Dozens of film professionals fell prey to Hargobind Tahilramani, who tricked them into parting with thousands of dollars. The makers of new documentary Hollywood Con Queen reveal how he was tracked down
In 2017, the New-York-based freelance photographer and film-maker Will Strathman received a thrilling email: the megaproducer Amy Pascal wanted to talk. Her initial message explained that he had been recommended by someone at a fashion brand for whom Strathman has previously worked. On the phone, Pascal described a TV show she planned to pitch to Netflix that would showcase rare beauty spots around the world. Would he be interested in going to Indonesia to create a storyboard for the pilot?
It was a surprising opportunity to get out of the blue. But Strathman was a talented professional and felt he could deliver what Pascal needed. He paid for a flight to Jakarta and worked tirelessly photographing locations, before spending hours each night updating Pascal on the phone. He was exhausted and strapped for cash, but Pascal assured him that he would be reimbursed for all his expenses and rewarded with a healthy day rate.
