Robin Jacob - Director

Fraud, libel and slander

5th of Mar, 2012 by asiawatcher

Too many times this scam artist Robin Jacob has made bogus complaints against Ric Lawes always under alias' to avoid prosecution. Through various sites, he is obsessed in trying to take Lawes down and continues to do so years after he was found to be a fraud.

Jacob - a self confessed fired short order 'cook' in London - claimed to be a director and by default of another English bogus director being found out, Stephen Rouse, as incompetent, was offered to Direct Lawes' film two weeks out from shooting Shadow Island in 2004

This was Lawes' first producers role of a feature film having a twenty (verifiable) years background in production for others. Lawes brought in with him Michael Srisomsub - Managing Director of Cinerent Thailand, to cover his own short fallings to ensure all points were covered and language between the crew members was not an issue.

What he could not foresee was the incompetence of Jacob and the manipulation of others by Jacob in trying to hide his incompetence.

Result of the entire film - Jacob had no idea as can be attested to by the 65 crew members and 12 cast. The continued excuse when being caught out daily was - "I'll fix it in post". Daily, 'Continuity' was asked by Jacob - "what are we shooting today". Simply put, the man had no idea. Complaints were rife from day one from sound recordist Paul Clark, first assistant director Boyd Punta and even Rouse who had conceded to direct 2nd Unit.

Lawes in an untenable position, asked DP Carroll Raver to bring home the film as best he could. On completion, Jacob had deliberately missed 12 scenes and completely missed a further 21! Editors who have since put the film back together, were only able to edit 45 minutes from 33 hours of masters.

But it did not stop there. All parties - actors, producers and 'director' had agreed to do the film for a fixed fee with no-one receiving more than the other. On wrap - Jacob tendered his invoice for double the amount and additional hires. On refusal by Lawes - the sociopathic narcissistic nature surfaced.

Immediately Jacob (an overconfident 'personality') convinced Lawes' co-producer to try to fire him however Lawes had written the screenplay and registered his version with WGA and owned copyright on the film. Jacob further conned Michael Srisomsub to foot the bill for an air ticket for Jacob on the pretense to raise the money for the film, to the US which he also ripped off and did not have a single meeting with anyone regarding financing the film.

Lawes in the interim cancelled the finance deal with his investors who were drawing against a bank bill, as he no longer had control of the film or the Masters. Immediately Jacob started a libel campaign against Lawes - attack being the best form of defense. Lawes sued Jacob in Singapore and Jacob was ordered to remove libel against Lawes on his alter ego site - Urban Rebel.

A company from Hong Kong - Busted Cons - wrote a report purportedly for an LA client who was also digging into Jacob's background in either 2010 or 2011.

After six months of some strained talks between Lawes, Michael Srisomsub and Rouse, all agreed Lawes would take up the film again and try to resolve and finish the project. A true Indie Film - this one was fast becoming how not to make a film.

But Lawes was not in possession of the Masters, this task having been assigned to his co-producer. Jacob - initially being the editor - was most likely in possession of the Masters but for how long Lawes had no idea. What is certain, they were requiring digital transfer to be edited, without which the film could not proceed. Eventually Michael Srisomsub was able to return the Masters and Lawes now - acting from his own pocket, paid for transfers - twice - some USD10,000 and continued to put money into the film.

And whilst this story can continue as to what a joke the directing revealed - even caught on tape - as to Jacobs incompetence - there is no point continuing further.

Lawes has been at the brunt of Jacobs libel for 6 years at this point under bogus names, innuendo and false accusations and is doubtful it will discontinue. Jacob is a type A sociopath in all traits, no guilt, no remorse, no shame and it is a game to such a sick person. Lawes lives in Thailand, has been in the same address for a decade and has welcomed anyone with doubts about his abilities to address any issues with him directly. Jacob now lives in the Philippines having been unable to survive in Singapore or London, is supported by his IT employed wife, whilst he continues to spend hours daily trying to bring down Lawes. Jacobs Singapore company Tiger Films Pte is now deregistered, yet this is a complaint he poses against Lawes on Lawes' many companies.

Lawes' most recent successes in handling film production on behalf of clients are Shadow Boxing 3D: Final Round, for Russia and The Maritime Silk Road for Iran. He is presently shooting two TV series and has a number of films lined up for 2012.

Unlike Jacob's accusations, any of the above information can be verified by any crew from Shadow Island, the DP's, the rental houses etc. Jacob has no credibility whereas Lawes continues to excel. Actions speak louder than words and Jacobs cowardly attacks are water off a ducks back to Lawes. He continues to try to piece together the film as there are some outstanding accounts - now only about USD100,000 and once all are paid and the film sold, Jacob will have no argument but will no doubt continue his lies and libelous campaign.

... from the crew and cast of Shadow Island

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