I recently received an e-newsletter from Bob Fraser with some advice about what to do if you're committed to one project, but get an offer to do something better. This is something I have wondered about, not that it's happened to me yet, but I wonder what would I do if it did? And after reading this article from Bob, I agree with it 100%, what he writes rings true to my sense of integrity. I have Bob's permission to post his article here:
Should You Go For The Better Role?
Recently an actor wrote in to one of the groups I belong to - looking for advice about a predicament she was in. It's a fairly common problem for actors that has to do with getting a better offer.
Basically this actor was appearing in a show in a small role (this was an Equity Waiver production, which means there was no pay) - and in the middle of the run of that show, she was offered a much better (larger) role in another show (also no pay).
Her dilemma was whether she should leave the first show to do the better role. Or stay with the show she'd agreed to do in the first place.
Essentially she was worried about whether or not she was being true to her own sense of integrity - or if she stayed with the first show, was that a bad career decision.
She got several answers from other actors - most of them suggested that since there was no pay involved, she really wasn't obligated, one way or the other.
"Go for it!" was the common theme.
I weighed in from a slightly different perspective. It's a perspective that plans for success in business. It's also the perspective of a producer - who is in the business of hiring actors for work that pays.
It's extremely important, at every stage of your career, to be very discerning and 'picky' about what you choose to do. And this "something better comes along" situation is the big reason for being choosy.
Here's why: In success something better will come along, almost as a matter of course. And the way you behave in that circumstance will determine how you are viewed by producers, directors, networks, and production companies.
In other words, it's not about your personal sense of integrity ... it's the real perception of your business integrity, by those who do the hiring.
There are myriad examples of actors who've had some success on television getting the call from someone who wants them to transition into feature films.
For instance, as you probably know, Tom Selleck was the first choice to play Indiana Jones - but the company producing his hit show, Magnum P.I. couldn't see a way to release him for the film and still keep the series delivered on schedule.
Now, an undeniable reality of our business is this: The star of a TV series has an enormous amount of power. In this case Tom could have easily had his agents call the producers and communicate how "unhappy" he would be if they didn't figure out a way for him to do Raiders.
That 'unhappiness' would be manifested itself in lost time, low performance energy - and in general a pattern of behavior that would have cost the company a truckload of money.
That's simply the reality of a TV star's 'power.' Many series stars have used this 'power' to get what they want.
Tom Selleck didn't.
Every producer in town saw his behavior in this instance and he has enjoyed a stellar reputation among the buyers ever since.
"He's a smart business man."
The same situation happened with George Clooney.
Clooney could have easily gotten out of his contract with E.R. and started his film career years earlier.
But he chose to ride out the contract.
Again, his behavior was noticed - and to this day he enjoys one of the best reputations in the industry for loyalty, good business instincts, and trustworthiness.
You cannot buy that sort of reputation in our industry.
On the other hand there are dozens of actors who chose to 'go for the better deal' only to find, a few years later, that the offers had started drying up.
This was never because the actor in question wasn't delivering or wasn't talented, but because producers, directors and production companies had a viewpoint about the actor that was formed when the actor 'opted out' of a job they should have completed.
The people who are in the position to hire actors have long memories.
Why is this important at the 'non-paying' level?
Because what you practice is what you will become good at. If you see your career goals as more important than your business standards, then you will, at some point, make the kind of mistake that will impact your career in a bad way ... guaranteed.
So, even in circumstances where no money is involved, do your utmost to complete every 'contract' you make to the best of your ability. That's why it's important that you think through every decision you make - and be careful about what you choose to do.
It's a habit worth building now - because it will pay big dividends in the future.
Have a splendid day and, as always ...
Much Success,
Bob
You Must Act!
The #1 Virtual Acting CAREER Course
http://www.youmustact.com
Nail It! Delivering The Hypnotic Audition
Taking Your Audition Skills to The Next Level
http://www.hypnoticaudition.com
Headshot Secrets Revealed
Marketing Your Acting Career In Pictures
http://www.headshotsecrets.com
Action! The Professional Actor's Workbook & Planner
Get your business together and follow through.
http://www.actionworkbookandplanner.com
The Agent Code - How To Get An Agent And How To Be Your
Own Agent In The Meantime
http://www.theagentcode.com
Should You Go For The Better Role?
Recently an actor wrote in to one of the groups I belong to - looking for advice about a predicament she was in. It's a fairly common problem for actors that has to do with getting a better offer.
Basically this actor was appearing in a show in a small role (this was an Equity Waiver production, which means there was no pay) - and in the middle of the run of that show, she was offered a much better (larger) role in another show (also no pay).
Her dilemma was whether she should leave the first show to do the better role. Or stay with the show she'd agreed to do in the first place.
Essentially she was worried about whether or not she was being true to her own sense of integrity - or if she stayed with the first show, was that a bad career decision.
She got several answers from other actors - most of them suggested that since there was no pay involved, she really wasn't obligated, one way or the other.
"Go for it!" was the common theme.
I weighed in from a slightly different perspective. It's a perspective that plans for success in business. It's also the perspective of a producer - who is in the business of hiring actors for work that pays.
It's extremely important, at every stage of your career, to be very discerning and 'picky' about what you choose to do. And this "something better comes along" situation is the big reason for being choosy.
Here's why: In success something better will come along, almost as a matter of course. And the way you behave in that circumstance will determine how you are viewed by producers, directors, networks, and production companies.
In other words, it's not about your personal sense of integrity ... it's the real perception of your business integrity, by those who do the hiring.
There are myriad examples of actors who've had some success on television getting the call from someone who wants them to transition into feature films.
For instance, as you probably know, Tom Selleck was the first choice to play Indiana Jones - but the company producing his hit show, Magnum P.I. couldn't see a way to release him for the film and still keep the series delivered on schedule.
Now, an undeniable reality of our business is this: The star of a TV series has an enormous amount of power. In this case Tom could have easily had his agents call the producers and communicate how "unhappy" he would be if they didn't figure out a way for him to do Raiders.
That 'unhappiness' would be manifested itself in lost time, low performance energy - and in general a pattern of behavior that would have cost the company a truckload of money.
That's simply the reality of a TV star's 'power.' Many series stars have used this 'power' to get what they want.
Tom Selleck didn't.
Every producer in town saw his behavior in this instance and he has enjoyed a stellar reputation among the buyers ever since.
"He's a smart business man."
The same situation happened with George Clooney.
Clooney could have easily gotten out of his contract with E.R. and started his film career years earlier.
But he chose to ride out the contract.
Again, his behavior was noticed - and to this day he enjoys one of the best reputations in the industry for loyalty, good business instincts, and trustworthiness.
You cannot buy that sort of reputation in our industry.
On the other hand there are dozens of actors who chose to 'go for the better deal' only to find, a few years later, that the offers had started drying up.
This was never because the actor in question wasn't delivering or wasn't talented, but because producers, directors and production companies had a viewpoint about the actor that was formed when the actor 'opted out' of a job they should have completed.
The people who are in the position to hire actors have long memories.
Why is this important at the 'non-paying' level?
Because what you practice is what you will become good at. If you see your career goals as more important than your business standards, then you will, at some point, make the kind of mistake that will impact your career in a bad way ... guaranteed.
So, even in circumstances where no money is involved, do your utmost to complete every 'contract' you make to the best of your ability. That's why it's important that you think through every decision you make - and be careful about what you choose to do.
It's a habit worth building now - because it will pay big dividends in the future.
Have a splendid day and, as always ...
Much Success,
Bob
You Must Act!
The #1 Virtual Acting CAREER Course
http://www.youmustact.com
Nail It! Delivering The Hypnotic Audition
Taking Your Audition Skills to The Next Level
http://www.hypnoticaudition.com
Headshot Secrets Revealed
Marketing Your Acting Career In Pictures
http://www.headshotsecrets.com
Action! The Professional Actor's Workbook & Planner
Get your business together and follow through.
http://www.actionworkbookandplanner.com
The Agent Code - How To Get An Agent And How To Be Your
Own Agent In The Meantime
http://www.theagentcode.com
No comments:
Post a Comment