In a recent episode of Behind the Now, hosted by Jenna Malatskey, audiences were given an insight into Hollywood with award-winning actor and filmmaker James Pratt. Pratt opened up on the business of Hollywood, the transformative role of technology in film, and his own journey from making a $200 short film in outback Australia to winning the Cannes Film Awards.
Tax Credits Affect Castings
One particularly intriguing aspect of the discussion was the influence of tax credits on casting decisions in Film and TV. Pratt explained that tax credits can play a significant role in shaping casting decisions, especially if you are auditioning for a role outside your local state or country, as they (the tax credits) can be as high as 40% or more for a production in some states and countries. However, qualifying for these tax credits often requires the production to utilize a certain amount of local talent, including crew, cast, and vendors. This requirement can lead filmmakers to prioritize casting local actors to leverage tax incentives, which can ultimately impact casting choices. “Actors are often left searching for why? Why didn’t I get that role after being pinned as the final 2 choices, said Jenna from her own personal experiences.
Embrace Challenges
During the discussion, Pratt and Jenna emphasized the significance of self-discovery as a catalyst for personal and professional growth, especially in Hollywood. Reflecting on his own journey, Pratt said the pivotal moments that led him to embrace his true passions were all connected to risk-taking and being able to understand that growth and learning occur when things are uncomfortable. “I knew pursuing my passion would require leaving Australia and exploring new opportunities, Pratt said.
Gratitude
Beyond the glitz and glamour of Hollywood is hard work, Pratt offered a reflection on the appreciation for being in a creative industry and even to be offered a chance to live in Los Angeles. “Just remembering how lucky you are is so important. People complain about so many things or how hard it is, but just to be given an opportunity to be in a creative industry means so much,” Pratt said.
Technological Advancements
Pratt and Jenna delved into the transformative impact of technology on filmmaking, from the array of technology now available to filmmakers to make their own content to the proliferation of streaming platforms. Once upon a time, filmmakers would need a million dollars just to make a movie good enough to be distributed. Now, technology and camera gear have meant you can literally shoot a movie on 50k and get it distributed.
Exploring the City: A Guide to Living in Los Angeles(Opens in a new browser tab)
The Future Intersects Creativity and Entrepreneurship
A recurring theme in the interview was the intersection of creativity and entrepreneurship in Hollywood such as whereby creative talents such as actors and singers can now embark on entrepreneurial ventures using social media and other platforms for artistic vision while also pursuing strategic business opportunities.
To listen to the full episode visit Spotify https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jenna-malatskey/episodes/James-Pratt-e2go6cr/a-ab1q252