Deferred pay by Kevin Nicholson

is a phenomena of the indie circuit. Actors in the industry generally hear this at the top of a career.

The definition is important to know.  Actors don't get paid while shooting. They get paid AFTER a movie is distributed and the producer is paid back after his initial investment.

Now I have done this myself, I don't really regret doing it on my early productions, and despite the fact that none of my early work was ever distributed. I don't think the actors I worked with are too upset with me. I obviously feel bad that I have not had a runaway hit , but hey that's a lifetimes goal isn't it?

I cover New England in the U.S.A. That is. I work in Mass, R.I. and Connecticut mostly.  Doing low to no budget movies. During that time I have helped other actors deal with other productions. I would like to think that this has given me an atypical insight into the indie world from the actors point of view. Where they don't have the money to pay  actors day rates.

Why would an actor want to attach to a production with not enough money to pay them?

Generally the answer is exposure and/or experience.

The question falls to the actor to ask himself.......

Will the piece be good enough to want to show to your future employers?

If you don't believe in the work. Don't waste your time or theirs.  You should be excited about the piece. You should want to be excited in showing the finished piece to everyone you know. If your going to consider doing deferred work. Don't defer for the money. Defer for the exposure,  experience, and the reel.

 Is it something that you can do without going bankrupt?

Don't commit to a project if you can't afford to. With gas prices and rent going up. Make sure that you can afford to do it. Bills first. Career second.

 How long will shooting take? Can you commit to that time?

This is a big question. A shooting schedule is important. If the shooting is going to take more than one day. You should be able to see how it's going to all come together.  Granted things change, but any filmmaker with a clue should be able to tell you how many days he needs from you.  Your job is to be sure you can keep that time available.

Will you get copy?

Coverage sucks. I don't believe in it anymore. I would suggest you don't either. The more cameras on a set. The more time in the editing room. 
You want to make sure that you will get copy of your work. Acting for the sake is fine, but a good director should make a copy available to you within a year of the wrap.

Will you be fed?

Most of the time. You will be fed. If no meals are offered. Then they don't care about you, and don't be afraid to ask for food if your hungry. If your not getting paid for the day. They should at LEAST feed you.  

Will you get gas money?

Now I don't offer gas money, and some of you should not work with me because of it. Simply because most of the time if I do it for one actor. I'll have to do it for everyone on my set. This leads to thousands within a short period of time. Gas is your investment in the production. If you can't afford the gas to get to a project. Don't do it.  If things are tight and you really want to participate in the project. Open your mouth and bargain with the casting director.  Sometimes they can't give you what you want, but they can help you get by.

Is this a production company that I want to be with?

There are examples throughout the industry of production teams using people they have worked with repeatedly. Stars are made that way. Made by the creators of the material itself. If you can find a way to attach yourself to a good production team. In most cases they will bring you with them as they climb to the apex of the industry. So be sure to find people you like working with. Look at the work they have done and where they plan on going.  If you can find a group to grow with. Your off to a great start.

These are the people you want to impress. Remember what a reel is for. It's to show the body of work you have done to other filmmakers. It's not for your friends and family. It's to help advance your career. The reel can NOT show your work ethic or your ability to work with others. That's where references come in handy. I remember the actors who showed up on time, prepared and enthusiastically jovial. I also remember the people who show up late, whining, and miserable.

The other thing about productions you have to consider is the material itself.
 Does the piece give you an opportunity to grow as a performer?

It's not all about you, but you are part of a project.  What roles do you WANT to play? What roles will allow you to balance your reel?

I know a lot of attractive girls who are cast repeatedly for sex appeal. There is nothing wrong with that, but a good actor wants to show the chops.
It's important to get involved in roles your not used to. That's how you stretch your ability. That's how you grow. 

SCREEN TIME:  Now this is something that people who want exposure worry about. It's a valid factor, but keep in mind. Sometimes you WANT footage cut from the final piece. Not a human being alive is PERFECT.  You don't want to bite off more than you can chew. Supporting roles are important to your career. The time your required on set will be less. While still being able to hone your craft. You are able to form relationships with others in the industry. As well as evaluating the people putting the work together.

The most important thing you have to ask yourself is...

HOW GOOD AM I?

Be objective and critical of your own ability. If your just getting into acting. Then you can't be too picky.  Ham it up to the best of your ability. Be aggressive.  Keep looking. If you don't have the cash to hire a manager. ( I do that you know. ) Then audition, audition, audition.

Offer to help out behind the scenes. Go to the meet and greets. Post on AhtSpot or some other comparable talent site. ( Never PAY to post. )

That's the way in.

If you have a huge resume and a great reel. You don't need to work for deferred. The better you get. The more you will recognize who you want to work with.   You get to be more picky about the roles you try out for. Exposure is good, but don't be afraid to turn down gigs if they can't compensate you somehow. 

I am the same way regarding my work. I put in my time doing free gigs. I don't mind helping others out every now and then, but in general I have acquired the experience and skills to be more picky about who I work with. Everyone eventually comes to a point where they are ready for the next step. Just be honest with yourself about where you are and what you can do.



Kevin Nicholson is a douche bag director who resides in the armpit of Danielson, CT. He has a few minor works under his belt, but is entirely a waste of skin. There is no reason to listen to this man.