Independent VS Mainstream
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ShanikoI feel very lucky to have such an amazing family, very supportive, great friends and an even more amazing boyfriend. Lately I’ve been contemplating whether I should leave the acting industry and do something else, such as produce or cast. I already intern at a casting office and I was just offered a part time job as an assistant at the casting studio which is an amazing opportunity to learn many ins and outs of the industry. I will also have the opportunity to meet many producers and directors which could help me as a producer or even as an actor (if I choose to stay in that area of the industry).
Yesterday I talked to one of my friends back home (Jess); she has been producing for a few years now. We were discussing the difference between mainstream productions and independent productions. We both agreed that we love, love, love independent films and productions more than mainstream. Mainstream productions feel more like work, less fun, people usually keep to themselves, sets feel unwelcomed, but with independent productions everyone is friendly, you may not be getting paid (at least as an actor, sometimes certain crew members will get some kickback), but you feel more like a family working on an indie film. The director usually comes up to you and personally tells you what they want from you. I’ve worked on a few mainstream projects and the director usually doesn’t take time to tell you what they are looking for. One director I was working with never came up to me to explain what he wanted, I had originally auditioned for the lead, called back for the lead and then booked the supporting role instead, which I had no background information about. Now, we all know as an actor you have to make it up if you do not know, which I did, but once you start filming some directors like you to do different takes and some directors want it the same to make editing easier. I walked off this set feeling like I did not give the director what he wanted, but I do blame him for not taking the time to tell me what he was looking for. I understand that there is a huge difference between Independent filmmaking and a major motion picture; I do understand that you should be at the top of your game if you are working on a major motion picture, but that doesn’t mean that the director or SOMEONE shouldn’t give you direction.
I remember the times that I loved working on set the most which were on Shaniko (the film my production company produced), The Bicyclists, The Taken and The Eyes. All four were small independent productions with the budgets ranging from $5,000 to $50,000. All four sets felt like a family, even The Taken which had a slightly larger crew than the other productions, it still felt very welcoming. The director, Richard Valentine who I had never previously worked with came up to me and told me what he was expecting from me and guided me throughout the scene to make sure we got what he wanted. He and Carl Jameson (The Bicyclists) are probably the two easiest directors that I have ever worked with.
Realizing how much I love independent productions more than mainstream makes me want to focus all my efforts on producing great indie scripts, finding new and unnoticed talent and submitting these independent films to big film festivals AND these indie films getting accepted to these larger festivals because I have made an indie name for myself.
Comments
stick with it...
(first a side note, if your Jess is "bellingham' Jess, then you've got good friends :)).
But i say stick with it. I agree that larger projects can feel more stiff and impersonal sometimes, but I also feel that it's an issue of perspective. The larger an actor's responsibilities on a mainstream shoot become, the more input and personal investment there seems to be (much like an indie project) - i.e. the star is likely going to have room to provide input and demand teamwork.
Also, i think there is great value in knowing that direction will NOT come from a director on a large mainstream shoot, and making the decision to be an autonomous actor. I once heard a big-name actor (probably on Inside the Actor's Studio) talk about showing up on set one day, and fighting for a good hour to get the director's attention in order to ask about the scene (motivation, intention, etc.); and once he pulled the director aside and asked his questions, the director stepped back and said something to the affect of: "Are you effing serious? Why are you asking me? You're the actor, that's why I hired you." It was a quick lesson in self-value and knowing that an actor can show up on set and get it right without being told what to do. Of course, there's major risk involved, but risk is the foundation of payoff.
I say stick with both...you've earned your way to an indie reputation and deserve to make the best of that. And it sounds like you've got a good head on your shoulders, and can therefore play the mainstream game and then make it work for you. Twice as many opportunities, for ten times the effort :).
Its unfortunate, but there is
Its unfortunate, but there is no scientific method out here. We go out on auditions, we take classes, meet agents, casting directors, etc. I would say the same thing, keep doing the independents and keep building up that resume. When you get a big audition, do what you have to do. Its always a work in progress, not only the acting, but the social networking.
I'm a person of few words. When i meet people for the first time, i usually don't say much and listen. I've come to see that working on my own project has helped me a great deal. I would tell you to do as much as you can without burning out. Work at the Casting office, go on your auditions, and try to do indies where you'll keep meeting and working with other talented people. Your talent, work ethic, and rolodex will keep growing.
I'm sure that one day soon Opportunity will come a knocking and that is usually, not always what really separates most of us from working actors/actresses. You have to keep wanting to play the game!
Good Luck L.A Chic! I know you'll do well.