Question for you and this has just happened to me. About 5 weeks ago I was offered 6 days work at a local studio. The 6 days work was over 6 weeks so 1 day a week for 6 weeks. I got the work via a contact that I made while working at another studio about a year ago and the two guys I'm working with have gone out of there way for me on this job. BUT (and it's a big one) With 2 weeks left a get a call from a gaffer I like working for offering me 3 weeks work up in Manchester and the dates clash!!! Now I rang the LD and asked if I could drop off the last 2 days, even found a very good replacement which wasn't accepted. The LD tried to find a replacement for both days but couldn't and said I could walk but I probably wouldn't work at these studios again. To give you some idea money wise, 2 days left at the studio is worth about £440.00, 3 weeks in Manchester worth about £3k!!!! Should I stay or go????
You should stay. Your ethics and reputation are on the line.
Well I did stay in the end but it was a very close call. I asked around some friends in the industry and they were split. Some said I should stay because of my reputation, it being very close to me and being a good little number. Others said I should walk away because I asked the right way and they should know the score when it comes to working as a freelance spark and the difficulty getting jobs to line up. Finished the last show last night and was told theres a very good chance of another series starting in a couple of months and of another project that was due to start in a month or so and I'm in with a good shout of both. Let's hope the long game is paying off!!!!
tottally agree with Jessie, being an artist is hard hard hard hard!!!!
An old Chinese proverb: "A single spark can start a prairie fire." There is no right or wrong, only consequences of choices. If it feels right in the heart you are on the right track. Like a spark igniting a prairie fire your momentum builds regardless of which way you go. Your passion and integrity has shown you the way. Well done.
and isn't the choices we sometimes want for our characters, my Dad used to say the problems we have are because of the choices we make, our characters stories and troubles are what we're about!! Cheers!!!
You are a freelance artist and must go with your gut instincts as I say there is no right or wrong just consequences. Bottom line is if you are committed to a project you made the choice for a reason see it through good or bad get the learning and make your next choice based on the value you set for yourself, and not just getting the gig. Given that you have showed loyalty in this instance gives you a better showing for future opportunities- I think the studio will respect you saw it out. Other great things will be coming up for you. Keep your optimisim and passion high...Weigh up the opportunities as they come in- Choose- See it through- Learn- Be proud and on with the next step of your journey- Can't go wrong it's all experience.
Go with your gut instinct. At the end of the day, money isn't everything, but the connections are. You don't want to burn bridges, but you need to be true to yourself and the people you really want to work for. Good luck, hard decision, but no matter the choice you make, don't feel guilty about it. Right or wrong, it is your decision.