Especially when we actors are getting started, we will consider any and all projects. If you start out with a little self-respect, you will save yourself possibly years of agony having your schedule thrown upside down, chasing your pay, and collecting footage of your work.
Here are the most common issues with indie films and how you can avoid falling prey to them.
1. The filmmakers don’t have a solid plan. The key is to start asking questions as soon as they make you an offer. Ask them what and when the pay is, what they want to make, their inspiration, their vision, release plans, budget, crew size, accommodations, etc. This may sound intrusive, but these are all pretty simple questions. And if someone can’t answer them, you may find yourself in many versions of limbo—either one at a time or all at once.
2. The dates keep changing. Actors, more than anyone, are often asked to place themselves on hold. They want you to not accept work while they figure out what the heck they are doing. If you are worth something to them, they will pay you for it. Tell them you appreciate their interest and give them 24 hours to make up their mind or you will consider other work. You are not turning them down. You are
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