Tips for Industry Success
Success in the entertainment industry means more than just having the talent to make it big. It takes time, dedication, and drive. Here are some tips for getting your start:
- Stay motivated. Often, new talent find that they are their own business managers, marketing agents and sales team busy submitting to as many castings and attending as many auditions as possible. Resume-building is key, and it’s essential to stay positive even (and especially) amid rejection. Rejection builds character, and it often takes persistence to get your foot in the door. Try, try again.
- Stay flexible. Last-minute projects can prove to be great resume builders. This means taking calls and heading to a shoot at the drop of a hat. Many actors and models find it easier to maintain day jobs with flexible schedules, so they can adjust their shifts or hours accordingly.
- Be on time. There is no excuse for tardiness in a such a highly competitive industry. You may be an excellent actor, but so is the guy in the seat next to you, and the one next to him. First impressions are everything, and casting crews are looking for the best of the best. Being late to an audition can instantly eliminate you from the competition, even before you have a chance to show the casting crew what you’ve got.
- Stay humble. You have something special, something that is helping you to land pivotal roles, to stand
- apart from others vying for the same spots. After you’ve landed a few notable gigs, it’s easy to feel more relaxed at subsequent auditions or assume that castings directors have your number on speed dial. But, that’s likely not the case. Be humble and grateful for each and every opportunity.
- Give every gig your best. Remember, if you get too lax, this will show in your demeanor and industry professionals will think you’re no longer serious. This is a job, just like any other, and you’ll be expected too perform your best whether you’re trying to prove yourself for the first time or you’ve been doing this for years. Word of mouth prevails in the entertainment industry, and keeping a solid reputation is key.
- Keep up with paperwork. Always make sure your resume is up-to-date and you have on file all necessary waivers and forms. You don’t want to miss an opportunity simply because you didn’t bring your portfolio or comp card with you, or the specific paperwork a client asked for. Stay organized and double-check that you’re fully prepared before heading out the door.
While having a certain look and impeccable charm can go along way, it’s important to pay attention to the details if you’re hoping to make it big in the business. Follow these tips and you’ll be well on your way to making your mark!
