[NEohioPAL]Got Pay Meeting-Another opinion

[Frank Mixson]

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Wow,
 
That was a well written letter.  Thank you. I also noted a undercurrent of anger there, but was not that particlurly bothered by it.  I think anyone that's done any acting for any amount of time knows enough, to make there own decisions about what roles that they will accept for pay or not, no matter what was said, or who said at the meeting Monday evening
 
Personally, I did some local theater for a few years in the late 90's, and then starting doing indie film acting with advent of the digital film making technology.  I did a lot behind the scenes work on shooting days when I wasn't  even in a scene.  I acquired locations, actors, cars, etc for use in projects.  I have been in and helped produced in the only locally produced  indie film to be accepted into Sundance in the past 5 years.  Anyone here know the name of the movie or the filmmaker?  I'd be very surprised if anyone here does.  I got a lot of parts thru NCC, and have directed at least 3 aspiring filmmakers there as place to hold auditions.  That includes "Night Owls of Coventry".  I spent a lot of time at NCC auditioning for various movies, and I got a lot of parts. (one thing about acting that I really like; you have just as  much of a chance to get the part as the person with fine arts degree-they don't ask about that when you audition). And every movie I've been in, I
 volunteered to work behind the scenes.  I've never been paid for any of it, at least not with money.  I learned so much, and my interests broadened. I began read up on filmmaking and photography. Got my first pc about 4 yrs ago, blah, blah, blah, got a nice prosumer video camera, editing softwate, etc.  I'm now officially a wannabe filmmaker, lol.
 
I've shot and directed several music video (short movies), and am currently editing a documentary that I did for the election. Its my first big piece, and its definitely not Michael Moore, but I got it done.  I did not get paid to make the videos (I spent my own money), and have no idea what I'm going to do with this documentary, when I'm done with it.  I'm working on my first screenplay, and if I attempt to shoot it, I'm sure there will be no budget, and that I'll be asking for a lot of help.  But that's the name of the game in the indie film community,  helping each other.  That means acting and gripping, or acting and gaffing, just doing whatever it takes. And if you're in it for immediate financial gratification, you're in the wrong place.  Currently, I'm the videographer for a local TV show the The Village TV, Adelphia  in Cleveland.  We shoot it on location. I direct it, light it, record the audio, do the titles, the editing, the motion graphics, and I find and provide the
 music. The show is called "Looking Good with Melange Models" 4:30pm, Sundays. The musicians are willing to provide me with music in exchange for credit.  I do get paid to do this, but believe, its so, that it would amount to less than $5/hour for the time that I spend on this 30 minute show.  But I'm still new at this, and am still learning, still trying to make connections, still trying to build my resume, and I'm still getting all that stuff that you get when from being involved in a  production that you can't really put a price on.
 
I always have looked at it as paying my dues, as a lot of performing artists do. To me, its just like a the music business.  You have to get exposure, and learn your craft by doing it, whatever it takes.  
 
So there is no doubt, I also agree with the motto, "If money gets made, the talent gets paid"
 
Frank Mixson
www.Time-LineProductions.com
 
 


TALENTnet1 at aol.com wrote:

To all Neohiopalers who attended Monday's "Got Pay" Meeting:

At the beginning, I sat in silence...just watching and listening, nodding my head in agreement, "We're meeting to inform and educate....." Later I sat in disbelief, shaking my head at what I was hearing.  When I was finally ready to raise my hand and offer an opposing opinion, I watched honest independent filmmakers get attacked for presenting their side of this issue.  I watched as people walked out.  After the meeting, I listened to several who had also remained silent, also apprehensive of speaking out.  

Now, with time to formulate my thoughts more articulately, I feel the need to speak out.  I need to share that the individual opinions of some union members did NOT represent the opinions of ALL union members....certainly not the opinions of THIS union member.  

Yes, all actors have worth...I totally agree.  Whether union or nonunion, all actors have worth.  No doubt about it.  I heartily concur, that if asked to do a commercial, industrial or training film, or ANY gig where the client will be generating income as a result, ALL actors, crew, editors, writers, etc., should be paid fairly for their services....Absolutely NO argument here!  In fact, in my opinion, on ANY project where SOME are being paid, ALL should be paid.  No one skill is more important than any other on any project.  

That, unfortunately, is where I parted company with the attitudes and comments expressed at Monday's "Got Pay" meeting.  Telling newcomers to negotiate union wages or "walk away" from the job is ridiculous.  Telling independent film makers with no financial backing to put actor's salaries on their charge cards is ludicrous.  Telling actors to not act unless they get paid is just plain foolish.  

I am a 15 year member of AFTRA, and ready to join SAG upon my next SAG film.  I worked for many years on nonunion commercials, first free, then often working for $50-$150 dollars for unlimited usage.  For all I know, some of them are still running in Chicago...and quite frankly, I don't care. 

I worked for many years as an extra on over a dozen major films at a rate of $50 per 12 hour day.  With every job, I gained experience, confidence, business contacts, and friends.  I honed my craft and built my resume, line by line.  I trained at Second City, wrote my own show, THE SIX AGES OF WOMAN, and put it on the market.  (and yes, I reduce my rates and do occasional free-bees when Spirit moves me to do so).  When my confidence, skill level, and resume were solid, I joined AFTRA.  I have an agent.  I earn union scale.  I don't "scab," and I have turned down suggestions to go "financial core," (yet I do NOT judge or shun those who choose to make a personal decision to do so).

But, listening to this meeting, I just kept shaking my head.  What gives ANYONE the right to judge others?  What gives ANYONE the right to shame, demean, or subtly threaten Email attacks to those who wish to offer no-pay gigs...or those who choose to accept such "opportunities" to work for free...for the reel, or experience or "fun of it?"  What right does ANYONE have to tell others they "shouldn't" work free or cheap, when MANY of us veteran actors got our starts that way?  Who has the right to tell others how to live their lives?  It is not up to ANY of us to tell others what to charge or which work to accept.  It is not our place to shame, attack or intimidate others who follow their hearts to do what is individually right for them.  It smacks of the American Auto worker who "keys" the foreign car in the parking lot.  

Until I am a full SAG member, I will continue to audition and participate in no-pay or deferred pay independent films. I have personally had nothing but pleasant experiences on such projects.  I do so because I love the film industry and I love film acting.  I do so because in my heart I KNOW it will lead me to bigger and better things. Acting is my calling, my passion, my pleasure.  I do so because I want to help film makers produce high quality projects, and I am a high quality actor.  I believe my independent film experience was what gave me the confidence and skill to win my SAG role in AMERICAN SPLENDOR.  

Don't get me wrong.  Money is good.  Money is nice.  I need money like everyone else.  But everything I do is NOT about money.  I always have and always will do what is right in MY heart to do, regardless of the opinions of others. I felt sad to see talented, good hearted, well intentioned people intimidated and shamed at this meeting.  I felt sad to see my union give the appearance of being controlling, greedy and angry.

I totally agree with the motto expressed last night...
       "IF MONEY GETS MADE, THE TALENT GETS PAID."  
I personally would not do a commercial for no pay.  In my opinion, neither should anyone.  But if you are a nonunion talent and feel led to say yes for whatever your reason, follow your gut and your heart and do what is right for you.  

I have done professional theater for non-equity pay.  And I have done good quality community/semiprofessional theater for a stipend that didn't cover my gas costs.  My latest theater experience was performing in Fred Sternfeld's Ragtime.  Did I get paid?  You bet I did.  Besides the small stipend, I got paid in ways that money can't buy.  I got paid with the pride of being an important part of a theatrical experience I will remember for the rest of my life.  I got paid by making some true close, intimate friends I will love until I die.  I got paid by the laughter and camaraderie at rehearsals.  I got paid by hearing thunderous applause, and seeing standing ovations before the curtain call even began.  Being a part of this theatrical masterpiece not only didn't make me money, it cost me money......and it was worth every single penny. I would do it again in a heartbeat.

I am the Cleveland Coordinator for the Artistic Spiritual Cinema Community.  (www.SpiritualCinemaCircle.com) - A grass roots movement started by Stephen Simon (What Dreams May Come, Somewhere in Time, Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure....and more) to produce quality films with a spiritual/positive message.  Actors, producers, writers, directors, tech crew....working for NO PAY to produce quality inspirational and life changing films.  If the films ever make money, people will get paid. Sometimes it just has to be about trusting each other.  Sometimes it just has to be about THE ART.

Just one woman's opinion.

Warm hugs and a double dimpled smile from
Mary Faktor (the actor)
www.FaktorsTalentNetwork.com
888-913-3473







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<DIV>
<DIV>
<DIV>
<DIV>Wow,</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV>That was a well written letter.  Thank you. I also noted a undercurrent of anger there, but was not that particlurly bothered by it.  I think anyone that's done any acting for any amount of time knows enough, to make there own decisions about what roles that they will accept for pay or not, no matter what was said, or who said at the meeting Monday evening</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV>Personally, I did some local theater for a few years in the late 90's, and then starting doing indie film acting with advent of the digital film making technology.  I did a lot behind the scenes work on shooting days when I wasn't  even in a scene.  I acquired locations, actors, cars, etc for use in projects.  I have been in and helped produced in the only locally produced  indie film to be accepted into Sundance in the past 5 years.  Anyone here know the name of the movie or the filmmaker?  I'd be very surprised if anyone here does.  I got a lot of parts thru NCC, and have directed at least 3 aspiring filmmakers there as place to hold auditions.  That includes "Night Owls of Coventry".  I spent a lot of time at NCC auditioning for various movies, and I got a lot of parts. (one thing about acting that I really like; you have just as  much of a chance to get the part as the person with fine arts
 degree-they don't ask about that when you audition). And every movie I've been in, I volunteered to work behind the scenes.  I've never been paid for any of it, at least not with money.  I learned so much, and my interests broadened. I began read up on filmmaking and photography. Got my first pc about 4 yrs ago, blah, blah, blah, got a nice prosumer video camera, editing softwate, etc.  I'm now officially a wannabe filmmaker, lol.</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV>I've shot and directed several music video (short movies), and am currently editing a documentary that I did for the election. Its my first big piece, and its definitely not Michael Moore, but I got it done.  I did not get paid to make the videos (I spent my own money), and have no idea what I'm going to do with this documentary, when I'm done with it.  I'm working on my first screenplay, and if I attempt to shoot it, I'm sure there will be no budget, and that I'll be asking for a lot of help.  But that's the name of the game in the indie film community,  helping each other.  That means acting and gripping, or acting and gaffing, just doing whatever it takes. And if you're in it for immediate financial gratification, you're in the wrong place.  Currently, I'm the videographer for a local TV show the The Village TV, Adelphia  in Cleveland.  We shoot it on location. I direct it, light it, record the audio, do the
 titles, the editing, the motion graphics, and I find and provide the music. The show is called "Looking Good with Melange Models" 4:30pm, Sundays. The musicians are willing to provide me with music in exchange for credit.  I do get paid to do this, but believe, its so, that it would amount to less than $5/hour for the time that I spend on this 30 minute show.  But I'm still new at this, and am still learning, still trying to make connections, still trying to build my resume, and I'm still getting all that stuff that you get when from being involved in a  production that you can't really put a price on.</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV>I always have looked at it as paying my dues, as a lot of performing artists do. To me, its just like a the music business.  You have to get exposure, and learn your craft by doing it, whatever it takes.  </DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV>So there is no doubt, I also agree with the motto, "If money gets made, the talent gets paid"</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV>Frank Mixson</DIV>
<DIV><A href="http://www.time-lineproductions.com/">www.Time-LineProductions.com</A></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><BR><BR><B><I>TALENTnet1 at aol.com</I></B> wrote:</DIV>
<BLOCKQUOTE class=replbq style="PADDING-LEFT: 5px; MARGIN-LEFT: 5px; BORDER-LEFT: #1010ff 2px solid"><FONT face=arial,helvetica><FONT lang=0 face=Arial color=#800080 size=2 PTSIZE="10" FAMILY="SANSSERIF"><BR></FONT><FONT lang=0 face="Comic Sans MS" color=#800080 size=3 PTSIZE="12" FAMILY="SCRIPT">To all Neohiopalers who attended Monday's "Got Pay" Meeting:<BR><BR>At the beginning, I sat in silence...just watching and listening, nodding my head in agreement, "We're meeting to inform and educate....." Later I sat in disbelief, shaking my head at what I was hearing.  When I was finally ready to raise my hand and offer an opposing opinion, I watched honest independent filmmakers get attacked for presenting their side of this issue.  I watched as people walked out.  After the meeting, I listened to several who had also remained silent, also apprehensive of speaking out.  <BR><BR>Now, with time to formulate my thoughts more articulately, I feel the need to speak
 out.  I need to share that the individual opinions of some union members did NOT represent the opinions of ALL union members....certainly not the opinions of THIS union member.  <BR><BR>Yes, all actors have worth...I totally agree.  Whether union or nonunion, all actors have worth.  No doubt about it.  I heartily concur, that if asked to do a commercial, industrial or training film, or <I><U>ANY </I></U>gig where the client will be generating income as a result, <U>ALL</U> actors, crew, editors, writers, etc., should be paid fairly for their services....Absolutely NO argument here!  In fact, in my opinion, on <I><U>ANY</I> </U>project where SOME are being paid, <U>ALL</U> should be paid.  No one skill is more important than any other on any project.  <BR><BR>That, unfortunately, is where I parted company with the attitudes and comments expressed at Monday's "Got Pay" meeting.  Telling newcomers to negotiate union wages or "walk away" from
 the job is ridiculous.  Telling independent film makers with no financial backing to put actor's salaries on their charge cards is ludicrous.  Telling actors to not act unless they get paid is just plain foolish.  <BR><BR>I am a 15 year member of AFTRA, and ready to join SAG upon my next SAG film.  I worked for many years on nonunion commercials, first free, then often working for $50-$150 dollars for unlimited usage.  For all I know, some of them are still running in Chicago...and quite frankly, I don't care. <BR><BR>I worked for many years as an extra on over a dozen major films at a rate of $50 per 12 hour day.  With every job, I gained experience, confidence, business contacts, and friends.  I honed my craft and built my resume, line by line.  I trained at Second City, wrote my own show, THE SIX AGES OF WOMAN, and put it on the market.  (and yes, I reduce my rates and do occasional free-bees when Spirit moves me to do so).  When
 my confidence, skill level, and resume were solid, I joined AFTRA.  I have an agent.  I earn union scale.  I don't "scab," and I have turned down suggestions to go "financial core," (yet I do NOT judge or shun those who choose to make a personal decision to do so).<BR><BR>But, listening to this meeting, I just kept shaking my head.  What gives ANYONE the right to judge others?  What gives ANYONE the right to shame, demean, or subtly threaten Email attacks to those who wish to offer no-pay gigs...or those who choose to accept such "opportunities" to work for free...for the reel, or experience or "fun of it?"  What right does ANYONE have to tell others they "shouldn't" work free or cheap, when MANY of us veteran actors got our starts that way?  Who has the right to tell others how to live their lives?  It is not up to ANY of us to tell others what to charge or which work to accept.  It is not our place to shame, attack or intimidate others
 who follow their hearts to do what is individually right for them.  It smacks of the American Auto worker who "keys" the foreign car in the parking lot.  <BR><BR>Until I am a full SAG member, I will continue to audition and participate in no-pay or deferred pay independent films. I have personally had nothing but pleasant experiences on such projects.  I do so because I love the film industry and I love film acting.  I do so because in my heart I KNOW it will lead me to bigger and better things. Acting is my calling, my passion, my pleasure.  I do so because I want to help film makers produce high quality projects, and I am a high quality actor.  I believe my independent film experience was what gave me the confidence and skill to win my SAG role in AMERICAN SPLENDOR.  <BR><BR>Don't get me wrong.  Money is good.  Money is nice.  I need money like everyone else.  But everything I do is NOT about money.  I always have and
 always will do what is right in MY heart to do, regardless of the opinions of others. I felt sad to see talented, good hearted, well intentioned people intimidated and shamed at this meeting.  I felt sad to see my union give the appearance of being controlling, greedy and angry.<BR><BR>I totally agree with the motto expressed last night...<BR>       "IF MONEY GETS MADE, THE TALENT GETS PAID."  <BR>I personally would not do a commercial for no pay.  In my opinion, neither should anyone.  But if you are a nonunion talent and feel led to say yes for whatever your reason, follow your gut and your heart and do what is right for you.  <BR><BR>I have done professional theater for non-equity pay.  And I have done good quality community/semiprofessional theater for a stipend that didn't cover my gas costs.  My latest theater experience was performing in Fred Sternfeld's Ragtime.  Did I get paid?  You bet I did. 
 Besides the small stipend, I got paid in ways that money can't buy.  I got paid with the pride of being an important part of a theatrical experience I will remember for the rest of my life.  I got paid by making some true close, intimate friends I will love until I die.  I got paid by the laughter and camaraderie at rehearsals.  I got paid by hearing thunderous applause, and seeing standing ovations before the curtain call even began.  Being a part of this theatrical masterpiece not only didn't make me money, it cost me money......and it was worth every single penny. I would do it again in a heartbeat.<BR><BR>I am the Cleveland Coordinator for the Artistic Spiritual Cinema Community.  (www.SpiritualCinemaCircle.com) - A grass roots movement started by Stephen Simon (What Dreams May Come, Somewhere in Time, Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure....and more) to produce quality films with a spiritual/positive message.  Actors, producers, writers,
 directors, tech crew....working for NO PAY to produce quality inspirational and life changing films.  If the films ever make money, people will get paid. Sometimes it just has to be about trusting each other.  Sometimes it just has to be about THE ART.<BR><BR>Just one woman's opinion.<BR><BR>Warm hugs and a double dimpled smile from<BR>Mary Faktor (the actor)<BR>www.FaktorsTalentNetwork.com<BR>888-913-3473<BR></FONT><FONT lang=0 face="Comic Sans MS" color=#800080 size=2 PTSIZE="10" FAMILY="SCRIPT"></BLOCKQUOTE>
<DIV><BR></FONT><FONT lang=0 face=Arial color=#800080 size=2 PTSIZE="10" FAMILY="SANSSERIF"><BR></DIV></FONT>
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