Marketing my script lately, I've run across a lot of actors. Ironically enough, when you look at the film industry and the entire process -- to get a film from an idea, to screenplay, to greenlight, filming, post, and then distribution -- it all has very little to do with actors.
In the "pre" process, the only attention an actor will get is if they are tagged as an "element", meaning they are slated to be in the film, passionate about the script, owe a production company or writer a favor. Getting an actor as an element is one way to set the wheels in motion, and a surefire way for a screenwriter to have better hopes at being produced.
But back to the poor actors. Yes, I said "poor actors". They get no attention, when they do, it's in the form of an unpaid audition that surely eats up their day. Should they be one of the lucky few, they arrive early on set, often in a foreign land, desert, whatever location is essential to the shoot. They often work long hours in terribly hot or cold conditions, relegated to the situation by an often crabby director, who might care less about acting and more about a shooting schedule.
It seems actors don't get much sleep. If they have a name it's not uncommon that they shoot all day or night, only to get off work and buzz off to a charity event or obligatory social situation. Ever hear of a big-name actor not showing for an event?
FADE IN:
EXT. HOLLYWOOD - RED CARPET - NIGHT
JOHN TESH strokes the airwaves as an announcer for this televised event. MARY HART keeps her vaseline-toothed smile locked on John as he introduces guests.
JOHN TESH
And what a lovely night for such a gala.
MARY HART
Lovely night!
JOHN TESH
Aww, and who's this? None other than Angelina Jolie, in a lovely Marchesa gown, at that!
MARY HART
Angelina, lovely, Marchesa--
JOHN TESH
And I'm sure we'll see Brad Pitt bring up the rear--
John stops mid-sentence. Cupping his ear monitor, he wrinkles his forehead.
JOHN TESH
What's that? Folks, we regret to inform you that Brad Pitt has taken the night off... okay, yes... seems he had a long day at the studio, and... "Noxzema", their latest adopted child, has an earache... yes, he's taking a personal day off.
MARY HART
Oh, that Noxzema, such a sweet child! Best wishes Brad, if you're watching!
FADE OUT
Wouldn't make sense, would it? Well, this holiday, here's a shout out to actors, I hope you're getting plenty of sleep!
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I don't get that celebrity status... they're human like you and me and any other on this planet. Being an actor is just a job like any other; they got a schedule and a certain amount of working hours per day, so whatever happens afterwards is absolutely private and should be considered as their "personal and well deserved day off". Anybody would be really pis**d over a spoiled weekend/day off, why is it always like a crime being commited when an actor doesn't play by the rules of the press?! Shame!
ReplyDeleteI love the passion in which you go at this, Sarah!
ReplyDeleteI just read that Steve Carell has seven films in the mix, besides his schedule for "The Office". He's definitely lacking sleep, but being the current comedy flavor, and with a wife and kids, I can see why he's pushing the limits. Sort of sad though.