I had to fire someone today that wasn’t quite up to snuff… you would say. Here’s what I told the rest of the staff.
Okay, now to explain myself. I already ran things by Erik and he seemed to agree. Or maybe he was just drunk. I dunno.
But it was no secret that things between **** and I weren’t that great. But if being in the military taught me one thing, it’s to keep calm and work with people. Even if they’re the biggest of jerks to you. Now I can take it just fine if it’s JUST me, I can do the back and forth argument thing all day long. Even when our screening at PAX had to be axed, I still didn’t go nuclear. Though that would have been a huge thing for all of us.
However, when that lack of respects gets handed down to those working sound/actors/etc. Then we truly have a problem. The showing up late, the talking behind the back, the lying, it’s just not working when you do it poorly. Least don’t think I’m an idiot.
What really got me was an exchange we had about a month ago before I went to GenCon. He was late processing a scene which I’m pretty sure he hasn’t even done.
****: Why are you so nice to them?
Me: Who?
****: The actors?
Me: … I’m just treating them like human beings, trying to treat them well because that’s what I do. I’m not an asshole.
****: Why? They’re just actors.
Me: You can do what you like, but as long as you’re here, they’re your equals.
Pretty much convinced me then he’s not on my side, or any of yours. Even working with him the bit I did with the 48 Hour thing that he also kinda left people hanging on, it was the same way.
If you want to be the professional you sell yourself to be, just simply do your job. You don’t even have to do it that WELL just make that attempt. I’m trying to grow as a director, and you guys are all growing as actors. But I don’t see any of you pretending to be something you’re not. If you were I wouldn’t have you here.
Now I’m not going to go everywhere and completely trash him, even though he does deserve it. And I suggest you all do the same… but I’m not the boss of you all’s lives so do what you see fit. Some of you seem more vengeful than others.
I’m just wondering if I did the right thing. But I can’t have bullshit going on like this. It’s just MY fault for not doing so sooner you know.
That said, I think I won’t be getting a couple of those scenes back. But hey, you do what you gotta do. If anyone wants to discuss all this more I’m always around and I got a big ol’ bar of chocolate. So I’m here all day.
Wolfen Films 