Almost Lisa: Pt 11: "All, Mostly, but not pursuant to..."

Almost Lisa: Pt 11: "All, Mostly, but not pursuant to..."

"Human beings, who are almost unique in having the ability to learn

from the experience of others, are also remarkable for their

~~apparent disinclination to do so." ~Douglas Adams~~

Welcome back, Inquisitive Ones!!! Glad to have you here. This is an excellent time to address the BIG elephant in the room. The one which has those outside of the Entertainment Industry believing that all of us in The Biz are entitled, overpaid, spoiled, vocal Liberals. I understand why onlookers think this is so. Our loudest and most earning Name Talent always have a platform to give their 2c, and seems there’s always someone in the news over something...questionable. But the Names are practically a different industry than the rest of us. They do not represent the 94% of the cast, crew, tradespeople and skilled laborers who create content for the industry. WE do not see millions. Many don't see six figures. Journeymen actors, dancers, voice talent, stunt performers, etc, generally do not work every day of the year. There are gaps (often substantial ones) in between gigs, and absolutely no job security. When we do earn a gig or win an audition/ callback, 16-20 hour days are now the norm, and - depending on the market and location of your job- commutes can eke away at turnaround times and sleep/ life.

Over the years, our contracts are becoming whittled away by corporate greed and hedge fund accountability. And at least Sag-Aftra (which is the presiding union over my contacts and their negotiation) is powerless or unwilling to secure our fair "piece” of a growing pie. Each negotiation we seem to be mitigating loses over gains. After pandemic shutdowns in 2020, everyone is scrapping to find employment, working twice as heard for less earnings. And A-list, Oscar award-winning actors are being cast in every commercial and guest star role we used to be considered for. And on top of all of this are technological advancements (such as CGI and AI) which are being implemented in lieu of Human Talent, in every field.

I don’t know how anyone in my industry had the opportunity, time, or the energy to start a family considering our schedules and the extra expenses. For many of us, our benefits are tied to our jobs. The amount of hours/ dollars we work in any quarter could determine whether we and our families remain insured. I am grateful that I've never wanted children. It would be easy to attribute that to my upbringing, but the truth is I have simply never had the desire. It's never occurred to me and never been a priority. I don't get gooey-eyed when I'm around babies, I don't enjoy the idea of the responsibility. I simply don't want children, though I have mad respect for those who do. Especially those living in New York and Los Angeles as the costs of living and working in these markets is staggering.

These days, I find myself driving around different areas in and around Atlanta wondering what the h**l everyone does for their money? Why don't I have more? I'm exceedingly talented and professional. What am I missing? Everyone is buying up homes, renovating them, renting them out and making a profit, then reinvesting those earnings to avoid capital gains taxes. Where did they get the money to start with? It just reeks of privilege I've never had, something I was never taught. And because I lack the understanding, I never really get anywhere trying to figure it all out. Thankfully I had the foresight and discipline following 9/11 to save every penny I could, understanding the uncertainty of my journey. What took decades to save took one global Pandemic to to lose. I’ve been surviving off those savings.

Side note: Things which are more expensive if you’re single and living/working in Hollywood: Groceries (especially if you’re gluten-free, organic and health-savvy like me), rent (I live alone), internet and phone plans, travel, hotel stays, memberships to anything (as I can’t split costs with anyone), gas (I’m always driving), and- of course- taxes. I learned to become incredibly thrifty and savvy in my life, work and home. I do my own nails, hair and makeup, I cut my own hair and have for 30 years, I make my own art and sew my own pillows, drapery and linens too, I shop discount...the list is long. Things I do not have the luxury of buying are assistants, nutritionists, second cars or homes, private club memberships, name brand designer wears... all those things the general public assumes all Hollywood people are privileged with. While avocado toast and almond milk lattes may not break the bank, they are privileges to me. And they are delicious!

The critics are wrong. You must have a strong constitution to succeed in my line of work. It is not for those who don't like/ tolerate long hours, uncertain environments, inclement weather, fighting for their paychecks, lost holidays and weekends, missed events and life moments, risk of their health and safety, the constant, relentless insecurity of work, and endless “rejection”. Sometimes it’s the usual rejection from an audition or interview, sometimes the rejection of your ideas. Lately, rejection also comes in the form of exhausting efforts to create content, only to have it scraped by production/ investors so it never sees an audience. Nothing is certain and you must fight and work past it all. All of this is before you consider the vulnerability of every one of us journeymen who rely on residual income (also known as “royalty pay”) which is contingent on a project airing and succeeding beyond its obligations to investors, the Stars, and their agents. All it takes is one Stars “bad behavior” to scrap a project and effect all of our incomes (we make only so much to begin with).

Social media bots and spammers love to single out those of us “under the line” (as we are called) because they know the general public wont back us up. We aren't famous. And since the public has no idea about us, they assume we are just like the A-listers. But news flash! There’s a good amount of us who don’t want Fame. And - contrary to what the media says- we all want to remain working! Then there’s the political spotlight constantly shone on all of us by those who use the industries "bad eggs” to paint all of us as the same. A way to distract the public from their own indiscretions. But the two industries- more often then not- work side by side. Ours is simply more under a microscope.

The bottom line is: if you don't work in Hollywood, you do not know how Hollywood works. Period.

(To be continued...)

*I retain all rights to my story, likeness, biographical information, quotes, poetry, photography, photos, fashion designs, art work, and all of my own creation represented herewithin*

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ALMOST LISA - Pt 1, "The Introduction"