Archive for September, 2008

AMPTP RESPONSE TO SAG ATTEMPT TO RESTART NEGOTIATIONS

September 30th, 2008

September 29, 2008

Dear Alan and Doug:

This is in response to your letter dated September 29, 2008 to Peter Chernin, Robert Iger and me. Your letter indicates that the Screen Actors Guild is not prepared to change its position on any of the threshold issues in our negotiations. The Guild’s position remains unchanged since we last met on July 16, 2008. Further, in addition to new media, there are a number of significant issues which, in and of themselves, prevent the parties from reaching agreement.

Our Final Offer to the Screen Actors Guild is comparable to our agreements with the Directors Guild of America, the Writers Guild of America and AFTRA. Our Final Offer memorializes a set of compromises, including in the area of new media, worked out with other Guilds and Unions and particularly addresses actor specific issues raised during the Screen Actors Guild negotiations.

We do not believe that it would be productive to resume negotiations at this time given SAG’s continued insistence on terms which the Companies have repeatedly rejected.

In light of the unprecedented economic difficulties facing our industry and the nation, the Companies continue to hope that the Guild’s leadership will recognize the five major labor agreements that have already been concluded this year and will accept our Final Offer while it remains on the table.

We want to reemphasize that we value greatly our industry’s talent – the directors, writers, actors, and below-the-line people who create entertainment products for audiences around the world – and hope that our Final Offer can serve as the basis of an agreement.

Sincerely,
J. Nicholas Counter III

No comments »

Posted in AFTRA, AMPTP, Acting, Actor, Actors, Alan Rosenberg, Producers, SAG, SAG Eligible, SAG Membership, Strike, TXMPA

Tags:

SAG SEEKS TO RESTART STALLED AMPTP NEGOTIATIONS

September 30th, 2008

Here is a copy of the latest missive sent from the SAG negotiating team to their counterparts at AMPTP in an effort to get contract talks restarted:

September 29, 2008

Dear Gentlemen:

We believe it is clear that our members would fail to ratify your proposal of June 30, 2008. It would serve no productive purpose, therefore, to send our membership a proposal that SAG’s National Negotiating Committee and National Board have rejected and that our membership would not ratify.

It is our fervent hope that this news will encourage you and your colleagues to reengage in formal bargaining, with the exchange of proposals and compromise by both sides necessary to reach an agreement.

Our discussions with you and many of your colleagues since formal talks ended have educated both of our teams about our respective priorities and flexibilities. As we have said to SAG members, if we can reach agreement on three threshold issues, we believe we can finish these negotiations. One issue you brought to the table: force majeure protection for actors held by contract to a suspended production. Two issues we have identified as core principles: coverage for all new media productions (including those below $15,000/minute) and residuals for made-for new media productions re-used on new media. Other issues divide us, certainly, but we believe those other issues can be successfully addressed once we have resolved these three threshold issues. We have approached these contract negotiations reasonably and with a realistic and informed view of the state of the industry.

We are prepared to meet formally and continuously until we reach agreement. We owe it to our constituencies and the thousands of others in this industry that depend on a productive, stable and uninterrupted relationship between Screen Actors Guild and the networks and studios.

The alternative to reaching an agreement as soon as possible is unnecessary and destructive uncertainty. If your intransigence continues, however, our choices become harder and fewer. We would prefer the more complicated and productive choices that compromise will make necessary. But we can’t make those choices that lead to agreement working alone.

What do you say; when can our committees meet face-to-face?

Sincerely,

Alan Rosenberg
National President

Doug Allen
National Executive Director and Chief Negotiator

No comments »

Posted in AFTRA, AMPTP, Acting, Actor, Actors, Alan Rosenberg, Directors, Filmmakers, SAG, SAG Eligible, SAG Membership, SAGIndie, Strike, TXMPA, Texas Actors, Texas Film Production Fund

Tags:

THE NETWORK AUSTIN MIXER – THE ALLIANCE

September 22nd, 2008

WHAT: The Network Austin Mixer
WHEN: Wednesday September 24 – Speakers at 7 PM — Network Till Late
WHERE: Mother Egan‚s Irish Pub – 715 West 6th St. Austin, TX
WHO: Everyone involved in film and media… and YOU!

SPEAKERS: A Panel of Speakers from THE ALLIANCE
* Donise Hardy, President, Talent Works-USA
* Veronica Kelly-Albiez, Vice President, DVA Talent
* Liz Atherton, TAG Talent
* Heather Collier, Collier Talent
* Gabe Folse, State Theater

Our September 24 Mixer will feature the panel of Speakers listed above from
THE ALLIANCE, a cooperative of Casting Directors, Talent Agents and Acting
Coaches that provides insights into the needs and concerns of the acting
community. SEE: http://www.theallianceaustin.com/index.h….

This is a very important Mixer and all actors, and those in the film community in general,
are encouraged to attend.

Please pass on information about our Mixers to your friends and associates
in the film/media industries, and if you have a website associated with
those fields, please post our website - www.networkaustinmixer.com

No comments »

Posted in AFTRA, Acting, Acting Coaches, Actor, Actors, Agent, Austin Actors, Austin Film, Austin Studios, Callbacks, Casting Notices, Commercials, Directors, Filmmakers, Filmmaking, IActor, Indie Film, New Mexico Film Production, Residuals, Right to Work, SAG, SAG Eligible, SAG Membership, SAGIndie, Self Promotion, TXMPA, Texas Actors, Texas Film Production Fund, Texas Filmmakers, Texas film, Tommy G. Kendrick

Tags:

FWIW: On Photos, Changing Agents – More Advise to Young Actors

September 22nd, 2008

Some months back I was asked to give my opinion about a young actor’s headshot. Over the weekend I received a followup email from the actor who wanted some additional advice about the headshot photo and about the process of changing agents. After I had finished responding to his questions it occurred to me that this information might be helpful to a wider audience. So, without identifying the actor in question I’m copying my response to him below in hopes that some others may find it helpful:

Hi E…,

The photo you attached is fine…as long as it still looks like you. However the truth is you probably need more than one photo. This one is pretty ’serious’…which is good for many roles but might not be good if you were going up for a lighter role or for a commercial. I also suggest you get any new photos taken in color. Many years ago, color photos were only for models but that day has passed. With the advent of digital photography, color headshots have become the norm for actors as well. There is a link on my web site to a local photographer named Kathy Whittaker. I don’t get any money for recommending Kathy, I was just very pleased with her work and her pricing. If you decide to get new shots I’d call around or check web sites to get prices and see whose style appeals most to you. There are a number of good photographers in town.

BUT if you’re looking at changing agents, I’d wait on new photos until you get the agent thing settled. Then go over the issue of photos with your agent and see what kind of photos they want you to have…they’ll give you some opinions on how the think they can best market you.

If you’re going to try to establish a working relationship with any agent, it’s best to [not only] enlist their input [but] then to do what they say and see how that works. Also get the agent’s recommendations about photographers. As long as you are with a reputable agency, then you shouldn’t have to worry about getting scammed by an agent who makes money off photographer’s referral fees…an OLD scam in the agency business. Continue to check with your peers about their representation and about who shot their pictures, etc. That kind of information can be gold to you and save you from making some mistakes.

As to changing agents…

I don’t know who you signed with or the terms of the contract. Typically there is an ‘out’ clause in every talent contract..for both the talent and the agent. If you haven’t been working and they aren’t calling and the contract is still in force, a simple letter terminating the agreement should do the trick. But check your contract for specifics such as the requirement that the letter be [sent by] certified mail, etc. Depending on how long ago you signed the contract, it may no longer be in force. Again, check your copy of the agreement.

BUT before you do seek a new agent there is something that you might want to consider: It sounds like you haven’t been a very good client to this agent. I don’t say that to be critical but just in response to your representation that you haven’t been available because of school. Nothing will turn off ANY agent faster than a talent who is not available for auditions.

Once in a while is not a problem, but after a few times…or worse, if the talent just doesn’t return the agent’s call…or EVEN WORSE if the talent accepts the audition and then gets busy with class or whatever and DOESN’T SHOW AT THE AUDITION, the agent gets the idea that the talent is not really serious and they move on to those who are.

Not showing up for an audition appointment is NOT ACCEPTABLE as it can give you AND your agent a black eye with the casting person. I’m not saying you stiffed the agent on auditions, because I don’t know that. I’m just saying…agency and talent relationships are a two way street. SO…before changing agents, you may want to get back in touch with your present agent and have a discussion about how you’re now ready to be available and serious about getting acting work. If you liked this agent well enough to sign with them in the first place, maybe you don’t need to change agents, just get back in their good graces.

Otherwise, truly, in this market I think all the agents are going to provide similar results. Just go with someone with whom you feel a connection and then do your part by getting them the photos they want and need and by being available when they call…by taking some classes if possible to show you’re continuing to study, etc.

Also you’re going to want to get up to speed with a few services like NOW CASTING and ACTORS ACCESS. Those are two online casting sites that many/most agents and casting people are now utilizing. At least familiarize yourself with those sites so you can ask potential agents if they use them and what they expect from you in terms of getting signed up…they’re both free to actors.

Find someone you ‘like’ and stay with them.

I’ve had a LOT of agents in my career and sometimes a change of agent is about all an actor thinks they can do to get things jump started. You have to understand the realities of the market in which you’re working. Right now, local production is way down due to the lack of an adequate tax incentive program in Texas. That lack has resulted in a LOT of work moving to other states like Louisiana and New Mexico and even Michigan.

At this time and in this market…given the statement in the paragraph above, I would discourage moving from agent to agent because I just don’t see the point. All the [reputable] agents will get all the calls from the casting people. If you establish that you are serious about acting and do your part, the agent, whichever agency you are with, will probably get you out. All the agent can do is give the actor an opportunity, it’s up to the actor to book the job. Easy money, right? Hah!

You might take a look at agency web sites and see which agents seem to have the most talent who ‘look’ like you and which don’t. You might consider approaching an agent who DOESN’T already have 10 guys in your age range and with your ‘look’…so you will fill a need for that agent.

Hope this helps some. It’s a long road and it takes a lot of persistence, patience and work to get anywhere. Best of luck and keep in touch.

Tommy

1 comment »

Posted in Actors, Actors over 30, Agent, Auditions, Austin Actors, Casting Notices, Creating characters, Headshots, SAG, SAG Eligible, SAG Membership, Self Promotion, Texas Actors, Texas Film Production Fund, Tommy G. Kendrick

Tags:

SAG ELECTION RESULTS – HERE’S ONE TAKE

September 19th, 2008

SAG Election GraphicDeadline Hollywood Daily has quite a bit of information and opinion on the results of the SAG election, how these results impact the ongoing stalemate with the AMPTP, etc.

Here’s the beginning of the DHD coverage. Hit the link above for the full story.

The results of the SAG vote elected an equal number of Membership First candidates and Unite For Strength candidates — 5 to 5 — onto the 33-strong National Board from the Hollywood division. For MF, JoBeth Williams, Scott Bakula, Lainie Kazan, Keith Carradine and Joely Fisher won three-year terms. For U4S, Amy Brenneman, Adam Arkin, Ken Howard, Pamela Reed and Kate Walsh also won three-year terms. The 11th elected National Board member was Morgan Fairchild who ran as an Independent and also won a three-year term. It’s expected that she will vote with U4S which endorsed her candidacy.

No comments »

Posted in AMPTP, Acting, Actors, Alan Rosenberg, Deadline Hollywood Daily, Filmmaking, SAG, Texas Actors, Texas Film Production Fund

Tags:

WHIP It! Returns, TWO BOBS Screens, New McCanlies Film in Pre-production

September 18th, 2008

With all the turmoil caused by Hurricane Ike and the collapse of too many financial institutions, it’s been difficult to keep up with the things I’d like to concentrate on…like getting the next film acting job and talking about the local filmmaking scene.

Not much to report right now but WHIP IT!, the Drew Barrymore directed film about roller derby, starring Ellen Page has apparently wrapped in Michigan and is shooting some exteriors here in our fair city. Exteriors and second unit work…that’s what you get for a 5% film inventive package vs the 40% offered by Michigan. Just a little reminder that Texas legislators have a lot of work to do to help bring film production back to the state.

Screenings:

John Bryant’s currently untitled feature based on his highly regarded short film BROTHERLY LOVE screened last week to an enthusiastic crowd. Sponsored by the Austin Film Society, the film delivered with solid performances across the board resulting in a lot of laughter in the room…always a good thing for a comedy. Looking forward to seeing the final cut on this film which shot on location in Colorado this summer.

Writer/Director Tim McCanlies’ comedy THE TWO BOBS screened this week as well….no reports yet on how this indie comedy fared in this early test.

McCanlies is moving back to more family friendly territory with his next project, directing ALABAMA MOON, based on the fine teen novel of the same name by Watt Key.

From PRODUCTION WEEKLY:

STATUS – October 27 LOCATION – Covington, Louisiana
PRODUCER: Lee Faulkner WRITER: Watt Key – James Whittaker DIRECTOR: Tim McCanlies PM: Rob Ortiz

For as long as ten-year-old Moon can remember, he has lived out in the forest in a shelter with his father. They keep to themselves, their only contact with other human beings an occasional trip to the nearest general store. When Moon’s father dies, Moon follows his father’s last instructions: to travel to Alaska to find others like themselves. But Moon is soon caught and entangled in a world he doesn’t know or understand, apparent property of the government he has been avoiding all his life. As the spirited and resourceful Moon encounters constables, jails, institutions, lawyers, true friends, and true enemies, he adapts his wilderness survival skills and learns to survive in the outside world, and even, perhaps, make his home there.

No comments »

Posted in Alabama Moon, Austin Film, Directors, Filmmakers, Filmmaking, Indie Film, Producers, Texas Filmmakers, Texas film, The Two Bobs, Tim McCanlies, Whip It!

Tags:

SAG Members Vote Want Better Contract From AMPTP

September 18th, 2008

Los Angeles, September 17, 2008 – The Screen Actors Guild National Negotiating Committee met today and was given the results of the SAG mail-in poll by National Executive Director and Chief Negotiator, Doug Allen.

87.27% of the10,298 SAG members who responded to the poll said the union should continue bargaining in an effort to achieve a fair contract. 12.73% of those who responded said they would accept the terms presented in the AMPTP’s June 30th offer to SAG.

Postcards were mailed to 103,630 paid-up SAG members on August 28 with a return deadline of September 15, with a 9.94% return. Postcard return statistics matched almost exactly the geographic distribution of SAG members, with 56.07% of the responses from Hollywood, 20.83% from NY, and 23.10% from regional branch members.

The results of the poll indicate that members agree with the actions passed by SAG’s national board in July and August:

July 26, 2008: “It is a core principle of Screen Actors Guild— That no non-union work shall be authorized to be done under any SAG agreement and; That all work done under a Screen Actors Guild contract, regardless of budget level, shall receive fair compensation when reused.“

August 21, 2008 “To support the negotiating team to get the very best contract possible for our membership.”

Screen Actors Guild President Alan Rosenberg stated, “I am encouraged to see that members-at-large agree with the strategy of the national board and their national negotiating committee. This membership poll provides clear insight and direction concerning how actors feel about their futures. Clearly they expect Screen Actors Guild to protect them from exploitation in new media, and to preserve longstanding principles and contract provisions.”

National Executive Director and Chief Negotiator Doug Allen commented, “Our objective was to take the pulse of our members and I am pleased that the response reflects the resolve we have seen from SAG members around the country throughout this negotiating process. The AMPTP suggested we send their June 30 offer to our members to ratify. These poll results indicate that was wishful thinking on their part. We will now urge the AMPTP to roll up their sleeves and to put in the hard work required to bargain a fair, equitable agreement as soon as possible.”

The AMPTP issued this statement in reaction:

September 17, 2008 — The mass postcard mailing by SAG negotiators was a farce. The questions were devised to give SAG negotiators only the answer they wanted to hear. The materials accompanying the postcard were hopelessly one-sided. SAG member votes were recorded by name, exposing those who opposed SAG negotiators to possible retribution. And some SAG members reportedly received multiple ballots. In short, this mass postcard mailing was another exercise in futility by SAG’s negotiators, and the results are meaningless. We have made a fair offer, with significant gains in salary and new media. That offer remains on the table, for the time being, despite steadily deteriorating economic conditions. In the meantime, we and all of the other industry guilds have gone back to work, and SAG members continue to miss out on the benefits of a new contract.

No comments »

Posted in AFTRA, AMPTP, Actors, Alan Rosenberg, Deadline Hollywood Daily, Directors, Filmmakers, Filmmaking, Indie Film, Producers, Roberta Reardon, SAG, Texas Actors, Texas Film Production Fund, Texas Filmmakers

Tags:

Alert to SAG Members on Impact of AMPTP Offer

September 11th, 2008

The following was copied from Deadline Hollywood Daily:

THIS IS AN ALERT TO ALL SCREEN ACTORS GUILD MEMBERS

It is imperative to your well being that you read the TV/THEATRICAL NEGOTIATING UPDATE that was recently mailed to you by Screen Actors Guild and check the box showing support for Doug Allen, Alan Rosenberg and the Negotiating Committee, giving them the authority and ability to go in and negotiate a better deal for you.

We, the membership, need to understand the full impact and ramification of demands being made by the AMPTP and, in particular, the two issues listed below.

Thousand of members will be denied health coverage, pension benefits and residuals.

Free Streaming/Move Over
Streaming network television shows on the internet. There are very important elements of streaming that should be understood.

The AMPTP demands:
· 17 days free streaming for current shows
· 24 days free streaming for new shows, followed by:
· Two consecutive 6-month ‘spurts’ for a payment of 3% of Total Applicable Minimum
· Guest star $85.00
· Day Player $22.77

Why is this a problem? It will not be supplemental income, but replacement income. As free streaming depletes the value of reruns, the first and second rerun residuals will be lost.

· Guest Star “top-of-show” (approximately $6,500), loses 60% of income

1st rerun residual $3,290 – lost
2nd rerun residual $3,290 – lost

· Day Player, scale (approximately $759), loses two-thirds of income

1st rerun residual $759 – lost
2nd rerun residual $759 – lost
In aggregate this represents a potential of 100-200 million dollars.
This lost income will have a profound impact on individual members’ Pension & Health Plans.

Day Player:
· Currently needs about nine days work with 1st and 2nd rerun residuals.
· Without rerun residuals, will need about 27 days work, an almost impossible number of days to reach

Guest Star:
· Currently needs about two guest roles with 1st and 2nd rerun residuals
· Without rerun residuals will need over 3 guest starring roles to qualify

Thousands of members that now qualify will find themselves without health coverage, pension benefits and residuals, turning our union into an elitist union representing only those temporarily the most successful.

Clips:
· Producers may use clips for promotional purposes without consent or payment
· For any other purpose, consent is required and negotiable… but cannot be negotiated at time of original employment

This preserves the principle that your work can only be used in and for the film on which you are engaged, allowing you and your heirs to retain control of your name, voice and likeness.

AS A CONDITION OF EMPLOYMENT, in order to build a new industry based on clips, the AMPTP is demanding:
· we give up consent and negotiation;
· allow them to mix and mash clips: “mashing” – putting together 2 or more clips from different sources, creating a new product. we will have no control over how clips are mixed or mashed, leaving the door open for a total perversion of our creative work.
• For a payment of:
· under 2 minutes – $25.00
· under 4 minutes – $75.00
· over 4 minutes – $22.77

You need to clearly understand that you will be denied employment if you do not accept these nominal payments and give up your right of consent.

It is critical that you be informed and weigh in on these two issues and the others outlined in the TV/Theatrical Negotiating Update. Our membership, the public and members of the industry at large should understand we are fighting for the basic bread and butter issues of pension benefits, health coverage, the protection of our work and the opportunity to make a living in our chosen careers.

This should be considered supplemental to the TV/Theatrical Negotiating Update which you have just received from the Guild.

Fraternally
Ed Asner
Tom Bower
David Clennon
Rob Schneider

No comments »

Posted in AFTRA, AMPTP, Actors, Alan Rosenberg, Auditions, Big Media, Deadline Hollywood Daily, Filmmakers, Hollywood, Indie Film, Louisiana Film Production, NOW MEDIA, New Media, New Mexico Film Production, Producers, Residuals, Right to Work, SAG, SAG Eligible, SAGIndie, Streaming Video, Strike, Texas film

Tags:

Support for TXMPA Required NOW

September 10th, 2008

Okay, actors. Whether you’re SAG, Non-SAG, SAG-Eligible or anywhere in between, you need to get involved by joining the TXMPA. If WE don’t achieve a significant increase in our state film incentive program in the upcoming legislative session, our TEXAS film industry is going to be further decimated. At that point the decision actors will have to make is not whether or not to join SAG or which acting class to take but whether is makes sense to remain a Texas resident with any hopes of earning a living as a professional film actor. Read the letter below that many of us received and call the TXMPA and join. The $50 membership fee…more if you can contribute it…is not much to ask to help revive an industry that was vibrant and growing only a few years ago, and is now in critical care mode.

————————————

To: My fellow TEXAS film workers, from the Red River to the Rio Grande, from the piney woods in the east to the dusty rolling hills in the west.

On many of my countless trips between Austin and Shreveport, I often think about what Texas film workers are doing with their lives. I wonder how they are supporting their families, how the strain of working out of town is affecting them and whether or not we will see Texas rise up to be the industry destination it once was and we know it can be.

A few weeks ago Jeanette Scott, local Set Decorator and Austin Film Society board member, visited my office to discuss ways to raise funds for The Texas Motion Picture Alliance , a nonprofit organization founded to become the legislative advocate for the film, video, interactive, and digital media production industries in the Lone Star State. Many people have worked tireless hours without compensation to raise funds and support this movement. Tom Copeland and numerous others have also donated many hours to the same cause. Elected officials are consumed by the thousands of bills that are proposed each legislative session. Getting our bill passed requires the hard work of an experienced lobbyist. The main goal of TXMPA is to raise funds to pay for a lobbyist so the Texas State Legislature can hear our demands to increase the film incentives.

Those of us familiar with the movement to raise the incentive package to bring films home to TEXAS (not just Austin but all of TEXAS!) know that in the last Legislative session Film Fleet and its sister companies donated thousands of dollars to this cause. Jeanette assured me that the money was well spent, but now they need more!

This led us to the brainstorming of additional groups to talk to. My question for Jeanette was this: Aren’t the TEXAS crew members behind this? Let’s get their support!

When each and every one of us is on the set, if you need sun block – see the medic; if you need a snack – go to Craft Service; if your car had a flat that morning – see Transpo; need some tape – go to Camera. We all know the drill. Now there is another department “on set” to take care of us. It is none other than the Texas Motion Picture Alliance. The TXMPA will secure the right people to help raise the incentive package, but they need YOU behind them so that we all can bring films home to TEXAS!

I propose that each and every one of you join this organization. The membership fee is $50.00 per year. Fifty dollars is less than one tank of gas, less than one dinner out and less than my yearly latte budget.

Film Fleet and its sister companies will pledge an additional $10.00 for every new paid TXMPA membership. I will take it one step further. If there any film crew member that cannot afford the membership fee right now, e-mail your story directly to me. The address is  phil at filmfleet.com. Instead of a crew t-shirt on the next project, I will assist you in paying your membership.

Not only am I asking crew members to join, I am soliciting all industry related vendors such as Longhorn Car & Truck Rentals, Enterprise Rent-A-Car, Capps Truck & Van Rental, Crocker Crane Company, Omni Hotels, Rush Truck Centers, Play-Mor Trailers, Southwest Airlines, Raco Leasing, Hope Lumber Company, SWW Production Rentals, Juan In A Million and more! If you think a vendor could benefit from the efforts of TXMPA, forward me their information. I will contact them directly.

Like all of you, I do not want to work out-of-state. I want to work at home, in Texas, with my family and friends by my side.

Do the right thing. Join TXMPA today. You are just a click away… www.txmpa.org!

I, Phil Schriber, wrote and approved this letter.

All my best,

Phil Schriber

No comments »

Posted in Actors, Auditions, Austin Actors, Austin Film, Austin Studios, Callbacks, Commercials, Directors, Filmmakers, Filmmaking, Friday Night Lights, IActor, Indie Film, New Mexico Film Production, Producers, Residuals, SAG, SAG Eligible, SAG Membership, SAGIndie, TXMPA

Tags:

KINGS OF THE EVENING Screens in Austin – Updated Post

September 4th, 2008

KINGS OF THE EVENING AWARDSIt’s been said there are no small parts…only small actors. Well, that’s not really true. There ARE small parts. I know. I’ve done my share of them and will likely do more, Lord willin’ and the creek don’t rise.

Last year I had the pleasure of doing a decidedly small role in a project called KINGS OF THE EVENING. My role was a day player role, one sequence. The contract was SAG low-budget so the money was minimal and not a real enticement to do the job. But the script was good and it was an unusual project – the story set in the depression era and the cast predominantly African American. It seemed to me it would be a ‘different’ kind of project than we typically see in our market and it could be a fun experience. I decided to think of it as an acting class that I got paid to attend.

GETTING an acting job is often not that much fun. The process of searching out potential projects, submitting yourself or getting your agent on the case, etc. etc. gets tedious after a few decades. All that is work that is necessary but is not necessarily associated with the fun part of the acting business. Doing the job, on the other hand is almost always a real pleasure.

My role in KINGS was so small, I fully expected to be cut out…and maybe I have been. Wouldn’t be the first time and probably wouldn’t be the last. But since I’ve received an invitation to a screening and party following, I’m assuming my little contribution made the cut. We’ll see.

What I remember most from my involvement with the project was a brief exchange with Reginald Dorsey an actor and producer on the project. Between takes of a scene, I was seated near Dorsey when he leaned over to me and complimented something he had seen me doing in the scene. I was a bit surprised as it really wasn’t a difficult piece of action. But he complimented my consistency, take to take. Frankly I was impressed that someone noticed because really that’s a basic part of the job. Consistency is expected…and rightly so. That’s one of the reasons you’re getting paid a professional’s wage.

Even so, that brief exchange, a compliment from a respected colleague put a nice cap on what could have been ‘just another’ day’s work. Regardless of the size of the role, respect yourself and your profession enough to give it your best effort. If you can’t do that…don’t take the job.


UPDATE: This evening I received a very nice email from KINGS OF THE EVENING director Andrew Jones who had read this blog and who let me know that I had indeed been cut from the film. As I told Andrew…and as I think I expressed above, I’m not completely surprised.

Cuts HAVE to be made to every film. An actor always wants his/her work to be seen…even the small roles…and it’s always a disappointment to get left on the cutting room floor. But, actor friends, that’s part of the deal we have to understand.

Editing is not under the control of the actor…at least not for most of us. All we can do is take advantage of opportunities to work at our craft and give the best performances we can. All else in the filmmaking process is out of our control.

A film gets shaped…some would say created…in post production and there is always more footage than the final cut can accommodate. This is just the downside of working a day player role and is simply part of the business.

The good experience of working on the film remains with me and is not subject an editorial decision. And…the check cashed just fine and has long been spent. I look forward to seeing the finished film next week in Austin.

Joe O’Connell’s column below has some more information on KINGS OF THE EVENING:

BY JOE O’CONNELL

‘Kings’ returns a winner

A film that shot somewhat quietly in the Austin area last year is
getting a lot of buzz and finally making it to town for a screening
primarily aimed at cast and crew at 7pm on Tuesday, Sept. 9, at the
Galaxy Highland 10. Kings of the Evening is set in the Deep South in the
Depression era. Amid tough economic times, a group of African-American
men dress in their finest and compete to be the movie title’s King of
the Evening.

The film has already won a batch of awards, including Best Film, Best
Supporting Actor (Glynn Turman, who is up for an Emmy for work on In
Treatment), and Best Director at the San Diego Black Film Festival and
the audience award at the San Francisco Black Film Festival. Also count
Gary Bond of the Austin Film Office as a fan. He calls it a heartwarming
film that deserves distribution, a stand he seldom takes about locally
shot films. Distribution is something producer/director Andrew P. Jones
is working feverishly to accomplish. He and his father, the novelist and
retired public relations pro Robert Page Jones, crafted the story after
the elder Jones read a story about a similar men’s style contest in
South Africa.

In true indie spirit, father and son bankrolled the film themselves and
first looked at shooting in Birmingham, Ala., but the lack of a film
scene nixed that idea. “We knew for a first film we needed to surround
ourselves with experienced people, resources, and gear,” the younger
Jones said. They ended up shooting in Bartlett, a town he describes as
“frozen in time. We didn’t have to do much; it was perfect for us.” The
cast and crew were 85 to 90% local but included fashion model Tyson
Beckford in the lead and such veteran actors as Lynn Whitfield (The
Josephine Baker Story) and Reginald Dorsey (Return to Lonesome Dove).

No comments »

Posted in Acting, Actors, Agent, Auditions, Austin Actors, Austin Film, Creating characters, Directors, Film Distribution, Filmmakers, Filmmaking, Hollywood, Indie Film, KINGS OF THE EVENING, Producers, SAG, Self Promotion, Tax Incentives, Texas Actors, Texas Film Production Fund, Texas Filmmakers, Texas film

Tags: