I joined this platform last week after meeting the wonderful stage 32 team in person @ Cannes Film Fest last month and am so impressed with everything it offers us creatives!
I'll be posting weekly in here and for my very first I wanted to open the discussion on something that I keep experiencing EVEN AT TOP FESTIVALS once they learn I am an Actress, and that is questions along the lines of, "are you in anything I've seen"
Instantly I want to reply, "obviously not or you would have recognized me right away" but that would be rude of course, and in general, I'm a pretty positive, upbeat person, so want to respond accordingly.
Also for context, it's one thing to get questions like these from those completely outside of entertainment, who have no concept or understanding of the industry, but it hits a little different when you're at a sit down invite only SXSW lunch surrounded by a bunch of the industries leading talent & creative agents (who you would LOVE to be repped by, and whom are all suddenly quiet, listening in) so playing humble does not work in your favor in this situation, but I truly don't believe boasting or exaggeration of ones resume is ever the way to go either. My question to you is, what would you do?
3 people like this
Hi, Brittany Christine. Congratulations on becoming a Lounge Moderator! Welcome to Stage 32 and the Mod Squad! "Are you in anything I've seen" reminds me of what screenwriters get asked a lot ("what movies/shows did you write that came out?"). A lot of times, our scripts are in development or production for a while or longer. I say something like "they're in development/production" or "I got hired to ghostwrite the scripts, so I can't talk about the details." If I was an actor, I think I'd respond like "I'm auditioning," "I just finished a movie," etc.
4 people like this
I was a body tech for a long time and anytime you tell someone, they ask if u take on side work. U have something you’ve made. Be Proud. I would just drop the name of any festival u have been in first and say maybe?? If u have been there.. say something like “ I do indi films I love, even when they aren’t so mainstream..” and have your best trailer u can find to show on your phone. Or even tell them about a project in the works. Maybe make a mainstream film. ? Think of some avenues everyone wants to see a film of. Like thrill seeking w romance. Certain markets are wide open for a hit movie or show. It could be worse.. u could be the actor in something everyone saw, and nobody likes the character. What are you doing next?? But like rude style. I think people ask that just to be engauging, can u fix my car?
5 people like this
Hi Brittany.
Welcome aboard. As with anything in this industry, nothing really makes sense. Everyone is an important part of the process. It's all a team effort but the players can change at the drop of a hat and priorities are often mislabeled. They want to know what you've done so they can put you in an agenda driven drivel fest that no one in the general audience cares about and then it's all your fault. Veterans can't be pioneers because it cost too much but it cost too much because they overcharge on everything. If you're doing a small budget indie film, they want to know how much money it's costing you on a bathroom break, but if your budget is in the hundreds of millions, then if some PA works for half a day, he can get paid for the whole week. They dangle back end deals in front of actors and then go out of their way to make sure the film loses money while they make changes during to production to save money only to reroute those savings into their own pockets.
Stars aren't eternal in Hollywood so if someone has their telescope trained on you, shine as bright as you can because they feed on that energy and be humble to the fans because they're the one you're truly doing any of this for.
4 people like this
Yay nice to meet you on here Maurice Vaughan and thank you for sharing your go to's! Yes, there's so many ways to answer, I keep rotating my responses depending on the scenario, but when it comes to trying to show I'm ready to level up, to a higher level up, I guess I'm struggling with the, "I belong here even though it's my first time" thing. Next time I'll just say, "no Oscar Award winners YET, but hopefully that changes" ;)
4 people like this
You're welcome, Brittany Christine. It's nice to meet you on here too. "No Oscar Award winners YET, but hopefully that changes." I like that. I'm looking forward to reading your Lounge posts!
4 people like this
David Ramey Gordon thank you for that, it's super helpful, and yes I think some people are just asking to be polite but unfortunately the choice of words or delivery can make it a bit off putting, normally when I'm sharing my work it's to peers or colleagues so total different vibe then people you want to hire you or work with-feels like you have to pitch yourself instead of just casually talking
5 people like this
Philip David Lee dropping truth bombs everywhere, thank you for your input! I agree, it definitely feels a bit like they are trying to put me/or someone in a box when doing that, (which, even if I was further along in my career with more accomplishments still wouldn't feel great) I think the question is more geared/aimed to fame, not the persons actual work ability, that's the reason I always find it so cringe.
5 people like this
Hi Brittany Christine Welcome abroad. I think the question, "Are you in anything I've seen?" is poorly worded. Because how would you know what films that person has seen? In the context of the film festival, I would just name the film that you're in that's playing at the festival. And then they'll feel awkward about not having seen it.
If you're not in a film that's playing at the festival and you get asked, "Are you in anything I've seen?" I would simply say, "How would I know?" But with a smile so it's presented with levity. I think "rude" is a perception and I perceive it's "rude" of that person to ask. It's not my concern how others perceive me. However, I don't think listing the projects you have worked on is boasting especially if that person asked. Now if they are an industry person who is genuinely interested and not just making conversation, I would direct them to my website or IMDBpage.
4 people like this
Suzanne Bronson Yes, I would think an industry person should know better (and they were btw) which lead me to believe they were kind of trying to ruffle my feathers (to see how I work under pressure) knowing that there were people whom could literally change my life at the table... however I agree this question is not just poorly worded but it feels thoughtless as well, for example, I met a Barnes and Noble author on the plane heading to Cannes- but my very first question for her once finding out wasn't, "are you on any best seller lists?" because that would be crass. Same way when I met an NFL player player at Sundance I didn't say, "have you in the past or are you currently going to win the Super Bowl" that would be bizarre yet us actors/actresses have to deal with this ALL the time and it doesn't seem to go away even at the most professional events in the world for entertainment
5 people like this
Suzanne Bronson PS I love that, "how would I know" what they watch with a cheeky smile because it is kind of a cheeky question, could go either way depending on the person or their mood, so I like the playfulness of the response. Will definitely have to try something like that another time when it will inevitably happen again :P thanks for your reply!
6 people like this
Welcome! Having worked with you before, I already know you ROCK and will be a wonderful addition to the conversations!
5 people like this
Thank you Brandon Keeton lets see here I've been your Actress, AD, 2nd Unit Director, Sound, Slate, and for the next project in July will be assisting the UPM & Producing. Looking forward to shooting with you in PA again!
5 people like this
Hi Brittany Christine, welcome to the Lounge, and thank you for opening up such a real and thoughtful conversation right out the gate! It was such a pleasure meeting you at Cannes, and I’m so glad you’re here.
This is one of those industry moments that almost all actors face at some point, and your instincts are spot on. There’s a balance to strike between humility and confidence, especially when the stakes are high and the room is full of people you hope to work with. I’ve found that having a short, confident “highlight reel” answer in your back pocket helps steer the conversation while planting seeds of curiosity. Something like:
“I’m currently building momentum on the indie circuit—my recent lead in [Project Title] premiered at [Festival] and I’ve got two more features in post. Not quite household name status yet, but I’m definitely on the rise!”
You can also have a variation in your back pocket that shows your wider interest in building a career in this industry, which could excite potential reps with your multi-hyphenate potential. Something like:
“I’ve been focused on indie productions that allow me to spread my wings as a performer and learn as much as I can about filmmaking and producing. My most recent role was [Project Title], which premiered at [Festival], but I’m also producing a film that we’re shooting later this year.”
That kind of response not only answers the question with confidence, but also signals that you’re taking creative ownership of your career, and that’s the kind of energy that can really stand out, especially to reps and collaborators looking for talent who are also strategic thinkers.
4 people like this
Brittany Christine a warm welcome. Excited to have you be part of the team. I've been following you on Instagram ever since Cannes so I feel like i've had a sneak peak into your world. I just had a look at your bio and honoured to be moderating alongside with you and no doubt learning from you as I am pretty new to the acting game and industry. For that reason I'm not sure how to answer your question. I feel energised by what you and others say about it feeling a bit sneaky to be put on the spot like that, like they are trying to derail you. Looking at your profile, you seem to have plenty to talk about even without and Oscar win
4 people like this
Speaking of being put on the spot, your question Brittany Christine reminded of the question I always get at parties when meeting non industry people and I tell them I am an actress. "Can you perform a monologue right now?" Like it's a party trick. It's like asking a doctor if they can perform a surgery right now. My pet peeve. Y'all feel me on this one too.? I like Ashley Renee Smith answer of having what you are currently working on as a go to answer, instead of answering the actual thoughtless inconsiderate and sneaky question. I mean, can you ask them "Have you produced anything I've heard of?" Haha.
3 people like this
Pleasure to be here! Thank you Ashley Renee Smith those are great, I like that it's showing 1) the person is active in the industry currently, 2) have a resume they're always wanting to build on, 3) do not "fake it til I make it" prefer to make it then no need to fake it, and it even addresses why they may not be in anything mainstream yet- "independent cinema gives me more opportunities than Hollywood at the moment, so I'm enjoying receiving those and learning from them." That is all positive as well without putting someone's self down nor talking it up. I know personally, I would rather be happily surprised that someone is better than I imagined, than find out they "acted" like they had bigger credits or a bigger career. And would still definitely consider them a serious actor with all these types of responses. I hope reading these help others experiencing it too! :)
4 people like this
Alexandra Stevens thanks for the welcoming and for being friends on the gram! Stage 32 is awesome, I have heard about it for years and can't believe I hadn't joined til now! It was perfect timing because I had a little time between jobs and am wanting to hopefully get some more work through meeting people on the platform.
I also welcome you to the wonderful world of acting! But I warn you, it's super addicting! The longer the gaps between gigs, the more you value booking, the more bookings you get, the more you value better quality ones, the more you get better quality ones, the more you want to start creating your own like those too etc. It always keeps me on my toes. I'm excited to see your journey with it too, you never know what could happen
5 people like this
i totally get how that can be awkward! I think I'd just smile and say, Not yet, but hopefully soon! It keeps things positive and shows confidence without sounding arrogant.
4 people like this
Brittany Christine thanks for your encouraging words :)
4 people like this
Suzanne Bronson yah if someone were to ask me to perform a monologue at a social gathering I would have to say at that point, "oh cuz acting is a cheap party trick?" sarcastically and see their response. I have said before, "what am I a dancing monkey? What is this, dance monkey, dance?" and everyone laughed it off because I wasn't saying it rudely, I was saying it funny whilst making the person feel foolish for asking. The difference is I didn't want anything out of that person and they couldn't offer me anything, so if they're going to be weird, I can match energy easy, its just improv lol
4 people like this
Aya Elkhal wise beyond your years, thank you for reading and contributing to the conversation! PS I think it's so cool you are a member of stage 32 at your age, I started getting into acting around the same time as you and finding resources was more difficult because they always had to be in person with local acting groups or private teachers since there was nothing like this out there yet. So kudos for being curious and productive about the craft, this is a great way to research and study :D