Sunday, March 18, 2012

Diversify

As an actor, I like many others are still waiting for that dream role.  Unless you’re one of the few, most of us will not ever achieve this dream.  I know it’s depressing but it is reality.  There are so many actors in the world, and not nearly as many opportunities.   So how do we over come this barrier?

One of the easiest ways is to create it for our self.   We must embark upon writing and producing our own materiel to present to our audience.   If you’re anything like me I am not much for writing.   I made a vow to myself that I would keep a sane estimate of my abilities. In doing so I know that writing is not my forte, but I love directing and producing.

Sure I have great ideas for scripts, but how do I get them written.    The answer to that is to write down your ideas and find writers who want to write the story.   This is where collaboration comes in.  In the entertainment business, it is not always what you know, but who you know.   That is why it is important to build relationships with individuals in every arena of the business. 

As an actor you must be versed in more than one part of the business.  That is why many actors turn, to other areas in the business to supplement their career.   Many actors are now writers, directors, producers, teachers etc.  So as you grow your career as an actor I advise you to expand your versatility, not just as actor, but as a person in the entertainment industry.  An actor only focuses on acting but a person in the entertainment industry understands all facets of the industry.  So my tip is:  DON’T SIT AND WAIT, GO OUT AND CREATE.

Below are some great articles I read about famous actors who have become directors and producers.



Friday, March 16, 2012

Are You Getting In Your Own Way?

 Dear Sir or Madame:
 I am in search of representation. I do not have much experience, but I know that I have the talent to book jobs.

Dear Sir or Madam:
Please publish my screenplay because I know that this story is awesome. I began writing it when I was 15 and my mother said it was great.

            Many people do not understand the importance of a cover letter.  Your cover letter is your sales pitch. It is what makes an agent want to bring you in and learn more about you.  Often people kill their efforts before they get started simply by having a lack luster cover letter. As artist our goal is to find someone to represent us.  We go through the painstaking process of mailing out packages in hopes of finding someone who will take an interest in us.

            Wouldn’t it be a shame to waist all that time and money never to get a response all because we could not sell ourselves in a cover letter? Your cover letter is your first impression. And as your mother always said, “You never get a second chance to make a first impression”.  So I would suggest spending just as much time on your cover letter as you put into your resume or screenplay.  Do the research. Understand what makes a cover letter great.

             Due to technology many times we are submitting electronically, but some submissions still require snail mail.  But whether submitting electronically or standard mailing make sure that your cover letter is sparking. 
·      Make sure it highlights the positive, and why and agent would want to invest in you.
·      Have friend proof it for you. 
·      Ask yourself, if I were reading this letter would I be interested in it.