HOW CAN I DEAL WITH PROBLEMS ON THE SET?

In a word, wisely. Before sharing a few examples, I feel compelled to say that the majority of on-the-set problems throughout the biz can be solved in a manner that any professional would be proud of. Some problems occur because producers aren’t always familiar with the kind of needs that dancers have for water, chairs, and warm-up considerations necessary for good work. In most cases, all it takes to remedy the situation, is a gracious, reasonable conversation with the 1st or 2nd A.D. If that doesn’t produce results, an equally gracious (and private!) call to one’s agent can. Notice, I’m not suggesting taking the situation directly to the choreographer, who is likely in high work mode, taking care of other critical issues.

The temptation to discuss the problem openly with cast members is a risky choice. Taken the wrong way, it can be inflammatory and get out of hand. Even when complaints are justified, real teamplayers avoid pointing fingers, choosing to take the high road instead.

The list of problems goes beyond the water, chairs, and warm-up considerations mentioned above. In my experience, I can add unreadable directions to the location, overlooked parking arrangements, inedible food, inaccurate recording of timesheets, unacknowledged hazardous conditions, and requests to sign contracts that don’t reflect what was negotiated.

One recent situation at Universal Studios involved 38 dancers who were booked for five days on a national commercial. As we rehearsed, unbeknownst to us, the producers was talking privately with our agents in an attempt to downgrade our contracts from “group-9” rate to extra rates. The agents stood firm, refusing to yield what had been negotiated. No screaming, no accusations, no fuss. If it hadn’t been for their strength of character and willingness to put the interests of the dancers first, none of us would have received the $20,000+ in residuals we were entitled to. To this day, most of the dancers involved don’t know that their agents did that. How’s that for heroic behavior?

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