Thursday, October 29, 2009
Survey Results: Does Academy Players Directory Help You Book?
The results of my Academy Players Directory survey are in, and the news is not good for the Academy Players Directory. Only 22% of those in the Academy Players Directory believed it had helped them book. I'm debating if a 22% chance of my earning money back makes the expense worthwhile. The return of investment is large if one books, zero if one does not.
The first question was "Are you in Academy Players Directory?" The answers were 60% yes, 40% no:
The second question was "Has it helped you book?" Only 14% say yes, 42% say no and 42% say they didn't know:
It seems the Academy Players Directory may not help an actor book work as much as it once did. I think the real question becomes: can you do without the money and hope it pays off.
This wasn't an extremely scientific study, and the number of people answering was small (over the two weeks of the survey the were 15 answers for question one, 14 for question two).
Labels: services, submissions, technology
this posted by David August at 5:56 PM - 0 comments - 
Interactive Media Agreement Not Ratified
In secret ballot ratification votes held in Los Angeles, New York, Chicago and San Francisco on October 26 and 27, the tentative 2009 Interactive Media Agreement was defeated by a member vote of 42-73 (36.52% - 63.48%). The Screen Actors Guild will be pursuing further negotiations with the Industry to address the concerns raised by members regarding the tentative agreement
(from sag.org).
Labels: unions
this posted by David August at 5:28 PM - 0 comments -
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Downloading Theatre iTunes Style
A British company is making theatre shows downloads; they offer stage plays as download able videos.
Labels: technology, trends
this posted by David August at 9:07 AM - 0 comments -
Sunday, October 25, 2009
AFTRA Initiation Dues Going Up
Starting November 1st initiation dues go up $300.
this posted by David August at 10:03 AM - 0 comments -
Friday, October 23, 2009
Fox Changing Pilot Casting Process
Fox is changing the way it selects actors for pilots.
The network is phasing out traditional in-person network tests, in which finalists for each role audition for network executives who choose a winner.
Taking a page from the feature world, where screen tests are prevalent in casting a role, Fox is opting for taped network tests. After passing live tests for the producing studios, actors' performances are being filmed and sent to the network for judging.
Taped tests were embraced by new Fox entertainment chairman Peter Rice, who came to the network in March from the feature world, having headed Fox Searchlight.
He wanted to standardize the tests,[Marcia] Shulman said.
That led to Fox giving studios guidelines on what it's looking for in a test: actors should be off-book and free to move around, the test should include close-ups, etc.
Although employed across the board so far this season, the tests-on-tape rule allows for exceptions
(from backstage.com).
Labels: auditions, booking, trends
this posted by David August at 2:53 PM - 0 comments -
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
SAG and AFTRA Extended Industrial and Educational Code and Contract
The American Federation of Television and Radio Artists and Screen Actors Guild announced today that the AFTRA Administrative Committee and Screen Actors Guild National Board of Directors have approved an 18-month extension to the AFTRA Code of Fair Practice for Non Broadcast/Industrial/Educational Recorded Material and the SAG Industrial and Educational Contract. The contracts, which were set to expire on Oct. 31, 2009, will now be effective Nov. 1, 2009, to April 30, 2011
(from AFTRA.com).
this posted by David August at 2:22 PM - 0 comments -
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Survey: Academy Players Directory Increase Bookings?
Are you in Academy Player Directory? Has it helped you book? Please take this 2 question survey, results will be shared on this blog (once you and others take the poll).
The results are here.
Labels: services, submissions, technology
this posted by David August at 1:50 PM - 0 comments -
Monday, October 12, 2009
Non-Starving Artists
Why do we accept that in order to make great art, we have to be penniless, starving, and suffering?
It's not a foregone conclusion, but it might be a self-fulfilling prophecy. So let's stop saying it.
...I want for artists to be thought of as safe and financially sound
(from Angela Sauer's blog). When was the last time you paid $12 to see a movie, or more than $90 to see a play starring actors who didn't make rent this month... likely never (if you don't count actors just starting out who are your friends ;-).
Labels: inspiration, money
this posted by David August at 4:34 PM - 0 comments -
Sunday, October 04, 2009
Negative Comparison Between SAG and AFTRA Disavowed
...Screen Actors Guild disavows any statements made by SAG officials suggesting a negative comparison between AFTRA and Screen Actors Guild contracts, the unions' respective benefits programs or advocacy on behalf of their respective members
(from sag.org).
An actor on TV working one day and saying less than 5 lines makes $782 on a SAG show and $464 on an AFTRA show (SAG day player rate, AFTRA U-5 in hour show rate).
this posted by David August at 3:00 PM - 0 comments -
Thursday, October 01, 2009
Pasadena Playhouse Financially Troubled
When he was hired three months ago to lead the Pasadena Playhouse, Stephen Eich knew the historic theater was in trouble again.
He just didn't know how deep.
It's potentially in peril,Eich said bluntly
(from Pasadena Star-News).
Labels: spaces
this posted by David August at 9:15 AM - 0 comments -
