Many of my member meetings and phone calls lately have begun with the phrase, “Matt, I’m really frustrated.” The usual January post-holiday doldrums have been exacerbated this year by fallout from the on-going WGA strike. It’s a topic we definitely need to take a look at today.
A strike like this one has a trickle-down effect. At the top of the paid gig food chain we find the actors that normally work quite often in film and television. All of a sudden these folks find their usual venues unavailable. This is a group of experienced, highly marketable actors—that’s why they routinely get the cherry film and TV jobs. Because of their long resumes and marketable looks they are extremely desirable to casting directors, artistic directors, producers and directors. They are therefore able to turn to alternative employment options they normally wouldn’t consider, such as out-of-town theatre contracts or low-paying but nonetheless high-visibility jobs, and find they are welcome at that level with open arms.
The jobs at this “one step down” level are normally available to a group of actors that I flatter myself to believe includes me. Unfortunately, I find myself auditioning less frequently these days and when I do it’s often for a job I normally wouldn’t consider, such as the $200/week contract I will compete for next week.
The trickle-down effect goes further. Actors in a more developmental career phase than I am are really struggling right now. Casting directors have fewer projects. When a project does come up the casting teams are able to fill the audition slots with a higher caliber of actor than is normally available. Agencies can’t find enough opportunities for the clients they currently have and are thus reluctant to consider new clients. Therefore, actors with limited market penetration and connections are having to bide their time on the sidelines.
If you feel like you’re spinning your wheels or just throwing yourself against a brick wall, you’re not alone. The good news is that things won’t stay like this forever, even if this is shaping up to be a prolonged strike. Stay tuned next week for some ideas on how to make the best use of this down time. Meanwhile, if you’re one of the lucky ones that is working right now—regardless of where or for how much—be grateful and consider it a compliment! And try not to talk about it too much with your unemployed friends, lest they have to kill you.