You Blew It

Well, how better to get back into the swing of blogging than to pull some angry off the shelf, spit shine it, and run it up the flag pole. 

Artists, you're shooting yourselves in the foot.  Two distinct things happened in this past week, which generated this post.  ONE.  I have been asked to write/direct a series of promotional videos for a hair product company.  Like a good indie film maker (pied piper) I went through my e-rolodex to see who (whom?) I could throw some work.  Four beautiful actress/models are on board.  Great! 

The fifth WAS on board.  She would only communicate via fb, but responded in a timely fashion.  When the client approved her pic, I typed the good news into a message, which included a request for her contact info and address. (all models were immediately shipped an assortment of product)  Ms. Fifth did not respond.  It took me a few days, and then I realized that she juuuuuuust couldn't give out the personal info.  By the way, this person's profile describes her 'job' as model.  We found a new model with an address.

TWO:  I'm lucky enough to also be in pre for a budget feature.  I posted some trolling adds to the usual boards, and got a bite from a film school grad.  Her vocabulary was paramount.  Her 'message' was compelling.  I sensed the hunger, drive, and borderline insanity that every indie film set needs.

She signed her message to me; Ms. Grad, Union City, NJ.  The message was sent by the job board's autobot.  No way for me to reply.  Oh well.

Peeps, I want you to be safe.  I want you to be cautious.  I want you free from Nigerian scams and junk mail.  But you have to be found.  It's part of being professional.  YOU have to figure out a way to communicate.  Addressing situation one, should Ms. Fifth ever get a real modelling job, she will need to give ALL her contact info AND her social for the W9.  Addressing Ms. Grad, get a seperate email address.  A pay as you go cell.  Something.  I'm not going to search Union City (not her real town) for you.

Question.  What if you do make it?  You don't want to give out your address - what are you gonna do when they take your picture getting out of the limo without panties, when they go through your trash for contact info, when they dig up your DUI arrest from your youth in Ohio?  You can't handle giving someone who want to hire you your mailing address, how are you goiong to deal with actual fame?  It's sad, but real.  You are your own business, and you have to be found, and simultaneously safe.  I'm sorry about the freaky world we live in.  But I have professional cast and crew to book.