Glamour, red carpet premieres, million dollar endorsement deals, private jets, getting up at noon everyday and being worshipped by millions…is that your dream of what “show business” is? Because if it is…keep dreaming!
Most people don’t have a clue what it’s really like to make movie magic and really do believe getting an agent and a job is their ticket to “easy street”. I’m a veteran of 40 plus major productions for both film and television. I’ve worked for HBO, Netflix, Paramount, Apple TV and that’s just the few I can think of off the top of my head. I’m saying that to say this…I think my experience in film and television on that level gives me more than enough knowledge to share with and hopefully give you the reality of what to expect when you do get your name on the call sheet!
Step One: Be Willing to Start at the Bottom…Background:
Some people hear that title and automatically think “that’s beneath me”. If you’re one of those stop reading this now and go back to dreaming because those REM cycles are as close to the big time as you will ever get.
Background actors have been and always will be essential to EVERY professional production ever made! They are professional actors because they are paid to perform and they are some of the hardest working people on any set! Carry that title as a badge of honor and take it seriously. Respect it.
Remember the “getting up at noon” I mentioned in the open…that was jokes! The reality is your call time most assuredly will be well before the sun comes up on almost every project you’re cast for as you build your name and reputation!
I worked on 40 plus jobs in a year, the number of call times I had AFTER the sun woke up? ONE! But don’t lt that scare you! On the contrary, to the people that matter your having the conviction and professionalism to show up for that 5am start will go a long way in building your rep…and in this business REP is EVERYTHING!
“Hollywood” is glitz and glamor yes but it’s also reputation, branding and relationship building. One thing to remember on that point…always work like you are being watched…because you are. You’re on a soundstage with 60 other people, 100 other people and you don’t think anyone will notice if you come back from lunch late or try and sneak away before wrapping for the day? WRONG. People get kicked off projects all the time for that kind of behavior and once that is BRANDED with your name you’re done.
Negative work performance and bad attitudes spread faster than wildfire in this industry and I can promise you before you wake up the next morning every agency in town knows about it and will not work with you. So PROTECT your name above all else by showing up clean (you would be surprised by the number that don’t) awake and ready to work. You do that consistently and you’ll get more offers than you can handle.
Step Two: Once you Commit…Follow Through:
This is crucial. Agencies put their names on the line by promising casting directors that you (their client) will be ready to work when contracted. Again, at this point you’re a paid professional so walk into the door with that attitude. Not cocky but confident that not only are you good enough to be there but that you care enough to be there! It has to mean something to you and when it does it shows and people pick up on it! The right people.
I was in HBO’s “Barry” last summer. I played a college student at a seminar where Henry Winklers character was giving a lecture. The director noticed me out of a room full of people “taking it seriously” and had the assistant director ask me to move into frame for the next shot and be just as enthusiastic. I did. I heard the director yell, “cut, great job” …The director of that episode was Bill Hader…the shows star! I had no knowledge of who was directing until that very moment, I was just doing what I was paid to do. Later that week I got a call from my agency asking if I was available for 4 days in the California mountains for another episode of “Barry” all expenses paid at double my rate. That one day shoot turned into 4 extra days and more on screen time and reputation building by my “being a professional” and working like “someone was watching me”… because they were!
Step Three: IMDb – If You Work It, You Post It:
I know a lot of people say don’t do it but I’m not one of those people. You’re on these sets for 12,13,14 hours. You’re in the heat, the cold, the rain, the fake snow (it is Hollywood). You’re working just as hard if not harder than anyone on that production and just because you don’t have a line you don’t get a credit? Not in my book shotgun! Post that credit! In my opinion it shows producers that you have experience and commitment. Some might not take it seriously but many will.
