That's the story of - that's the glory of - UNPAID jobs.

I see some actors shrug, when they hear the word UNPAID.

If you are one of them. I am talking to you!

In any discipline - be it business, medicine, law - an unpaid internship can last up to a year. It's only  with time, with one promotion after another that the cheque figures start to dance. Actors are not exempt of this little truth.

Now. As an ACTOR. You are a small entrepreneur. 

Most entrepreneurs will stay just that, small businesses. 

But. 

The the few that risk. That invest. That cleverly craft their price strategies and marketing. Willing to make ZERO profit at the start. Well those businesses, my darlings, will branch out into franchises and big corporations. 

Would Facebook be what it is now should Mr. Zuckenberg charge for the services?

An actor's value is expanded through EXPOSURE.

Build up your BRAND.

THEN expect the goodies.

Now I know - it's hard to meet expenses as an actor,

* though I do not find it hard to meet expenses - they are everywhere  *

 but be smart-assy about WHERE you want to be stingy. 

Think long term.

There is an opportunity. To be a part of a potentially marvelous project.

Would you rather refuse the offer based on it's pay status and then spend your time at home crying to a pillow or asking your dog why it is that you are not a working actor? If that is a case I don't know what to say to you, you silly silly actor.

Now. I've only just started in this mighty industry - so what the hell do I know? My at-times-common sense tells me, that the more people see your work - the higher your chances of landing a paid job in the future.

And it is not just about money is it? Becuase if it is - you might want to RETHINK your career choices. If you are an actor at HEART - you will be happy to ACT. Full stop. Act for free, act for a dollar, act for a million dollars. Regardless...

And remember:

Money doesn't bring happiness.

*It's the things you buy with it that do.*

Acting should make you happy. 

Work a night shift at a Tesco if you must. 

Look forward to the amazing day you will spend on set - doing what you TRULLY love. 

How many people do you know, who get to do what they love? 

How many people even know what their passion in life is? 

Would they say... "I won't do this thing that makes me passionate and happy, because it is not going to pay me" ?

Yes. You might have to bite your lip and suffer a little with a shitty part time job.

But what is important is...

... You follow your dream.

Here is why you should grab those un-paid jobs:

1. It's fun.

2. You learn. For free.

3. It's fun.

4. You meet great industry people or at least the ones with future 'greatness' potential.

5. Exposure - market value.

6. It's fun.

7. You boost your CV and get a great showreel material.

8. You learn. A LOT.

9. YOU ACT!

- I am assuming acting is what you love doing? You love cake you eat cake. Cake doesnt pay you to eat it does it? -

10. It's fun.

Some good ten little reasons, aren't they? 

And one more thing:

"If you're to big to follow rivers - how you ever gonna find the sea? " Emeli Sande

A little goodnight story.

A Fox once saw a Crow fly off with a piece of cheese in its beak and settle on a branch of a tree. "That's for me, as I am a Fox," said Master Reynard, and he walked up to the foot of the tree. "Good-day, Mistress Crow," he cried. "How well you are looking to-day: how glossy your feathers; how bright your eye. I feel sure your voice must surpass that of other birds, just as your figure does; let me hear but one song from you that I may greet you as the Queen of Birds."

The Crow lifted up her head and began to caw her best, but the moment she opened her mouth the piece of cheese fell to the ground, only to be snapped up by Master Fox. "That will do," said he. "That was all I wanted. In exchange for your cheese I will give you a piece of advice for the future.

"Do not trust flatterers."

* Source: Aesop's Fables

An important message from the Bloggiest Bloggy Blogger.

 

That would be all. 

Good day.