Stumble it!“Rule One” blues and some new auditions
All the actors unions such as SAG, AFTRA and AEA all have one thing in common and that is “Rule One”. “Rule One” basically states that “No union actor will work on any non-union production no matter what!” If you break this rule you will face fines and eventually dismissal from the union. When I joined AFTRA I decided to be serious about the union and follow the rules, and not mess around doing non-union work. I knew this decision would cause some disappointments in the short-run, but I am betting that in the long-run my decision to play by the rules will pay off. That said, I can now say that I have just had my first short-term disappointment. The producer of the movie “Standing Up” that I had just been cast in had indented to make their film union friendly but in the end chose not too; I have been recast. The problem was that the shooting was scheduled for the end of February and it was just not enough time to meet the requirements the union demands of a producer. So, in essence I lost a gig due to my union affiliation. Oh well, life goes on, and there will be more gigs coming soon.
Speaking of more gigs I went on two more auditions recently. The first was kind of a formality because the director of the film had assisted the director of one of my previous films and had seen my work and liked my performance. I went in and read, and had a good time at the audition. And right there on the spot was given the script to take home and told to come to rehearsals. As long as the chemistry works between all the actors I should get the final green light soon. This film is definitely going to be union friendly so no issues there. This film looks like lots of fun, it is a mocumentary about two competing ice-cream truck vendors and I will get to drive an ice-cream truck: a first for me.
The other audition was really great too. It was for a student film and the audition was 90% dramatic improv; I think I must have been in there for over half an hour. Sean, the director, told me what my motivations were and explained the situations to me and after that I just had to wing it. It was a very enjoyable and cathartic experience. I have done some comedic improv before, but had not yet done much in the dramatic line. I plan to look for more opportunities to practice that skill because it was fun and fulfilling. I believe the director liked my work, and there should not be any union issues since the union makes it really easy for students to get listed. Time will tell.
‘Tis all for now.
That’s a bummer, losing a role due to union stuff. It’s bound to happen, and in the long run the union should help. We hope . . .
That’s really cool about the other audition! It’s fun when things work out like that.
Comment by Chris Benham — February 21, 2006 @ 12:57 am
Hey Donnie!!
I fonally found your site! Its really great. You put me to shame my friend! Its wonderful to read about your experiences. I remember when you were just contemplating auditioning for movies and now… wow
I look forward to watching this story unfold!
Vanessa
Comment by denkiva — February 21, 2006 @ 2:17 am
Since you’re going to be 1 of the ice cream vendors, does this mean you got a starring role?
Also, when there are small films that don’t make it to the movies, where do mainstream people see them?
This sounds like one I’d like to see. congratulations, sounds like you did fantastic!
Comment by jane — February 21, 2006 @ 2:00 pm
To Chris,
Yeah, it is a bummer abuut losing a gig but it all works out in the end I think. Thanks, for the nice comments.
To Vanessa,
Thanks, I hope when you come back to visit from Japan next christmas I will have some finished horror movies for our traditional horror movie night. I think Seepage will be a good choice!
To Jane,
Yeah the ice-cream man will be a starring role and I am pretty excited about that. Most of my movies go to film festivals around the USA. I have been seen in New Mexico (once), Massachusetts (several times), and Rhode Island (several times) so far. I will make sure to post dates and times of screenings when they occur.
Thanks for all your coments!
Comment by Don — February 21, 2006 @ 3:59 pm
The Ice Cream Truck movie sounds fun. Looking forward to hearing about your experiences on that project. Congrats on one fine booking after another.
Best,
Kat
Comment by magickat — February 22, 2006 @ 7:27 pm
[…] Union Rules! Well last entry I talked about loosing a gig due to my union affiliation and how it can be kind of a bummer. But this week I am so happy that I am in the union. Tomorrow on Friday February 24th I have a chance to read for speaking roles on two major motion pictures! One is Underdog which is to be filmed in Rhode Island by Walt Disney Pictures and the other is Gone, Baby, Gone which is to be filmed in Massachusetts by Touchstone Pictures; Ben Affleck’s first shot at directing a major motion picture. I could only have received this opportunity by being in the union. In New England this is a very rare and exciting thing since not a lot of major movies are made here. But because of the film incentive bills passed by Rhode Island and Massachusetts this will become less and less rare. It is my feeling that soon the old adage that “You are crazy to join the union in New England” will become “You are crazy not to join the union in New England!” Here is how it played out. I got a hotline email saying that on Wednesday starting at noon the first 72 men and the first 44 woman to call in to the office would get a time slot to audition. I was on the phone for 55 minutes straight dialing and redialing until I finally got through and got my spot. The number one requirement is that you have to me a member in good standing; they check your union card at the door. I love the union, the union rules! […]
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