I have been directing and ADing various productions for the last 5 years. Each and every time I work with actors, I have a clear idea of who I would work with again once we wrap. Below are the reasons I like actors and why I would even refer them to another production. I hope this helps and is beneficial to both new and veteran performers.
Reasons I would re-hire an actor:
1. Showing up on time, or hey…even 15 minutes early.
Sometimes schedules are by the minute; a late actor can put a whole day off schedule. Most music videos take over 18 hours to make because people are late.
2. You show up knowing all your lines.
Know your lines well enough to be flexible with a character, so when a director gives you a performance note, your lines are still embedded in your brain.
3. You have good questions about your character, which will compliment your performance.
It’s really refreshing when an actor has done some character work, even on a 30 second commercial. It’s part of the fun for a director to create the worlds these characters come alive in.
4. Your skin and hair is clean and ready for vanities when you land on set.
I can’t tell you how many actors show up with full make-up on. It’s easier to start with a fresh face. Make-up artists can do wonders with blemishes; come fresh.
5. You don’t roll your eyes all day.
I have seen multiple actors rolling their eyes, a lot of the time when a director is giving notes. Actors are an element of a director’s vision, and you wouldn’t be there if the director didn’t cast you. You don’t have to agree with what they say, but you do need to respect it.
6. You’re talented.
This helps, although like a lot of productions, talent is hired based on a look that is specific to the ultimate vision. Music videos and commercials are more so about the look, but you should be able to show your worth beyond that specific look.
7. You keep an eye on continuity.
You notice the umbrella was in your right hand and not your left. You can mention that and it should be corrected.
8. You’re excited to be on set.
Don’t come to set looking like you would rather be anywhere else in the world. Your positive energy will rub off on the crew around you.
Reasons I wouldn’t:
1. You’re on your cell phone the whole time.
I get it. You’re sitting around a lot, waiting. For some reason, seeing an actor reading their script or even a book just feels better then watching them on their phone. This could just be me.
2. You complain about your make-up or wardrobe.
Wardrobe and make-up, believe it or not, may be a part of the overall vision. The only time I would suggest speaking up would be if you’re truly uncomfortable or can’t perform properly because the corset is too tight. Also, don’t say it to the director. Talk to the AD team and let them work it out.
3. Asking if you can wrap early.
Production takes a long time. Trust me, the moment you can wrap an actor, you do it. It costs money to keep you there for no reason.
4. Coming to set smelling of alcohol (sadly, this happens a lot).
Seriously, don’t rage the night before a shoot. I get a lot of hung-over, smelling like whiskey actors on set. One time, I had an actor who had to kiss her co-star and the co-star complained to the AD team about. We had to take his side and buy her a toothbrush.
5. Being rude to crew or background actors.
You don’t need to be best friends with everyone on set, but you do need to respect them. You never know who can help you get your next job or even who will light you perfectly. I used to do background work when I first moved to LA. Now, I hire actors all the time.
5. Making a huff when ‘Back to one’ is yelled out.
I worked a few days on a major ($100 million) motion picture last year. It was shocking to see the lead actress, who is being paid millions, huff when the director would ask her to go back to one. You never know, maybe it wasn’t a camera problem, maybe your performance was shit and it’s better for everyone if you did it again with a smile on your face.
6. Canceling the day before shooting.
I have actors cancel all the time. And yes, I work on a lot of low-budget work, but if you don’t think you can commit, even if it’s a measly 100 bucks a day, don’t be available in the first place.
7. Don’t be a Diva.
I worked a few days on American Idol and even JLO wasn’t a diva, so it doesn’t give anyone the right to have high demands and be snooty. She had been in 6-inch stilettos all day and her make-up artist offered to rub her feet for 5 minutes. Her response was great: She didn’t want the entire crew to think she was a diva and said “I should rub your feet.”
8. Giving notes to the director or crew.
Ugh. This happens a lot, and I notice it more so with inexperienced actors. You give notes on blocking or various production things that are not your choice. A director’s mind is racing, actors asking questions or giving notes about where a light should be is not efficient, or even warranted.