Strategies for Actors in a Slow Film Season

Strategies for Actors In a Slow Film Season

Is the industry slow right now? That's what a lot of industry peeps are asking each other. The answer is: It depends.

There's always projects getting made, either by movie studios or by independent film makers. So depending on your situation right now, you might think it's business as usual, or it's slow.

My question is...does it matter? 

If you train regularly with an acting coach or an acting class, are you planning to stop if you feel the industry is slow? If you're taking classes to become a better actor, are you only doing it for money? Are you acting because you love acting? 

Lots of actors will pause their training and their career plans if they feel the industry is slow. For whatever reason, they believe they'll pick it back up when the industry gets churning again. 

But by then, it's too late!

Be smart and use the pause to your advantage!

While other actors are taking a break from acting, I'm jumping in! This is a great way to either catch up to your competition or pass them by. While I'm staying fresh and warmed-up, they're rusty and cold. When the market opens up, who's going to be better positioned when those auditions start coming in?

Use the time to fix your marketing package.

It's always the right time to update your marketing package: headshots, resume, video clips. If you're weak in any of these areas, get it fixed, ASAP!

Waiting for future casting directors to love your flawed headshots will never happen. Every time they see your headshot cross their computer monitor, they cringe. If you're not getting auditions, this is likely the reason. Get new headshots, right now.

If your resume has format issues, fix it. These little flaws tell the casting director or agent that you're still learning. Get the role titles right, ask for feedback, find the correct industry format and copy it. (Of course, you can always get that from me!)

Your video clips need to always begin with your face! If your video showcases other actors more that yourself, you're selling them, not you. You MUST be the star of your reel! Edit that reel until you know, 100%, that this shows off YOU!

Prepare like you've signed up for a marathon.

All athletes train before a race...for months, even years. They work on all aspects of their physical training. They want to be at their strongest when that starter pistol fires. They've worked on their running technique and form. They know which shoes to wear for the race. They've prepared mentally for the long, competitive run. They know the route and where to fuel with food and drink. They're ready!

This has to be you when you get your next audition. 

The trained, committed athletes are going to be ready. Just like the trained, committed actors. How badly do you want to work in the industry?

Don't worry about what the industry is doing.

No matter what is going on around you, keep working on yourself. Think about it, if you're the last "man" standing when the music starts, that sets you up to get some much deserved attention. Keep your head down, stay in your acting class, get your marketing material on point, and be ready to work when it comes for you.

Break a leg!

Nancy