Thanks Mr. Swinderman for sharing the philosophy at WEWS -- " for
our paying advertising clients, we always pay our actors".
It is indeed heartening to know that we actors have an ally at TV5.
Now as to the "inaccuracies" --
1. My name is spelled "Toomey".
2. "in a recent post
suggested that NewsChannel 5" --
well, I just re-read every word of my postings.
I never mentioned "NewsChannel 5" or "WEWS".
So that inaccuracy is inaccurate.
(I am forwarding this message and my entire transcript to you
directly at info@1031films.com.)
In fact, "Billy" did in his response to me:
"Mr. So-And-So set the pace casting actors to do a channel 5
commercial for free a while back. Now a doctor ... looking for
actors to work sans pay on a commercial shoot to be aired on
channel 3"
Easy for Billy to
connect a past event (TV5 looking for "fans") with the current
"doctor" no-pay.
Easy mistake for you to
make. No apology necessary.
3. "NewsChannel 5 ... taking advantage of local actors" --
You said "the station produces promos intended to promote
its newscasts we do seek unpaid extras or 'fans' ... not ... ACTORS"
That's cool. That clarification helps the Talent Community know that
you don't need talent, just a warm body.
4. "taking advantage" I think WEWS does, a
little. "not have a the budget in the
promotions department"
That's a shame. Because, of course, the ratings of the news
department contribute to the ratings of the station, which drive
station revenue from ad sales.
Certainly qualifies for my "poke at no pay for profit-producing
business development messages". Would you not agree that the goal
of your promos is to increase profits?
If so, as Mary Faktor so ably noted, "When Money Is Made, The
Talent Gets Paid!"
5. "Furthermore
we have hired many actors for paid roles after they have
participated in some of the unpaid extra promo work as a token of
our appreciation."
Oh. So you "many" times skip the "fans" when actual "actors" come
out for your freebies. I see.
Takes me back to #4, just saying.
6. "So if you'd like
to submit your headshot and resume for future COMMERCIAL
consideration" [emphasis mine]
I'm kinda guessing the "you" is "Talent Community" and not
me personally. But we're both professionals, your response
was reasoned, I know I can contribute to your creative, so
watch for me at eric.swinderman@wews.com !