I thought this was a fun thing for both indie filmmakers and actors to read, so here it is:

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Confessions of an Indie Actor

By Michael Reed

Creating a full-length independent movie--digital or not--is an exercise in patience. I advice you read the director and producers take on the entire process to fully understand the incredible amount of time and energy which goes into completing a project of any caliber. Most of the time, low-budget,friend-made films can go one of two ways: badly, or very badly. It surely is a rarity to run across an indie film that actually holds its own in terms of entertainment and has a firm grasp into the genre. Living Dead World is one of those films.

It has been an honor to work with the cast and crew of Living Dead World. Sure the staple of PA's during the first few weeks of shooting became thinner and thinner, until even the actors were carrying lights and props around--but the meat of the group, the soldiers, held steadfast. There were many of nights where we all were staring at each other, huddled in a corner freezing our buns of at four in the morning thinking, "Why are we doing this for free, I mean...wait...pizzas here--Whoo Hoo!" And yes the "Hurry up and wait" mentality for us actors is a difficult one to bear. But in the end,seeing the end product and realizing is was all worth-while, is a wonderful feeling.

After all is said and done, it was a great learning experience. Every actor truly interested in pursuing a career in the arts, should receive their first beatings in front of an indie camera. Although I do recommend getting involved with a crew that finishes their work. Nothing is worse than staying up late, freezing to death, and coming to find that the shoot ends halfway through the project. Make sure they fully intend to finish the project, even if it takes a year and a half longer than planned (cough!).

For a beginning actor, working with an indie crew gives you much more freedom to explore. I don't recommend you goof-off daily, or forget your lines at every turn--but feel free to learn film technique. Take the opportunity to learn about the subtlety of film acting, framing, timing, what the crew expects of you, and in turn what you should expect of them. If you're working your butt off, you better get compensated in some way, be it money, or food--pizza! Whoo Hoo! (a contract can be used for certain projects speculating a future for the film).

One thing to keep in mind actors--if you take on the role, you better damn well stick with it, and complete the project. Shooting for months to find your lead or secondary actors have split for Guam is a terrible thing for film crews to deal with. I'm sure many projects have crumbled from this very thing. If the part is yours--the show must go on...if you're sick, if you broke your toe, even if that huge un-godly pimple in-between your eyes grows to the size of a small gourd--show up for the shoot! Let the crew pamper you on the set...but be there!

Another thing to consider--which plays in with the topic above--make sure your schedule fits in with the shoot. Most of the time, the crew will be extremely flexible for the actors. They know you're not being paid, they can't expect you to call off work, miss school, and sell your body for money--if they are at all a respectable production company, they will work with all the actors before the shot to be sure no conflicts arise later in the shooting (which will arise anyway).

Shooting Living Dead World, albeit the long days of shooting (no golden-time), was actually lots of fun. I gained valuable friendships with many of the cast and crew. I don't expect or advice actors to just jump into any ol' indie-film for the experience. I can't stress enough to those actors out there reading this (the two of you)--make sure the production will be completed!

So what are you waiting for? You just have to see this film. As our
esteemed movie producer Robert Felts says, "Go ahead, I dare you."

www.evilgeniusentertainment.com

Michael Reed
www.bigtalent.com/michaelreed
www.pentaworks.org