We have talked to actors around AZ and lots have said that it is hit or miss when they walk into a film audition. One girl told us that a director told her to sit and "shut her mouth" throughout the process.

How can you have that attitude as a filmmaker? We have been so grateful to the actors that donate their time to our projects and we NEVER take that for granted. It pushes us to strive harder to be that more professional in our dealings with such prepared and talented individuals.

So here is the question and opportunity:

Actors & Actresses, what do you like and dislike about acting for indie productions? What can be done better? What has been an amazing experience and why?

We want to hear from you so we can make the experience that much better.

Well, I have been on certain independent projects where the extras were treated pretty badly. I think basically everyone needs to treat everyone else with respect no matter their position on the film. When people are taken for granted, any people, they can feel insulted and end up resenting the project. As long as the people behind the cameras are supportive of the people in front and visa-versa I think the atmosphere will be positive and the feeling of a team-environment will be enforced.

-Michelle

I have been doing this for over 30 years and for the most part, I have had nothing but great experiences from not only major motion picture companies, but also independent and student films...until recently. I auditioned for an independent film a few weeks ago and was contacted by phone and email confirming that I had a role in the film. I show up to the set and sat there for almost 7 hours and didn't do a thing. I tried asking the PA if they had intended on using us and she said don't ask me, I have no information on anything. She also mentioned that if the director hadn't looked at us and pulled us into a shot, then we most likely wouldn't be doing anything. How rude to say this after 7 hours. I was not the only person who had come to this film thinking that we would be playing a role. A lady drove from San Diego after they confrmed her role. Several other people were told they were going to be extras but they sat around and were never used either. A few of us decided to leave after a wasted day in a hot warehouse. I have no issue with a person changing their mind about not using me in a film. What I have a problem with is that I drove 50 miles to this shoot, wasted my entire day for nothing and gave up aa audition for a PAYING commercial to do this film and they didn't even have the courtesy to let me or anyone else know what was going on. They could have said "Go home" earlier in the day and I would have been ok with that. I have never experienced this level of unprofessionalism before and it saddens me that this would happen.

Well - film making is like anything else - if the group you're working with is working with integrity and is made up of individuals who have good character - that will be reflected in the tone of the set. Unfortunately, sometimes you can't tell until you get there.

For me - as long as I'm being treated with respect and given updated information - I can forgive the snafus that often happen on sets ending up leaving folks just sitting around. My biggest irritation is when they act like you're some kind of pest for asking.

First, thank you, so much for offering us the opportunity to voice our opinion! It is not often that someone who can actually do something about the issue, enlists the help or advice of others. So, again, thank you!

Now, to the questions at hand.

Dislikes:
1. Lack of organization and leadership within the course of production!

a. If you are going to direct, then do so!! If you are in need of help do not be afraid to delegate. Delegation allows other people to feel needed, while also allowing you, as the director, to remain on task! People love it when they are doing nothing and then the Guy in Charge says "Be the boss of this for me" or "I need you to handle this"! It shows you trust in the abilities of your crew, not to mention, gets them another title on the credits page! LOL

2. "TFC" or "Copy/Credit" Does Not Mean "Take Advantage Of The Actors Time"

a. Simply because I am not being paid, does not mean I have nothing better to do. While some accept a project because they needed more for their reel (Not saying anything is wrong with that), others accept it because they see something in either the script or the director himself. Keep in mind some actors, particularly the ones who have been doing this a while, are more selective, with regard to what unpaid jobs they do. Why? Because they feel it should be mutually advantageous for the both of them! Making people wait around for hours just to be in one scene is ridiculous and in my opinion, unacceptable! This has happened to me on several occasions and in only a select few instances, can I remember ever thinking I was lucky to be involved. All other times I felt used and taken advantage of.

Likes:

1. People, camaraderie and like minds!!!!

a. There is nothing like finding people who collectively share a common goal. How beautiful is that thought, everyone working together and striving to complete a task or reach a purpose through action. Through action, not complacency or slander or belittlement, but ACTION!

This may sound funny but, I am not an alcoholic, I have never done drugs, I am not a single parent and I don't have any sort of disease. So...where is my support group???? Well, it took me a while but I found it! It's right here. Arizona's acting community is one of the best...NO! It is the best there is! Everyone is willing to help one another simply because they want to. Not out of obligation or selfish whims, but because they WANT to! Arizona's film industry is packed full of creative, gifted, innovative and prolific visionaries and I am proud to call myself a member!!!

The Greatest Experience I have ever had was finding sites like PIFMG, Zonie, VerticalBlu... etc.! These sites allow actors to, not only network, but converse and see what is going on in the loop. Not to mention, thanks to administrators like Tamara McDaniel, Debbie Overebe and Daniel Gourley (AKA: G-Dog) you get all the perks of their sites just minus all the fluff and scams you would find elsewhere! And these people work hard and are meticulous when it comes to keeping it that way!!!

So, here's to you Arizona Film Industry!!!! You ROCK!!!! And Keep'em Come'in!!!

Love you guys

Brett Ashley

I guess I have been lucky so far in my short film history. The productions I have been on have not been to bad a few have been down right fun, a couple have been a lot of work, but all in all I can say GOD I love this Business.
Break a leg or I can do that for you.
Dave