In Hollywood, there is a prevalent belief that the way to success is to step on everyone else on your way up, that you have to be willing to throw anyone who might be in your way into oncoming traffic. It's true that this town is very cut throat and filled with competition.
But, I don't believe it's the only way for success in this crazy town. Call me naive, but being nice can also get you work. People want to work with people they like and, maybe I'm crazy, but I think people tend to like nice people.
Just watch movies, how often do you see the same people working together over and over again. Many of the "big guys" like Judd Apatow and Adam Sandler have their group of people that they always cast in their movies. Why? Probably because they like working with them and they know that they are going to enjoy being on set for days on end.
Here is a little secret about me: most of the jobs I have had in this business are because I knew someone. Sure, I've had a few gigs that I got from going to an audition, but often it's a call from a friend who needs a role filled immediately. Why do they call me? Because I am a hard worker and always do my best to be a pleasure to work with on set. Basically, I make sure I am the person they want to work with over and over again.
So, is it better to be respected or liked? I dunno ... but honestly I think I'd rather be liked. If I work hard maybe the respect will come, maybe it won't. But, I can't waste my time worrying if people respect me. I'd rather be able to look at myself in the mirror and be happy with the person I am.
Let me point out that one is not exclusive to the other. I like to think, (perhaps naively) that I am both respected AND liked, and having worked with you, I can say that you are both as well. But I understand what you are saying: today's market is a highly competitive environment and actors are always looking for ways to stand out and be noticed. But as you say, being noticed as that actor who comes in prepared, is happy and helpful on set, is nice to the crew (not just the director!), and stays out of the way is the one who will be respected and asked back. It always pays to be that actor.
ReplyDeleteI wholeheartedly agree with this post. I can't speak for LA, but I know that in Perth, Australia, it's certainly evident that stepping on others to get to the top is a surefire way to ensure that nobody will want to work with you. And at the end of the day it's a small world - that reputation will spread like wildfire before you know it. Noone wants to work with the asshole!
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