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How To Win A #MonologueChallenge

How to Win a #MonologueChallenge

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Along with jigsaw puzzles, virtual dance parties, and Zoom happy hours, another activity to trend during quarantine is the wave of #monologuechallenges all over Instagram.CDs and channels like Freeform are taking this opportunity to discover new talent, or reconnect with talent they already know, by hosting open calls and inviting actors from all over the world to submit their work.Here’s what I’ve found after looking at some commonalities between the winning self-tapes that have won, and a few general tips to streamline this process and keep it fun.

Staying In The Know: You Can’t Win If You Don’t Submit!

You should already be following CDs on Instagram (IG). Make it a routine to check their IG stories at least a few times a week. That’s how news of scene challenges and open calls are spread! Even if a particular CD isn’t participating in a challenge or open call, many share news from their casting colleagues to help spread the word to their own followers.

  • Look out for IG tags by CDs in their posts and stories when they share these updates- it’s an easy way to find additional IG handles of people who work in casting.
  • There is an ongoing list of current open submissions on the Career ACTivate Success Network Facebook page.

Scroll Through Social Media (You’re Already Doing It)

Since these challenges have been going on for weeks, a list of past winners can be found in many CDs’ saved IG stories, which can be viewed in their IG highlights – they’re the little circles at the top of their profile, hopefully labeled something along the lines of “Past Challenge Winners” or “Monologue Challenge.”

Check out past winners to inform your own performance and scene choices, especially if the same CD is running a new challenge. 

Here are examples of 2 #SelfTapeChallenge winners from Career ACTivate’s self-tape challenge. What jumps out at you that may be effective if applied to your next tape?

​NOTE: 3 other winners were announced on our Instagram (@careeractivate) last week, and we’ll be announcing the last 4 winners in the upcoming couple of weeks via email or social media. Stay tuned…

Which leads into…

The Biggest Decision You’ll Make In Quarantine Today:

Choosing the right material!The vast majority of monologue/scene challenges and open calls are coming from CDs who work in TV and film. Although many are fans of theater, and Shakespeare has written some wonderful monologues, it’s most effective to use these opportunities to show how you could be cast in one of their upcoming TV and film projects. Therefore: 

  • Be knowledgeable about what each office casts. What tone or genre is most appropriate to put in front of this particular CD?
  • Know your type, and the roles that you’d largely be competitive for once the casting process picks up again.
  • Play to your strengths. Just because you like a particular monologue doesn’t mean it’s right for you. Now is the time to showcase your skills, not experiment and stretch yourself as an actor. Save that for acting class.
  • It’s generally wise to use a contemporary monologue unless this CD specifically casts Shakespeare (I don’t know of any) or is currently casting a period piece you’re right for.
  • It’s also a good idea to avoid monologues that have widespread recognition and are iconic in their original performance. You’re setting yourself up to be compared to acting legends and will likely fall short.
  • If you do choose a scene from TV, make sure it’s from a project that’s already released (no current pilots or roles that are currently casting).
  • At the end of the day, it’s about making a genuine connection with whomever you’re speaking to – having a strong intention, message, and need that jumps off the screen and affects the viewer. Even if, as in my case, you happen to be talking to be a piece of tape attached to your laptop camera.

Post Your Tape!

The point of all this is to show what we can do as actors. To get more eyeballs on your mad monologue skills, post the tapes to your IG account, to your IG stories, tag the CD who’s running the challenge as well as any CDs who’ve posted about this challenge for their peers (they’ll each get a notification), and use the proper challenge hashtag.

Additional Tips

Make Things Easy For Yourself

With seemingly new #monologuechallenge and open call opportunities popping up every week, it can seem like a lot to keep up with. To avoid feeling overwhelmed, find a good monologue/scene that plays to your strengths and use that same tape for every challenge it’s right for!

Tell Me Your Name & Handle

Slates are meant to be simple and just provide the required information, so don’t overthink it. 

  • Follow the instructions. What information is needed? Do they want the slate at the beginning? The end? As a separate attachment? If this information isn’t included, you can: 

  • message the CD on IG to ask, OR
  • assume that it’s generally acceptable for actors to include the slate at the end of the audition tape.

  • Since this competition lives on social media, it’s maybe not a bad idea to throw your IG handle in your slate as well. You can do this by inserting text in your video, if you have an easy way to do so, writing it down, or spelling it out. Another option is to simply post and tag.

  • To save time in the future, I keep a separate folder on my computer just for slates. In general, slates typically ask for a combination of the following information:

  • Name
  • Height
  • Profiles/Full body
  • Age (if under 18)
  • Location
  • Representation 

Each time I create a slate for a project, I’ll save the slate as a separate file for my own records and label the file by what information is included, ex. “Name_Height_Location,” or “Name_Height_Full Body_Rep”. That way, when a slate for a future project asks for the same info (and the character doesn’t have a drastically different style or tone), I’ll just reuse a past slate.

Boring, But Still Important Part

Follow the rules.

  • If the rules state that your performance needs to be under 1.5 minutes, keep it under 1.5 minutes.
  • Respect deadlines. With the thousands of submissions that pour in every time a new challenge is announced, challenge moderators are unlikely to bend the rules and you’re saving them time by disqualifying yourself.
  • Give yourself some flexibility and submit earlier so you don’t run the risk of technical difficulties right at the submission cutoff.

TIP FOR INSTAGRAM NEWBIES:
Each submission opportunity comes with its own rules and submission link. It can be hard to read the rules and submit on your phone. You can access and view IG from a computer (although you can’t post) if it’s easier to read the submission rules and access submission links there vs. your phone. Just go to www.instagram.com/@(CD’s IG handle)

Here’s to winning the next challenge! Or, at least, having created usable, quality self-tape material for ourselves in the process. Sounds like a win either way.

Coach Melody
Productivity Over Panic

Productivity Over Panic: Handling the Production Shut Down

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Productivity Over Panic:

Handling The Production Shut Down

Happy Apocalypse, everyone! Just kidding. 

Not trying to make light of a heavy situation; Coronavirus is real and we all need to do our part to protect our elders and other vulnerable people in our communities. 

On top of that, so many actors feel stressed about income for at least the next few weeks, and that’s understandable. 

All over LA, production is shut down. As restaurants, bars, and gyms close, actors working in those fields will lose additional income. 

And heaven forbid any one of you runs out of toilet paper.

In the midst of chaos, I urge you not to join the masses in panicking. Instead, stay productive as much as you can. 

This industry shut down won’t last forever. 

So, here are some ways to set yourself up for success so you’re able to jump right back in once everything blows over.

FINANCES

I know no one’s gonna focus until I address what’s on the forefront of everyone’s minds. Here’s my take on money.

First of all, file for unemployment if you lose your job or have your hours reduced. For more information, visit: https://www.edd.ca.gov/unemployment/filing_a_claim.htm

 The Actor’s Fund is an organization designed to support artists during hard times. Whether you need budgeting, financial coaching, or even an extra cushion to cover your bills, they are a great resource.  Go to their website and find out what support they have available. 

Though money may feel tight in the short term, working from home provides an opportunity to save money too. 

The obvious one is gas, if you’re like me and drive a ton.

You’ll cook more, eat out less (although many more restaurants are providing free delivery options), and appreciate that vodka Red Bulls aren’t $12 apiece when you make them at home. Add in a fun Spotify hype jams playlist (on a shared family account, of course), close your eyes, jump around, and it’s almost like you’re out on a normal Saturday night.

Maybe that’s just me.

Lastly, and related, put that gym membership on hold and go for a run or work out at home. 

There are tons of free online workout classes available on Youtube. If all else fails, throw a solo party with some loud music, use a couple jumbo packs of toilet paper as weights, and dance like no one’s around! 

No one’s around.

INDUSTRY HEALTH

First off, if you’re covered by SAG-AFTRA healthcare, you are able to get tested for COVID-19 at no cost to you. More information can be found at: https://www.sagaftraplans.org/health/news-resources/news/467-no-out-pocket-costs-network-coronavirus-testing

The Union has also created a Disaster Relief Fund specifically for COVID-19. Learn more at: https://sagaftra.foundation/assistance/disasterrelief/

And lastly, additional information regardless of insurance coverage or union status can be found at: https://www.labor.ca.gov/coronavirus2019/

REPRESENTATION & MATERIALS

With production being delayed or canceled outright, it’s a slower time all around. Agents now have much less to pitch on, and more time for things that are typically delayed during busy season, i.e. going through photos and reviewing materials, which can easily be done remotely. 

If it’s been slow for you in one particular area of work (theatrical, commercial, VO, etc.) for a few months leading to this shut down, reach out to your reps and assess if there are any changes or updates you should make so you’re absolutely ready to go when things DO pick back up (and they will!!). 

One strategy that’s been helpful for me is creating a self-tape archive of unlisted links that only my reps have access to. 

Under each tape, I include a short description of the project (network/cable/studio feature/indie, comedy/drama), character (usually a quirky, offbeat, Type-A office worker), and note if I got a CB or booking from it. These tapes are useful when casting requests additional footage of you before deciding whether to bring you in for a certain role. 

This is especially important when your reps are trying to get you seen against type (for me, that’d be any role described as edgy or badass). 

If you already have the footage, all you have to do is compile it. I suggest uploading your tapes onto YouTube as unlisted links and organizing the videos by role type into a hidden page on your website.

If you don’t have the footage, figure out what roles you’re missing that you could reasonably play, find sides from any project that’s already aired (ShowFax has a bunch, or transcribe the scene from a past episode of a TV show), and hone those self-tape skills!

While reps do have more time on their hands, you won’t be able to visit them in person. But consider scheduling a check-in with them over Zoom or Facetime. 

And, on the relationship building front, now is a great to forge new connections and deepen existing ones.  So, think about how you can connect on a personal level with industry professionals you respect. 

Initiate the relationship via email or on social media, since social distancing has people seeking social connection on IG/FB/Twitter, and see if you can move it to a face-to-virtual-face relationship through regular engagement.

Speaking of…

SOCIAL MEDIA

People are bored. Sports, live events, nightlife, and seemingly the world at large has been canceled. Has anyone else witnessed an uptick in their likes/views/comments? 

There’s never been a better time to engage your target industry connections on social media. Everyone is spending more time online with this quarantine. 

CDs have more time to answer your casting questions via AMAs on Instagram, and responding to stories is a great way to start that relationship. People on social media want validation and crave a sense of connection more than ever with the suspension of in-person contact. 

So be generous with your likes, views, and comments, and create some content. Again, people are v. bored and you’re doing them a service by providing entertainment. Make it good and tag the right people.

PERSONAL

If they haven’t yet, people will likely be going crazy locked in their houses very soon. Check in with friends you haven’t had time to catch up with in a while, just to chat. 

Don’t underestimate the power of a few simple words of gratitude and encouragement, whether it’s with your personal or industry connections. It’s a tough time for everyone. Reach out and thank the CD who cast you in your first network show for the role they played in your willingness to stick it out in such a tough industry. Thank your reps for everything they’ve done to move your career forward. Actors are always complaining that no one has time for us. Well, now people have time. Reach out and start that dialogue.

I understand the urge to watch the news for to-the-minute updates, but it can be good for your mental health to take time away from the news, too. Trust me, it’s gonna be depressing before it becomes uplifting. 

Mass panic brings out the worst in some, but brings out the best in many! Check in if you have elderly or immuno-compromised neighbors and loved ones to see how you can help make this experience less challenging for them.

Utilize this additional time to watch (or re-watch) that TV show. Part of our job as actors is to watch good acting. Take a free online class in some obscure topic you’ve been interested in but never had the time to explore. Finish that novel. Catch up with friends (remotely). Write a script. Collaborate online. 

No matter what you choose to do, stay healthy, stay optimistic, and don’t forget to wash your hands.

Coach Melody
How To Make A GREAT First Impression (1920 x 1152 px)

How To Make A GREAT First Impression

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We are lucky to be a part of the entertainment industry where, even if you live in a smaller market, there are so many amazing artists and collaborators and content creators here in LA and other markets, and there’s a lot of amazing opportunities to be had if you put yourself out there and meet people.

Now, I’m sure you have good ideas about where to meet people, but I wanted to focus this blog specifically on how to make a good first impression. 

After all, you only get one chance to make a good first impression.  ;)So, here are some tips and tricks that my clients and I have learned while meeting people in the entertainment industry!

Easy Ways To Initiate Conversation

Smile! Say hi! It’s amazing how many people want to chat with others but a lot of people are equally unsure of how to strike up a conversation. I know it seems obvious, but really think about smiling and saying hello to people when you’re at your next party or festival or event. 

Not only does a conversation eventually happen, but sometimes you can make lifelong friends through a casual word in the lobby of a screening. I’ll often comment about the weather or about a film I just saw.  I’ll also say hi or compliment someone on their shirt or their shoes – a genuine compliment, of course – just to break that initial awkward first moment. 

In fact, I’ve had great success commenting on food… Often festivals have a tea or breakfast or dinner as part of one of their parties, and usually, it’s a buffet set up. 

I will ALWAYS say something about the food to the person standing next to me… I’ve said stuff like “oh that looks good doesn’t it?” or I’ll see someone holding a plate and ask, “how is that, good?” Another option is to ask about specialty cocktails/beverages that are being served at events, I’ll say, “oh is that a margarita? How is it?”

Keep The Conversation Going With Questions

Yay! You’re talking to someone about the food at an event! Oh no, you’ve said all you can say about the salsa… They’ve commented extensively about their favorite cheese… What do you talk about now??? Ok, take a deep breath, you’ve got this. I LOVE to ask questions about how people heard about the event as a gateway into what they do for a living. I generally make it a point to talk a little about work at the start, “Oh you’re a writer! Cool, do you have something in this festival?” and then after a minute talk about that, I LOVE to steer away from industry talk and learn more about the person. This usually leads to a deeper connection because the two of you end up talking about life stuff. Ask genuine questions, things you’d actually like to chat about, from asking if they have any pets or kids or if they loved the most recent Star Wars. Focus less on the fact that they’re “in the industry” and more on the fact that they are a person looking to have a connection at an event.

Focus On The Positive During Your Conversation

This is an industry full of long weeks and long days… and we all want to work with people that we can hang out with for hours on end, with no drama, who are fun and professional and have a good sense of humor. Well, at least I do! Ha! So, I look for that when I chat with people. If someone is rude towards a bartender, or complains incessantly about a film, I tend to not want to chat much longer with that person. Maybe they even make fun of someone nearby… 

Regardless, it’s negative and it’s not someone I want to spend a lot of time with. Remember to just be nice to people, to focus on things that you loved about a particular block, to not talk badly about other people in the room, to ask questions and be authentic when chatting with others. I love to ask people what project they have coming up, to see them get excited as they talk about it. 

I also love to offer some way to support them, like offering to give the project a follow on Facebook or by asking them if there’s an upcoming screening for their film. Each of us has special skills that we can offer to others in our industry that can support them, and when we offer support, we are seen as a great asset for future projects.

Follow Up With Gratitude

Let’s say you have a great conversation with someone at an event, and you guys exchange info. I love sending follow up emails within 3-5 days recounting our conversation and offering GRATITUDE for something during our interaction. For me, it’s been everything from  saving a seat in a theater to recommending a great cocktail to offering up a book I should read. There’s ALWAYS something that we can be grateful for, and when we offer gratitude to others, it only deepens the relationship with them. It could even be as simple as saying thanks for telling a particular story or writing a specific scene or a beautiful camera movement that made me smile.

You’ve got a lot to offer, including Great Conversation!

Ok ok, I know what you might be thinking, “RACHEL!! I don’t have anything to offer others! People don’t want to get to know me! What do I do?” Well, first of all, I’d say that you, OF COURSE, have amazing things to offer, and like myself, you’re just temporarily forgetting them at this moment. 

See, I used to be a really shy kid… I was super scared of strangers, I never wanted to answer the phone, and I had it in my head that anyone that wasn’t related to me or went to school with me was actually going to harm me. So I chose to stay very introverted and not go out and meet people. Once I moved to LA and started pursuing this career more aggressively, I realized that I had to put myself out there in order to succeed in any way. 

So, little by little, I forced myself to strike up conversations with strangers at events, to remind myself that I am a great actress and that people want to see my work as part of their projects. I started to gain some confidence and started to meet people that I would eventually work with again and again. This was tough and had a lot of growing pains for me… Honestly, I have a lot of beautiful growth left in this department, but I wanted to let you guys know of one way that’s really helped me grow in this way.

Make A List of Why Your Friends & Family Love You

Think about it, talk to you family about it, talk to your friends about it, and really consider reasons why people love you. Then jot it down. It’s important for you to tangibly see this information, so that every time you want to NOT go out and meet new people or NOT take a new class or NOT go to a networking event or NOT put yourself out there, remind yourself of why people love you. Because this could help encourage you to get your butt out the door and to strike up a conversation with someone. 

If you never strike up a conversation with someone, then THEY are being robbed of the reasons that you’re such a great person. IF you never meet anyone, and never let them know that you’ve got such a great handle on developing character, then potential collaborators will never know the amazing nuances you could bring to their production. Or maybe they never see the awesomely collaborative sense of humor you have, that could liven up even a 15-hour workday. 

There will be so many opportunities this year to meet wonderful new collaborators and friends, and I am excited for you to make it a priority in your life to network even better! Remember to focus on being kind, asking questions and to simply get yourself out there.

Happy Networking!

Coach Rachel

Meeting Strangers on the Internet: Initiating the Conversation with Industry Professionals

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Meeting Strangers on the Internet: Initiating the Conversation with Industry Professionals

Meeting Strangers on the Internet

As the perpetually single friend, I have plenty of experience online dating. While not the intended effect, it turns out that building attractive profiles, initiating effective first contact, and translating e-intros into in-person meetings are all highly transferable skills when it comes to professional networking.

In this post, I share how principles of online dating can be applied in order to successfully convert online interactions with producers, showrunners, directors, and CDs into successful work relationships.

Create an online presence that reflects how you want your future industry besties to see you

Your online profiles aren’t just for you, your college friends, and your crazy aunt who’s still living vicariously through you and your college friends. That said, when creating and maintaining your social media presence, it’s important to be honest, passionate, and be yourself.

To an extent.

Sure, you might like to get hammered on the weekends and make questionable decisions, but would the industry power players actually take you seriously if all they saw were photos of you letting it all hang out?

Filters. They’re for more than Instagram photos. Filter your content to present a version of yourself that the folks you’re trying to build meaningful relationships with would enjoy meeting and spending time with. Beyond what you post yourself, also be aware of what content you’re liking and commenting on (and what comments you ‘re making). All of that is part of your online presence and easily gets traced back to you!

Pro Tip… This is not about misleading people.  It’s about putting your best foot forward and curating a social media presence that reflects who you are and what work you want to attract. After all, people want to hire who they know, like, and trust- your online profile is your opportunity to present yourself as likeable and trustworthy, so that people would like to get to know you!

Figure out what you want

If I had a nickel for every time I’ve said that to someone I’ve dated…but it’s also an important thing in this context. Do your research and find out who, specifically, in the industry you want to connect with. An agent who reps someone you know? A casting director or associate working on a show you’d be perfect for? Don’t forget line producers, 2nd ADs, and UPMs (unit production managers). They also often work closely with producers and may have the power and influence to bring someone in or pass along a self-tape!

Lead with a compliment

Great! You’ve matched! Now what?

You’ve spent time liking each others’ posts, maybe even re-tweeting or reposting ( basically 2nd base in internet friendship terms).

Now it’s time to slide into home base by sliding into each other’s DMs.

Deep breaths, you got this.

When reaching out, it’s highly effective to start with a compliment. You’re much more likely to get a response, advises the dating app Bumble and validated by my own experience. “Thank You,” “Congratulations,” or an engaging question about something they posted or are clearly passionate about are also likely to get responses.

After some back and forth, gauge the friendliness and closeness of this acquaintance and casually ask via DM if they’d be open to grabbing coffee (if they’re local), answering a few specific questions via Skype, or just having a quick 10-min chat on the phone if they seem super busy.

Don’t be weird. At this stage, they already like you! So just keep being your non-weird self.

No pressure.

You got the date! What do I talk about?

Outside interests. Please have some non-industry topics to discuss at your fingertips. Do not be that cliché needy actor who has no other skills, hobbies, or interests, and is solely focused on getting a job on this first date.

On my first dates with guys from the Internet, I’ve got a rideshare app open and ready to go in case they end up being too forward and sleazy, and I’d say these two scenarios are equally gag-worthy.

Networking is for the purpose of building a successful long-term (professional) relationship, so treat your date with the respect and consideration needed to create that foundation of trust, instead of bombarding them with questions and requests that make them think this meeting is all about what they can do for you.

Find an organic connection with the individual or individuals that doesn’t come from you needing a job.

Many industry folks have outside hobbies that they share and talk about as part of their online presence- via Instagram, Twitter, or vlogs/blogs.  I personally feel Facebook should be reserved for people you actually know, but if people have public Instagram and Twitter profiles, that is, their account isn’t set to private and anyone can see their posts, you’re not crossing any social media boundaries by following and engaging, regardless of whether you know them personally or not.

There you have it. Have fun online dating/networking, Internet Friends!

-Coach Melody

How I Booked the Lead in a Major Feature Film Without Reps

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How I Booked the Lead in a Major Feature Film Without Reps

The Director yelled “cut!” I looked around. And it hit me.

Holy crap. I’m the lead in a legitimate, independent, FEATURE film. I’m working with Emmy-winning actors and people I grew up watching in movie theatres and on television. I am literally living my dream.

Acting in AMELIA 2.0 was a dream come true. I got to spend a month in another city, fully immersed in the story and character I had fallen in love with. And it all happened without reps.

Let’s back up.

But let me start by saying the trap many of us fall into is to immediately become obsessed with tactics. The how.

How did you book the job? What website did you go to, what email signature did you have, how long was your demo reel?!

The truth is there is no specific step-by-step process, no magic “book a job” phone number. You can, however, develop relationships that lead to work.

On the surface, I booked this role by randomly meeting someone and becoming friends. Later I learned they were a producer, focused on helping them out, and then one day they put me on tape and sent it to the director.

But let’s look much deeper.

I’ve discovered there are 5 keys to booking work without reps:

1) ADD VALUE

Quick test: If you needed to pack and move all your stuff tomorrow, how many friends would come help you? If the answer is “not many,” then I invite you to start practicing adding more value to those around you.

When I found out my friend was a producer, my immediate response was, “that’s amazing. How can I help you?”

Turns out he was looking for a certain kind and caliber of script. I started connecting him with various writer friends of mine and their scripts.

And—this is key—I wasn’t expecting anything in return. I was simply helping him because I want to see my friends succeed.

Add value to everyone you can, not because they’ll do something in return, but because a) it’s scientifically proven to make you happier, and b) it’s human nature to treat people the way they treat others.

Treat people with love and support, and that’s how others will treat you.

Be the kind of person people will go out of their way to help. Jona will be going into more detail about a powerful way to add value in our complimentary Book TV/Film on Your Own online training.

2) BE A GOOD PERSON

If I’m going to hire you based on our relationship, I want to know that I can trust you. That you’re going to show up on time, be kind to the grips, and that you’re reliable enough to know your lines.

There will always be more actors than roles. So why would someone hire an asshole? Someone who’s going to be rude on set or a total fun hater.

Go to therapy. Improve yourself. Practice kindness.

Be the kind of person people want to work with.

3) BE EXCELLENT AT YOUR CRAFT

The actual “audition,” if you can even call it that, was at my friend’s house in their living room. I had maybe ten minutes with one of the scenes, and then I read with their roommate. Who was an accountant.

There was no audition room, no fancy camera, no lighting. Just my friend holding his phone and taping me.

All the years of classes, working on bringing my best work even in extraordinary circumstances allowed me to bring my best at that moment. To tell a compelling story regardless of my reader, limited time with the story, etc.

The business side is important—if no one knows you exist they can’t hire you. But skill matters. Artistry is imperative. Being an exceptional storyteller is of tremendous import.

Sure, every once in a while someone gets a job simply on looks or money or whatever, but almost never does that turn into a long-term career if not backed up by skill.

Be a master of your craft.

4) REMIND PEOPLE YOU’RE ALIVE

Just because someone knows you and likes your work, doesn’t mean they’ll think of you for a role.

I hear actors get mad about this, but the human brain can only pay attention to so many things. Studies have shown there is a very finite limit on the number of people we can actively have in our social circle at any given time.

Send postcards, take people to lunch, and send personal emails. Set up a google alerts for people you care about and send a congratulations when something great happens for them. Keep in touch on social media.

Do great work and then get it front of people.

Stay top of mind not just by sharing your own wins and work, but by constantly adding value.

5) MAXIMIZE YOUR LUCK

So you’re working on yourself, committed to genuinely adding value, getting out there, and being an excellent storyteller. Now, it’s a matter of luck.

I mean, it’s a small miracle that some writer imagined a role that’s a good fit for you, that role ended up in a script that’s actually getting made, and the people making the project know you exist.

“I’m a great believer in luck, and I find the harder I work the more I have of it.” ~Coleman Cox

Luck, in a way, is a numbers game. The more people know and like you, the higher your odds they’ll give you a job. The better actor you are, the more people will want you in their projects. The more value you add to other people, the more people will want to add value to you.

Make your own work, build relationships with casting, and network at film festivals.

Take even small steps forward every day. Put yourself out there and live the life of an artist.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Understandably, as actors we often obsess about auditions—how many we have, what they’re for, and how long it’s been since we’ve had one.

But auditions are NOT the only way to book work.

Think about it. If you were casting your own film tomorrow, would you rather post a breakdown online and find a stranger for the role, or hire one of your friends?

Create authentic relationships with decision-makers and fellow creators, and watch your career take flight.

For more insight, tools, and tactics on booking work, download our exclusive 3-gift series with insider strategies from working actors that have actually worked.  CLICK HERE for your free download.

 

-Coach Ben

 

How I Got a Straight Offer for a Top 5 Billed Role in a Movie

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Last week, I found out that I booked a Top 5 billed role in a new made for TV movie! It was a direct offer, no audition. I started crying the moment I found out, it was such an incredible feeling. Whenever I book something, I like to reflect on the instances that led up to the booking: was it a self-submission? Do I know the casting? Do I know the director or producer? I am excited to share with y’all some ideas as to how I booked this little baby that I hope will help you in your career. 

Connecting on Common Ground with Filmmakers

The TV movie is being directed by a friend of mine (Colin), someone I met through a mutual friend years ago.  We connected over our love of Star Wars. It was an instant connection over Yoda and Han Solo and the Jedi. When we both realized we were in the entertainment industry, it only seemed natural to do a Star Wars fan film together.  That’s how our producing relationship started! We decided to shoot a short he’d written. I played a Jedi, and he directed.  He found that I was not only a talented actress, but also great at producing good content on a low budget level. I found that he communicated well with actors and had a clear idea of how he wanted to tell a story.

Adding Value to a Project After the Cameras Stop Rolling

After our Star Wars fan film, we produced a horror short together. It was an amazingly challenging and fun ride. Working together strengthened our friendship.  We gained respect for each other’s process, as well as the desire to work together again and again. Colin was thrilled that I used my social media as a platform to share details about the project to fans, industry people, etc. He thinks the promotion I did contributed to the festival awards and press we received.

Finding the Win-Win:
 Maintaining Relationships with your Industry Friends

Since our horror short, we haven’t produced anything together again yet, although we are in the very early stages of two feature films.  

However, we are in the early stages of two feature films.  Over the past 2 years, Colin and I met regularly for lunch and coffee to continue to support each other and ensure that we stayed focused on completing the projects. We also supported each other by attending 

screenings or sharing crowd funding links on social media.  This support created a mutual trust between us and we became real friends.  As Colin is moving up in his career, he wants someone he trusts on set wit

h him as one of his actors. He knows how I work, and I know how he works. It’s a win-win for both of us.

Be Vulnerable

I have shared my reel multiple times across all my social media channels. I’ve invited my industry friends to screenings and events. I’ve let people see my work as an artist.  Although that is sometimes scary to do, it leads to so much more! I remember inviting my Colin to my feature film’s theatrical run. I didn’t care if it was going to be a good or bad movie, but I did want to share with people the fact that I could carry a feature film. He of course loves movies and was happy to support. This then led to a great post screening discussion about what worked in the movie and what didn’t. It was such a good night of bonding and learning. Being vulnerable and sharing your work with others is a great way to not only stay on people’s radars, but also to create opportunity to discuss your art and your opinions with other artists.  Because we respect and trust each other, both of us know we can offer honest feedback for projects. He agreed that I had shown the world I could carry a feature film, and I was so grateful that he’d come to the theater to see it.

Ask for What You Want with Grace and Gratitude

When Colin shared with me he was offered a directing role on a TV movie, I was ecstatic for him!  I knew this was going to make his career shine and saw how hard he had to get to this point. Over lunch one day, we started chatting about his upcoming film. That’s when I asked him if there were any roles that fit me well. He responded with, “Yeah, I think there are.” Then we chatted about the logistics of the project. A few days later he emailed me a script and told me which role I would be playing. And that was it– I’d booked it! I responded with so many thanks, letting him know how grateful I was to be a part of the project.

I’d also shown how talented I was through our past projects, how invaluable I was in the promotion process, and how easy-going I would be on this film. It was a no-brainer for him, in all honesty, because people just want to work with people that they like and trust. I had a proven track record.

Finally, Do Amazing Work

Now that I’ve booked it, my focus is to do amazing work for the film. All of my day to day routine of working on marketing materials to acting classes to communications with industry friends to emails with my manager are all foundational pieces that are necessary to build a career. While on set, my focus is to stay amazingly healthy and create an awesomely developed character. Cause that’s the point of all of this right? Telling stories!

The biggest thing I want actors to take away from this is that these types of friendships are based on a genuine connection and support. Whether it’s mutual fandom for a specific film or series or book, or a love for a hip restaurant, finding commonality leads to long term friendships and potentially amazing working relationships. Which makes this crazy beautiful journey we are on even more sweet. 🙂

For more insight, tools, and tactics on booking work, download our exclusive 3-gift series with insider strategies from working actors that have actually worked. CLICK HERE for your free download.

Coach Rachel