I have a personal philosophy I use when deciding on whether or not I want to work on a project. My philosophy is the rule of three. In order for me to be interested in a project I need two out of the following three categories to be interesting or worth pursuing. Anything less than two? I do not pursue the opportunity.

The script. The people. The compensation.

Ideally, every project will involve amazing people, a brilliant script, and compensation that keeps us financially satisfied for our efforts and contributions. You only ever need a combination of any two of these to put a project into consideration. Anything less than two? I do not pursue the opportunity.

Great money? But bad script and people you probably wouldn’t want to work with professionally? Not interested.

Great script? Great people? No money? I’m in.

If a project has two or more of the three things considered imperative, according to the rule of three, place this project in the “interested” pile.

In the early stages of our careers, it is important to get as much “stage time” as possible, but don’t do it at any and all costs, and don’t do it just because you are flattered someone asked. As actors we often face more rejection than seems fathomable and when someone is interested in us it becomes extremely compelling.

Stick to the rule of three. You’ll work happier and with a greater sense of purpose.