We Still Don't Rent to Theatricals
"You can't kill the actors. " "Why not?" "They're people" "Oh, yeah. Have you ever eaten with one?" The Producers Zero Mostel and Gene Wilder
While the producer played by Zero Mostel in the classic comedy produced theater, the quote could very well have come from a film producer, or from film crew.
Production and crew people often wonder why actors should be treated differently than the rest of us on set. Here are just a few reasons.
Reason #1: No one ever bought a ticket to a movie because Joe Smith was the Best Boy Grip.
As a production person, I am aware that everyone on set is important. But people come to see actors: good actors, famous actors, funny actors. You get the picture. In production, we always talk about money spent that goes "on screen." Well, everything an actor does goes on screen. Which brings me to my second reason.
Reason #2 Everyone will see them!
O.K. You're the poor, tired line producer. You worked 20 hours, grabbed a quick bite and a brew, napped for a few hours and woke four hours. You throw on the closest clean clothes you can find get to set and head for the coffee. Nothing matches, the rings under your eyes have rings under them, and you basically look like death-warmed over. Its alright, though, because everyone else also has that 'Oh, my God, it's morning' look.
Actors don't have this luxury. Rings under their eyes mean extra time in make-up, if you're lucky. Have you ever tried to look sexy, funny, smart or witty at 6AM? Actors have to do it all the time. If they get a cold, lose their voice, everyone is in trouble.
Reason # 3 Sometimes, everyone will see all of them.
Ever see a teamster naked? Ever want to? (Ok, so there's no accounting for taste). More and more, actors are asked to do nude scenes. As a First AD and producer, I am thrilled that the Screen Actors Guild requires actors to sign a nudity clause before a nude scene is shot. This clause must be specific as to what is going to be seen, and not seen.
Working with many first-time directors, I always point out to them the importance of addressing these issues early on in rehearsal. There is nothing worse than having a director "negotiate" with an actor how much they are going to show right before a scene begins, or worse, on set in front of the crew.
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