This is entirely unrelated to my last post. As far as I know, the show I auditioned for a week and a half ago hasn’t done callbacks or finalized a cast.
Okay. So.
Casting for a TV show asked me to keep some dates open, because they said they wanted to cast me in their show.
Neat! I kept the days open, including rescheduling on other work that conflicted.
So they call us a few times to ensure I’m available … and then they just fucking disappear. They drop off the face of the Earth, and don’t make any effort to return our calls or get in touch.
A few days before the days I kept open arrive, I call the other job, which I had rescheduled, and tell them I’m available after all.
I start work on the other job. It’s really fun and I’m enjoying the process.
My manager and I are talking about something unrelated, and I ask him what the status of the TV show is. Like, did they push production by a week or two? Did they change their mind? What’s should I plan for the next few weeks? He hasn’t heard from them in a week, and since it’s two days into the week they asked me to keep open, we correctly presume the job isn’t happening this week. He calls them, and they tell him, “oh we cast the role with someone else,” and that’s it.
These motherfuckers repeatedly asked me to keep this week open, because they said they wanted to work with me, and then when they decide to cast someone else, they don’t even have the fucking courtesy and professionalism to get in touch with us and let us know that they don’t want to work with me after all. What if I had passed on this job this week? What if I lost the paycheck and the ephemeral, theoretical boost to my career that
It’s so fucking rude, so fucking inconsiderate, so fucking CONTEMPTUOUS of me and my team, I will *never* work for this show. I am nobody’s Plan B, and I have too much self-respect to give these fucking people the time of day if they ever deign to reach out to us again.
You know, Casting, it takes literally one minute to get on the phone or send an email and let us know what you’re doing. Roles go to other people all the time, and it isn’t a big deal. What IS a big deal is giving me and my team the impression that we’re going to work together, and then just fucking ghosting us when you changed your mind.
Actors are people, too, and we deserve the bare minimum of respect when YOU reach out to US about working on YOUR show. Sure, we don’t expect feedback on auditions (it would be nice, but we know you’re seeing 20 actors for each role, and maybe you don’t have time to deal with all of them AND make the deal with the person you cast) BUT! When YOU call ME and ask me to clear my calendar so I’m available for you, and then you just fucking ghost me, you are an unprofessional ass, and I don’t like you very much.
I used to take this shit personally, but I don’t any more. This isn’t about me. This is about an industry that is so far up its own ass, the people who cast actors have stopped caring about us as human beings, and treat us like disposable, interchangeable widgets they can pick up and throw away whenever they feel like it. It’s bullshit, and my heart goes out to all the actors who are starting out right now, and have to deal with this shit every day.
So sorry, Wil. I know it’s no consolation, but it’s not just show biz, I’ve been on plenty of regular job interviews where they acted exactly the same way. It’s just a lack of basic courtesy.
My wife, who’s been looking for a better gig for a good solid year now, has been ignored in the ‘professional’ sector on many occasions. I think it’s very sadly ‘generational’….KIDS THESE DAYS!!
Um, Dude, we don’t have high teir jobs. This is COMPLETELY the Babyman Boomers and Gen X’s rudeness. You all wouldn’t hand over the reins of power if you were being threatened by a Firing Squad.
Umm, this Gen-Xer always replies to people and sends thank yous and is more than glad at this point to hand off responsibility to someone else. Show me you can actually do the job and I’ll be happy to step back and do something less stressful that I actually enjoy so I can focus on things other than work.
In that case you -like Will are one of the great Gen Xer, and my comment was not aimed toward you. I apologize for making it too general that you saw yourself in it. I was referring to the people who won’t hire Gens Y and Z and then complain when we don’t spend money on things they make.
Dude.. you can’t be serious. I’m not seeing the /s but you are really going to blame this on the Baby Boomer/Millennial feud? (I could point out that Wil is neither of the above). It is NOT generational. It’s ‘business’ today. It’s society in general. Rarely ever do I get a reject letter no matter if I’m applying for a position at a ‘start up’ or an established, conservative business. Not even an email.. let alone a letter or phone call. Businesses don’t waste their resources being nice to the people that they don’t hire. It’s a combination of cut throat and limited resources. The HR department is just as understaffed as every other department because it’s all about the stockholders/owners not about the business (and certainly not about the employees) You want to whine about ‘generations’.. then whine about the fact that Ageism is rampant in America. Stop trying to feed the anti-Boomer/millennial trolls.
Now that said… I totally get why Wil is irritated. Just because it is ‘business as usual’ doesn’t mean it’s not RUDE. And twice as rude in this in this situation where they contacted him about the position initially.
I agree with the above, except we are Gen Y. ‘Millennials’ is a slur the Boomers made up, thus why I use the slur ‘Babyman’ Boomers for them. Is Will Gen X? He’s probably one of the cooler ones.
How is Gen Y and Millennials a slur? It’s the name associated with a generation, just like boomers and gen x. Call backs is not a generation thing, it’s just a standard business practice.
that is super fucked up. I’m glad you’ve gotten to a place where you know it’s there shittiness and nothing to do with you.
I love what you do. I love your willingness to be vulnerable in the public eye…I couldn’t imagine having the strength to be such a badass.
Not to turn the heat up on what is already kind of a boiling nightmare, (this is just an observation and I care about your well being), but what if this was the exact response they were hoping for? I’d hate to think that you played into their nefarious plans. What if some jack-hole, over there, made a bet with another of their very own private little jack-hole society that you’d write something exactly like this? I’ve knee-jerked before and burned myself for it…just saying. If they are, indeed, high five each other in an attempt to blacklist you for no other reason than to use this post as evidence to their stupid little plan…that would suck great flaming donkey balls.
He didn’t name the guilty party, so I doubt there will be any negative effect.
That’s utterly ridiculous and I’m sorry–not just for you but for all of the actors and other entertainment professionals who are dealt with this way. I can’t imagine what goes through the heads of people who do this.
Wil. It’s not just acting. It’s EVERY FUCKING INDUSTRY! It’s more a sign of the times than any industry’s failure to use ethical processes. There is so much age, gender and race descrimination it’s scary. I’m certain that the current state of politics has a lot to do with it.
Just keep your head up and, like you said, don’t take this shit personally. I sure don’t. Not any more. Maybe that’s one of the benefits of getting older. We’re less likely to compromise our principles and personal ethical standards.
It’s not just the acting industry. I am a teacher. We recently moved and I interviewed for several jobs. Most of the jobs I interviewed for didn’t even both to call me with a yes or a no. There was just: nothing. A month ago I did secure a job for 3rd grade math, which I am thankful for and excited to have. Yesterday, one of those no call schools contacted me and asked if I was still interested because one of their teachers quit. Negative, I am no one’s second choice.
Keep going forward, don’t look back, don’t sweat the assholes.
They never did care about actors as human beings. That is what women (and some men with predatory gays or reverse sexism) had to put up with the Me Too casting couch for- because nobody ever cared about actors as human beings, and thus saw “let me fuck you and you can have the role” as just another acting job.
I’m sorry, Wil. That should never happen because as you said, it only takes a second to make a phone call or send an email. Best of luck on your new venture!❤
Wow, that’s incredibly rude of them.
I know you’re not the type to name-and-shame in this sort of situation — which I absolutely respect — but I do worry that, since they approached you, it’s likely to be the kind of show I would want to watch. And I don’t particularly want to support a production that would treat people like that. If they did that to you, there’s a non-zero chance you’re not the only one. 🙁
Not asking you to violate any professional ethics or burn any bridges, but if you could drop a subtle hint at some point in the future to warn us off, that might be nice.
Doooood…Seriously uncool. I hope you don’t mind if I borrow “I’m nobody’s Plan B” for the hard days. I kinda like it.
The same happened to me, and I’m not an actor, but a teacher. Normally, if a school wants you, they interview you, and that’s it, you either got the job or you didn’t. One school interviewed me twice, then actually had me come in and interview a third time which included going into a classroom and teaching a sample lesson to real students. They then offered me the job, they just had a few things to take care of first. Great! I kept subbing, but quit my evening tutoring job in anticipation of not needing it any more—then nothing! I didn’t hear back for an awfully long time. Finally, two weeks later, I called and asked about my status, and they told me they’d restructured the department and didn’t need me after all. This without ever bothering to tell me! Thankfully, I was able to get my tutoring job back, but that left a really sour taste in my mouth. And that is certainly one district I will never even consider applying in again. So I feel your pain, man.
This happens all the damn time in any job application situation. Lots of companies are afraid to be found out hiring someone else based on any reason that might get them sued, they just say nothing instead.
you are absolutely right you make your living as an actor and a simple e-mail or text message takes very little time or effort . As an old fart i remember thank you notes,common courtesy and other politeness that has fallen by the wayside it takes no time and will be remembered .i always say thank you for any help or favor and always try to leave a tip if i can afford to . my mom always said to play nice and use your indoor voice
I’m so sorry you weren’t treated with the respect you deserve. It totally sucks. Gah!
That is utter forking bullshirt. Unfortunately I see it in my line of work as well. I am a Realtor & the number of times people schedule a showing on one of your listings & then just never show up is ridiculous. People are trying to sell their home. I’m trying to make a living. It’s fine if circumstances changed or the buyers decided they wanted something else. Just let me know! Sorry that happened to you Wil. I’m happy to hear it didn’t fork up anything with your other job. And it’s those ashholes loss bc you’re awesome & make anything you’re on 110% better. 💛
Their loss. Because whatever this show is, I’d have watched it if only because you were in it. I know you have too much class to say which show…
Woooow, they didn’t even have the balls to tell you to your face that they cast someone else?
That’s fucked up. So sorry, dude ❤️
You’re too good for their show anyways….
That’s a lot of poop. I’m sorry to hear you had such a bad experience. I wish people in your industry could be nicer.
Alas, as folks have said above, it isn’t just in your field. I interviewed with an HR department and heard nothing back. Later I found they had hired someone else. HR! They should have known better. Did Know better but just didn’t act on it.
Crock of shit Wil, You are a great person..They are the ones who came up empty not you.
As lots of others have said, it isn’t just your industry. Sad to say, professionalism doesn’t seem to exist much anymore. How hard is it to let someone know the job is filled or they didn’t meet qualifications or whatever? Yes, I get that the number of applicants can be large, but really? It really doesn’t make the potential employer look good when they can’t even respect applicants they have had on a string enough to let them know the status.
It’s happening to all of us, Wil. I live in Shanghai, and I know quite a few foreign actors who constantly hustle for roles in movies, TVCs, game mo-cap, etc… and you’ve basically just described every “agent” and production house that abuses us on a regular basis. No kidding. Professional courtesies of ANY kind are the exception out here. I’m very sad to hear (not only from you) that Hollywood is finally lowering itself to China’s level. Ah, well. Things were fun for a while. Maybe we’re simply the last of our kind, headed for extinction? No matter what, I’m reeeaaaalllly trying to go out with a smile on my face! Good luck to all of us dinosaurs!
Whenever I’ve read explanations from other actors that left the business behind, there seems to be a common theme. The lack of respect, dehumanizing the process, treating people like cogs in a wheel or on an assembly line, the judgments about appearance and the overall rudeness of the people in power, made them get off the merry-go-round. My question is does the industry attract dicks that were already that way, or do they adopt that attitude as a result of exposure to the horrible ones? I’m sorry they were so disrespectful to you.
Unfortunately this happens in corporate jobs as well. I had applied and interviewed for a job at a company. I called back a few times and was told, if they hire you.. they will call you. It was the Friday before the start date. I still was at my current job and was anxious, figuring that I was not hired. I did one last ditch effort and called them again. The receptionist told me “Oh, yeah…your hired. We’ll see you on Monday.
What if I had not called again? Plus that I had to leave a job without giving 2 weeks notice.
It’s rude and inconsiderate to treat people like this. While I am said at not getting to see you in this new show, I feel they really lost out. They also show they are not worth working with them.
Love and hugs to you and your family.
Unfortunately, this is a common theme.
And I am surprised that it is. Maybe it’s naive and I shouldn’t be surprised, but hearing about potential employers ghosting people (and having it done to me) is still surprising, discouraging, and hurtful every time. I’m sorry you have to deal with the shit, too. Nobody deserves it.
This should be one of the basics of respect that we give each other but is, unfortunately, lacking.
All we can do is try to lead by example, I suppose.
I’ve read the comments and I can’t add much to what was said. I’ll just say I love your work and I’ve met you and you are a wonderful person. You are kind to your fans and we enjoy our interaction with you. I am glad that you did not pass up the other job and miss the paycheck.
It seems to be the standard these days, unfortunately. I have even been told at the end of an interview not to call, because they’ll call me if I got the job. What? Am I supposed to wait by the phone? (Okay, I gave them my cell number, but still…) Lame.
Wow. That is some serious BS right there. if I thought there was a chance in Hades of it working, I’d be tempted to sue their butt for lost wages from heir show and the one that you “passed up”. Sorry this happened to you and sorry it happens to ANYONE.
I’m sorry, Wil. There is no professionalism in any field these days, and when TPTB exhibit such behaviors in casting or in how they treat the people who make them money, there is little or no justice. When they say “don’t call us”, they mean it.
It has been my experience that how an employee treat you during the interview tells you how they will treat you on the job. Sounds like the entertainment industry has learned that they don’t even need to behave in a civilized way even before the interview. Time for the entertainment revolution.
Wait until 8 months from now they send you an email stating “heeeyyyy, we decided to go a different direction but keep an eye on us for future opportunities…” Happened to me this very day. 8 months after I signed an offer letter with a better organization. Good luck out there.
Is the Actor’s Unintuitive in a position to punish them? If not, they should be. Meanwhile, you would be more persuasive if you found a more effective flavor of invective.
Your contribution is fucking noted.
It’s easy enough to point the finger outward, especially in such obvious situations, but what about ourselves?
I remember each and every time I and a bunch of friends were supposed to have a night out, only for me to show up alone, being the only one not informed of a change in plans. Yes, that circle of friends were jerks and I was a bit clingy, but I still was one of them, guilty of similar negligence, often thinking someone else would make the call.
And that’s what it is: Negligence. It has many other names, but it always comes down to that, no matter the context. Seldom is it a willful desire to do harm or give offense: It is being negligent to prevent harm or offense.
Be mindful of your interactions with others. Be the one who follows up, or does a mea culpa apology when failing to do so.
We’ll never be perfect, but we can always be better humans and more humane. Even after the fact.
It also extends to being proactive. For example, when a night out is made perfect by a server, most of us are content to tip them and be on our way. Don’t just tip them, really thank them. Get the manager and thank them both. Get your thanks across in every way that matters. It really makes a difference, especially to folks working hard on your behalf. Paid or not.
And that’s the bottom line: Thanking those who have helped us is the opposite of negligence. It’s not just good manners or courtesy. It’s about truly acknowledging one another. It’s a relationship, however brief.
People do this for EVER JOB INRI now. And yes it is bloody despicable. Just CALL US, SAY “The position has been filled” the end. It’s the most frustrating thing to fill out an application and be forced to put down your SS number, when you KNOW you’ll never hear from them and never be able to know if your application was disposed of properly, or who saw it, who has it now…
But if you leave off the number, to be given if they hire you, you risk then throwing it out for being incomplete. It’s ridiculous, appalling, and deeply hypocritical. If we’re not people, you- hiring manager – surely aren’t either. Having a job doesn’t magicly make you human.
I never fucking swear, but this is a situation where I fucking need to stand up and be fucking counted. That was so fucking wrong of them to do that to WIL WHEATON–or anyone. I’m so fucking sorry, Wil! Take heart! It’s isn’t about you! :)s
Argh. You’re absolutely right. Once they start the ‘hey, keep these dates open for us’ routine, it’s only simple courtesy to follow through to the end ESPECIALLY if they change their mind. They failed. You rock. Their loss.
This is, sadly, a common story among actors in Los Angeles, especially for actors not even of Wil’s stature. However, at my little company, my strict policy has been that if an actor takes the time and effort to read for me — which requires preparing the sides, driving across L.A., finding parking (!), being on time, and prepared to perform — then they get a personal email thank you from me if they didn’t get the part. I do not understand why ignoring actors after being invited to read is the standard MO in the industry. I agree that it’s shockingly unprofessional.
Isn’t that just how the entertainment industry goes? People show up for auditions or send in headshots and wait for callbacks? And wait…and wait…and wait. I know this from personal experience, working briefly in the television industry here in Dallas some 30 years ago. Granted, I know it’s not Los Angeles or New York. But it was – and to some extent – still a busy time. Unpredictable and chaotic, it was the proverbial “wild west” of the film and TV business.
Indeed, Will, your time IS valuable. I’m glad to know you don’t take these things personally. That would destroy your creative desires, and the people who run the industry will never notice. They’ll just move on to some other project and some other talent. People often forget the business part of show business.
Best wishes in your future endeavors, Will! Please, keep us updated.
What about common decency? Bottom line, more and more I find common decency disappearing from our world. I am outraged on your behalf!
So disrespectful! gggrrrr
Is it any wonder that films like “Map To The Stars” seem so believable? “Hollywood” for better or worse enjoys the same low regard as an entity or business as politics and the law. There are some wonderful, decent, generous people, but they seem to be the vast minority behind self-serving, self-loving egotists that make no bones over crushing the bones of anyone to get the upper hand.
That sucks, Wil. Some people just lack common courtesy.
Wow, that is horrible to hear! Sorry that happened to you and screw them! If they are going to be that shitty to you before you actually worked with them imagine how shitty the would be to work with? Perhaps you dodged a bullet there, sir!
This also isn’t much of a consolation, but this is very common in veterinary medicine as well! Apply for a job and then get ghosted, without even a courtesy call that the position is no longer available or that they’ve hired someone else.
I’m sorry you missed out on the role.
It’s not just show business, sadly. I set aside time for a telephone interview for a position in which I was very much interested … and was ghosted. I have sent out resumes and not even gotten an acknowledgment of receipt. I truly think that this is because people are now “human resources” instead of Personnel. Resources are things you use up, like copy paper or pencils. 🙁
Inconsiderate assholes are everywhere in every business. Assholiness runs rampant and I blame Trump for the exponential increase in the sheer volume of that behavior. Stay with those who appreciate you and fuck the rest.
Hi Wil. Sorry this happened to you. Like so many other people have said, this is everywhere now, not just show business. I have been ghosted many times. After struggling to find permanent work for over a decade in the gig economy, I finally found a place that appreciates my talents. Ironically all those places that ghosted me suddenly started calling me and I took great delight in telling them I wasn’t available!
I also keep seeing this exact debate playing out on LinkedIn. Job applicants have to jump through a lot of hoops and sacrifice a lot of time to apply for jobs these days. A quick email to update is basic common courtesy. But inevitably employers and hiring managers pile on and insist that treating people decently is too much work. I don’t buy that argument because I get more responses from computer systems when I have not been selected for an interview than I do for jobs I actually interviewed for.
tldr: I am a professional and I also keep a list of places I won’t ever work for again for the exact same reason.
I know it isn’t any consolation but employers outside the entertainment industry do this all the time. Recruiters and hiring managers are spineless the world over.
It happens in every industry. HR people are rubbish.
Acting is a horrible industry full of predatory sociopaths feeding off the aggressive ambition of solipsists. You have the talent to do other things. Be in a less dysfunctional place doing less dysfunctional things. I apologize for the bluntness of this message, but not the content. Rock on, awesome nerd-dude 😉
In what universe was this a helpful comment? Wil didn’t go in to audition for the role, he was told the people wanted him for it. And then those people ghosted him. Wil is perfectly allowed to be pissed about that. And I don’t recall hearing him solicit strangers’ opinions of his career choices.
In this universe, actually.
It’s quite helpful as I’ve been following WW’s career for likely longer than you’ve been alive and I’ve been down paths he’s never been down due to age, wealth, and the bizarre vagaries of life.
1.) Wil is a neat person.
2.) Acting is a shit profession.
3.) He can do anything he wants because he’s sharp AF and has the love of a good woman.
But let us not be opposed. I’ll be clear: I live for a world in which Wil Wheaton runs Twitter and Angus Young runs Paramount and WW Hodkinson, Jack Dorsey, JJ Abrams, & and M.Zuckerberg all run cash registers on the night shift.
Use your coping skills – seriously. I have no argument with you. One chat over the drink of your choice would reveal as much.
I’ve been following WW’s career for likely longer than you’ve been alive
Nope.
“He can do anything he wants because he’s sharp AF and has the love of a good woman.”. You have just confirmed my mantra. Thank you netizen!
You should not be allowed to watch anything any actor has worked on if your going to shit on other people’s dreams THAT hard. Please go back to screaming at people to get off your lawn and stop asking your grandson to fix your computer. The world need less dream killers and more dream makers.
Ahahaha… you’re funny. You’re also a bit of an authoritarian and just a tad emotional, but you’re funny, and that’s a good thing. Humor is wonderful and benefits us all. Anyway, I wish you a nice day.