I have run into a problem that I wouldn´t mind some opinions on:
Sent my details and stuff to a project called *NAME REMOVED BY ADMIN*. Was asked to wait a couple of months (this was mid-june), complimeneted on my "great looks" and was also sent the script. The script was not very good (in fact, in my opinion rather badly written and thought-through), but I´m just starting out so I can´t afford to be picky.
A few days ago the director/writer contacted me again and we started chatting over MSN. After about ten exchanges he asked me out for a drink. I, completely surprised, said thanks but no thanks and signed out.
I later asked him about the production (crew, locations, budget etc.) and that seemed alright. But the fact remains: he was completely unprofessional and out of line.
I have met agents and casting directors for coffee when either looking for representation or going for a castings/auditions. I don't think there is anything wrong with meeting for a drink as such but it depends on what exactly was said in the conversation. If you are meeting in a public place then you should be ok. However if you feel the script is poor and its been badly presented to you then personally I wouldn't really bother with it. I know you probably feel you can't afford to be picky but in truth it often pays to be true to yourself in my experience. If you work with unprofessional people you will only learn bad habits and get a wrong impression of the industry. It is better to devote valuable time to a project that you at least have some belief in. This is my personal opinion and based on my own experiences.
I spent two years chatting with a director who was keen to work with me- usually by phone or email.
We met once for coffee at the actors centre, which isn't that abnormal, and had a great chat about theatre and so on.
I invited him to a show I was in, and he emailed back saying "then do I get my snog?"
Thanks everyone, I really appreciate it! And it seems like most of you (those who have emailed me as included are of roughly the same opinion = no. And I think you´re right and will go with that. So thanks a lot, again!
Judging by the comments in your post I think you had a bad instinct about this production. However, its nice to have some reassurance. I think that you have made the right decision.
there are stacks of people out there just waiting for the opportunity to use and abuse actors, but us ladies need to be extra careful because of precisely what you have just mentioned. you should always ask to see a script before meeting up and be careful if it gets to the stage where you are texting eachother and that is already fostering an informal atmosphere between you.
common sense and intuition are invaluable esp when you are considering working for less than perfect scripts with 'up and coming' directors for free. also don't be scared to say if you don't want to do the project if the script seems ropey.
There is a distinct difference between meeting up over a coffee to discuss representation/parts etc with legitmate agencies and companies but this is just dodegy! You were right to check it out through CCP and look what has been discovered! It goes back to something that was said on here before about its all very well us needing 3 pro credits but what about the people employing us?! I'm sure CCP do everything they can to protect us and only publish legit breakdowns but it just goes to show how aware we as actors, male and female, need to be.
As for reporting it Equity I think it would be a "no harm done" situation. He obviously hasn't done anything "officially" worng other than ask attractive girls out for a drink but they are there for us a union and we should not feel afraid to use them to reassure any queiries we have, including being able to report dodgey behaviour. You never know other people might have done the same in the past and this would be helpful in building a profile etc. And it might even stop other actresses (as it seems to be at the moment) finding themselves in a difficult situation in the middle of Reading!
And even if this is just a lonely man trying to get a date it is absolutely inexcusable to do so through a professional website. Maybe someone should email him a link to Snoglondon?!
There does seem to be a trend towards acting sites being used as dating sites.
I regularly get emails via another site where they've obviously searched for the characteristics they find attractive, and then email something like "would you go out with me?" or even on one memorable occassion "would you do mud wrestling?"
I guess it's the temptation to tap in whatever you want in a partner...
Guys, do you get this problem, or is it simply a 17th century attitude towards actresses?
Although you might decide not to discuss this specific case to Equity it getting some information in this area. I have found Equity a great source of help and information.
Perhaps it would be an idea to report this guy to the CCP admin team to monitor him. I know that they read everything in the green room anyway but a personal message to Chris may not be a bad idea.
Yes, yes, yes. Lil and Lisa both of you should report this 'director' to Equity, tell your local branch about it, complain to CCP and, if he keeps pestering you after you have asked him not to make a complaint to the police.
Someone mentioned 17th Century attitudes, I think that was being too kind. Some of these b******s have yet to graduate from their caves.
I can´t speak for Lil, but this guy has not been trying to contact me since I asked him more in-detail-questions about the production - i guess he could smell my being suspicious and left it there. so no need to involve police - i dont think he´s dangerous, just very sad...
It has nothing to do with the acting industry and everything to do with the fact that there are men out there who will use any avenue open to them to exploit women (and sometimes even men).
If your gut says no - don't do it. If the 'director' is not willing to meet you somewhere public, don't do it.
I just started my acting coaching and the first student, a bloke, was more than happy to come to my flat but as I'd never met him I told him Jonathan would be home (banished to the spare room of course) and I asked if he would have a problem with that. He was absolutely fine with it and told me it was sensible as he could be anyone answering my ad.
The young girl I started teaching wanted to come straight to my flat without a thought until I pointed out that I could be anybody and she could wind up in a sticky situation all because she was willing to come to a strangers flat just because she was desparate to act. She realised her folly, we met in a coffee shop, got on great - she starts with me on Tuesday having completed her first lesson - NEVER GO ANYWHERE PRIVATE TO MEET SOMEONE YOU DO NOT KNOW!
Sally, funny you'd ask, I have this problem all the time, people asking me if I'd do mud wresting for their sexual kicks!
This guy didn't contact me for a part, do you think that's my accent that put him off?
Seriously, IMHO I think if a guy tells you about your 'great looks' alarm bells should already start ringing. If script is shite and there's no money in it, it's a good bye situation whether you start or you're a seasoned professional. Talking on MSN or by texts isn't a common thing done by professionals. Meeting for a coffee is - in a public place, to talk about the script, the part, etc.
Now if a guy fancies a girl I don't think there's anything wrong with that, after all that's the way we were all born, right? But then he should make it clear from the start, and not pretend to approach the person who ticked their fancy in the capacity of a director. Oï, you've been told, director in Reading!
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