The Back Story:
We have seen it many times before from athletes such as recently retired basketball player Shaquille O’Neil to former football players Jim Brown and Dwayne Johnson, athletes turning actors. Whether it’s making a small appears on a television show or a major role on the big screen. Athletes are making the transition into film not just because of the money, but for some of them it has been a long time dream coming true. When I sat down with a close friend of mine who has been in the film industry since the age of twenty. Nyjo Brennen an actor, film producer, songwriter, model, director, singer, and multimedia journalist. From the beautiful country of the Bahamas was raised in West Palm Beach, Florida and graduated from Florida A&M University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Broadcast Journalism. Some of Nyjo’s passed works includes his first documentary titled “Exodus To Beauty” with Co-Producer Courtney Sims. The documentary revealed the airbrushing, dieting, and hard work of the modeling industry. It featured supermodel Jada Collins and a slew of other talents in the industry. He has also starred in the 2006 TV pilot My Brother’s Keeper, where he played the character of Dallas Wright. Along with making his first director debut on the Florida Bureau of HIV/AIDS Awareness film titled “Voices: Love Exchange.” This film replaced the older version of sexual awareness videos throughout Florida and some courses in New York. As of today, Nyjo Brennen will be receiving a Masters of Science degree in Entertainment Business at Full Sail University. While working on producing and starring in several projects such as, Season 3 of My Brother’s Keepers and Talking with the Taxman About Poetry both created by Lamont Pierre.
The Crossover:
How does an athlete’s affiliation and status come into play in negotiating a deal for a film?
Nyjo: Well, we treat an athlete the same way we would any other celebrity, just because this individual is known for running a football or dunking a basketball. Doesn’t mean he or she isn’t good for the role. There is already a stigma attached to athletes; therefore, people are going to tune into see if this person can really act. With this understanding, during negotiations the athlete must recognize that this isn’t a one-man show; you are just one person in this entire cast. There are many actors including myself who premiere in films and have negotiated what is called deferred payment. Basically, when the film makes money that is when you make money. In many cases an athlete’s affiliation and status will come into play especially when figuring out how much money they would be paid. However, that depends on the financial budget of the film.
There are times when executives have reached out to athletes because they want names, endorsements, and fan base that comes with an athlete being in their film. Then players will have a good opportunity in receiving a good deal because they are bringing more revenue to the table. On the other hand, there are times when a player auditions and offered a role which signifies their crossed over into the acting world. Therefore, they are might receive the same treatment as a regular actor. For instance, if Chad Ocho Cinco stars in an independent film that the cast members signed a contract of defer payment. He doesn’t receive special treatment because he is Ocho Cinco and gets paid before everyone else-it’s not going to happen like that!
What advice would you give an athlete to prepare for a negotiating meeting in the film industry?
Nyjo: Athletes shouldn’t be too passive or aggressive. During negotiations athletes should used their affiliation and status to portray that he or she is passionate and assertive about the film. As far as the money goes, my advice to an athlete to receive the most bang for their buck, is to ensure that they are invested in the film. For example, if the player as no experience in the industry, they can negotiate in becoming an executive producer. The difference between a producer and an executive producer is that a producer is in charge of pre-production, production, and post-production. An executive producer is when a person gives money to produce the project. By athletes being an executive producer, it makes the process easier for them to transition into the film industry.
It was such a pleasure to interview Nyjo, I learned a lot about the film industry from him. As we were bringing the interview to a close, he left me with a food for thought. “Your acting is only going to be as good as the person that stretches you.” Similar to a coach and teammates, the director and the cast are individuals who are there to assist and guide each other for the benefit and success of the film. It is important to receive the best deal as possible, but remember that building a business relationship will last a lifetime.
The Sportsnista '95
References:
Gordonshumway. (2003). The Game Plan: A Primer. Retrieved June 19, 2011 from http://ladiesdotdotdot.wordpress.com/2008/01/23/the-game-plan-a-primer/
The 700 Club. (2011). Jada Collins: The Truth About Beauty. Retrieved June 18, 2011 from http://www.cbn.com/700club/features/amazing/Jada_Collins040508.aspx
