Student film help! Advice needed.

[charlarry]

Hi, my ds has been offered the lead in a student film. He was offered the part a few weeks ago and the shoot dates are 4 days from the 25th August. We had planned a weeks holiday (haven't booked it yet) to come back the day before the shoot. They have now emailed me to say they would like him to do a workshop with the other actors this weekend. He has already gone to 2 rehersals. Do you think it would be unprofessional to say his not available for the workshop? It is only a student film and he is not being paid but on the other hand he has taken the committment so he must follow it through. The other option would be to go on holiday after the shoot but we would prefer to go before. It is so frustating as we have done nothing all summer and now this opportunity has come up and I don't know what to do! Also this was through his agent so I don't want to let the agent down in anyway or seem unprofessional!

Any help from you knowledgable NAPMs would be much appreicated!

[francescasmum]

I would tell them he has prior commitments. I don't think they are not going to take the role away from him at this late stage if they are the ones changing their requests. They would have to be reasonable and understand you need a family holiday. good luck.

[sophiesocks]

i agree with francescasmum, a family holiday is important they have to understand that you have other commitments, you are already giving them 6 days of your time.

[paulears]

I think I'd also want more information on the course the students are actually on. Is it film/video or drama or a bit of both. The cynic in me wonders what they are having the workshop for (and who it's being run by?). If the course is predominantly an arts course then they usually have access to actors from within, while technically centred courses may not have a 'stock' of willing students, so they go outside and audition. If the job has been offered, then I'd expect much more detail in terms of what the workshop is meant to achieve.

When people are giving their time for free, it's unusual to exploit them in this way?

[Jeanie]

I think students can get overly precious about their work and hence the workshop. If I was you, (as others have said) say you have a planned holiday and offer to go over DD's lines whilst you're away.

Good luck!

[charlarry]

Thanks for all your help and advice! The workshop is basically a rehearsal with the other actors. Workshops are quite usual I think, my Ds did one when he was doing a professional short for sky. However that was different because it was paid! However having thought it through we will go on holiday after the shoot as I feel he my be too tired after a long flight to start filming the next day with possibly an early start.

The shoot is a short film and it is for a Ma course

Thanks anyway for all your help it is much appreciated!