I don't usually feed in to drama or anything of the sorts, however I do feel the need to set the record straight in case anyone has been hearing from soar actors and one particular gentleman who represents actors here in Las Vegas.
Since I began in this industry, I have always used my OWN resources to cast my actors. Sometime back, a gentleman approached me who was interested in working with me by supplying me with talent he manages to come across here in Las Vegas. I met with him, was a very nice pleasant guy and decided to give it a shot.
The deal was, I'd compensate him X amount of dollars for each actor I used in my hardcore scenes in my films. During the course, I mentioned that some actors may need to audition before hand before they would be used in a film based on their ability to perform, etc. If any of these scenes were indeed used, both he and the actor would be compensated. All of these scenes never were hard core scenes, but solos, which if you see my films, I do NOT use. So, I made a deal that if these scenes made it to my website, or in a film later down the road, both the agent and the actor would be compensated. The amount of compensation for a solo versus a hardcore scene was never determined. Both the agent and the actor agreed to these terms. It was explained in great detail to each actor the terms of this agreement, all had no issues what so ever. Out of all the guys and scenes used, only 3 scenes have been used, all of which have already been paid to the actors and the agent.
Now, many months after scenes were shot of these solos that were referrals through this agent, that have NOT been used, I'm getting static from his actors and himself. Not dealing directly with me, but posting shit on blogs, my profiles, their journals, etc. Attempting to black list me, discredit me, etc. Why people choose these tactics over going to the source, is their lack of professionalism in my opinion.
I want it to be clear here and now, both the agent and the actor will be compensated as agreed, once those scenes are used in MY films and or on MY website. I maintain a list of every actor referred and know exactly what has been used and what has not. The most recent scene, which will be released at the end of March, where the actor has ALREADY been paid, his agent will receive his referral fee as agreed.
Also, let it be known that I have contacted the agent regarding this matter, and have heard nothing back, other than reading negative slanderous posts here and there.
I hold NOTHING in writing with the agent what so ever, and am a man of my word. Spite the shit he's said about me, he will be paid as agreed WHEN the scenes are used.
This can be a very shitty business, and I have worked very hard to be fair to the people that work with and for me, as well as my actors. If you're an actor looking to work with me, and have come across any of these people who feel wronged, be sure to contact more people, as I've worked with hundreds of guys over the last seven years. Sure there are going to be actors who have shit to say because well frankly, not every actor has the ability to make it in this industry as an actor, and want to blame someone other than themselves. Or quite frankly, we just didn't get along as that tends to happen as well. I don't deal with drama, it's my number one rule and when you're dealing with gay guys, sometimes it comes along. This is a difficult business to be in. Appearance is huge, but your personality and professionalism go way beyond that with me. I'll take an average looking guy with a great personality and professionalism over a fucking hot ass guy with a shitty attitude and huge lack of professionalism any day.
And that my friends, is how I roll.
Peace Out,
Afton
