Remember how I said talent sometimes try to make
things more simple, but usually end up causing things to become more
difficult? Good intentions can be irritating to the producer or
production manager who have spent so much of their time prepping in order to
have a smooth set. And when multiple talent are involved – adding
multiple confusion and questioning direction out of place – it compounds the
level of frustration. More frustration on set, means a tougher day for
you as the talent!
Knowing your place in the bigger picture of a
production or the industry as a whole is imperative. I once had a child
actor whose mother interfered with intense debate on set between the director,
ad agent, and producer. Her intention was not meant for ill, but the
child was forever black balled from all companies associated with the
production - an unfortunate, albeit well intentioned, mistake!
So what is your place as a talent?
It’s to do your homework, know your stuff (script, purpose, angles, client
needs, etc), and to follow direction. You are a creative
mind, so you will likely have some creative ideas when production encounters a
hurdle to jump through. Keep your ideas to yourself. The only time
it’s appropriate to share your suggestion or opinion is when you are asked
directly to do so.
Every so often, I am lucky enough to get an email
or call from production going out of their way to praise a talent. I have
to admit these are the moments that fuel me through the rough patches, as an
agent. (There is a parental pride that swells up inside me.)
Business-wise, however, it’s a simple matter of psychology. After having
paid a talent for their work, if someone takes the time to initiate positive
feedback, that talent is ensured a lifetime of “preferred status” within that
production company.
Have you ever received positive feedback from a
set?
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