Nudity!

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Hello fellow CCP'ers. Recently, I have been like a dog with a bone hunting down suitable briefs that I like the look of and submitting myself for them in the hope to build the Ol' show reel.

During my quest, and having had many discussions with other actors, it has come to light that many casting companies or directors are delving into the realms of adding Nudity to their current short/feature film. I find this brilliant and very thought provoking, however, when I look a little higher on the brief, the usual predicament shows itself once again....NO PAY.

Now, not meaning to sound shallow, but money does, without a doubt, make the world go round. And as actors, we seem to be in one of the only, if not THE only profession where working 'For Free' or 'Profit share' is an all to common occurrence.

I cant help but feel that people making these short films and feature films, are feeling the need to neglect and exploit an actors integrity, and subsequently demoralise the finely chosen 'Subject' to baring all on camera, and leaving them without so much as a Zone 1-2 travel card?

Do people feel that a base fee should be established in order to protect an actors morals and dignity?


  • 10 years ago
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Lee Saunders
Actor

Glenn, some things are just not free.

I did do an 'underpants' scene for dinner money, but that was a student production. I am not really prepared to bare all on camera just yet, and most definitely not for no pay.

Maybe this personal message (just thought up) will resonate with some of you.

As an actor, I am a business. As a business, I have costs, and those costs have a price. Treat me as a business providing a service, not as a person begging for spare change. Pay for the service, you'll get my dedication. Pay nothing, and perhaps you will hire someone else's frustration.


  • 10 years ago
  • 1
Judy Clifton
Actor

Hello Glenn,

Not your fault but 'same old, same old' but this time with 'nudity' as an issue thrown into the equation. As you've posted only once, I may be right in thinking that you've not read the many, many posts on the topic of no pay?

It is unacceptable. Fine if you're an Am Dram person and wishing to view acting as a hobby or pastime (though the question of nudity should raise a sceptical eyebrow). Utterly and staggeringly NOT fine for professional actors.

The word 'professional' says it all. There is no argument for working without payment. Period.

Please don't imagine I'm being unequivocal with you, personally... It's just that this ludicrous situation is getting progressively worse and professional actors who work for nothing are not just shooting themselves in the foot but managing to blast off the toes of every other working actor in the business, without even asking their permission to render them paralysed.

For your own sake and for the integrity and honour of professional actors, please don't do it.

Thank you.


  • 10 years ago
  • 2

I went to an audition a few months ago for a short film which said in the job description 'suggested nudity.' As it happened the director actually meant that the actress would be completely naked with no suggestion about it and tied up as if held captive. They were going to pay the actress in question.

The director actually seemed a bit embarrassed when I questioned him about the purpose of the nudity. His reason for the nudity was that 'it would be shocking.' Well yes a close up of a bum is shocking but it doesn't require any originality or creative artistry. I think nudity has it's place when it serves a purpose for the narrative but that didn't seem to be the case in this instance so even though I missed out on some money, I'd rather keep my jumper on.


  • 10 years ago
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To get paid for a job means you have a "worth" (whether or not nudity is involved). Not to get paid, then, means you are "worthless". Remember that next time you contemplate working for nothing.
Thank you.
Sue


  • 10 years ago
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Lee Saunders
Actor

I went to a regular small film festival in Derby. One of the films showed a guy about to relieve himself for his girlfriend in a video he sent to her.

After the film, the director and a cast member were asked to talk about the film. The actor said it was him in the nude scene and that he did it for nothing. "What an idiot!" was my thought on that. Other people I was with were not all that impressed with it either.

Judy talks of professionals, and she is right. Even with A-listed actors, they rarely show us holes and poles. Of course, there are a few that are okay with it, but it is not without risks.

Thankfully, we can say what we are(n't) prepared to do. It's then up to the CD to accept it or not. Or maybe just not apply for the role in the first place.


  • 10 years ago
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Farah Sardar
Actor

You are not sounding shallow Glenn. If something dosn't feel right don't do it.


  • 10 years ago
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Guy Press
Actor

As a Director, Producer and Actor, I can only say that Actors who take their clothes off for no money are Mugs..... or desperate for the wrong attention.

Value yourselves and your profession or otherwise go on X-factor, The Voice or whatever....


  • 10 years ago
  • 7

Absolutely! To be honest we should stop the 'no-pay' altogether. I would like to go into my local shop asking for certain items on the proviso of No Pay and see what reaction I get. I feel it's about time we stand up to no-pay and call for a minimum pay level. Personally I will help out for bona fide student productions as I see this as an investment but everything else I take issue with. On the off chance one of these no pay productions / shoots becomes successful then I doubt very much the actors will see any benefit and we have waived any rights.

Don't mean to come across grumpy but I feel so strongly about about any type of employmee being exploited - why is the acting profession the only one where it's acceptable for their 'staff' to work for nothing, imagine the back lash if the government begins to ask civil servants to work for their bus fare!

I'll get off me soap box now... sorry.

:-)


  • 10 years ago
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Lee Saunders
Actor

Ahh Marcus, a very well placed soap box.

I wonder how many directors and producers would go naked on set, let alone be on camera, if the actor(s) said "Go on then, you first."

I am sure they must have fits of laughter when they see/write a script with images of women and men rolling around naked. Or maybe even worse, an actor writing a script just to get off with or grope someone they personally cast.

We see intimate moments on film quite often, but as mentioned, they don't always mean revealing absolutely everything.


  • 10 years ago
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Derek Lawson
Actor, Talent

Everything said before is spot-on...there is no way on earth I would bare all for a 'freebie'...I have done in role-plays for HMRC but they aren't filmed and the amount of time spent unclothed is minimal.
In all respects, if it don't feel right don't do it!


  • 10 years ago
  • 10
User Deleted
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Personally Glenn I think you might be looking at it the wrong way because the two issues shouldn't be related. It's implying that nudity you wouldn't do for a non-paid project might be OK if the money was right.

Personally, my feelings towards unpaid work are that if nobody is getting paid from it, cast, crew etc then I will consider it and then it comes down the script etc as to whether I want to be involved. The problem with unpaid work doesn't come from student productions or short films generally, it comes from these ads you see saying it is non-paid or a very low rate but they're actually an advert for a huge brand and you know full well that most of the other professionals involved are getting their normal rate and somebody down the line is making a lot of money. If it is a passion project and everybody is in the same boat then that's one thing but exploiting actors because there are people who will be willing to do it for nothing isn't fair.

Now, once I've decided that I'm potentially willing to be involved, it comes down to whether I think the project is worth while and something I actually want to do. That is the point where I would consider whether I am happy with the script/themes/subject/nudity etc I think if you're making those decisions based on the size of the payday, you're making the decision for the wrong reasons.


  • 10 years ago
  • 11
User Deleted
This profile has been archived

Fully agree with Andy on this one! It's a case of judging each job on its merit. If it is as Andy said 'a passion project' which is going to benefit you with better showreel material or good experience then great. Most people will mention on forums they won't even consider No Pay jobs but most have probably done a few in the past to get where they are. Although we are as plenty have said 'professionals' you can't walk into an audition/interview with no experience and expect to get the job.

Best of luck.


  • 10 years ago
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Lee Saunders
Actor

Very balanced, Andy.
I just make a point of getting my transport and food costs covered. If someone can't offer to pay for transport and food for a whole day's work, then something is wrong.

Film shot on a Red, but actors are unpaid doesn't match.

I saw a casting call similar to this on another site: 'Budget spent on equipment and crew, so no money for actors. Bring your own food. This is a professional shoot, so don't apply unless you are a professional.'

Really! Come on, some things are just taking the mickey.


  • 10 years ago
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Daz Kaye
Actor

Well done Everyone with your responses. I totally agree with you all.

It really is time to take action!


  • 10 years ago
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Graham Cawte
Actor

What annoys me is that in this Country we have a minimum wage law, and when production companies advertise roles, whether they are Professional or Student, they agree on here or other sites such as Starnow to abide by those rules, which they obviously don't, the simple way to stop this no pay disgrace is to ban all adverts that show no pay, let them advertise on Gumtree or the like.
I am a Professionally trained actor, spent years at Drama School and College, am far better qualified and more skilled than a Superstore shelf stacker, no one would expect them to stack shelves for nothing, don't expect me to do my job for nothing, one day I might actually earn as much as a shelf stacker.


  • 10 years ago
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Lee Saunders
Actor

Graham. That's not to say a shelf stacker isn't an important job, right? I'd rather get stuff of the shelf than rummage through boxes all over the floor. Also, that shelf stacker might have an MA/MSc or other high-level qualification, but unable to get work in their field. Hmmm, what jobs do actors do who are between acting jobs? Call centre operator, waiter, shelf stacker..?

I think the way companies get around not paying actors is by classing them as volunteers.


  • 10 years ago
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Graham Cawte
Actor

Think you missed the point Lee, I was just pointing out that no one works for free, and as such we shouldn't be expected to, I picked on Shelf Stackers as its a manual job, could have picked on any job.


  • 10 years ago
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This old chestnut is well and truly cooked !
No pay - dont do it.
Nudity for no pay - Don't even think about it


  • 10 years ago
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Id think twice before airing my old chestnuts in public for no pay.


  • 10 years ago
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Private User
This profile is private

Ha!


  • 10 years ago
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