Should You Ever Turn Down Work?

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Should You Ever Turn Down Work as an Indie Filmmaker? In this episode, award-winning indie filmmaker Kathi Carey breaks down one of the toughest questions creatives face: When is it okay to say no to a project? Whether you're an actor, writer, or director just starting out or trying to level up in your career, understanding when to take a gig—and when to walk away—can shape your professional trajectory. Drawing from real-world industry experience, Kathi shares the hidden costs of working for “copy, credit, and meals,” why saying yes to everything can actually stall your growth, and how to make strategic choices that protect your brand, time, and future opportunities. If you’re serious about building a sustainable career in independent film, this video is a must-watch. Subscribe for more insights, tips, and hard-earned lessons from the indie film trenches.

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00:01 -- Kathi asks the question: should you ever turn down a project? should you ever turn down work?
00:20 -- She says "yes" -- she explains.
00:55 -- Kathi talks about one of her own experiences as an actress where the meals were terrible
02:02 -- Kathi then recounts her first couple of jobs as a filmmaker
02:18 -- But then you move up (as an actor, writer or director) and the "favor" deals aren't interesting
03:52 -- She talks about moving up, specifically, as a producer
04:51 -- Kathi talks about the exception of doing a "passion" project
06:12 -- Kathi mentions how this factors in to attaching "name" talent
08:00 -- You need to be conscious of the fact that everyone is "climbing this ladder"
08:31 -- At what point do you make certain decision about what you will and won't do going forward?
09:24 -- Kathi has been grappling with this decision herself regarding shorts/features
10:26 -- If it's a project Kathi's originates, she will step back to see it through
11:20 -- Kathi is in the midst of putting together a feature and she talks about her strategy for the trailer (proof of concept) when the producer has cut the budget in half

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LINKS:
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