I would like to submit a warning about a deceptive production company called Strong, Surviving & Free Productions in Los Angeles. The owner of the company swindled money from actors and even other members, including non-actors, of a now-defunct project. In short, SS&F held auditions for a "black" soap opera called "Freedom Calls" in late March, 2000. Upon accepting a role, I was asked to sign an actor’s contract and pay $25 for an "insurance policy." At the time of signing the agreement, the owner of the company, ShI-Adayzi Green, assured everyone that the money was to guard against actors dropping out of the production, and that my check would not be cashed if I did not drop out. We were told that the checks would be returned to us at the conclusion of the project.
From April to June, SS&F had severe problems with internal communications and production issues, leaving the hopeful actors to deal with late-hour rehearsals and last-minute cancellations. The cast was assured that everything would be fine and that production would continue as planned. We dedicated ourselves to this project and elected to remain members of the cast during the internal commotion.
In May, things did change for the better. Professional directors were hired to ensure a quality product. Intensive rehearsals took place in preparation for shooting that month. Then, actors were asked to pay a $10 catering fee. The majority of actors paid this fee to ensure there would be food on the set. The week before we were to begin shooting, Green called an emergency meeting. She told the cast that she had received a record deal and would be recording in the studio for the next three months; therefore she would need to put the soap opera pilot on hold until the fall of this year. At that time, she said the cast would receive refunds in two weeks, by June 16. In fact, both of my checks had been cashed after her announcement to halt production, and Green has avoided our calls.
Several actors have experienced the same lack of response from her. The bottom line is that dozens of actors invested more than three months of personal time and put other opportunities on hold or passed them up completely. Our checks plus gas money in travel to and from rehearsals were spent, as well as the emotional wear and tear on the cast.
We may never receive our refunds, but I needed to make my voice heard. The company is a joke, but I am not laughing. I am positive that SS&F will eventually drown itself with its underhanded and unprofessional business tactics. I just hope this letter accelerates its downward spiral.