While Hollywood is not known for being a spiritual community, in fact quite the contrary; it has a reputation of fickle, immoral, soullessness; it does indeed have at least one thing in common with religion, or shall we say—spirituality. What that commonality is, is the false notion by many that its highest attributes, in this case—stardom, and in the case of the top pursuit of the height of spiritual practice—enlightenment, should be free. Let us explore this parallel more fully.
As a talent manager, in addition to other areas of my work in Hollywood, I used to see literally thousands of aspiring actors, models, bands, and singers pursuing a career in entertainment in Hollywood. For some strange reason, perhaps nothing more than some misguided notions by uneducated actors, or perhaps myths perpetuated by competing agencies, the untruthful idea was put forth long ago, that if one wanted to be an actor, then the agency would pay for everything for them; particularly their photos needed to take to castings, called headshots. This was a lie. In fact, looking at the history of most supermodels from the 80’s and 90’s for example, one can discover that many of those models did in fact have to pay for their own portfolio book; their collection of photos to demonstrate their best looks to potential bookers.
Some models who were signed with big enough agencies and were fortunate enough, would have the money advanced to them for the cost of their photos, but then would have to pay back the money from their first job. Only the biggest agencies could afford to do this, and the smaller, less profitable agencies found that when they tried to do this, they soon went out of business. Even many of the larger agencies later stopped this practice and required the models to pay in advance for their photos.
The same is true of actors. Crazily, countless actors show up to Hollywood expecting agents and managers to greet them with bouquets full of roses, rolling out the red carpet, and offering them contracts, begging to sign them. Those that actually expect something like this most likely were told their whole life as children and growing up by their parents, family, and friends that they were the greatest, most beautiful, most talented creature in the world. In reality, they were most likely nothing special as far as the industry of Hollywood is concerned. And so, when the agent or manager told them they needed to lose a few pounds, hit the gym, get some new photos, get some proper vocal training, get in an acting class, or worse—try another agency, they would often become livid. They may scour the internet and find how if they are asked to “pay for pictures” or told to pay for anything, run! It’s a scam! In what other industry would you try to start a career in, and expect everything to be free?
Most doctors go into debt for years paying for costly medical school. Attorneys do the same. But yet most actors and singers expect to be paid even more than doctors and attorneys, even expecting millions of dollars overnight, and expect their agent or manager to make them world famous, and they often expect it all free. This is insanity. We live in pseudo capitalist society. Hollywood is capitalist. Everything costs money. And if the actor, model, band, or singer does not invest in themselves, then chances are, no one else will—usually. Sure, sometimes a young model or talent can get fortunate and get some lucky breaks of one investing in them a bit, but overall, it’s not going to happen. Everyone has to put—as the saying goes, “skin into the game.” That’s a saying in the producing world that refers to the producer putting some of money—if even in the form of “sweat equity” into the deal first, before asking for something from others.
In similar ways, certain churches, temples, spiritual centers, or metaphysical groups or practices often find themselves in the same predicament. They are criticized for “charging” or asking for money or “donations” for spiritual dispensation, or in some cases, as some are harshly condemned for, “charging money for enlightenment!” At face value, this may sound like a terrible thing. But is it really? Enlightenment is defined by vocabulary dot com as “education, or awareness that brings change.” The Encyclopedia Britannica defines enlightenment as “the state of having knowledge or understanding,” and in their 3rd entry according to Buddhism, they state that enlightenment is a final spiritual state marked by the absence of desire or suffering.”
Enlightenment certainly sounds appealing. I’d like to have some more knowledge, understanding, education, and spiritual growth, wouldn’t you? But shouldn’t it be free? Why?! I went to college for and didn’t expect that to be free. I take classes to train in things to advance my level of knowledge and increase my value in the marketplace on a regular basis, and I don’t expect to get it all for free. Why would I? I don’t go online posting how I didn’t get it for free, or how the school or instructor is a sham or scam because they are charging. That would be insane. And yet because enlightenment may deal with the spirit of a human being, many are wrongly led to believe that the education or training thereof should be free. Why? Isn’t a soul or spirit even more important than the mind and body? People pay for personal trainers, for gyms, for health food, and yet they don’t demand all that be free and call those charging for it a scam. What is more valuable? Learning how to navigate one’s spiritual awareness in all eternity for ever and ever—if one believes in such a thing, or getting coached on how to do a new sport or get in better shape? Why should the teaching of spiritual practices be free? Why should enlightenment be free? If someone thinks they have a good and valuable bit or more of information to share concerning one’s spiritual life, or enlightenment, then they have every right to charge for it! They have to make a living and eat and pay bills just like anyone else, do they not? And so do agents and managers.
I recently got some additional training in a particular form of meditation, and this group has ridiculously been attacked online for “charging” for what they teach. What’s the problem? If someone doesn’t want to pay to learn that particular method, they don’t have to! No one is stopping them from finding and learning another method that may be free. But unfortunately, the agenda of too many is to attack those wo make money. And that’s a mistake.
I don’t agree with everything she taught or said, but one thing I do agree with from Ayn Rand, is her statement that “One of the greatest evils in the world, is to attack the good, and reward evil.” She also added, “attacking those who are successful, and extolling laziness as a virtue” is wrong. She’s right.
The notion that one is entitled to the illumination of a spiritual life and famous Hollywood life without paying for it, is absurd. We all have to pay our dues. I did. Everyone I know working in Hollywood at the top did. And everyone I know who considers themselves enlightened did. So, remember, when you see someone attacking anyone, and I mean anyone for trying to make an honest living, don’t judge them wrongly. Don’t attack them. And don’t consider you are entitled to their goods or services for free just because you showed up—no matter how hot you are. Well, then again, you never know. You can always send me your picture, and we’ll see!
–Bruce Edwin
