Have you ever had this be stuck as your choice for a crew member or actor?

Zachadoodle

Zachadoodle

Well-known member
Say you had your film lined up, but you can't hire the people you want. You are then stuck with people who have multiple felony convictions, am very hostile to others, and having mental issues.

Would you take the opportunity to hire such people for your cast and crew if they are really good at their job, and how did it go?
 
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I don't ask prospective crewmembers for their rap sheets but based on the other conditions you mentioned, I probably won't hire them as it sounds like a recipe for disaster.

When you say "hire", are you actually paying them or is this is a micro budget favor situation? Are people turning you down for actual work?
 
I haven't done anything yet, but I'm just trying to think through this film thing a little bit here. Like I was once told, hope for the best, prepare for the worst.

Considering what I'm stuck with I'm going to try to figure out creative ways to make do with it. I'm making the most of what I have or will get, even though it won't be as spectacular as I once hoped.
 
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I've been making shorts and features for over 20 years. I've paid people and also had people work for free. I've NEVER worked with anyone that could jeopardize the safety of myself, cast and crew (when I can afford one). I always work with people that I can get along with and usually we're good friends by the end of a feature. Almost like a family. I love hearing from former cast that they still talk to or hang out with someone else they met on my movie.

Zachadoodle, I can understand wanting to plan for the worst, but there are limits and what you're asking is beyond a worst case scenario.
 
This sounds like over thinking and ending up going down the rabbit hole. People with criminal records cover a wide spectrum, major stars have done time, as have very ordinary, decent people. If you're a filmmaker, you have to work with all types, and you have to make judgement calls all the time.

Another thought is that people who have done time will probably have experienced fellow prisoners with all types of mental issues and know how to work around them.
 
I'm working with an AD who just yesterday told me he's been in jail four times. He's one of the best AD's I've ever worked with....


For every well known established actor put there you think is perfect for your role there are many that are just as good and are undiscovered. Go and discover them and don't get lost in name recognition or this idea that you won't be able to get people to work with you.
 
I think he is asking is it possible to repair his bad reputation. He put people off due to his unstable mental condition which I assume is better now. But like we said in another thread postulating issues that could happen isn't a productive exercise. He should just work on solo projects.
 
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