As a producer, a big part of my job is to say “no”

Talent agents, writers, directors, line producers, lawyers, actors. All focused on getting the magic three letters to come out of my mouth, “yes”. But the word “no” is what they most often hear. 

• “Can my client have a Most Favored Nations deal?” No.
• “Can we shoot for one more day?”  No.
• “Do I have even a modicum of talent, and could ever possibly work consistently in this industry?” No.

Now, by nature, saying no to people doesn’t come easily to me. I’m a bit of a people pleaser, and kind of a pushover. In fact, I find myself with a list half an arm long of political ways to say no, rather than just say it because I have such a hard time with the word. 

• I’m afraid your client’s stature in the industry just doesn’t warrant equal pay and backend.
• An extra day of shooting will mean that we have to drop down in the amount of two camera days we have, and I know that’s a priority for you.
• No. 

Now, I know the first two of those sound like me playing politics with my words. But truly, it’s the difficulty I have with telling people “no” directly that leads me to the phrasing. And as for the third, there are way too many talentless people trying to be in the industry for me to say anything else.

The propensity within me to be a softie who makes everyone happy is why when I get to say yes to something major, it means even more. This week, we made a deal with a relatively unknown actor to be the second lead in the film. It was really one of those rare times where someone walks into a room, and everyone: producers, director, casting director, other cast; just KNEW he was the guy for the role. 

And it really was the best call I’ve gotten to make all week. Closing the deal with his agent, and being able to say emphatically and without reservation, “yes!”