Breaking into the entertainment industry can be an exciting and challenging journey. Whether you dream of becoming an actor, musician, writer, or any other type of entertainment professional, it takes dedication, hard work, and a lot of luck to succeed. In this blog, we'll explore some tips and strategies for getting started right now in the entertainment industry and making a name for yourself.
First, I want to explain a little about our film background. My husband and I have 4 children who have been working actively in the film industry for over a decade. They aren’t into clubs or sports…their thing is film. They want to do movies in all of their spare time so we had to figure out how to make that happen for them!
It’s a FULL-TIME JOB to manage a film career. Their dad and I were both professional actors before our kids ever were. We have over 30 years of combined experience in the professional entertainment industry and have been coaching our children since they were born.
All of that being said, there are no rule books or manuals for getting into film, and most of it, you will have to navigate and figure out yourself! This is where having an incredible PR management team can help you avoid wasting your time and money!
In this post-covid world, a lot of technology is involved in running a successful acting career. Because most auditions are all virtual now, we have the luxury of creating our careers from home; so setting up a little home-taping studio is important if you want to have good quality audition tapes. I only spent about $300 on everything; a tripod to hold my phone for steady recording, simple box lights, a backdrop of some sort, or you can use a solid color painted wall backdrop if you have one.
Your job will include taping and editing self-tape audition videos and uploading or sending the files, creating, updating, and editing your acting websites and social media pages, marketing and branding your public image, communicating with your Agents, Manager, and PR Company, networking and marketing yourself as the “type” of actor you are and being aware of scams, fraud, predators, dangers on set, etc. As well as honoring your journey with self-care, and nurturing your heart between auditions and in times of rejection.
To put it bluntly, you will put your whole head and heart into your auditions, and 90% of the time, you won't get cast in a role.
That’s just the name of the game.
It’s long hours and lots of ups and downs.
If I haven’t lost you yet and all of this sounds like you’re “in!”, keep reading!
Look up SAG-AFTR Talent Agents in your area on this website and there you’ll see a listing all the agents who you can choose from. I’d scope out their Facebook and Instagram pages to see if you like what you see; like how they talk about their clients, etc. You’ll have to buy headshots (pretty much any reputable photographer can take some simple headshots for you to start out with.
Agents don’t charge you anything to have you as a Talent on their roster (other than usually about a $50-$100 website fee). You pay them from your earnings if you book a job. And in most cases, the agent's commission can be added on top of your pay from the production so it won't come out of your pay. This is something that can be negotiated into your contract before you sign it.
If you get to a point where you are booking tons of stuff and need a manager to manage your time and work for your career, you’ll get a talent manager who you’ll pay (usually 10%-20%) yourself.
If you want to start in classes, there are DOZENS of in person and zoom classes. For an experienced actor, I highly suggest one-on-one coaching over large classes or workshops, for a more personalized approach.
Follow all of your local casting directors on Facebook because they'll often have open calls for castings you might be right for. Here are some actions you can take immediately to begin your journey:
Start by networking with other professionals in the industry. Attend industry events, join casting Facebook groups, and connect with others in your film community on social media. Building relationships with other people in the industry can help you learn about job opportunities, get advice, and make valuable connections.
Consider going to film and acting classes or workshops offered in your area or virtually, to improve your skills and knowledge. Email me if you'd like a list of my suggestions for my favorite film classes in your area.
Build a portfolio or demo reel showcasing your work. Whether you're an actor, musician, or writer, having a strong portfolio or demo reel can help you stand out to casting directors or collaborators. Consider working on personal projects, or working as background talent for local films to build up your confidence and gain first-hand experience working on a movie set.
Be persistent and don't give up. Breaking into the entertainment industry can be tough, and it will take time to find your footing. Don't get discouraged when you face rejection or setbacks along the way. There will be TONS of rejection in this industry. But keep pushing forward and working on your craft, and you'll increase your chances of success.
Long story short, managing a successful film career is time-consuming and difficult to maneuver. But remember, breaking into the entertainment industry is a journey, not a destination. You will get booked if you have a solid plan for your career, put your best foot forward both in your public image and on set, create long-lasting genuine network relationships, and hire an incredible team of individuals to have in your corner!
Comentários