Just Wait for My Moment

Whenever the contract of a network talent is about to lapse and the end date is nearing with no offer coming from the network in sight, expect stories of the talent allegedly sending feelers to a rival network. When confronted with issues of changing networks, such talent would usually deny the story, while keeping everyone in the dark until secret negotiations are finalized.

Transferring to another network or management could result from three factors. First, the rival network could have offered a package that would be hard to resist. Very few talents would admit that the choice is based on monetary conditions, as most would reason out that they would have the opportunity to grow. They do not want to create the impression that they are materialistic, which, has veracity, actually. To make offers lucrative, networks present guaranteed contracts, which assure the talent continuous payment regardless if the talent has a project or not.

Second, talents transfer because their present network is no longer interested in their services. This factor is manifested through not casting the talent in any show or relegating the talent to supporting roles. Subtlety, the talent could be included in shows that are not on primetime. There is a certain pride and bragging rights when someone has a program shown during the prime block as opposed to a show aired in the afternoon.

Finally, a talent makes the move because of dissatisfaction that has resulted in a feeling of being taken for granted. In the case of Underrated Talent (UT), she realized that despite being loyal to her network, she was slowly being eased out. There was a time when UT was one of two talents being groomed as the next big stars of their network. Unlike the Other Celebrity (OC), UT did not try her luck in another station. When OC returned, the network gambled on her and UT, and the investment worked.

As soon as the network realized the goldmine of UT and OC, the two were given projects, which slowly showed that UT was the better actress. However, she was suddenly given more mature roles that alienated her young fans. By contrast, OC was given projects that made sure her young fans could relate to. Then, UT suddenly disappeared and said that she wanted to give school a try. While she was out of the limelight, the network gave new female talents the opportunity to shine. Thus, when UT returned, the stage was too crowded.

Adding to her discomfort was the lack of support when it came to a major social event of the network. While other female talents were taken care of by big names in the fashion industry, UT did not even have a gown to wear. Thus, she opted to skip this major event, and her absence was noticed.

Feeling uneasy with the way she was being treated, UT confided to her Secret Boyfriend (SB), who advised her to make the big move if she was no longer happy. This advice would benefit both of them, as they could not reveal their relationship if they stayed in one network. Admission that they are together would affect the image of SB. In addition, UT would now have a new manager to handle negotiations for projects. Moreover, leaving her network means she would no longer have to wait for her turn after projects have been given to OC and the other hot female leads.

The wisdom of the decision of UT will only be seen in the next few months. For now, her decision surprised many, but she stood firm despite all the criticisms. Next year, UT should attempt to remind her network that she should not have been taken for granted.

‘There is a certain amount of dissatisfaction that goes with knowing your time, talent and abilities are not being properly used.’ - Zig Ziglar

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