Trials of Entertaining the Masses

Please allow me to preface this article by saying any individual able to pursue a career in the arts is equally fortunate as privileged. The following objective is to shed light ironically on the same troubles and problems the industry and artists have had since the beginning of “entertainment.” For it is justified all the same as to anyone wanting to pursue their own dream and passion whether it be a: chef, lawyer, teacher, or tradesperson.

See, the film industry as a whole feels a lot like the wild west to me (exemplified by the ongoing strikes), where degrees mean nothing with no one clear-cut way to break in. Currently, the WGA (Writers Guild of America) whom just ended a 146-day strike and SAG-AFTRA (Screen Actors Guild – American Federation of Television and Radio Artists), currently on strike halted all major tv and film development since May. Sadly, this will cause at least $3 billion to the California economy, not to mention global impact, like Canada where many American productions are offered generous tax reductions. Other businesses affected are hotels, restaurants, tourism, and local shops.

Being an artist myself in Alberta and having contacts in British Columbia, WE have been deeply impacted by the U.S. strikes. It does make one think why can’t Canada increase its own home content since after all when U.S. productions come up here, it’s our talent and crews they’re using. A great example is when HBO’s The Last of Us filmed around Calgary (2021-2022). One could barely walk outside without over-hearing a conversation about the fact a major production was being filmed in our backyard. But don’t forget others such as: Inception, Interstellar, Ghostbusters: Afterlife, Brokeback Mountain, Let Him Go, Cool Runnings, The Revenant, Unforgiven, The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford, Fargo (tv), 3 Superman films, Wynona Earp and even Game of Thrones were (partly)filmed here as well, with some being nominated for Oscars. So, we have the means to do so, just not on the same scale with well-known names. But I do believe with a good story, characters, and quality production can make people talk and draw attention.

“You can’t be an artist! You’ll never be able to live off that.” Hence, why one WGA strike demand was for streaming share revenue which, actually makes sense when you think about how they took over from DVD, which played an important role for making back money after the initial release (a second wind if you will). The others are simple wage increases to match the rising cost of living and simple health benefits which everyone should be entitled to (and in order to claim must make a certain amount of money which due to lack of residuals many don’t make to qualify). It is the “Summer of Strikes” after all, demanding their fair share of spreading the wealth in this broken society.

Finally, is job security from AI. A major opposing force with this is, using trademarked materials without permission to train the programs which would then replace those exact people’s jobs in turn. Which of the time of this writing, 17 writers including George R.R. Martin have filed a lawsuit against OpenAI.

The funny thing is though, not ALL productions had to stop. Any independent production companies not associated with the ATMPTP (Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers) like A24 or other low-budget projects were allowed to continue due to agreeing with the terms set out by the union (fair compensation and working conditions). So, the question begs why could low-budget indies agree but not multi-million-dollar corporations? One obvious flaw was they’re all competitors not wanting to give in and lose their current hold on the market.

Yes, the film industry is a business that needs to be profitable but, corporations cannot make art, only artists can. Everyone can love a script but it takes just one person at the top to stop the entire show. A painting like an heirloom can make you feel all sorts of emotions and bring back memories but, ironically, when put on a price tag can really be devalued. Everyone and everything have their price in this world, all artists are asking for is their fair share, respect as much as worth.

Furthermore, the snowball effect has rolled into the departments of special effects and animation, now starting to unionise after the demanding hours and poor conditions. Fear of being boycotted from jobs was keeping them away but with the strength of WGA and SAG-AFTRA, they can finally step up setting a new precedent. For example, Marvel’s in house VFX team is the first time a solely special effects crew has (unanimously) unionized with IATSE aka International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees, and that’s from a company that has made over $28 Billion. IATSE has stated they’re willing to go on strike if an agreement hasn’t been met by September 26, 2023, which represents thousands of behind-the-scene workers.

I do however wish to point out that it’s not always corporations at fault. Both Across the Spider-verse and TMNT: Mutant Mayhem were both produced by Sony however, had different studios working on their projects. Where Seth Rogen (TMNT) was praised for his consideration and creative freedom, Phil Lord (ATSV) was ruled unjustly for “unsustainable working conditions.” These two examples should not cross each other out but, point out the unbalanced nature of the Hollywood beast.

Day in and day out working-class actors walk through a revolving door of constant rejection, needing to find jobs flexible enough to allow us to run across town and back for an audition, book off time unexpectedly and cover shifts, but also pay enough for this month’s rent, while still finding time to hone our craft and take classes. But with that these types of jobs (typically server/bartenders) don’t come with health insurance and pay well. And most sadly realise this and take up a second career path never to return to the arts, which can you blame them? This career is not for the faint of heart even though we’re asked to tear them out and paint the silver screen.

Luckily, self tapes have taken over making audition opportunities more accessible for all. The catch-22 is now the number of submissions can double/triple/quadruple even, saturating the process. Also meaning, moving away from family and friends to either Vancouver, Toronto, or Calgary is necessary.

Believe it or not, booking 1 out of say 30-40 auditions could be considered “fortunate,” but so could 1 out of 60, and then there’s a lucky some booking a few per month or two. Of course, background/commercial work is different but the end goal is playing a character with an actual name opposed to “Security Guard #2.”

Majority of film industry related jobs are self-employed, so networking plays a huge role. On one side it can feel superficial as though people are just using others to get ahead; the other is building a tribe of like-minded people who you’ll form great bonds with because after all it takes many to make a film (look at any credits sequence). In order to survive in this industry, one needs their tribe to lean on, encourage, rehearse, and collaborate, because we know the specific struggles occurring.

Typically, that’s why you see similar faces around because you’re more inclined to hire a friend, like how the same actors appear in Adam Sandler films (which is genius since who doesn’t want to hangout with their friends for work)? Also, if you’re going to be seeing the same people over an extended amount of time, you’ll choose those that you get along well with and can read your mind. Yes, even your DiCaprio’s are technically out of a job when not making a movie, but when you’re in the 1% you can go a while without one, hence other ventures like brand partnerships, writing, directing, teaching a class… since there’s zero job security. Hence why so many tv shows are cancelled after a few seasons is because that’s when they’re able to renegotiate their contracts, or they’ll bring a show back with a new title so they can be paid at base salary again.

Worst of all, no matter the: years of training, where you obtained your degree, whom you studied under, the countless hours memorizing lines of dialogue, at the end of the day something as little as being 3 inches taller than the lead could cost you the role. Hell, even if you’re perfect for the role but someone else has 100,000 more followers than you or just came off a popular show, could nab it for better publicity. Hence why Oscar winner’s have the pick of the litter for their next project. Of course, age, race, skill, location, union or not, type of production, nepotism, “who you know,” and/or someone better looking all play a role. Majority of gigs, especially union, do pay well. The problem being there’s more actors than jobs, so booking consecutively to make it one’s primary source of income is a struggle since the working-class actor usually makes below the poverty line. Catering may very well be the best meal someone will eat that week.

Then there’s headshots that must be updated with your current look but, “What if I want to grow my hair out and have a beard or colour it?”

“Well, are you willing to cut it for a day’s work on a commercial even though you just paid for new headshots? You have to look like you do in the photos or else how can we imagine you in this role?” Which is a silly thing since actors are able to morph into different people, but deciding on a haircut could also cost you a job.

Several things out of our hands play factors, and we hardly ever receive feedback so how can we possibly get better? Half the time when receiving sides (the script with our scenes) vital information is missing since we’re only given a brief description so we must interrupt and make a choice, which is fine if it’s in the room since the casting director can redirect but, if on self-tape you have to hope they can see what you’re playing at and able to make the change as an actor should.

Yes, any filmmaker worth their grain of salt would tell you they’d do this for free, which is why it’s easy to be taken advantage of starting out because we need all the experience/exposure we can obtain (never pay an agent!)

We’ve all heard, “It’s not what you know but who you know,” and that couldn’t be anymore true.

So, why do artists endure? I certainly haven’t made this profession sound appetising in the least, so why bother? Fair question. I’m certainly not ungrateful for all the opportunities I’ve had but over time it can really weigh one down.

I can’t speak for all, for myself though, choosing one job for the rest of my life always seemed daunting. With acting, one never has to settle. Yes, the main job is acting, and with that comes training of movement and speech, mind, breaking down a script, understanding the human condition, writing, auditioning, knowing the difference between stage and camera, and becoming vulnerable beyond the average person’s comfortability. We’re allowed to stay young at heart with bright imaginations playing dress up as superheroes to spies to warriors, only being limited by our own creativity. Done correctly can make people laugh, cry, angry, scared, etcetera all in one sitting.

As an actor, what a privilege it is being encouraged to deeply feel the full rainbow of emotions, able to experience a multitude of lives otherwise not lived without any real consequences. Say the things society won’t allow, like having that perfect insult otherwise only an afterthought, or telling off a boss, or achieving our wildest dreams like being a winner.

And it’s in this that all people lowkey wish to be a star but don’t understand the amount of preparation and dedication necessary to make you, the audience, believe what’s happening is real, that causes you those reactions. Why you cry when a character dies, or smile when they’re triumphant; because they’re portraying your soul in front of you, living vicariously through them. Even though they’re being demanded in an instant to “pretend” it’s the happiest day of their life when in reality that actor could have received info only 5 minutes prior that their apartment flooded. Acting is a real job! It’s definitely not as important as a doctor/nurse, educator, any blue-collar job, I can admit that but, it has its place.

Technically, yes, anyone can be an actor because we do it in our own lives all the time, whether you know it or not. Maybe it’s tasting someone’s terrible cooking, having a “work voice,” putting on a smile after a heartbreak…it’s why all actors suffer from Imposter Syndrome. We all want the same thing, to be in the 1% as a household name like your Pitt, or Depp, but outside the casting office is a room filled with lookalikes…so, why/how me?

Identity is a necessary thing to know of yourself in order to go through life but then, how does somebody separate themselves from the pack, to not be typecasted needing to show range? Constantly being criticized for being to short or tall, thin or fat, dark or light, young or old, ugly or hot? Or opinions from the internet, critics, being told to change your name so it has a better ring to it?

It’s tiring constantly having to reinvent what’s already been done for a new audience but, that’s also half the fun. With every new generation comes a new outlook. Unlike athletes there’s no retirement age for an actor, just age out of one category and into the next.

Filmmakers as a whole are storytellers, photographers, performers, writers, psychologists who must understand editing, music, lighting, a wide range of equipment (both new and old) all to some degree. Imposter Syndrome is further felt by many of us being generalists however, that’s why you form a crew. If you want to make movies, go find your film crew. Harder said than done but use each other for their strengths.

Parents, as a fellow artist, we don’t need to be undermined and told, “I think you’d be a better teacher or an electrician. That way you can have an actual career!”

“And a life I’d hate?” It’s completely dismissive and defeating (though many trades have a place on set). Chances are, they already know the odds and troubles of pursuing a career in the arts if they want to. Telling someone not do something will only drive them faster into it. So as long as it’s safe and healthy, try not to be like everyone else and be a roadblock. You very well could be a defining factor of them achieving their goal knowing you have their back.

Yes, one must be realistic in life…but life is short, and it’s about minimising regret. A contingency plan never hurt anyone, but why not be a little brave before the world takes you down? If you’re in it to become famous, wealthy and noticeable you’ll be chewed up and spit out because the artist life is a constant struggle. The only way you can possibly make it is by needing it as badly as you need to breath. Think of all the artists you know and love and how none of them have the same story of breaking in. There’s no one clear cut way. Some get lucky straight away, others it will take time but, if you give up, you’ll certainly never make it.

Without artists like actors, think of all the content you wouldn’t be consuming: film/tv, music, books, art, standup comedy, even professional wrestling. Think how much on tickets you’re willing to spend seeing your favourite artist? I’ll bet even they were discouraged multiple times growing up. You can’t tell me watching Dead Poets Society didn’t make you feel anything, something! Art is for the soul that can help heal it.

Movies can educate and inspire, give hope, or a feel of belonging; relating to the different human experiences we all go through but not all the same way. Through cinema we may ask questions of the universe, reflect, grieve, and escape; our way of coping with the world and our place in it. So maybe the question is NOT why, but why not me?

“You don't have to know how to make a movie. If you truly love cinema, with all your heart, and with enough passion, you can't help but make a good movie. You don't have to go to school.”   -Quentin Tarantino

*At the time of publishing the “WGA has reached a tentative agreement with the ATMPTP,” after 146 days according to the guild, though no specifics have been released as of yet. I’ve left in the strike information to inform others who may not have known what was happening and that it compliments the article as a whole.