BE SMART -WORK FOREVER

Advise from a vetern in the biz... Bob Fraiser.
Per Bob......

I get emails all the time from actors who find thatthey are in a 'pickle.' Here's the scenario: The actor has signed on to do a show (the salary is small to nonexistent) - and one fine day, in the middle of things, our actoris offered a good paying gig - which means leavingthe 'small' show. The 'pickle' is whether the actor leaves the 'small' thing (putting everyone else involved in their own 'pickle') ... or does the actor honor his (or her) commitment to the first show.

I'd like to give you my opinion - from a producer'sperspective.

And, by the way, it's a perspective that plans for long term success in our business.

BE SMART -WORK FOREVER
It's extremely important, at every stage of your career, to be very discerning ('picky') about what you choose to do (to commit to). This "something better scenario is the big reason for being choosy in the first place. Here's why: No matter what you are doing, something better will always come along - guaranteed. And the way you behave in that circumstance will determine how you are viewed by producers. In other words, it's not about your personal sense of integrity ... it's about the PERCEPTION of your integrity - by those who do the hiring. There are myriad examples of actors who've had some success on television getting the call from someone who wants them to transition into feature films.

THE GOOD GUYS

For instance, famously, Tom Selleck was the first choice for Indiana Jones, but the company producing his hit show, Magnum P.I. just couldn't see a way to release him for the film - and still keep the series delivered on schedule. Now, an undeniable reality of our business is this - the star of a TV series has an enormous amount of power.Especially a lead in a one camera filmed show. So, In this case, Tom could have very easily had his agents communicate how "unhappy" he would be if the producers didn't figure out a way for him to be madeavailable to do Raiders.

That 'unhappiness' would be manifested in regular tardiness, low performance energy, constant script arguments, and in general - a behavior pattern that would surely have cost the company lots of time and tons of money.

Believe me, if Tom's agent had made that call, the producers would have 'caved.' That's simply the reality of a TV star's 'power.' Many series stars have used this 'power' to get what they want. Tom Selleck didn't. He dealt with his disappointment and continued to deliver on Magnum.Every producer in town saw his behavior and he has enjoyed a stellar reputation among the buyers ever since. "He's a smart business man."

A similar situation happened with George Clooney.

George could have gotten out of his contract with E.R. and started his film career a few years earlier - but he chose to honor his commitment - a contract he'd signed when he was a 'nobody.' Again, his behavior was noticed by those who do the hiring - and to this day he enjoys one of the best reputations in the industry for loyalty, business sense and trustworthiness. You can't buy that sort of reputation in our biz. As a result of that decision - it's very unlikely that George will ever find himself "out of work." Producers trust him.
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THE NOT SO GOOD GUYS

On the other side of the coin there are dozens of actors (I'm sure you can name a few) who chose to 'go for the better deal' only to find, a few years later, that the offers started drying up. This unfortunate situation was almost never because the actor in question wasn't delivering, or wasn't talented. It's because the producers and production companies had a viewpoint about the actor that was formed when the actor 'opted out' of one job to takea "better" project - and cost some fellow producer some serious coin. So, when you choose to do a show - it should be in the knowledge that you intend to do it to the best of your ability - whether a "better" opportunity comes along ... or not. Because that's a habit worth building.

YOU
Here's the bottom line: The people in our industry who are in the position to hire actors have very long memories - and they talk to each other.

So, my advice is simple: Be very careful about what you practice doing today - because that is what youwill get good at doing. If you view your business in a way that allows you to dump one gig because another - 'better' - gig comes along ... you will be building a mindset that can sink you, even in success. It's not about whether a show at a small-ish theatre pays - or not.

Or what your rights are ... or whether that low level job is all that important ... or what your gut tells you ...

It's about building the sort of business reputation in our 'small town' that keeps you employed over a long period of time.
You will be building your habits (and in large part your reputation) with every choice you make ... now and in success.
So ... Choose wisely.

Have a great weekend, and as always ...
Much Success, Bob
Bob Fraser Productions
3727 W. Magnolia Blvd. #180
Burbank, CA 91505