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| Topic: No Pay for Actors | ||
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| Could someone please tell me why actors seem to be last to be paid? I've had a lot of work realted inquires from production companies-they all extoll the use of latest cameras/equipment but when it comes to actors, it's "sorry we can only pay expenses and we will through in a DVD" student productions I can understand but not professional production companies. Someone please enlighten me. | ||
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| Reply #1 | |
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| Posted : 26/02/10 | |
| I know exactly what you mean...I am sick of it myself. Us actors work bloody hard rain or shine and it's actually insulting that we are not being offered money...I have done my share of expenses work, which is fair enough in some cases, but when there is a budget to speak of there should be some thrown the actors way...the thing is there is always an actor willing to sell themselves short so if we say 'no thanks' there will be others willing to fill your shoes grrr | |
| Reply #2 | |
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| Posted : 26/02/10 | |
| Film companies take advantage of the fact that so many people are trying to get into acting. But if they're time wasters you should tell them. I've done this before - and they're not used to it. | |
| Reply #3 | |
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| Posted : 26/02/10 | |
| Mm,tricky thing really. As you say people want to work and get experience,but it often means taking jobs on without money. Ive done some really interesting jobs with no money involved,which have resulted in gaining contacts for the future as well as nice footage. Every job has to be taken on its own merits. If a film will be seen at film festivals all over the planet,would you strop about being paid? Also the point about equipment is intersting. Just remember if you arent paid ,but the extra money is put towards a better camera,which in turn makes for a more professional looking film,then how do you put a price on footage good enough to be used for showreel. A showreel that will impress the next director,who has a proper budget.So much so that hes willing to give you a job. Of course you cant pay bills with expeience,and wed all all love to be paid a reasonable wage for our work. I have only ever recieved call back money once.Ive been ripped off to the tune of £££££ over a period of 13 years of work. But would you rather a normal job,with regular pay and normal hours.That is a scary thought .... | |
| Reply #4 | |
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| Posted : 26/02/10 | |
| If you want to get material for a showreel these days, unless you are lucky the only way your going to get it is by doing "expenses only" jobs, mostly with students or directors financing their own projects. Personally I have no problem with this as long as I feel I am being treated fairly. I don't like it if say the camerman is getting paid and I'm not just because he brings kit. I bring my training, experience and usually my own costume(s, makeup and hair products as well! To protect yourself ask all filmakers you work with to sign your own contracts which asks for contact details in depth (permanent address, landline not just mobile, etc.). Ask if they have liability insurance for the shoot (students should be covered by their college). If they don't ask why not. Think seriously of not doing it, especially if you have do anything that might injure you. Remember doing a take over and over can put strains on your body that you didn't expect. If you wrench your back or knee you won't be able to claim sick pay. I've just done about half a dozen short films in the last six months and mostly worked with people who were organised and professional, students or not. | |
| Reply #5 | |
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| Posted : 26/02/10 | |
| Oh I dont sit back and take it every time.Just in case anyone belived i condoned the people who take the mickey out of actors. Ive had my fair share of run ins. I could ,Im sure,ruin my chances on projects by being truthful.I have in the past been left out in the cold on projects because I objected to the way people were treated. But strangely enough these producers/directors have ended up in trouble. Because further down the line everyone who was mistreated by them has walked. It pays to be good at your job,but it pays to be nice as well.Because this business thrives and survives on not only money,but kindness and good will. Without that its lost before it starts. | |
| Reply #6 | |
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| Posted : 26/02/10 | |
| Yes. We should be treated fairly. Some film companies have the impression that we are all desperate and will do anything. | |
| Reply #7 | |
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| Posted : 26/02/10 | |
| In my experience I have seen more professionalism and been treated very well in the work which is paid. | |
| Reply #8 | |
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| Posted : 26/02/10 | |
| And don't forget as actors we play a valuable role. We bring things to life inorder to educate, enlighten and express things through drama which would not have the same impact had they simply been spoken about. But as with everyone else, we have other comitments, have to pay our bills and deserve respect. | |
| Reply #9 | |
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| Posted : 26/02/10 | |
| This is a tricky one..I think actors are bottom of the payment heirarchy because if you don't have decent camera equipment how do you make the film? If you don't have theatre space how do you put on a show? Actors are ten a penny. Now, if the crew/director etc are actually receiving payment (no matter how little) then that's when I would rattle my cage! However, unpaid work usually means just that.. everyone involved is doing it for free. | |
| Reply #10 | |
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| Posted : 26/02/10 | |
| All this said, if not for the non-paid work on the site, hardly any of us would ever work again! The scene is hardly awash with fiscally-rewarding gigs, is it?! | |
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