I was offered a part in a short film dealing with abortion, and I turned it down because it seemed like a message film, and I didn’t agree with the message. It feels weird to turn down work.

Part of me thinks I made a mistake, but I think it's good to have principles.

It's the difference between an artist and an actor. An actor gets hired, does his job, and collects his paycheck. The vast majority of working actors fall into this category, and there's nothing wrong with it. It's not a bad life if you can pull it off.

An artist, on the other hand, cares about what he's putting on the screen. He understands the power of film, and understands the influence it can have, and is very specific about what he's involved in.

Neither one is better than the other, and you very well might make more money if you just go after what pays the bills. But the choice you made is the choice of an artist, and whether the message is right or wrong you ought to be proud of yourself for taking a stand like that.

Thanks Jon_K. I've been replaying the phone call in my head the last couple days, and part of me though I'd goofed-up. I feel better now.

And should you "make it big" someday you will forever be tied to this project which may not be a good thing if it's a message film and you don't believe in it's message.