WA Actors Out in Cold
Tue, 16 July 2002, 07:45 amAngelique21 posts in thread
WA Actors Out in Cold
Tue, 16 July 2002, 07:45 amThis has been really bugging me, so I'd like to hear what others think:
There is a feature film to be shot in WA next month which features a couple of big name actors (fair enough - box office and all that) and is, I believe, at least partially funded by Screenwest. However, there are several minor roles which WA actors where auditioned for. A handful of WA guys got roles (congratulations!). However, there were two minor female roles which (after months of waiting with baited breath) I have just found out were given to Eastern States actors. These would be one or two days shoot. I don't know, maybe I'm biased as my "availability was asked" for one of the roles - but knowing the wealth of talent in WA, I find this completely unnecessary (and somewhat insulting). What do you think? Should Actors Equity help local actors have first "dibs" on minor roles in locally funded projects by instituting some policy or other? I mean, we wait long enough for anything to happen here and when it does they'd rather pay Eastern Staters to fly over here! Its time we recognised that some major talent has come from (and still is in WA). Let's see...Judy Davis, Heath Ledger, Marcus Graham, and my old mate, Frances O'Connor (just to name a few)
Thou impertinent fool-born strumpet!
There is a feature film to be shot in WA next month which features a couple of big name actors (fair enough - box office and all that) and is, I believe, at least partially funded by Screenwest. However, there are several minor roles which WA actors where auditioned for. A handful of WA guys got roles (congratulations!). However, there were two minor female roles which (after months of waiting with baited breath) I have just found out were given to Eastern States actors. These would be one or two days shoot. I don't know, maybe I'm biased as my "availability was asked" for one of the roles - but knowing the wealth of talent in WA, I find this completely unnecessary (and somewhat insulting). What do you think? Should Actors Equity help local actors have first "dibs" on minor roles in locally funded projects by instituting some policy or other? I mean, we wait long enough for anything to happen here and when it does they'd rather pay Eastern Staters to fly over here! Its time we recognised that some major talent has come from (and still is in WA). Let's see...Judy Davis, Heath Ledger, Marcus Graham, and my old mate, Frances O'Connor (just to name a few)
Thou impertinent fool-born strumpet!
Re: WA Actors Out in Cold
Thu, 18 July 2002, 10:58 amWalter Plinge
No. I don't think anyone is being petty with this arguement and I don't think anyone despises anyone for getting work.I would have thought reading this postings would have made the depth of this arguement a little clearer.
A few more points since my last posting...
We use the word industry a lot for this theatre/ film thing that we engage in and as an industry there is a responsibility for all levels to develop and nurture it. And if that means looking closer at perth talent than over east then why not. We at the bottom end should (and by most accounts do) everything we can by supporting local product as ticket buyers and support each other, through this excellent website, and through being part of the general arts community in Perth.
And being responsible by giving a damn about what our companies are doing, applauding their successes and questioning the things we don't agree on. They are of course funded by us as taxpayers.
And yes, directors should cast the best people that they believe for parts but one thing I need to point out that in some casting choices Perth actors haven't actually had a chance to audition before the Eastern States actors have recieved it.
I find it ironic that a certain casting agent I know once said to me "Oh, your going to Sydney too. How boring" Hmmmm!
Am I a bitter non-employed actor. No. I don't act. Never will. I live and work in the 'industry'' in Perth and my heart falls a little when another talented actor leaves because there isn't the opportunities here. I believe in this Arts community and I give a damn enough to vent from time to time not just to make anoise but in ahope that things will improve (and I do a buit more than venting on this website) but hey, I'm not being petty.
Cheers
Dave Ryding
A few more points since my last posting...
We use the word industry a lot for this theatre/ film thing that we engage in and as an industry there is a responsibility for all levels to develop and nurture it. And if that means looking closer at perth talent than over east then why not. We at the bottom end should (and by most accounts do) everything we can by supporting local product as ticket buyers and support each other, through this excellent website, and through being part of the general arts community in Perth.
And being responsible by giving a damn about what our companies are doing, applauding their successes and questioning the things we don't agree on. They are of course funded by us as taxpayers.
And yes, directors should cast the best people that they believe for parts but one thing I need to point out that in some casting choices Perth actors haven't actually had a chance to audition before the Eastern States actors have recieved it.
I find it ironic that a certain casting agent I know once said to me "Oh, your going to Sydney too. How boring" Hmmmm!
Am I a bitter non-employed actor. No. I don't act. Never will. I live and work in the 'industry'' in Perth and my heart falls a little when another talented actor leaves because there isn't the opportunities here. I believe in this Arts community and I give a damn enough to vent from time to time not just to make anoise but in ahope that things will improve (and I do a buit more than venting on this website) but hey, I'm not being petty.
Cheers
Dave Ryding
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