The 5 Mistakes that Actors Make: 5 useful tips for actors entering the business.
1. They don’t realize that acting is a business and they don’t run it as such.
2. They tend to listen too much to their parents, friends or any other people who do not understand the business of acting and what it takes to be a successful actor.
3. They are easily discouraged because they are unable to see the progress they are making or unable to see how their work is paying off in their careers.
4. They don’t seek out help from industry professionals (acting coaches, photographers, agents) who will give them valuable advice and guidance on how to take care of themselves as an actor and how to get into the business of acting.
5. They wait for things to happen instead of making things happen for themselves by doing all they can to further their careers and make sure that they get seen by casting directors, producers and agents who are looking for talented actors like them.
The 5 Mistakes that Actors Make: 5 useful tips for actors entering the business.
1. Their headshots are boring, too similar to everyone else’s, and don’t express who THEY are as an actor.
2. They are so focused on getting an agent/manager/acting coach, they are not focusing on a career plan and goals, or on their craft as an actor.
3. They just don’t give themselves enough time to get where they want… they want it NOW.
4. They aren’t willing to “pay the price” to get ahead in this business – which is working hard, learning your craft, and being patient while you grow as an artist and a business person.
5. They don’t take responsibility for their career… they always blame someone else if it doesn’t work out, but never themselves.
The 5 Mistakes that Actors Make
The 5 Mistakes that Actors Make
1. Relying too much on headshots and resume
2. Spending too much money
3. Acting like a businessperson (not an artist)
4. Not learning the ins-and-outs of the industry
5. Not knowing how to audition
It is your job as an actor to make your life as easy as possible for casting directors, agents, producers and directors. You do this by being prepared, having the information they need at your fingertips and making yourself available at a moment’s notice.
When I began acting, I wanted to be a leading man.
I had no idea what that meant. The truth is, neither did anyone else.
But we all knew one thing:
Leading men are paid more than character actors.
So, it was a good goal, even if no one knew how to achieve it.
Number 1:
Planning for failure. As an actor myself, I would sit in my apartment, writing out how much money I needed to make for the month; how many auditions I needed to go on, how many days I needed to work, how much headshot money I would need to make up (I am an actor and a photographer), what I was going to eat that month, etc.
All of this was in the hopes that nothing would go wrong and everything would go right. There are so many factors in life that are out of our control. We have no idea if we will get sick or hurt ourselves; we don’t know when our car will break down or when we will get a flat tire. It is all part of life and it’s important to be flexible and prepared for whatever comes our way because chances are it will not be what you planned for!
Set yourself up for success by planning your day around the things you can control (i.e., calling your agent/manager first thing in the morning); keeping your resume updated; replenishing your headshots every quarter; working on your craft every day; making lists of things that need to be done and crossing them off as you accomplish them).
1. Being Unprepared
2. Having Poor Portfolio Photographs
3. Not Brushing Up on Your Skills
4. Not Networking
5. Not Having a Backup Plan
