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Making The Most of Your Booking: “How They Did It” with Elite Client Callie Johnson

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Making The Most of Your Booking:
“How They Did It” with Elite Client Callie Johnson

Everytime we get to be on set, it feels like such a gift. But are you in the habit of expressing gratitude when you’re there?

Like, actually told someone about how grateful you are?

Our Elite Client Callie Johnson is in the new Apple+ TV movie “The Beanie Bubble,” starring Zach Galifianakis and Sarah Snook (!!!!!)

And after using an amazingly easy-to-do tip from her coach, Callie got IMMEDIATE feedback from the director, saying they loved working with her and wanted her contact info so they could work with her again. What a dream, right??

Callie is also using this booking to maximize her momentum (that’s something all our Elite Clients learn to do).
And would you believe, Callie ended up with seven bookings…

One. Right after. The other.

HOW did Callie do it? Well, we have an amazing interview with Callie herself where she shares EXACTLY how she made all this happen — and more importantly, how you can see the same success in your own career.

👇 Watch the interview below and see how gratitude can change your next experience on set.

If you’re interested in working with our Coaches and being in a supportive community, check out the details of our Elite Program.

Enrollment is open now!

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Don’t Give Up: The Beauty Is In The Rising

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Four months ago, I went through the biggest life event I’ve ever experienced and it changed my life forever. Bigger than moving cities, bigger than booking the lead of a major studio project, bigger than falling in love: 

I had a baby. 

Whether you’re a parent or not, this message applies to you and your career. Keep reading…

The idea of having a baby freaked me out for a long time and I resisted it for fear of it interfering with my career. 

And how many of us hold off on doing something because of fear?

It wasn’t entirely without reason. I mean, I’d spent so much time training for, preparing for, and focusing on this career, that the fear of being derailed in the pursuit of my lifelong dreams was a legitimate one. I’d told myself I was too singularly-minded to have a child – it wouldn’t be fair to the little one. Plus, the thought of being ‘out of work’ for so long filled me with dread. 

In short, I thought myself to be too selfish and too ambitious.

What I didn’t realize was that it’s these big life moments that give us expanded perspectives and emotional capacities to dig even deeper into the characters and stories we’re blessed to tell. 

Not to mention, an opportunity to slow down, feel through the shifts, and nurture the relationships with those we care about.

I know, I know, these life moments can certainly take their toll, much like the past few months have for all of us. It’s been hard, y’all, living through a strike and keeping a baby alive is no easy task! I’ll be honest, I’ve had my own fair share of existential questioning, wondering if I’m really cut out for the grit this business requires or if I should pause a little longer and see what else I feel called to.  

But I’ll tell you this, whenever I have those thoughts (and let’s be real, the many conversations with other actors and writers on the picket lines!) somehow, this one thought always seems to stick:

The real beauty of it all is in the rising. 

Once again being in a “slower” period means that we can turn the focus back on ourselves and the things we care about:

  • Maybe it’s time for you to finally write that screenplay that’s been simmering and produce your own work. 
  • Maybe being dropped by your agent/manager means that you can really get clear on what a perfect  partnership would look like for you, and beginning that rep search. 
  • And maybe that canceled show means you’re now available for a project that will be an even bigger step forward in your career. 

So many things can be blessings in disguise… if we’re willing to look at them that way.

Like a good nap, there’s nothing like some sweet ol’ downtime to shake things up and give you the precious space you didn’t know you needed in order to grow. When the moment comes to rise, you’ll know it. And you will.

We all love a good comeback story and every champ has a coach. If you’re curious to learn more about how a Career ACTivate Coach can support you through the ups and downs of this wild ride of a career, check out the Elite Coaching and Mastermind Program, and let’s see what magic we can conjure!

Coach Farah
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Why Putting Yourself Out There Pays Off: Interview with Elite Client, Matthew Rhodes

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This story is a great reminder of why you should ALWAYS keep putting yourself out there and proves there is never a bad time for relationship-building.

In our latest How They Did It interview, discover how Matthew’s very first network TV booking was delayed due to the strikes, but ultimately led to a game-changing industry relationship.

He credits the confidence to make intentional, bold moves to everything he learned in the Elite Program alongside his work with Coach Eric and Coach Clayton.

It all led to him making an incredible connection at a film festival… and you won’t believe who it was!

If you’re looking for inspiration to put yourself out there, this interview is a must-watch.

👇 Click to see the full interview below and get excited to boldly build relationships like Matthew!

P.S.  Many of our other Clients are also booking a TON right now on interim agreements and other union-approved work during the strike.

If you also want to be booking work now, check out our Elite Program for all the insider info.

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Getting Out of Your Head at Networking Events

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Networking Events… Ugh!!! Do I have to?!?

The short answer is, “No, of course not.” But expanding your network will help you meet every acting goal on your list.  So, rather than seeing networking events as a cringe-inducing waste of time, embrace them as a simple path to create authentic relationships.

Here at Career ACTivate, we like to use the word RELATIONSHIPS far more than networking. 

Networking events can feel transactional. Like, “I can do this for you, if you do this for me.” And who likes that? Not me! 

I want to share two ways to look at these gatherings that can potentially make them feel less icky. And just so my eye can stop twitching every time I type “Networking”… we are going to use the words “Relationship-Building” instead.

OPTION #1: The “Go-Giver” Approach

The first way to approach a Relationship-Building event is to attend with a “go-giver” attitude of solving a problem for someone. You have YOU-nique characteristics, hobbies, assets that truly serve the common good. 

Step 1:

Take a moment to think about 2 things you can offer to others from your unique set of skills and assets . 

Step 2:

Think about how you can find at least one person you can genuinely connect with and to whom you can offer that thing you do so well. 

All of sudden, this positions you in a place of being a giver and at the beginning of forming an authentic relationship. 

Here is an example:

Shanelle, an actor, attends a Film Independent event. They meet a writer whose story resonates with them. Shanelle says: 

“If you ever have a reading, I can connect you with a couple of my actor friends who would be happy to read for you.”

Maybe Shanelle takes it a step further… What if they were the person to coordinate an informal reading with their buddies and the writer?

“Whoa Whoa Whoa, Tiffany! That is a lot!” 

Not necessarily…

Shanelle can feel out the writer’s response to see if they are interested in simple introductions to actors. OR if the writer would be open to getting support in creating an informal reading. Many non-actors don’t have an abundance of actor friends that will read a script for free. Shanelle is an asset because they are providing something that the writer needs. 

They are also supporting their friends by introducing them to new contacts, giving them a chance to act, and introducing them to a writer. 

Shanelle gets to know the writer much better, and now they have explored and possibly created an authentic relationship with this writer.

See why I don’t use the word networking. This is all about true authentic connections.

OPTION #2: The Goal-Centric Approach

The second way you can approach a Relationship-Building event is by going in with a goal.

Maybe your goal is to find a fellow sci-fi nerd. Maybe your goal is to find someone of your same cultural background. (I am Trinidadian so I am always on the lookout for that!) Maybe your goal is to find the best logline. 

Step 1:

Take a moment to think about what outcome would be satisfying for you. 

Of course, meeting a casting director that offers the role of one’s dreams would be perfection. But, we can reach that by building authentic relationships centered around things and people that truly resonate with you. 

This positions you in a place where that audition or booking could come naturally with ease. 

Step 2:

Use this to guide your interactions and conversations at the event and come up with a specific connection strategy that could help move you one step closer to your goal.

Here is an example:

Ellis wants to work on a film that could potentially go to a big film festival like Sundance or Tribeca. They attend a Relationship-Building event, like AT&T Shape. Ellis brainstorms goals for this particular event which could lead them to an authentic relationship that gets them closer to their dream.

Ellis’s Goal Brainstorm:

  1. Attend the short film showcase and congratulate one of the creators of a short film that they truly like.
  2. At the networking tent, state their big goal at least once during each meeting. *Sidenote: AT&T Shape has a networking tent where you can set up meetings with other creatives in advance.* 
  3. Mention to one person a recent Sundance film that Ellis likes, and ask them for a suggestion of a film that is circulating festivals right now that they should watch.

Ellis now has several options but decides to go with option #3. 

They choose this because it allows them to mention Sundance. Additionally, this question helps to find out the taste of the person they are talking to. 

Thereby further figuring out if this is an authentic connection. It also positions Ellis in a place of being a giver and opens up conversation which can be hard to do with a stranger. 

So there you have it!

Try The Go-Giver Approach or The Goal-Centric Approach to get out of your head at the next networking event.

And if you want to dig deeper into relationship-building, check out Career ACTivate’s Home Study Course, The Relationship Roadmap, that will revolutionize how you build relationships and book work. 

Or if you’re looking for hands-on guidance to help define your goals and build your confidence, we invite you to explore becoming a part of our yearlong Elite Coaching & Mastermind Program, where you can be paired with a Coach to walk you step-by-step through your next Relationship-Building event.

Coach Tiffany
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How To Get The Agent of Your DREAMS: Interview with Elite Program Alum, Keri Bruner

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“THIS is how it’s supposed to be.”

In the interview below, hear how Keri landed an LA agent and got her first series regular audition just two weeks after signing.

You’ll learn how she and Coach Farah harnessed Keri’s unique background to create a compelling “Tell me about yourself” response and curate a targeted agent list that helped her stand out, define her identity, and clarify her goals.

By transforming her mindset using the tools of our Elite Program, Keri finally achieved dreams she’s had since childhood.

She also shares advice for struggling actors: from consistency to clear goal-setting, she breaks down the essentials for your well-deserved success. You’ll walk away feeling empowered and ready to conquer your own challenges!

As fellow actors, we know the road to success can be tough, but Keri’s story reminds us that every step is worth it.

👇 Watch the full interview below and start rewriting your career story like Keri did! 🎉

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When To Get Rid of Old Headshots on Your Casting Profiles

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The very first thing casting directors, producers, and directors see of us are our HEADSHOTS.

Unfortunately, most actors have outdated or ineffective headshots on their casting profiles.

This means that you could miss out on opportunities!

But, how can you tell which headshots work and which ones need to go?

That’s where Coach Cecily comes in. Her latest vlog shares excellent tips on:

  • When to get rid of old headshots
  • Which ones to keep and which to retire
  • Clear steps on how to make your rep’s job EASIER
  • Plus, how to know exactly how many headshots to have

Watch her short (2 min) video here:


And for even more clarity on how to get a stellar casting profile or which marketing materials you really need, check out our Home Study Course on branding/marketing:

GET RICH IN YOUR NICHE: Your Money-Making Brand and Killer Marketing Materials
Click here to learn more: https://www.careeractivate.com/get-rich-in-your-niche-rp/

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Three Unique Gives for Reps, Industry Professionals, and Those You Are Connecting With

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Things are quieter right now because of the strike.

And if for some reason you have missed what is going on, please take a look at the WGA’s website, social media, and most recently, SAG-AFTRA’s statement of approving a vote for a strike authorization of the actor’s union.

Though things may be a little bit shaky, we can find our footing by connecting with those around us.

If you are interested in deepening connections or showing appreciation, I have a couple of free gives that can be shared. Everyone could truly take a little gift to feel better during these uncertain times.

1. Insight Timer – Free Meditation App

Find a short meditation on Insight Timer that speaks to you and the recipient. Share the specific meditation with them as a gift of breath, peace, and a moment of calm.

2. Share a memorable moment from your encounter

If you connected with someone in person while working or at an event you can send a note sharing the most memorable thing they said or did while you all were together. This is a great way to make someone feel special and help them connect YOU to a moment so they remember you. This works really great for follow-up emails, thank you cards, or to remain in touch with someone.

Example: Once, in a thank you note to the 3rd AD for an episodic television show, I quoted her morning greeting of “Today will be a good day” and told her I looked forward to hearing that each day. It was like my very own personal cup of coffee.

Notice the above example is specific, brief, and personal.

3. The Nudge – Free App for Outings

Sift through The Nudge to find a unique outing/ activity for them to check out during the industry’s downtime. Activities range from rooftops with free pizza to how to spend a weekend in Palm Springs. Cater your suggestion towards their preferences. How do you find out their preferences? Do some digging on social media, listen to interviews on podcasts that they have done, or find other ways through Career ACTivate’s Relationship Roadmap course.

BONUS GIVE!

Share a couple of unique tags that can be used on picket signs for the WGA Strike. This is a great way to show your support, personality, and creativity.

Example: “I saw you are in support of the WGA and I wanted to share a few tag lines you can use if you’re on the picket lines:

  • That’s your counteroffer?

  • No Words…

  • You want these pages then run these wages!”

Hope these unique gives are well-received. And have fun finding which one fits for you!

Coach Tiffany
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How To Write An Effective Bio

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Writing a bio gives a lot of actors cold sweats. I mean, you don’t want to be thought of as the actor who blows their own horn. That’s gross and super stereotypical. And you definitely don’t want to be associated with that old look-at-me-I’m-the-center-of-attention-at-all-times actor trope.

The good news is that if you’re stressing about being that kind of actor – you aren’t going to be!

Good to know, right? But what goes into a good actor bio?

First I ask: What makes you read someone’s bio?

Do you want to know more about them? Are you looking for common connections? Do you simply want to know where someone studied? There are no wrong answers here.

When I read a bio, certain things definitely stand out to me:

  • ​Credits
  • Training
  • Personality​

So, I use those as my three steps to writing a bio.

Step 1: Career Highlights

Highlighting past career wins is always a good place to begin. I start by listing my favorite career accomplishments as bullet points. I like to make separate lists of my favorite and most noteworthy credits. For me, the goal isn’t so much to impress the reader or make myself seem worthy of being involved in the project (Spoiler Alert: they’re looking at my bio. So I AM worthy!), but to jog their memory in case they’ve seen my work in the past or we have mutual connections.

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve enjoyed someone’s work and looked up their bio to see that we completed the same theatre program, I’ve seen their work before, or we’ve worked with the same people!

Step 2: Training

Who have I worked with that lends credibility to my work? Make a list of drama schools, acting studios, and specific coaches.

Step 3: Personality

I know sometimes you only get 100 words total and it can be tough to cram personality in. But you can do it! It can be as simple as thanking your partner at the end or mentioning your cat or hamster. I’ve even seen bios that are ONLY “personality,” without any credits at all! In fact, that’s what I’ve done on my website landing page. There’s not a credit to be seen!

Hint: If you want to go this route, consider using your Irresistible “Tell Me About Yourself” Response or your “Why Statement” from our networking course, The Relationship Roadmap.

Once you have all your components listed, now it’s a matter of choosing what you like best. Ask someone you trust about what stands out most to them.

If you’re still feeling stuck, read some other actor bios – check out IMDb or actor websites or programs for theatre productions. When you see something written in a way you like, borrow it! Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, amiright?

To write in first-person or third-person…that is the question!

In an ideal world, you may want both because you might want options given the circumstances. A third-person bio can be seen as quite professional. That’s the kind of bio a PR agency might write. Meanwhile, writing in first-person can be perceived as more friendly. So, whichever feels more on-brand for you is the way to go!

I know that society has conditioned us all to refrain from pride, but I think that’s wrong. It’s arrogance that we must avoid. It’s absolutely essential that you own and can feel free to be proud of your accomplishments!

After all: You did it!

TOP 3 ADVANTAGES OF SELF-TAPING

Top 3 Advantages of Self-Taping You Hadn’t Considered

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Even if you have a love/hate relationship with self-taping, there are some hidden benefits that you might not have thought of.

In his latest vlog, Coach Eric shares how to take advantage of self-tapes in ways you may not have considered. Eric booked 17 TV shows/commercials in 2022 alone, with 14 being entirely through self-tape or virtual auditions, and continues to book regularly — so he clearly knows what he’s doing in the self-taping game.

Watch his short (2.5 min) video here:

It’s a great reminder that self-taping is a step forward in our industry, a sign of progress and equality, and that the pros might ultimately outweigh the cons compared to in-person auditions.

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Managing The Anxiety of An Actor’s Unpredictable Life: Science-Based tips

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Every actor knows the feeling. Anxiety is real.

That feeling before you step on stage on opening night and can’t remember your lines or the gap between jobs that can span weeks, months, or even years. 

There’s as much fear in those moments as there is hope. We associate excitement with positive feelings, but we think of anxiety as an overwhelmingly negative emotion that’s at times debilitating. While some anxiety is useful, as it can help motivate us, protect us when we’re in danger, and increase our alertness, too much can be disruptive to our state of being and make us suffer physically and mentally. 

So how do we manage the ebbs and flows of this business alongside the ups and downs of our lives?

Well, I recently came across the Biopsychosocial Model, a pluralistic model of understanding mental health that looks at the Biological, Psychological, and Social factors that contribute to our state of being, and have found it to be extremely helpful in coming up with strategies for coping with all the crazy things life has, is, and will continue to throw my way.

Here are a few takeaways I’ve learned:

 1. Biological Factors:

  • What you put into your body matters. Eating nourishing foods and having a balanced diet, drinking enough clean water, and staying properly hydrated (get those electrolytes!).
  • How you use your body matters. Everything from regular exercise to holistic care is important. Whether it’s a daily walk, a fitness class, or playing a game of pick up, study after study shows that 30 minutes of exercise can do wonders for your head, heart, and body.
  • Listening to the needs of your body matters. When you’re tired, sleep. When you’re hungry, eat. When you’re unwell, rest. Sounds simple but it’s harder nowadays to listen to those cues. Remember, you’re no good to anyone if you’re not good to yourself.
  • Self-care isn’t just about a spa day. Though that’s a great way to spend time with yourself! Self-care is taking time to tend to yourself with anything that nourishes you. It can be calming and relaxing or stimulating and practical.

2. Psychological Factors:

  • We all need a little quiet time. Whether it’s a guided meditation online, a formal time for prayer, or simply pausing in your day and taking three deep and conscious breaths, taking time to self reflect can have a profound effect on your brain.
  • “The best ideas come in the shower.” Ever heard that one? Yeah, we all have and it’s always true. Doing something that’s out of your loop recalibrates your brain and allows you to return to whatever issue you’re tackling from a different perspective. Doing things that have nothing to do with acting, like drawing, writing, puzzles, D&D, whatever your thing is, can actually give you the creative juices you need to understand and dive deeper into your work. Go find some fun and play!
  • Lose the taboo around therapy. Working with a therapist when things are good gives you an advantage for when things go south. You’ll have a baseline by which to gauge and a relationship established with your therapist without the added element of a specific trauma or issue. Remember that finding a therapist you jive with is akin to finding a car, you have to test drive a few before you find the right one. If the anxiety or feelings get worse, talk to your doctor about alternative treatments, including medication.

3. Social Factors:

  • Social engagement is a way for us to connect with others in our community, both in person and online. These interactions help us create a sense of belonging and purpose. Strong social bonds can also help prevent feelings of isolation, depression, and cognitive decline.

This can include:– spending time with family– outings with friends– volunteering your time– or activities with colleagues

  • Watch what you watch! Cheap thrills are just that. As is doom scrolling and mindless swiping. Being mindful of what you consume in the media, including all kinds of social media and traditional forms, is like being mindful of what you eat. 

 To wrap up… 

Life is weird and full of so many twists and turns we can’t always predict. Whether it’s a new love, a big job, or a baby on the way, the more you have in your arsenal the better you’ll be able to navigate and cope with whatever comes your way.

And when all else fails, just breathe!

Coach Farah

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