I Had It Out With a Producer Last Week

Things were worked out so I am not mentioning any names, but I think it’s a story worth sharing.

If you have worked with me in the past, you know I’m not difficult to work with. I’m not demanding, I try and have fun on set. I also try to do the best job I can. But there are expectations from both sides and in this situation, some basic expectations weren’t met.

I was approached to be the lead in a short film. It wasn’t a paying project and I had already decided to not do anymore unpaid work, but he insisted that I was perfect for the role so I agreed to read the script and consider it.

The script was good and he agreed to work around my schedule so I decided to do the project. For months things got pushed, mainly because of my schedule. Things finally got started in January of this year. We got a couple of days filmed, but still have 2-3 days of production left to do. The production went well for an amateur production, but I had an issue with the food. Lunch/dinner was brought it, but it wasn’t enough food for the cast and crew to eat what they wanted and the producer rationed the portions. For example, we were only allowed 2 pieces of pizza on one day or 4 buffalo wings on day two.

Since starting my bartending job at Hotto Hotto, my schedule is less and less available or flexible and day three was finally schedule on my day off. I decided to call the producer last week to discuss the food situation. My thoughts are, that if you are expecting the cast and crew to work for free for your project, the least you can do is properly feed everyone, and I told him as much. He immediately got defensive, stating that they all have made many schedule changes to work around me. I responded that that was the agreement when I first agreed to do the project and throwing that in my face was totally unacceptable. I also told him that this project does nothing for my pocketbook or career, so if he couldn’t feed anyone properly, then I have no reason to do it anymore. I then hung up the phone. He texted me within a few minutes saying that he would make sure people were fed next shoot day.

I was still upset so I didn’t respond. I don’t like losing my temper and to continue the conversation in that frame of mind wasn’t going to accomplish anything. Later that night, I got a text. It detailed the menu of spaghetti and meatballs, garlic bread, caesar salad, water, juices and chips. It also said breakfast would be granola, fruit and pancakes. No portioning and everyone could eat their fill.

Every filmmaker has grandiose plans for their project. “It’ll be the next big thing” This is going to skyrocket our careers”, but the chances of any of that happening, are slim to none and as an actor, you should go into it knowing that. Most projects are only good for footage and credit.

Since I have a reel and credits on my IMDB and resume, this project has no benefit for me. I held all the cards and leaving this project wouldn’t effect me in the least. I didn’t ask for anything unreasonable, but only wanted the cast and crew to be treated fairly, like they mattered and have the filmmaker show he appreciated everyone for working for free.

I, in no way, condone holding a production hostage for personal gain, greed or shady reasons, but to do it for the right reasons, is a person’s responsibility.