Dropping out of Projects and Commitments

Projects = Commitments = Focus = Time ....then something happens! 

If your anything like me, you commit to as many great projects as time allows.  Even though I have a full time job and I do mostly commercial work, I don't want to lose my "edge", so I fit in film projects whenever I can. I went through something recently that probably applies to most of you, so I thought I would share and welcome your comments and feedback.

In approximately April/May and June of this year I took on a several film projects.  Filming was scheduled to take place in late June, July and August.  Perfect!  Summer is slow, lets do this!

But then in late June and the entire month of July, I went though some serious personal issues.  Heart-breaking, jaw dropping, life-changing stuff.  Ugh.  There was no way I could focus on these projects.  My head and heart weren't in it.  I am better now, but I had to drop out of ALL of the projects filming during that time.  I still did a commercial here and there, but all the film stuff had to go - I needed to focus on the issues at hand and get past them.  We ALL have these unfortunate times in our life, and there are some steps we need to take when they affect our commitments.

1) Prioritize:  Figure out what you can and can't do during this time.  If you have to drop everything, do it.  If there are certain projects that you can keep, keep them.  Only you know what you can handle. Take a couple days if you need it to figure this out, but don't delay too long - people are counting on you!

2) Communicate:  As soon as you know you must back out of your commitment, let the producer know so they can find a replacement.  Let them know the seriousness of the situation.  Be sincere and apologize for the inconvenience, but do NOT under any circumstances just be a no-show!

3) Think:  Are these just everyday issues I am going though?  Have I just had a bad week? Or, am I really in trouble?  Don't back out unless you REALLY have to!

4)  Help:  Production probably has a back up choice, but if not, and you know someone who can fill in, please assist them with this if possible.  Offer to help if you can.

5) Legal:  Did you sign a contract?  If you are under a legal obligation to complete the project?  Do it if there is any way possible.  If the situation is dire enough, and you absolutely can't, read the fine print and then work it out with production as quickly as possible.

No matter what we are going though, we need to remain professional.  When we are emotional, it can be difficult, but it will help you in the long run.  One step at a time and before you know it, you will be physically/emotionally healed again.  Life happens when we are making plans.  Wishing you no major bumps along life's path.

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https://twitter.com/ActressDeb

http://www.imdb.com/name/nm4824944/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1

http://debbiejennings.biz/

Autographs

Have you been asked for your autograph?  What was your reaction?

I was caught off-guard a couple years ago, and said jokingly,  "I only give that to the Fed-Ex guy".  They persisted because one of my commercials was playing in the restaurant where I was having lunch. So I whipped out a business card and signed the back of it for him (then someone else noticed and asked me too) Oh the humanity. I want to always remain humble and nice but I didn't get it, really.  I mean its a job - I am not famous, so why? I guess its a conversation piece.

Then I realized my business card had my phone number and e-mail on it.  Yikes!  I called my agent and he said "Just happily always give the autographs without hesitation.  The longer you do this the more you will get asked, the less awkward it will be."  He also told me to sign my name differently than I would a signature on a legal document.  Just in case they wanted you create fake documents and forge my name.  What?  Wow! OK, so I ordered new business cards with just my website and a photo on them.  No phone or email.  My email is on my website contact information page, and that's OK, I just don't want strange phone calls   

Then it took another turn.  People were contacting me via e-mail and Facebook for me to mail them a signed autograph.  Eeks.  My PR person told me this would happen more and more and just to ignore them for the most part.  I sort of felt bad about it, but the postage and printing costs were really going to add up!  Most people will want an autograph when they "meet" you, so I thought the mail thing was a little odd too.

But now I make a couple exceptions.  Email is pretty impersonal, so if I get a random e-mail I will not usually respond.  Last year I responded to a disabled Vet who collected autographs, and sent him one - he collects them and he posts them on his Facebook page - pretty cool really.  The other exception I make is if someone is a fan of my Facebook Actor page - they follow me, they comment etc, and they PM me there, asking for an autograph, I will send it.  They are following me on my journey and its cool, I appreciate it.

The only thing I struggle with now is what to say.  Usually I write their name and say "Thanks for being a fan" or "all the best" or something generic, but I would like to come up with some better stuff.  If you have ideas of what to say - please comment on my blog.

Thanks and happy Autographing!

https://www.facebook.com/DebbieJenningsActor
https://twitter.com/ActressDeb
http://www.imdb.com/name/nm4824944/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1
http://debbiejennings.biz/