Rolling with the Punches

"The only thing that is constant is change"

I've heard a lot of stories of things not going as planned in this industry; actors film dozens of television pilots every year that never get picked up by a network, they film small scenes that eventually get cut from the final film, directors are fired, there are last minute script changes that you have to memorize the day of filming, the list goes on. Until this week, however, I personally had never been on the receiving end of such changes.

The first change happened six days ago, when I learned that a student film I'm working on underwent some....administrative changes. To put it simply, a new director came in after having already worked with the first director, which kind of just threw everyone off their game. The new director is great, but when you've rehearsed a scene a certain way, it's hard to make changes and try something completely different once you've already settled into it. You have to adapt, though; there will always be changes made along the way and you have to just make the best out of it.

The next change is that the movie I was supposed to film in November (which would have been my first feature-length movie!) has been pushed back until February. I'm still playing the lead and am super excited, so this change was more practical/scheduling (like now I need to find a job that I can work at for only three months, which means I can't really pursue any casting or talent agency positions) than creative. Fortunately, the reasons for postponing production will only benefit everyone involved (bigger budget, more time to film, better locations, etc.).

Ultimately, it is what it is. I have no control over these things (other than opting not to be in the movie, but I'm way too excited to even consider that) so I am choosing to use this time to learn and take advantage of the opportunities it presents me. With the changes that occurred in the student film, I have been able to work with two directors instead of one, which means more networking and the chance to learn from two different people with very different approaches to directing. And with the other film being pushed back, I'll have time to hopefully meet with some agents in Atlanta and possibly book something up there, as well as earn more money in the meantime. I'll also be able to spend more time studying the role and getting physically ready.

I realize it sounds corny and a bit cliche to say that I'm trying to make the best of things, but I really am. I truly do not feel very stressed because I promised myself that my goal after graduation was just to be happy and content, not necessary successful (at least by society's standards) or even to find a job. I also had a goal of having new experiences and fun times. Even with small setbacks (and they really are small; both projects are still being made and I am still having amazing opportunities) I am definitely fulfilling these promises to myself.

- Emalie