Performers Overview
Performers entertain audiences. They may inform or educate them, move them to laughter, or to tears. They contribute their various skills and talents to a variety of genres, including Film, Television, Theatre, Radio and other media. Professional Performers are trained, paid for their work, and must fulfil their contractual obligations, as opposed to amateur performers who take part for fun, and without payment.
Personality is central to Performers' roles; they need to be able to relate to their audiences, and involve them in their performances. All Performers should be able to work effectively as part of a team, and must be aware that others contribute to the success of their work. They need to be able to build successful, professional relationships with others in the technical and support teams, and to interact effectively with fellow Performers.
They should also be aware of the pressures involved for all those who work on film or television sets, and be sensitive to their requirements. They must be flexible and adaptable, as scripts, schedules and locations may be changed at very short notice. They should be punctual and good timekeepers - any time wasted on a production can cost considerable amounts of money.
As their day may start very early in the morning, and last until late in the evening, they need stamina and resilience. Performers must also be patient, as they may have to wait around for long periods of time, without losing their motivation, e.g., while the set is being dressed, or until the required lighting conditions become available on location.
At the beginning of their careers, Performers may have to take responsibility for negotiating their own contracts with Producers, etc. As their careers progress, they may be represented by an Agent, but they must still ensure that they negotiate the best deal with the Agent. They should be aware of the standard working terms and conditions which have been set by Equity, and which cover the industry.
As they are self-employed, they must be able to manage their own finances, or appoint an Accountant to take care of them. They also need IT skills, in order to keep their CVs up to date, to communicate with their Agents and others, and for self marketing - they may have their own websites, and should know how to create, manage and update them.
As even the busiest Performers may be turned down for work at some point in their careers, they must have the strength of character to cope with that rejection. For a fortunate few Performers, the rewards can be high, but for most it is a precarious way to make a living.
All Performers should have an understanding of the production process.
Personality is central to Performers' roles; they need to be able to relate to their audiences, and involve them in their performances. All Performers should be able to work effectively as part of a team, and must be aware that others contribute to the success of their work. They need to be able to build successful, professional relationships with others in the technical and support teams, and to interact effectively with fellow Performers.
They should also be aware of the pressures involved for all those who work on film or television sets, and be sensitive to their requirements. They must be flexible and adaptable, as scripts, schedules and locations may be changed at very short notice. They should be punctual and good timekeepers - any time wasted on a production can cost considerable amounts of money.
As their day may start very early in the morning, and last until late in the evening, they need stamina and resilience. Performers must also be patient, as they may have to wait around for long periods of time, without losing their motivation, e.g., while the set is being dressed, or until the required lighting conditions become available on location.
At the beginning of their careers, Performers may have to take responsibility for negotiating their own contracts with Producers, etc. As their careers progress, they may be represented by an Agent, but they must still ensure that they negotiate the best deal with the Agent. They should be aware of the standard working terms and conditions which have been set by Equity, and which cover the industry.
As they are self-employed, they must be able to manage their own finances, or appoint an Accountant to take care of them. They also need IT skills, in order to keep their CVs up to date, to communicate with their Agents and others, and for self marketing - they may have their own websites, and should know how to create, manage and update them.
As even the busiest Performers may be turned down for work at some point in their careers, they must have the strength of character to cope with that rejection. For a fortunate few Performers, the rewards can be high, but for most it is a precarious way to make a living.
All Performers should have an understanding of the production process.