How to know when to pass OR say Yes to a Film Project: Six questions we can ask ourselves to assess
The film industry is full of opportunities, but also full of decisions. As a creative professional, I am often faced with the question: Should I take on this project? I must admit, I want to do it all sometimes, but it’s not always the best choice. Whether you’re an actor, director, producer or crew member of some kind, each project brings its own set of challenges, opportunities, and rewards. But how do you know when to say yes? Here’s a breakdown of the key factors to consider before committing to a film project.
1. Do I WANT to Do the Project?
First and foremost, it’s important to ask yourself: Do I actually want to do this? Do you feel a genuine excitement or passion for the project? Sometimes, we say yes because we feel pressured, or because we’re afraid of missing out on an opportunity (FOMO!). However, if your heart isn’t in it, it’s going to be hard to give the project the energy and focus it deserves. And, this will also impact your quality of work that might hinder your partnerships in the future.
Is the story, project and content aligned with your personal brand? This doesn’t always have to be the case, but something that often excites and influences me to want to say “yes” is when a film is a perfect alignment with my values and BraveMaker’s vision. Is the role something that will expand my creative portfolio? Actors especially want to play exciting, new, challenging and different characters than they have in the past. Evaluating your desire for the role offered will help determine if you should pass or accept.
The film industry can be exhausting. You’ll likely be putting in long hours, dealing with tight deadlines, and facing unexpected obstacles. And let’s be honest, it doesn’t always pay great (we’ll talk about that more later). If you’re not excited about the project from the start, it could make those challenges feel like mountains instead of mere bumps in the road. So, before agreeing, take a step back and think about whether this is something that excites you on a deep level. You’ve probably heard this, “If it’s not a hell yes, then it’s a hell no.”
2. Does It Work for My Schedule?
We all have commitments outside of work—whether that’s personal time, other projects, or simply the need for rest. I have a family with three teen daughters and I work a lot of other gigs. Before I say “yes,” I need to ask myself If it works in my calendar. I am the king of packing lots of things in and it’s not always beneficial for me, my family OR my collaborators. So ask yourself if you can truly fit this film project into your schedule without stretching yourself too thin. If not, say “no!” Over-committing can lead to burnout, missed deadlines, and subpar work.
Be honest with the people asking you to commit. If you’re not sure you can make the time for the project, it’s better to communicate that upfront. You can always revisit the offer if your schedule frees up later. Respecting both your time and the production’s timeline is key to maintaining a healthy, professional relationship. It’s better to say no, than to burn a bridge. And it’s important to prioritize rest and self-care.
3. Is There Compensation?
While it’s true that many people in the entertainment industry work for free in the early stages of their careers (or many stages) or in passion projects, there comes a point where compensation becomes necessary. Film projects can be demanding, and your time and skills are valuable.
Before agreeing to any project, it’s important to know whether or not you’ll be compensated for your work. If the compensation is insufficient or nonexistent, you have to weigh if the experience, connections, or exposure are worth the trade-off. Many projects that don’t pay are beneficial because we get to build relationships with other creatives, get IMDb credit or just have fun for a day. Sometimes the “non-pay” perks are worth it. (I can be enticed with good food and good people as long as it’s a short term commitment).
I still do a lot of volunteering of my time as I’m trying to build my resume, because I LOVE this industry AND also I want to help others on their projects. For instance, if the project is a passion project that aligns perfectly with your long-term goals, you might decide it’s worth doing for free. But, if you’re financially depending on your work and the budget is nonexistent, it’s okay to politely decline. Also, we need to say yes because we have to pay our bills. There’s nothing wrong with that. I’ve taken many jobs that I’m not passionate about because they pay, my schedule is open and I know I could work well with the partners or clients.
And, most importantly if there is compensation, get it in writing. Avoid verbal commitments that are hard to keep track of or promises to pay that never end up materializing. Always have a deal memo that clearly states what is being offered.
4. Am I Good at What I’m Being Asked to Do?
Sometimes, the hardest part of accepting a project is being honest with yourself about whether or not you’re capable of doing what’s being asked. Do you have the skills, experience, and expertise needed for the role, position, or responsibility?
For example, if you’re a sound engineer and someone asks you to light a scene as a gaffer, it’s important to assess whether you’re up to the task. Being upfront about your abilities ensures that the production runs smoothly and that you don’t find yourself in over your head. I am a writer, producer, actor and director. I CAN do set design and wardrobe if needed. I can edit or DP but I shouldn’t (way too slow and not great technically). If something falls outside your skillset, it’s better to pass the project along to someone who’s more suited for the job, or to kindly let the producer know you’re not the right person for that specific task. Communication is key. I want to get better at ensuring that I am working roles that fit well for me, and not just taking jobs because I need the money (if there even is any) or because a friend needs me because they can’t find anyone else.
5. Do I See Myself Working Well With the Collaborators?
Collaboration is at the heart of any film project. You’ll be spending long hours with people, often under stressful conditions, so it’s important to ask yourself: Will I enjoy working with these people? Will the dynamic be positive and professional? Are the collaborators open to your ideas and respectful of your time and skills?
Sometimes, the desire to work with a specific director, writer, or crew member is enough of a reason to say yes, even if the project itself isn’t a perfect fit. Similarly, you might take on a project as a learning experience to gain valuable insight into the process of working with certain individuals. If you don’t personally know the person inviting you to collaborate, get references. Do research. Find former actors or crew who worked with this team previously and ask for honest feedback of their experience.
But if there are red flags—like difficult personalities, lack of communication, or poor treatment of others—it may be wise to decline the offer. Remember, you’re not just committing to the project itself, but to the people involved as well. I’d also encourage asking around for recommendations and feedback from others who have worked with your potential collaborator in the past. Ask them what are their strengths, how do they run their set, were there any concerns that you should be aware of. For me, trust is a very important value. Do I trust in my partners and do they trust in me. I believe if trust is there, respect will guide and grow a healthy collaboration. If there is any break or betrayal in trust, it will corrode a partnership and potentially ruin the project
Lastly, working with friends and family can also be very interesting. Have clear communication about expectations, compensation and schedules. I’ve seen many friendships be strained because working together isn’t the best idea. But when you and your friends communicate well and set proper boundaries and expectations with mutual respect, the partnerships can really soar.
6. Am I Physically Able to Do What Is Required?
Film sets can be physically demanding. Whether it’s hauling equipment, running for hours between locations, or working late into the night, you need to ask yourself if you’re physically up for the challenge.
If the project requires heavy lifting, long hours, or physically demanding stunts, make sure you’re in good enough shape to handle it. If you have physical limitations, it’s crucial to communicate that beforehand. If you’re an actor and the role requires stunts or intimacy, weigh the costs verses the rewards. Are you fully supported and compensated well to do so, with an intimacy coordinator, etc) Don’t be afraid to set boundaries—there’s no shame in saying that you can’t take on (or won’t do) certain tasks. After all, your health and well-being should always come first.
Conclusion: Choose wisely and practice saying “no.”
Saying yes to a film project should be a thoughtful decision. You have to figure out if it’s worth it and will benefit your creative goals. How many of these do you need above to say “yes?” All six? Five? Four? It’s not just about the opportunity in front of you, but whether the project aligns with your passions, schedule, skillset, and physical abilities. By carefully considering the factors above—your desire for the project, scheduling constraints, compensation, your skills, working relationships, and physical ability—you can make a more informed, confident choice.
Film projects come in all shapes and sizes, and sometimes you have to turn down great opportunities for the sake of your well-being and long-term growth. But when the right project comes along, and everything aligns, you’ll know it’s worth saying yes to—and you’ll have the energy and excitement to pour into it fully.
What are your thoughts? Would you add a question that I should consider when taking on a project? Let me know.
Email tony@bravemaker.com
This blog originated as a podcast, to watch/listen GO <HERE>