Battle of the Egos
It’s not easy to make it big in showbiz. Whoever aspires to be an actor has to confront, and sometimes comply with, inflated egos of those who call the shots. Then there will always be colleagues consumed by envy. If you’re lucky, you can escape all of that. But usually, that’s not how things pan out.
Young actors, debuting into film or television, often learn to address their lines to mere air. In scenes where they are acting alongside veteran actors, the latter often choose to take a break after having said their lines. The camera now focuses on the debutante, who has to pretend to be talking to a character that is no longer there to give cues. Often they fumble, looking the wrong way and hardly appearing convincing.
On other sets, the make-up man is the most-coveted entity. The hair and make-up for an actress can go on for hours, while the other one seethes and fumes. When finally the make-up man turns to the other actress, she retaliates with an even longer styling session. Inevitably, the entire shoot for the day gets delayed while the co-actresses lock horns over egos.
Film and TV drama shooting locations can be highly-charged political battlefields with younger stars vying for attention
“Politics are rife, especially in productions that are small-scale or that are helmed by new, inexperienced directors,” observes director and producer Wajahat Rauf, speaking from his extensive experience in working for TV as well as film. “It is basically the director’s job to maintain a firm hand and keep the actors in line. I certainly do so.”
More often than not, though, film and TV drama shooting locations are highly-charged political battlefields. Dissent varies from petty fights over make-up and wardrobe to ‘camps’ being created, where one group gangs up against another. Schoolgirl tactics are common in a quintessential Mean Girls way. One actress won’t get ready if the other isn’t or wardrobe changes may be demanded at the nth hour. The poor director, trying to keep the aforementioned firm hand, often ends up with an inconsolable sobbing heroine or diva who is too miffed to work for the rest of the day.