I recently offered a promising young actor a role and they turned it down, saying the pay was too little. Fair enough. Everyone has a right to know their worth.
But here’s what I wish more upcoming actors would understand:
> Worth is what you believe you deserve.
> Value is what you’ve proven you bring to the table.
And there’s a difference.
This actor is barely in their first year in the industry. Talented? Absolutely.
But established? Not yet. Can they carry a series? Deliver under pressure? Pull in viewership? Not proven yet. I get it, their more experienced actor friends probably told them not to take the gig. But those friends have paid their dues. They’ve done low-paying projects, background roles, free workshops and they have built value before charging top shilling.
So here’s my message to young, talented actors:
- Know your worth but don’t overestimate your value.
- Don’t let short-term money stop you from long-term opportunities.
- Sometimes, it’s about building your name and not your rate card.
Because here’s the honest truth from where I sit as a casting director: The industry is paying less, not more. Budgets are shrinking. And those who succeed aren’t always the “most talented” they’re the ones who understand when to say yes to growth.
So before you say “it’s not paying enough”… ask yourself:
- Will this role grow my reel?
- Will this get me into a new casting room?
- Will this build my reputation?
- Will this help me grow my value?
Sometimes the role is the reward.
Casting Director, Gerald Langiri.