Lately I’ve been doing something that most actors are terrified of doing. I’ve been turning down work. Before you think I’m totally nuts, hear me out.
For starters, it hasn’t been great stuff. Nothing that would do my career or wallet any favors. Generally speaking, taking a job should meet at least one of the following three criteria: (1) the material is good, (2) the experience will be good, (3) the money is good. If it’s 0 for 3 on the Should-I-Do-It Meter, move on. Don’t sell yourself out for something that’s bad, unpleasant, and doesn’t pay well. Think about it. Read more…
When actors are assembled before an audition, it’s a good bet a number of people are there for the same part. The impulse, of course, is to scope out the others, see if you know them, or maybe recognize them, or just get a sense of who else is in the room. It’s nearly impossible not to do… but it serves no purpose.
I’ve seen actors listen at the door, trying to pick up notes from other auditions, or boast about how they know the producers and the rest of us should go home. The intention is clear: to gain an advantage. But in truth you’re probably doing just the opposite. Read more…
Actors have to create their own material. Not only is it the most likely way for us to get the parts we want, but the industry is expecting it now. Yes, there’s the old joke that “The good news is that now anybody can make movies. The bad news is that now anybody can make movies.” Read more…
