An Open Secret Revealed at DOC NYC
Written by Maggie Glass
The disturbing and probing documentary AN OPEN SECRET premiered on Friday night at DOC NYC, with a full audience that included many of the film’s brave participants and supporters. In the film, director Amy Berg explores child abuse and exploitation in the entertainment industry through the stories of its many victims, as well as community leaders who are working to raise awareness about the issue.
Many child stars enter the film industry and find themselves suddenly navigating a very adult world. A clip from a Hollywood how-to video features a stern casting director chastising kids who rely on their parents to carry their headshots: “Once you are eight,” she lectures, “you are responsible for your own career.” Accustomed to following orders from agents and managers, it is easy for child actors to find themselves vulnerable to predators in the industry – and often they feel that their careers hinge on keeping abuse a secret. In the film, Michael Egan, a former child model who took legal action against many powerful Hollywood figures, reflects upon his sense of isolation growing up and the revelation that many other young stars had similar experiences. “I don’t know if that makes me feel better or worse,” he says.
While many of these actors later suffer from depression, alcoholism, and drug addiction, one of the film’s youngest participants was fortunate enough to sidestep this fate. Evan, a young actor and singer from Los Angeles, ultimately reported to the authorities years of molestation at the hands of his manager, Marty Weiss. Not only had Weiss spent time cultivating Evan’s career, but he had also become an honorary member of the family, joining them for holidays and birthdays. The amount of shame and secrecy around abuse makes it all the more remarkable that Evan was able to come forward. In a secretly recorded conversation, Evan confronts Weiss about the sexual abuse. “I never would have done it if you hadn’t expressed interest,” Weiss says in the film. “I was twelve,” Evan responds.
In addition to interviewing former child actors, the film also looks at those who have attempted to rein in exploitation, with varying levels of success. A veteran reporter, John Connelly, wrote an in-depth article on Hollywood child abuse, but found that his story was pulled at the last minute, with no explanation. After the screening, he talked about the travesty of these cases and his disappointment at how few stories come to light. His take on the matter was blunt: “Power and money are always going to win.” Leaders of the organization BizParentz were also in attendance, and they discussed their efforts to spread awareness, enforce legislation, and educate parents of child actors.
In the post-screening discussion with DOC NYC’s director, Thom Powers, the film participants spoke about how it felt to watch their stories play out on screen. For one former actor, Joey C., concerns about appearing in the film paralleled the fears that keep so many young actors silent. “I was afraid of being labeled,” he said. Evan, the young actor and singer, expressed his gratefulness to Berg for sharing these stories. “I didn’t think anyone would make a film like this.”
For more about An Open Secret, visit the film page on the DOC NYC website.
Maggie Glass is a New York based writer and film editor.
