Late Start? How to Still be Successful
If you’re getting your start in the industry or returning to entertainment after taking a substantial break you may feel a bit lost at first. Where should you start? What’s different about today’s industry than the industry of twenty years ago? Here are some tips for making it big when you make it later in life.
Brush up on your digital skills. If the digital world seems daunting, take a class to enhance your skills. Ensure you know how to create an electronic cover letter and resume, have your photos available online, and get set up on social media. Understanding the inner workings of the internet is essential.
Pick up the phone. Have long ago industry contacts you still feel comfortable reaching out to? Do it. Give them a ring and see if they’re still in the game. Networking is a big part of getting your foot in the door.
Calm your nerves. It’s important not to get intimidated by the younger crowd. It’s never too late to get into the industry. This is because there are a variety of opportunities available for an older crowd, including those in both modeling and acting. Not everyone in the real world looks the same, acts the same, or is the same age, right? So, casting directors need to roles with people who fit and make the world believable to audiences.
Sign up for a workshop. If there are certain aspects of this journey that you feel you need to brush up on or if you encounter new terminology that you’re still unfamiliar with, consider attending a workshop. There are workshops available in just about every area pertaining to just about any subject that could possibly pop up.
Understand your type. It’s important to have a solid idea of what roles you can play now. Even if you were in the game years ago, you cannot expect to land the same gigs you did back in the day. You’ve changed and your type has changed. This means having to start fresh and come up with branding that reflect the roles that now suit you best. Ensure you own this new image just the same as the old, too. It is your golden ticket to success.
There is no age limit for entertaining an audience. If you have the right amount of time, confidence, and motivation, you will be able to find your fit.
