Hi all! As a director/producer I'm always very interested in what actors think. I often would love to pay my actors for passion projects, but the money often times isn't there. So on personal projects I always approach actors who are either starting off, some non-actors who are exactly like the part, or professional actors who are willing to turn up for a day for fun. What are your experiences with taking 'free' jobs, do you still take them and if not, why not?
I'd love to hear!
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I'm not an actor, but...if someone doesn't have the acting experience I think no-budget films are a great way to not only gain experience but something they can add to their acting reel and exposure. I would like to see what actors have to say about that.
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I'm an artist first, if the story needs to be told and I fit the role then I'll do it. With that said, money helps...a lot. I mostly just want to make a movie though! :D
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As someone who's starting out, I'm alright with it? I think a lot of concern for actors is travel/housing/food more than anything else, especially when you're still building up a career. If I'm already doing the project for no money, I'd like something in return past just "credit" and "reel footage", if that makes sense?
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Yep. In my first short, I made sure my actors didn't have to pay for food, travel or come out of their pockets. Fed my actors well.
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Personally am a proffesional actor and my problem with no budget films especially with our country's growing film industry (UGANDA) is just one, "not keeping up to what producers say to actors",be it non actors, unexperienced or whatever its always the same case but on the good side if you met a great and considerate producer it actually works magic and creates a really cool environment for fun and self discovery☺☺☺☺
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Nothing stopped Bruce Willis to do a completely pro bono role for Tarantino's segment in less budgeted "Four Rooms"....he got in trouble with the union, through and filmmakers had to remove his name from the end credits....on the subject, absolutely why not! I had roles for money strictly professional, on the other hand had 2+5 years stage experience completely for free...well, If learning is a currency, would say I'm a thousandneer ;)
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Great question! I think the biggest concern is making sure that actors feel appreciated, so making sure they are not paying to play is essential - actors should not pay for food, gas, or any required accommodations. Putting your money into making them look good (costumes, make-up, props and other art direction) is another way. After that, making sure they are treated well, have footage afterward, and any credit is a great way to say, "I value your time". If you intend to distribute the final product somewhere and you have lead talent, then consider signing paperwork that gives them points or deferred payment (because the film could earn the money after it's complete, and it can make them feel better to know they have the right to being paid in full at some future date).
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I only ever went out for pay after I had done a couple of Film School 'Voluntaries'. After I earned enough credits for Union membership, I am limited in what I can do, but I would have to be paid - sorry, I sell myself !
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I've always respected people who expected payment, I think it's only fair. I always put money to the side to pay for food and travel, but I also understand that for the time that people are working they would like to get paid. I don't think an actor has to feel sorry for that. It's also why when I'm not paying people in advance I try extra hard to make the on set experience as pleasant as possible (which I think is a good habit to keep up either way).