Boston Movie Extra

Ever since 2008 to today 2019...we have continued to see growth in the film industry here in Massachusetts.  The good news is that the threat that comes from time to time about the tax incentive being lifted always looms, however with the continued pressure from our local actors and people behind the scenes...that delays the process.  In your words being a professional in the film industry herein Massachusetts, how do you see the future here in Massachusetts / New England?

Hope all is well in N.E. movieland! The subject on today's blog is about Rule 1, what is Rule 1 you may ask.. If you are Union (SAG/AFTRA) this is one of the first things that they tell you about..Rule 1 means you can not work on a non-union project. Now I know through the years people have done it..sure I get it.. But lately it has been abused to the highest level, and on top of it some Union members are makeing it known. Now for those people that is a HUGE mistake...why? Because you will tick some Union people off that are by the book and you will be reported, so watch out. For those people that are thinking about becoming union I say to them do a lot of non-union jobs to get the experience, the feel of the set, make a good demo reel,etc. before you sign on to become union. Once you do sign on ,there is no turning back. SAG within the last 12 months has been doing as massive crackdown on this abuse in LA and NY and I am sure it will hit here sooner than later. So honor th...

Look I am a parent and I see certain things in my son that says that kid's has talent. Not in this industry but possibly in construction and oddly enough cooking. Even though I might see it and I can make him recognize it, it doesn't mean I am going to force it on him if he doesn't want to do it. When it comes to this industry...man it's annoying issue. I was on a set not too long ago where it was just a typical long day. There were kids ranging from 10 to 15yrs old, and they really didn't get to work until the 9th hour per say. Now in the morning it was all exciting that they were on a movie set, and all that stuff. But eventually they got bored and wanted to leave, the parents were not having any of that. Sad. The parent indicated they they were to stay and wait no matter how long it takes because you are "talented". This kid was so upset that it caused a huge scene. Eventually someone finally spoke up and just said "don't force the iss...

For those that may remember back in the early 90's there was a tradeshow specifically geared to the film / theater industry this time of year. It was a fantastic 3 hour show that consisited of casting directors, classes, photographers, unions, and so much more! It was such a great resource for everyone involved from the businesses to the talent and I think it should be something that should be brought back. Unfortuneately it died with everything else in the late 90's and has yet to resurface. So to the MFO and SAG/AFTRA let's try to bring it back this trade show in this really hot market.

Besides the weather which is getting better and hopefully we don't get any more snow, how about the film business?! The film business which was looking a lot like the mid to late 90's just jumped back up from a slump. As you can see from yesterday's blog and the constant rumors on new projects coming in, things are looking good. The Governess and The Fighter seem that those two big project might be shelved at the moment but I think we might see them come to light in the near future. Plus you need to keep in mind with the success of Mall Cop that brings in an attraction from Hollywood, on the other hand if we had a series of flops well that would be another story. Always remember there are plenty of jobs behind the camera also, so I think in the end we should be ok.

Once again the annual Wrap party will be happening at the end of this month and if last year was any indication...it promises to be a blast. If you did not attend last year it is highly reccomended you do. The reason is it is for two reasons one for seeing friends again, and networking. So if you can make it, go before it sells out!

The entertainment business is a huge business and if someone was to tell me that there is no work out there, well my friends you are not trying hard enough. There are plenty of jobs in the movie business but it's not all about acting. Do you want to be in the movie business and make it a full time career well look in other avenues (casting, crew, make up, locations, coaching, etc.) the list is long. The head of the film commission had said in a recent expose that there were "plenty of jobs and not many people to fill them". What! that amazes me. These jobs can I say are fantastic and I mean fantastic paying jobs, so if you have no reposnsibilities GO FOR IT! you can always do the acting thing on the side. Always remember one thing many people working behind the scenes were former actors. Start looking because you do not an I mean do not want an opportunity to pass you by, especially in a HOT market.

Matt S. wanted me to post the answer to his his question and the answer is some people are favorites to certain agencies. Is that fair? Of course not but it has been happening for ages. My opinion is everyone should get a crack, because the "no-one" my just be better than "the favorite" remember most dark horses win races. So to my "non favorite" friends, push the envelope and market yourself the correct and suttle way where you do not become annoying. Because remember everybody this is a small city and annoying names get remembered, and that is not a good thing. Remember if you really want it, you can become it no matter what the occupation. Want to make a note that I will having a 4 to 5hr seminar based on this blog this summer that talks about getting ahead in this business with a no holds bared type of way which is how this business should be presented. The correct presentation of how to start or be in this business is what should be delivered,...

After 19 days the survey read "what is your union affiliation" and most of my readers are either non-union or just fresh SAG members. I was amazed at the the numbers of current vet SAG members, where are you guys?! To my the new people that just got in the business and the new SAG players, welcome. To the new SAG members, remember honor the membership do not abuse it and always seek a mentor that has muchmore experience than yourself you will learn a lot. If you abuse the membership and go around saying "your SAG and you can do whatever you want" remember this community is small and you will make a bad representation of yourself especially with people you will be working with many times over again. Enjoy it and respect it. To my non-union players, welcome aboard in this exiting time and learn hands on how it is on these movie sets. It is the greatest lesson, DO NOT get suckered in photoshoots, classes, agencies, etc. do your homework and keep most of your mo...

Look we all want the job but nothing says prepared for an audition more than having a monologue at a moments notice. It doesn't matter what kind... comedy or drama, you will know which one fits you best. The reason why it's good is because if you go to an audition and at some uncalled for moment the casting director asks "do you have a monologue prepared?" and you respond "yes!" Not only does that make you look prepared but most importantly.. professional. So after you read this blog run out and buy a book on monologues today and memorize the one that fits you best. Have a nice weekend!

That is a question really no one knows and is asked quite often. If there is a strike and it does last as long as the writers strike does, that will be a problem. But let's hope everything gets resolved by next month so the ongoing traffic of movies continues here in our very cool state. strike,

I just want to say I just did 3 days on "This side of the Truth" as a caveman. All I can say in doing this for almost 20 years, this by far was the best set I have ever been on. That might be big words but it is the truth. From the casting to the crew to the background we had a hell of a funny time working on this set. There have been other sets that have been pretty friendly but this one takes the cake. Everybody was approachable, the crew and the background got "in my eyes" along extremely well, something you usually don't see that often. The best part was after we wrapped we had an impromtu soccer match it was the crew (including Ricky) vs the cavemen. We lost 1-0 due to a goal from Ricky himself! Simply fantastic, please know great friends were formed and an amazing experience was made that will last in our memories for long time. Cheers Ricky and the crew and to all my fellow cavemen "UGH!, UGH!"

When you work on a movie set the first time being on set it can be a overwhelming , scary but an exciting experience by far. The best people I always stay close to are the vets that have been around the scene. Now when I say vets I am not talking about people that have been doing this for the past 3 years, they are not vets. They are as new as you pretty much. The vets are the people that have been around 15+ years, they have the experience and the knowledge of past present and future and in most part know what they are talking about, and they make great mentors. Now I know, some of these vets might give you the cold shoulder, so if that happens "bleep" them and go to someone that would make a good mentor and learn from them. There is plenty. If someone that has been around for a few years and all they teach you is about themselves...walk away....please walk away, it's no good. So as they always say in most occupations learning hands on is the best way, and I agre...

It's always an exciting thing when something like the big movie boost happens to your home state such as us. So when that happens a lot and I mean A LOT of people want to get in on it. So like I mentioned a couple of posts ago that means not to start off with one of these "Mickey Mouse Agencies", you market yourself on your own. There are people there to guide you the right way, but these Legitimate people are few and far in between. These people are known as entertainment consultants that know the state's entertainment business inside and out for years. They are not the people that started in this business within the last couple of years and are self-proclaimed "experts". These people will build you in the right way also guiding you in the right direction all the while saving you a bunch of money, which is their mission. Their consultation is really 1 or even 2 sessions not more than that and after that they throw you in the fire giving you the exper...

I was just recently on a few sets as probably most of all of you have been and I got to talking with a few people. I met this woman that had come all the way from NJ to work on a film here in town. Now some people might say she is Union and she is doing this to collect her 72 days to get insurance, nope... she was non union. Now what she and others were getting paid is $65/8, that's pretty low especially for her that wouldn't even cover her gas! Now this woman's situation is a bit over the top, because she lives 4 states away. But anyhow the point of this is with everything from gas to the cost of living here in Mass Union and Non-Union alike are getting paid a little low for most people's standards. Now you can say to me "Chris...we are getting paid just to be on a movie set and sit around, why not?" This is true but how much did it cost you to get there? gas, tolls, maybe even parking? Now take out the taxes and subtract your expenses and what are yo...

Today I had the experience to work on the new Ricky Gervais "This side of the TRUTH" in Andover. It was a short and nice shooting day under a nice warm sun. What was cool was that I got to meet some of the readers of this blog and was flattered to hear the positive responses. I just want to say a huge thank you that you continue to enjoy this blog. My mission with it, is to infrom you, answer any questions I can possibly help you with, and talk about the goings on in the world of Hollywood East. So I tip my hat to you guys, I wish you all the best of luck and I will see you soon.

When the writers strike took place early this past year it also claimed a few victims in productions. One of them was "Hickory Nation" that was targeted to film in Massachusetts. Due to that strike, it was temporally put on hold, it still plans to film here but there is no word as of yet as to when.

Just yesterday I was on the set and one of the big discussions was that NY was going to put a 30% credit for all films filmed in New York. If that is the case that is not good news for films coming into Mass. I assume this is speculation and just rumor but if this is true it will be devastating. Has anyone else heard of this? Anyhow let's just pray that this is rumor and not fact. Let's get those studios in Weymouth and Plymouth made!!!!

When it comes to marketing yourself as an actor I always say look for freebees! The best way to turn is websites like Facebook , Linked In, Myspace, I would say the best would be facebook. The reason why is because your networking and the tools that they offer are just great! Also there are many boston events that involve boston talent that are posted, so sign up today to all of them. Now when it comes to business cards with your picture on it etc. Well it's good to give to other actors just to keep in touch, but when it comes to casting directors the only place they go is in the trash. To my union brothers and sisters get yourself on IACTOR!!!! I am amazed that some of you are not on that service, go to www.sag.org and join right now!!! As always questions, coments, etc email me at bostonmovieextra@yahoo.com

This type of thing happens sometimes on film sets, but it is Not the casting directors fault. As a matter of fact it is no ones, it just how things happen. Remember in the extra world it's a numbers game. The director asks the casting director for 45 extras tommorrow 20 men 20 women and 5 children, so the casting director has to deliver. Once the people have been confirmed it's up to the director himself as to how and who he is going to use. Maybe all will be used and maybe few will. I know it is aggravating it's happened to me also, BUT do yourself the favor and DO NOT complain to the casting director! Again the Casting Director did their job and delivered the goods. Bottom line and a rule I always follow for many years and that is don't complain because if you do you might see that your phone won't be ringing.