Tough Decisions

There have been very few occasions thus far in my artistic career that are uncomfortable and difficult to deal with. This week I had to make a difficult choice, but I maintain that it was the best decision for myself and my time.

Sometimes you have to put your foot down with projects. I really dislike stepping away from roles, but there are times when you feel forced into a corner. 

It's a tough balance and a tough choice, because as an actor, you sometimes become convinced that turning down a role or pulling away from a project will be the end of your career and reputation. You must consider yourself, however. It is not too much to expect professionalism and an organized set and have boundaries. I've had to set boundaries and restrictions for what I will and will not deal with on a project, and I make exceptions on occasion, but the exceptions entirely depend on the project and director.

A film is a collaborative work, and there should be mutual respect between cast and crew, directors,  producers, and writers. A few projects I have been part of left a bad taste in my mouth, and I use those as a learning experience. You do not have to accept every role you are offered, just because it is offered to you. If you sign a contract, respect the terms of that contract. If there is no contract involved and you feel you are being taken advantage of in a project or have been given misinformation, you ARE able to stand up for yourself.

I've been involved in a few projects that have been run unprofessionally. I have been in projects where the directors were hours late and then demanded that actors with conflicts cancel their other conflicts, even if the director had previously agreed to work around the conflicts. I have been on sets with live weapons that the director had no safety system in place to protect his cast or crew. I have been on sets where live weapons were used without any previous stunt rehearsals or anyone having any training with the weapons. I have involved in projects that promised footage to the actors and then demanded that the actors pay for their footage. I've been in projects with incorrect scripts sent out, and the discrepancy blamed on the performers, or the responsibility for the funding for the project expected of the actors and crew.

Be aware of what you agree to. Read your contracts fully, and if there is no contract, it is okay to say no. Stick up for yourself. Stay safe.