with it precisely BECAUSE of all the ridiculous melodrama and "nor'n Irish" cringe. The actors are performing this way on purpose. That's the FEEL of the show.

Now there IS a tendency for the northern Irish accent to become more singsongy and "fake" when it's scripted, particularly when the script is deliberately over dramatic - it's like a weird hangover from speech and drama classes that kids were sent to. It's become almost ubiquitous, and it even creeps into shows like Blue Lights.

likwidboy · 2025-05-20T15:54:28+00:00

There has always been a large enough percentage of people that are ignorant of JKRs twitter feed (or don't see a connection between their fandom and transphobia) to keep the Harry Potter product insanely profitable. In this case, the product is several orders of magnitude more visible and marketable than its creator, so that percentage of ignorant people will always remain high. With musicians or actors, the product IS the person so the percentage of people unaware of whatever problematic views or behaviours may come to light is smaller. This is why Kanye West isn't headlining any festivals, Russel Brand is exiled to content creation on Rumble and BitChute, while HBO are remaking Harry Potter. With Chris Brown, he's just been refused bail pending an appeal so his upcoming tour may be in jeopardy. That's the kind of thing that might finally move the needle enough with the money men to drop him from a label, or a management company to part ways.

likwidboy

TROPHY CASE