We all have to start from somewhere, right? As a fresh faced actor that usually means submitting for/shooting low budget projects and working for little to no pay. Upside(s): This is a great way to gain (on-set) experience, pad your resume, make contacts, and attain footage for your reel. Downside(s): Deferred/no pay. On occasion, having to deal with inexperienced filmmakers. Mediocre crafty. There’s a high probability that you won’t get your footage. You can choose to focus on the potential negatives of working for free, and not work, or you could jump in head first with optimism, be grateful that you’re working at all, and use the experience as an opportunity to hone your skills. The next time you walk onto a set where the compensation is “copy/credit/meals”, here are a few things to keep in mind from the rule book of Small Project SETiquette:
1. Big Picture
As actors we are usually pretty self-involved (you kind have to be to survive in this game), but times are tough for all of us. If you’re working on a low-budget project it’s not because they’re hoarding wads of cash, and making you work for free for their own enjoyment–they are usually paying completely out of pocket. If you truly believe in a project’s potential, trust that your investment now will come back to you ten-fold; Jennifer Lawrence got $100/day for Winter’s Bone as did the stars of Paranormal Activity…food for thought.
2. Attitude is Everything
Remember, it’s a small town and people talk. Work hard, be prepared, be polite and be grateful. It may be a low budget project now, but you have no idea if you’re working with the next big director/producer/DP, so the way you handle yourself in front of them now is how they will remember you, and how they will brand you to fellow artists. This also goes for the crew–don’t be rude to people who light you, dress you, beautify you, feed you, or boom you. You don’t want to be labeled a “jerk” or a “diva” before you even have an IMDB credit.
3. Take Care of Yourself
Yes, you absolutely need to be gracious but you still need to know your worth and look out for yourself; if you think you’re being taken advantage of you have every right to say something–find the AD and make them your best friend…but not in a creepy way. If there is no Hair/MU you have every right to ask for touch ups/last looks; if you need time to prep for an emotional scene, ask; if you don’t feel like you’re getting enough direction, pull the director aside (when appropriate); if you need a break, ask. Obviously, don’t be annoying/needy/difficult (remember rule #2). Furthermore, don’t expect the director to hold your hand through the shoot, especially one that is learning as well. One acting coach of mine called it being “director proof”, meaning that the only person who can look out for you, is you, and you have to be able to stand on your own two feet.
4. Fail, Learn, Grow, Repeat
When I was starting out, I started treating these “no pay” situations like an acting class; giving myself permission to fail and use the opportunity to grow and learn as an artist. I tried things, took risks, and found a lot of freedom in doing so. I always came prepared with strong choices, and I never did anything to sabotage the project or took a risk so great it wouldn’t make sense in the world of the project, but in allowing myself the freedom to play, I gained confidence and my work become more fearless because of it.
5. Hobnob
Yes, you are there to do a job, always be professional and the work must always come first, but you are also there to meet people aka future collaborators. On breaks or at the crafty table, spark conversations and engage others. Make contacts and shell out those business cards like it’s Halloween candy. I have made many lasting friendships on set and have booked jobs simply off of referral, because I put myself out there and kept in contact.
You may be green, but if you mind your P’s and Q’s and remember your Small Project SETiquette, you will appear a thankful, confident, pleasant, self-sufficient, and easy to work with actor–all of which equals a HIRABLE actor. At the end of the day you want them to remember you (in a good way), and want to hire you again and/or refer you to their fellow industry professionals.