Ask Mr. Pirro
AN ULTRA LOW BUDGET FILM PRODUCTION COMPANY
Feature films, music videos, trailers, commercials, etc.
AN ULTRA LOW BUDGET FILM PRODUCTION COMPANY
Feature films, music videos, trailers, commercials, etc.
Hi Mr.Pyro this is Taylor and Jasira film majors at purchase college and we have recently discovered your body of work, currently working our way through the movies, so far we have rectuma, the god complex, the curse of queer wolf, rage of innocence we have a few questions for you. What were your original aspirations as a young film maker, and how did that change throughout the course of the films you produced and directed and are your proud of the body work you have made? Our second question is how has your Relationship with your recurring actors developed… Read more »
Hi! I was just wondering if you had any thoughts on the chance of My Mom’s a Werewolf getting any kind of HD restoration or special edition? I realize somebody else wound up directing that film, but you still wrote it, and I’d love to see a high quality scan of it with a commentary by you one day.
PIRRO REPLY: I have nothing to do with that film, so I couldn’t tell you.
Hi! I’d like to know if you have any information on the current regulations as to going back to being a full SAG member once you’ve gone FiCo. I know that a couple of years ago you had to go in front of a committee and then they would decide whether you’re let back into the union as a full member. But I keep reading different answers to this question and i also feel like SAG has been changing these regulations over the past couple of years back an forth. Any ideas on the current status? Thanks!
Hi there, Mark! I’ve got two questions for you about SAG Fi-Core. I’m terribly sorry if you’ve already answered these. 1. Could you please tell me the full information I’d need to go SAG Fi-Core? IE, what address to send the Fi-Core request letter to, what the letter should say, what information it should include, etc. I’d just like to make sure I’m doing it right, so they can’t pull anything on me. “Well, you didn’t sign and DATE this, so it doesn’t count! :P” 2. Let’s say I’ve already worked on a non-union TV show as a SAG member,… Read more »
Hey!
Thinking about going Fi-core but have a couple ‘O questions. I am sometimes asked to do SAG extra work here in Philly and when I’m called, the casting director asks for my SAG ID # ahead of time. Will they know from this that I am fi-core? I am assuming I will get paid a union wage either way, correct? Also, do you think it wise to join AFTRA after I go fi-core? Would AFTRA know I am fi-core by submitting my paperwork? Thanks.
Hi again – and thanks so much for the info. This board is so helpful and informative. I have a couple other questions at the moment: 1. Is it possible to join a calling service if one is AFTRA Fi-Core? I mean, would they not take you on b/c they think you are a “scab” (which I’m not, I just made a dumb rookie mistake by joining too soon) or do you never even have to advise them of your Fi-Core status? I would think you would have to advise them, otherwise they would assume that you could NOT be… Read more »
I recently made the mistake of joining AFTRA too early. I don’t have enough experience and now I can’t even work non-union background. I may never work again. What is the process for going Fi-Core in AFTRA Los Angeles? Who do I address the letter to?
Thanks for any info you may have!
Thought you and the other fans might be interested in this article I found about an actor who has gone fi-core. http://bighollywood.breitbart.com/ggraham/2010/10/05/the-hollywood-lock-step-why-i-quit-the-screen-actors-guild/#more-401369
I know you may have already said this in a million different ways, but if I am fi-core, will I have any trouble getting hired on major network TV shows? These are the majority of part I audition for. Also – I plan on keeping SAG on my resume. How would the network even find out I was fi-core if I was cast in a part.
I have heard that you need a letter to send SAG requesting o go Fi-Co. Is there any links you can point me to this form letter so that i can use it? I don’t want to skimp on sending the appropriate information. Thanks
Wondering if there is any way to contact Bobbi Dorsch – she is an old friend with whom I have lost touch. any e-mail address??
Can a TV reporter who needed to become aftra to be able to work at the station, decides to go Financial Core, can he? Does he need to let the station know? Or this is something private between aftar and the talent? Once your aftra, and go go from full member to Core does it affect the reporters status at the station? being Financial core still mean being Aftra? Thank you
I joined SAG three years ago.
Now considering fi-core, but don’t have agent yet.
If I fi-core first, what do I tell potential agencies when I contact them for representation? SAG or SAG-eligible or Fi-Core?
Thanks very much!
A friend of mine and I were talking the other day and made mention of “Buford’s Beach Bunnies.” So I went looking for full length, un-cut copies and couldn’t find any anywhere. I came to your website and notice you make mention of it, but don’t sell it. What gives? If it all possible I’d like to purchase two copies of the full length, un-cut movie for my friend and I. Thanks.
Best holiday present I received was “The God Complex” on dvd
Mr Pirro, thank you for your time. I am an Indie Filmmaker from AZ. I was writer/producer of an 1800 dollar farce comedy that we have recently distributed through a small distributor with mostly online outlets. Tell me sir about effective indie self distribution. I have had friends who have been distributed through major houses and have waited years to see any money, though their film is now everywhere. I have also seen smaller distributors who who sell by way of online stores like amazon and dvd universe, barnes and noble etc. I call these “no relationship” outlets because it… Read more »
I have heard sag is going after actors doing non-union work. I became sag and aftra from doing back ground over 15 years ago. I now want to act, but the only people who will hire me are non-union. Can I go fi-core after I get the job or do I have to do it before?
fc question|I went Fi-core and the local SAG office sent me a letter saying I had to take my “SAG” status off of my Agency pro profile (a website database listing with a casting company.) I don’t want to and I think that they can’t make me. What can they do to me? This particular casting company likes me and does not mind that I am Fi-core.
With regards to the book that you wrote about film-making, is the title of the book Mini Motion Picture Making? if not what is the title and is the book still in print?
what’s up with getting deathrow gameshow on DVD??? i’ve owned like 2 different copies on vhs, and they’re nowhere to be found, aka claimed by other friends.i would like to buy the DVD, is that available?? count me in ha
Hi Mark! I worked with Dan and Rick here in the city. I’m some of the people on God’s monitors.
I was wondering if I could get a copy of the movie. or if you might be showing it in the city soon. The trailers look AWEsome. I’m proud to be in it. Jody Frandle
Hey Mark – it’s the token Canadian checking back. Polish Vampire in Burbank is still WAY better than Lawrence of Arabia. I’ve lost your email address and mine has changed as well.
Wondering if the full moon shots in Queerwolf are stock footage?.I think one may’ve been stock and the other may’ve been a lamp? I’m shooting a werewolf movie on super 8 and wondering how to pull off the shot. Thanks!
Hi, I played Jesus in “The God Complex”. I had a great time, thank you for casting me. My question is: will you please hire me again at some point? I’ll try and do my best to get you some great directing gigs. 🙂 Thanks, DK.
any idea on when the god complex will be out on dvd? Also I had a Nudist colony of the dead party last night. Great Success!
How can you make a feature film on $500.00 budget?
The union claims that was once you go Fi-core, you can’t put “SAG” on your resume or other materials. Is this just a scare tactic? How could they actually stop you from doing this? When I go on a union audition, I like to have SAG on my resume.<
Thanks for the reply 🙂 I PA a lot for producers so I see what you mean, but it appears that the industry doesn’t take you seriously if you’re not a member of a union, like you’re an amateur despite your extensive work. Do you ever come across such mentalities? If so, how do you prevent it from affecting you professionally?
Hi Mark 🙂 Just curious: are you a member of the WGA, DGA, and/or AMPTP? Why or why not?
I AM A STUDENT FILMMAKER AND I PLANING ON SHOOTING A FEATURE FILM BEFORE I GRAUATE WHAT IS THE BEST GENRE TO START WITH?<
I love Nudist Colony of the Dead, I recently found it and fell in love with it. I am a recent graduate with a theatre degree and was wondering if you would mind if I gave a crack at writing a theatrical version? I totally understand if you say no. Thanks for your time 🙂
How wide spread will the god complex be? Will I be able to see it in theatres? Online?
I know this is a broad question, but how would you recommend getting my film out there and actually turning a profit. Also, Mike from Pleasanton and I plan to make a trip to southern California after the film is completed. Would you be interested in meeting up for lunch? We’d love to chat with you. I can remember watching Death Row Game Show at Mike’s way back in the late eighties- he’s a loyal fan, and so am I.
I’m currently in post-production on my first feature- a movie made after your own heart! When it’s finished, would you mind taking a look at it and suggesting any distributors you think might be interested?
how many outtakes do you have of beano burping up the spaghetti in deathrow gameshow? do you still have an outtake reel of that show?
Hi, Mark, I am currently seriously considering becoming F-Core, and I still have one question left to be answered. I appreciate your input in advance. *** When you become F-Core, you still pay the dues, but you don’t get the SAG card mailed to you? I have not been asked to show my card in the past, except one time I saw a breakdown (internet) the actors need to state the color of current SAG card, to verify you’re a paid-up SAG member. Are there any possible problems on not having a CARD when you audition or work?
I was watching Behind the God Complex online and noted you were using a consumer camcorder to shoot. What camera is it? Does this pass television broadcast standards? Are you shooting a filmlook 24fps if the camera is capable?
I am in need of work and wonder about going fi-core. If I do this, can I ever go back to being just a sag member?
Mark,
You’re fantastic for answering all of these questions. I am in preproduction planning on a pico-budget project and have a question related to talent. I read on your site that God Complex took a year to shoot. My project may have a similar extended production schedule. One of my concerns is the availability of actors over such a long time; paid or otherwise. You know people die, move, get real jobs, etc. Any advice for mitigating this risk?
Thanks in advance. When we win an Oscar I’ll say “Mark Pirro taught me everything I know”
I am considering going SAG fi core. What do i put on my resume? I kind of feel a little vague.and am scared to put fi-core on it. How many people would you say are going this route? Will i have a hard time getting big union jobs if i go fi-core? To be honest, i am a little scared. Are there name actors who have done this? Do you know of people that have advanced their careers to the next level by switching to fi-core? Thanks for your help and this message board! Just want to make sure i… Read more »
I need help, my son is 12 and he is in SAG. He has been not getting even an audition or bookings. Since he joined Can my son at his age join the SAG Core???
I just wanted to drop you a quick note and tell you that I LOVE Nudist Colony of the Dead. It’s one of my new favorites and I can’t help talking about it to people I know.
Hey Mark, I’m non-union right now but thinking about going fi core once I’m eligible for AFTRA and SAG, but this decision is mostly because I hate politics and don’t want to be funding the factions with in the unions when all they seem to be doing is bicker all day and royally screw up negotiations with AMPTP. My main concern with Fi Core though is its long term effects: if eventually there are more FiCore members than there are actually members, won’t that hurt actors in the end? The lack of unity might allow AMPTP to pay actors in… Read more »
Mark- I haven’t talked to you for some time. I was one of those guys who used Super 8 cameras until they broke. I have recently shot a promotional video USING VIDEO! Check it out and tell me what you think. Most people think I used film. It’s on youtube: “Tiffany Stone Private Investigator”. -Jim
Hi, I sent my certified letter requesting financial core status and current SAG card to Sally Tich at the Screen Actors Guild on Feb. 5. I have not heard anything form them. Today is the 12th. I am still able to log into the SAG web site which I should not be able to do as a Fi-Core member. I’m wondering how long it normally takes them to respond or show any indication that they recognize to my new Fi-Core status. The post office tracking states the letter was delivered on the the 9th. I will feel easier when I… Read more »
Mark,
Are you presently accepting query submissions? My latest is in line with your body of work. Thanks!
I have the ‘Nudist Colony Of The Dead’ soundtrack cd (is it out of print?), but I have no idea who sang the title song. Who did the vocals, if you please?
I am SAG and AFTRA and am seriously thinking about going Fi-core. I also do a lot of theatre work, and have not yet joined the theatre union, Equity, though. I am eligible to join it since it is a sister union, but am not quite ready. If I decide to go Fi-core, do I ruin my ability to cross-over to Equity later, since I will not be a full Sag/ Aftra member anymore?
Mark, I am a current paid-up member of SAG and am considering going Fi Core. Will I keep my SAG member number if I am still paying dues even though I have to return the card?
Hi quick question, I live in Florida where it would financially benefit me greatly to go Fi-Core BUT, my concern is if I move to a major market like LA or NY what are the draw backs? in Reg markets it would seem an appropriate move, but in a larger market what could i face (negatively) regarding my fi-core status?
Hey Mark. How are you these days? I am relocated in Asheville, NC. Would love to have an update on your goings on
Whatever happened to Michael Palazzolo?