Dear Arvold…
Dear Arvold,
I'm an actor just starting out. I have an opportunity to work for FREE, but I don't know if will hurt my chances of having a real career. Should I wait for a paying job so that it's more legit?
Sincerely, Actor Trying to Get it Right
Dear Actor Trying to Get it Right,
It's okay to work for free, especially when you are starting out...IF YOU ARE FINANCIALLY ABLE TO. This does not mean, however, that you shouldn’t be discerning.
Here are 3 things to consider when working for FREE:
Always make sure the project is legit. Check around that the director and producers are professional (and good humans). Any funny feeling or doubt you have…call a friend or an industry insider and ask for advice. There are so many folks looking for a way into this industry, you must look out for yourself. Research, research, research. Then trust your gut.
Have clear boundaries and expectations. Make sure your agreement is in writing. Even if you are not being compensated financially there are other aspects to working that need to be clearly defined to protect both you and the production. For example: on-screen credit, any travel expenses, and if you are to provide your own costume. If your footage has been promised to you, make sure you have clear understanding of when you will receive it...within 6 weeks of the project's wrap date is an ample amount of time.
Treat every project equally. Work is work, and every gig deserves the same amount of attention to craft. Once you decide the project is worthy of your donated time, treat it as a paid professional gig. Why? This business is all about word-of-mouth and your positive attitude and creative contributions will travel thru the airways faster than you might think.
If you like the project, the role, and the people involved are folks you'd like to get to know, and you think you'd be a good collaborator, don't let the amount of pay get in the way.
As far as 'getting it right', you will always 'get it right' if you follow your creative instinct and inner judgement. This is a business of exceptions and non-linear paths. Good luck!
x, Arvold
Hi. Erica Arvold here. I'm a multi-hyphenate Casting Director and have worked in the film/tv professional biz for over three decades. If you are a screen artist seeking advice, and have a question...you can share any and all details about your specific situation by emailing education@arvold.com and I'll do my best to write a blog answering you.