"What have you been in?"

As an actor in the film and television industry, we all know this familiar question. It's a conversation starter, but when your career isn't exactly where you want it to be, it can feel like a challenge.

Close friends and family can react in a negative way when they hear you're an actor or that you want to try acting. It's their fears for our future based on stereotypes or news stories they've heard. They can tend to get worked up over our acting interest.

Just because something bad happened to someone famous doesn't mean it will happen to us. This industry is like all others in that good and bad things happen to everyone. People can tend to make general statements about the film and television industry that aren't true.

Most of these comments aren't meant to hurt us, they're meant to try to protect us. And even when we're doing great in the industry, it's hard for people outside of the industry to understand when we're soaring.

In this video, I'll share invaluable insights and actionable tips on how to gracefully handle those inquiries, turning potentially awkward moments into opportunities to showcase your passion and potential. Let's navigate the conversation with confidence and kindness.

Film & TV Actor Stereotypes

We all know the many stories of movie stars who have fallen from grace or who ended up penniless because of industry charlatans. In an industry full of big dreamers with the will to do almost anything to break into show business, it's ripe with scammers and conmen.

The more dramatic the story, the more memorable it becomes. These stories become synonymous with the ills of our industry.

But what about those actors who have worked consistently and successfully, managing to have their cake and eat it too? Well, they do exist. And there's lots of stories of successful actors. It's good to keep these in mind.

What It Takes To Make It In Hollywood

There are thousands of extremely talented and gifted actors. They consistently study, working with private coaches and other actors. They have the best marketing package with fantastic headshots, full resumes, and great video footage of their work.

But all the talent and tools won't get you noticed without some luck. Yep, luck. That's what it takes. Without luck and being in the right place at the right time, you'll have to find a way to be happy with the art of acting and the work you're getting.

Persistence and dedication to the craft of acting PLUS luck is what makes it in Hollywood. Until luck finds you, keep working at your craft. Love what you do so much that booking a big "gig" isn't the focus anymore. That's usually when luck falls in your lap.

You want to be famous?

That's what most people hear when you say you're an actor or that you want to act. Being an actor is not about being famous. Being an actor is about the art, the craft. The collaboration to make a beautiful film or a hilarious tv show or an emotional play is what acting is about. Acting is the art of telling one person's story. We're storytellers. 

People tend to look at fame as a benefit. But ask famous people what it's like, and most will tell you that they'd like their privacy back. Being an actor and being famous might be connected, but they're not one in the same.

How To Respond

So, all those curious questions from your friends and family. "What have you been in?" "What's it like on set?" "What do you have coming out next?" Those can be tricky questions to answer if you haven't been working.

These questions can embarrass us, bring us down, make us shameful. But that's not their intention. Most people are genuinely curious about this mysterious industry. When you don't want to go into the explanation of your situation, you can steal these phrases:

1. "There's always new projects being announced everyday. Stay tuned!"

2. "I'm getting closer with every audition."

3. "I'm in acting class with a great coach, so I'm ready for my next audition."

Don't explain or lie about the situation. They're just curious. Change the subject by asking them a question about themselves.

Watch the video for more tips on handling negative questions, jumpstarting your career, and understanding your place in the industry. 

Keep your head up and keep working at your craft! Luck is waiting to fall on you, so be ready!

Break a leg!