Just looking for some advice. I’ve just recently gotten into the acting scene. I’ve shot a few student films, a commercial etc. I recently committed to a feature length low budget film that the producer said was being picked up by Netflix. I thought hey, that’s exciting! I did some voiceover work from home for them, then my first day on set yesterday and it was NOT what I was expecting. They showed me some of the film they had already shot - and it’s bad. I don’t mean that rudely at all, but I’m telling you, there is NO way it’s going to be on Netflix . The quality is not up to standard for even low quality films. They aren’t using professional equipment, no lighting etc.
They also had me as a mom (I’m 40 in real life) and I think a pretty young 40. In the film my “son” is legit 30 in real life, and not a young 30. The location was terribly dirty (their home) and I felt a bit uncomfortable with it. Only got my script that day and we didn’t take multiple shots, it was one shot and done type work! I messed up a line royally and they kept it etc. Anyways long story short - I get everyone starts somewhere with producing and acting but how awful would it be of me to back out of this commitment before I get deeper into it? And the deal for getting paid was that when it gets released on Netflix they would give me an honorarium. So I’m pretty sure I’m not going to get paid for this. Help!!
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opportunities require employers to guarantee expenses and a copy of the finished project.
I'm new to the acting scene myself and while I haven't been in a similar position I would like to say that even though as new actors we need to do all the work that we can get, I don't think you should work on anything that you believe isn't going to display your potential. It's great that they have plans for Netflix but if they have nothing backing that up and they're making you look bad by refusing to do more than a few shots despite you messing up, it's not worth it. However, you also don't want to burn any bridges so maybe have that conversation with them about your concerns in a respectful manner and maybe they'll have answers that will satisfy you. I'm sorry you have to experience all of this.
oh, Sarah... no, no, no, this is not on at ALL ...You are right - this is sketchy AF.
The "We're being picked up by Netflix" scam is a popular one these days. If any reputable network/distribution is involved, there is a contract and it is never honourarium - it is a day rate. Unfortunately, you have done the work, it looks unlikely you will get paid, but the silver-lining here is that the project is also unlikely to see the light of day.
Chalk it up as a lesson learned. I'm really sorry you went through this. Most of us put up with at least one less-than-professional project while we're figuring out the acting thing. Don't stress too much about it. You still have lots of projects ahead of you, lots of good opportunities to prove yourself.
My suggestion is do not put it on your resume. Try to forget it exists. Chances are no one but the producers and their moms will ever see it.
2 years ago
2
Actor
Wow...that sounds pretty awful. How much more time have you committed? Getting re-writes last minute is normal, but seeing the sides for the first time on the day of shooting is nuts.
If in your position, I might follow through just to see where it gets and for practice if I have nothing else to do, but definitely would not pass up paid work because of this.
I as in a similar situation very recently. I told them I was out after day 1. They tried hassling me to return, but I told them no and they tried to make me feel guilty for abandoning them. Totally unprofessional, filming with no lighting on an Iphone. I’ll be much more sceptical in the future.
2 years ago
4
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