5 POWERFUL REASONS FOR DECLINING ACTING JOBS
- Heart Of Hollywood Team
- 3 hours ago
- 4 min read
By Aaron Marcus
I have always found it difficult to turn down acting and modeling jobs. Throughout my career, with nearly 1,300 bookings, I’ve turned down fewer than 10. This number does not include the ones I had to decline because I was already booked out.
That being said, there are times when saying "no" is necessary, and turning down an offer can actually benefit your acting career. Here are five important reasons why you might want to consider declining a job or audition, even when it feels like a difficult decision.
1. Your Image Is Being Used in Perpetuity
If you are offered a commercial job—whether a TV commercial or a commercial modeling project—and the company wants to use your image in perpetuity, it could create serious problems for you in the future.
When you sign an agreement allowing a company to use your image "forever," your face will remain associated with that campaign indefinitely. This could prevent you from working for a competing company or product for as long as you are in the industry. For instance, if you appeared in a TV commercial for a fast-food restaurant, you would need to disclose any potential conflicts before auditioning or working for a competitor. If your image is used in perpetuity, you may never have the chance to work for another brand in the same industry, which could cost you a significant amount of money in the long run.
I have only accepted two jobs with this type of agreement—one for a regional pest control company and another for a local hotel—because I didn’t think they would prevent me from working with national brands in the future.
2. You’re Already Booked
If you are already booked for another job, consider asking both companies if the schedule can be adjusted to accommodate both bookings before turning down the offer.
Alternatively, you might have planned a vacation or have other important commitments. In some cases, I have rearranged my schedule, even driving back from a vacation to complete a job before returning. However, there have also been times when I simply had to say no. Taking time off is important, and sometimes, declining a job is the best choice.
3. The Pay Is Too Low
Deciding whether to accept a low-paying job is a personal choice, and there is no right or wrong answer. Some actors refuse to work for less than 500 dollars per booking, and it’s perfectly reasonable to have a minimum rate as a guideline.
I never based my decisions solely on pay. There have been times when I drove long distances without being reimbursed for mileage, barely breaking even. My philosophy has always been that work leads to more work. Some low-paying jobs led to bigger opportunities because directors liked my performance and hired me for larger projects later. Additionally, a great “tear sheet” (a copy of a commercial modeling ad) can help secure future bookings. While I would never take a job that results in a financial loss, payment has never been my sole deciding factor.
4. It Could Harm Your Career
I was once offered a fantastic commercial modeling job for what I hoped would be a successful campaign. However, I turned it down. The project was about child abuse, explaining how kids need to be very careful, even around nice, friendly-looking people like me.
I thanked the agent but explained that at the time I was featured in several ads with children, and felt that playing a potentially harmful character would not be a wise business move.
If you are frequently cast in a particular type of role, you might consider avoiding jobs where you would play similar characters. It might be fun to accept different types that are more interesting and challenging. Personally, I am fine with being stereotyped. I just like to work.
5. You Feel Personally Uncomfortable
If a job involves dialogue, scenes, or a product that makes you uncomfortable or goes against your beliefs, it’s okay to say no. You can ask your agent if modifications can be made to the script or project, but ultimately, you should never take on a job that makes you feel regretful or uneasy. You never want to look back, feel horrible, and regret doing something that could haunt you forever.
ABOUT AARON MARCUS
Aaron Marcus, Actor, Model, Author, and Coach
Aaron Marcus has been a full-time actor for 40+ years with nearly 1,300 bookings. Perhaps you saw his scene with Tom Hanks (being saved at the train station) in the feature A Man Called Otto.
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