Here Are 5 Powerful Reasons For Declining Acting Jobs
Out of nearly 1,300 bookings, I have turned down less than 10 auditions/jobs. It is hard for me to turn down work.
However, it is essential that we say no to offers in certain circumstances. Watch the video - https://youtu.be/4lcwsWffq5U. and learn 5 reasons to decline a project.
If you ever turned something down, share it with us so we can learn from you.
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3 people like this
Great video, Aaron Marcus! Wow, nearly 1,300 bookings! Congratulations! I turned down writing jobs and pitch deck jobs because I was already working on other projects. On the flip side, I've taken jobs even though I was working on other projects, and I was exhausted afterward!
3 people like this
I like how you are so concerned about the quality of your work that sometimes you won't accept another project while working on one. Thanks so much for sharing your insights.
3 people like this
Thanks for sharing, Aaron Marcus ! All good reasons -- Along the "in perpetuity" jobs; I've seen where companies want to face scan actors for virtual background work for what seems to be a nice buyout. I recently turned one of these down, explaining to my agent that once they have you scanned, they never have to hire you ever again as they'll create digital Ai versions now. They will own your image and likeness and will use it however they see fit. My agent totally understood. I urge ALL actors and models to turn down anything resembling this. In the modeling world, it's like refusing to do stock photo/video shoots as your image will be sold to multiple platforms with no extra payments. And that can ruin your chances for a big campaign as your image has probably been used for other competing products that you don't even know about. Your image and likeness is your livelihood. You need to protect it at all costs.
3 people like this
You're welcome, Aaron Marcus. It was definitely a lesson learned.
3 people like this
Excellent advice, William Joseph Hill!
4 people like this
Great points, William. In the last Union negotiation, one of the key issues that they resolved was not allowing companies to scan Union extras, pay them a full-day fee (less than $200) and have their image to use forever. As I mentioned in the video, sometimes it is hard but absolutely necessary to say no. Thank you so much for your insights.
2 people like this
Aaron Marcus
This is really good about the five powerful reasons. I can relate—I’ve turned down some roles or auditions myself, and that goes beyond just acting; it applies to any profession. Through Backstage, I’ve had some unsolicited opportunities to audition, but since I don’t live in the city, they often wanted me to travel for very little or no pay. With my full-time work schedule, that’s just not feasible, as acting is more of a side gig for me. So, this really resonates—thanks for sharing!
2 people like this
Thank you so much for your thoughts, Glenn. You are right on target. This applies to any profession. I have accepted bookings where I made very little money, but I needed the experience and contacts, so they turned out great for me. But, everyone needs to set their own limits on what they can and can't accept.
Thank you so much again for your input.