as possible before a film is even released. Many actors may also earn extra money by licensing their likeness to action figures, comic books, or video games as part of any tie-ins that studios may have made with other companies.
By the time a film finally appears in the theaters, many of the actors could already be busy working on other projects.
Special distribution circumstances apply to theatrical productions as well. For example, if a stage play is particularly popular, it can run for several years, providing long-term employment for all the actors involved. During this time, the play may travel around the country or even the world.
THE REAL SECRET OF SHOW BUSINESS
The real secret of show business is that nobody can predict the next blockbuster hit. Even the most experienced and talented directors and actors have had their share of horrendous flops in projects that initially looked like sure-fire hits. Likewise, every year an unknown actor or director suddenly breaks through with a blockbuster hit that nobody thought had much of a chance.
So when dealing with agents, casting directors, producers, managers, and other actors, always remember that no one knows for sure what will sell in the future. Everyone can give you advice and tips for succeeding as an actor, but nobody knows for sure who will succeed and who won’t. The actor rejected today may turn out to be the superstar of tomorrow. Don’t ever close any doors, because the person you antagonize today may be the one who might hire you tomorrow.
Chapter 3
From Agents, Managers, and Unions: Introducing the Movers and Shakers
IN THIS CHAPTER
You may have heard the old saying: It’s not what you know; it’s who you know. Show business, like any business, depends on people.
This chapter introduces you to the different people in the world of show business and what they do so you can better understand how your own role as an actor fits into the chaotic world of show business.
Producers: The Champions of Every Project
Show business is full of great ideas, but nothing happens until a producer takes the initiative to turn a good idea into a finished product. Producers are responsible for guiding a project from a raw idea or script to a finished film, play, TV show, or commercial and often risk losing money or their reputation if the project never gets completed (or gets completed poorly). So the overriding goal of a producer is to create a quality product that’s both marketable and profitable as quickly and inexpensively as possible.
Basically, producers do the following:
Search for and obtain the rights to a story or script that has the potential to be both interesting and profitable.
Get money to finance the project. (The money can come from a studio, a production company, individual investors, the producer’s own bank account, or wherever the producer can get it.)
Hire a director and writer to work on the project.
With the help of a casting director, audition actors and ultimately suggest which actors to cast.
Oversee the filming, taping, or rehearsals of a film, TV show, play, or commercial.
Supervise the editing of the project.
Work with studios or distribution companies to market and distribute a project.
Producers also have the less than enviable job of soothing frayed egos and dealing with problems that may occur between the director and stars on the set. When directors and stars can’t agree on the way a project is developing, one or both of them may threaten to walk out of the project (or actually do it), citing creative differences. Sometimes, the producer has to replace the director or star, and sometimes, the producer can convince the warring parties to stick together long enough to finish the project (and hopefully do a great job despite any professional or personal disagreements between them).
Directors: The Bosses on the Set
After the producer, the director is usually the second most powerful person involved with a project. Directors typically do the following:
Help the casting director decide which actors to hire for the major roles
Control the creative aspects of the set, including lighting,
