Keep Adapting, Keep Trying

Posted on May 14, 2012 by Casting Frontier

Had Harrison Ford listened to studio heads early in his career, he would have stuck to his day job as a carpenter–and Indiana Jones and Han Solo would have been played by other actors. Had Penelope Cruz listened to critics in her early performances, she would have given up on acting and never won an Oscar. Had Clint Eastwood put all his faith in the opinions of studio execs, he’d have stopped pursuing a career as an actor and gone down in history as an actor in “probably the lousiest Western ever made.”

Countless aspiring actors have been discouraged by the words of impressive professionals in the field, and have struggled with the notion of giving up. It’s easy to rely on their advice and opinions. After all, they’ve made it, seem highly qualified, are experienced in the field; naturally, their opinions are the best to be found. Similarly, everyone has met people who stubbornly refuse to listen to expert advice–foolishly driving their aspirations into a ditch.

But you have to remember that evolution calls for change and adapting, and no one–not even experts–knows what the future holds, and what the next hot-ticket actor looks or sounds like. Penelope’s accent was too thick, Clint’s adam’s apple protruded too much, Harrison didn’t seem like a leading man. The experts at the time were simply reflecting on what already existed as the norm. Ironically, what Hollywood is most interested in is a fresh, new talent. A new actor needs to be different, but is immediately doubted when he or she is different.

So how’s an actor supposed to know whose advice to listen to and whose to disregard? It’s a slippery slope maneuvering through the opinions of others. And there are no easy answers. The goal for any actor is to keep moving in the right direction. Listen to your heart, listen to your needs, and be open to the views of others along your journey. Harrison needed to feed his family so opted to devote himself to his carpentry work…which ultimately broadened his contacts, leading him back to the entertainment industry. Becoming successful is a process of trial and error, failure and rejection, regathering strength and focus, adapting–and keeping up this process over and over and over again. Respect other’s opinions, but never allow others to stop you from taking risks and believing in yourself.

Tim Harford is the author of the book Adapt: Why Success Always Starts with Failure. Listen to his illuminating talk about the importance of questioning expert advice, and the challenge of perceiving ourselves as process-oriented works in progress.

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Your Chances of Becoming a Star

Posted on May 11, 2012 by Casting Frontier

According to Screen Actors Guild, the unemployment rate for SAG members is about 85%. However, the 15% employed includes minor roles and even extra work. Indeed, many “working actors” collect unemployment a good chunk of their year. Pursuing a career in the arts and cinema is a tenuous prospect at best. Film is a tremendously competitive medium. It’s been said the chances of becoming a Hollywood superstar are about the same as winning the lottery or being struck by lightning on the 17th of November while birthing a baby calf. All right, I just made that last part up, but suffice it to say, it’s a tough profession.

So, after this inspiring news, should you throw in the towel and save yourself a lifetime of grief? Well, this is where the rubber meets the road, isn’t it? When you’re faced with the above-mentioned odds, you have to ask yourself, “Do you feel lucky, Punk?” No, no, that’s not what you have to ask yourself–sorry, film saturates my brain. You have to ask yourself if you really love to act. Because if you don’t love it, it will be near impossible to get through all the work, the rejection, the heartache, the headache, the nausea, the bleeding, the tears, and the constant uncertainty.

When Brad Pitt dropped out of school, moved to North Hollywood, was living in an apartment with eight other guys, sleeping in a sleeping bag, taking acting classes and auditioning, he didn’t know Thelma and Louise was just up the road a ways. Richard Armitage almost gave up his dream of being an actor because he couldn’t seem to get anywhere in Hollywood. “There was a time when I thought, and my agent thought, it wasn’t going to happen for me. We both sat down and I actually said I don’t know if I can stay in this state. The interesting roles have only come since I got into my 30s. But I didn’t know that was going to happen.”

Let’s face it, this is your life, and time is precious. You want to spend your time doing what makes you happy; what gives you a sense of fulfillment; what revs your engine! If acting ain’t it, I say find your true passion. And if it is, I say forget the 85% and go for it. Someone’s got to beat the odds–why not you? So do what you need to do. Each person’s to-do list is different. Take classes, hit the gym every day, network, live your own interesting life to fuel your characters. The world needs good actors. Think of how drab life would be without movies that touch your heart and rock your world. You want to be a part of that? Do you feel lucky? Well, do ya. Punk?! All right, all right, I’ll stop. Hey, sincerely, break a leg.

Networking Power

Posted on May 7, 2012 by Casting Frontier

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Actors are always seeking ways to get into that proverbial inner circle of agents, casting directors, producers, and directors. It can seem as impossible as hiking Mount Everest—that is, until you realize the power of networking.

The definition of a network is a group of people who exchange information, contacts, and experience for professional or social purposes. The degree to which you broaden your networking horizons correlates to increased opportunities. That is, having 50 people in your network is significantly better than having 5; but, 500 connections can make all the difference in acting gigs coming your way. Maybe your acting class friend will alert you to an open role in a play she’s in; maybe your camera operator friend will make sure you get brought in for a commercial audition. Whatever if is, you will have increased chances to build your career.

Part of networking is building upon the people you know (family, friends, those you meet on the job, in classes or at various social or work events, casting directors that have called you in for auditions–the list is endless). The key is to consistently be building relationships—the higher the quality the relationship, the better. While not everyone in your network will achieve the ranks of a near and dear friend, all those on your network should be aiming for mutually beneficial relationships. And make sure these people have generally positive experiences with you. If you show up late on a regular basis to the gigs they invite you to, or if you consistently end up with a lampshade over your head at industry parties, they will be less likely to want to be connected to you, or refer you to others.

That’s good news for you though. Your career benefits from your genuine, professional vigor! Bring a positive attitude wherever you go and people will want to work with you–and this opens doors for more networking and ultimately more auditions. Keep in mind, you may not get the results you want if you only try targeting those at the top of the Hollywood food chain. Rather, build relationships on many levels simultaneously. If you’re zeroing in on that agent at the catering table, be sure to likewise get to know that new aspiring actor you’re sitting by. Remember the wisdom of Hanson when they sing, “Plant a seed, plant a flower, plant a rose…Keep planting to find out which one grows, It’s a secret no one knows.”

When you focus on your social connections, offers can come seemingly from left field. The power of networking has been present since the cave men; but now with the Internet, this power has multiplied exponentially. So take advantage! Get your website cooking. And know that Casting Frontier is a serious networking tool. Every time you’re called in for an audition, the casting director, the commercial executives, the directors, and producers all have access to your headshots, resume, voice over samples, reels, and a link to your personal website. Talk about getting your foot in the door of that inner circle!

Takin’ It to the Streets

Posted on May 1, 2012 by Casting Frontier

Many scholars believe modern day theatre and film are actually the children of archaic street theatre. Theatre, as we know it, has its origins in ancient Greek rituals and festivals. As early as the 6th century, poets and dramatists were performing by the roadside for citizens on their way to athletics contests, political events, and even weddings and funerals. These performances transformed and transmogrified into classic Greek tragedy and comedy–the paradigm of modern cinema and dramatic arts. Even as a guy named Willy Shakespeare was honing the art form to a whole new level of expression, actors were still taking to the street to express their most revered stories and their most heated passions.

There are many reasons why an actor or troupe will gravitate to the street as opposed to a traditional theatre or media space. Politically incendiary material or outrageous social perspectives many not be accepted or funded readily through traditional channels. It may be the strictures of an indoor setting are too confining for an expansive production. Or it could just be that the street affords a much more unabashed and raw milieu to invoke the spirit of any passion play.

But the thing that’s so exciting about street theatre for up-and-coming actors is it gives you a chance to perform! Isn’t that why you’re in the game? You want to express yourself through the medium of your very own voice and body and spirit. Yeah, money and fame will be nice, but don’t you just want to show ‘em what you got? Here’s your opportunity. While your friends are making excuses and complaining about nepotism, money, contacts, and every other excuse known to mankind, you could be out there knockin’ ‘em dead with your energy, your talents, and your chutzpah. When auditions are slow, take it to the street. Agent just dropped you? Take it to the street. Can’t seem to get a foot in the door? Hit the streets! What better way to test your mettle and hone your courage than to perform with no playbill, no red velvet curtain, no permission, and no parachute! Terrifying, right? But what could be more challenging and more invigorating?! Robin Williams learned early on if he could move passersby on the sidewalk, acting in a fully funded film would be a piece of cake.

So, do likewise young thespian; the acting gods reward courage. Don’t wait for your break; make your break! And don’t forget to send us a link to your street masterpiece. We can’t wait to see it!

How Influential Can You Get

Posted on April 29, 2012 by Casting Frontier

TIME’s 2012 100 Most Influential People in the World list was recently released. “We are living in a transformative period in which leadership and influence emerge in unlikely places…the TIME 100 list is about the infinite possibilities of influence and the power of influence to change the world,” the article states. Among those listed are Manal al-Sharif who started a movement of women driving in Saudi Arabia even though the government there bans women from doing so; and the innovative math educator, Salman Khan who’s helped so many around the globe learn math concepts online. Also among those listed are Claire Danes, Viola Davis, Tilda Swinton, Chelsea Handler, Jessica Chastain, and Kristen Wiig–thanks to the impacts of their performances and careers. Seeing them associated with such global figures goes to show how influential actors can be—not only on American culture, but in the world.

We’ve all heard about remarkable humanitarian practices by many actors including George Clooney, Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt . And then there are the lists like the one published in Forbes stating which actors gave most generously to their charities in 2011–big names such as Jamie Gertz, Mel Gibson, Meryl Streep, Jerry Seinfeld, Barbara Streisand, and Matthew McConaughey. Through their performances, their fame, their money, and their service, these accomplished actors are in a uniquely favorable position to influence the culture and the world.

But what about those aspiring or working actors who have not yet achieved the kind of stardom as those listed? What kind of influence can such actors have if he or she is struggling to both pay their bills and take acting classes?

Ben Cameron runs the arts-granting program at the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation in New York where he supervises a $13 million grants program aimed at the theatre, contemporary dance, jazz and presenting fields. Cameron insists the arts are going to be more important than ever in our modern times with all of its modern sufferings and pitfalls, to bring about social conscious, a common cause, and call us all to be activists in our various causes to create a more empathic world.

What kind of influence do you most want to have on the world? Whether you use the performing arts, film or video, you can make a difference in the causes that are most important to you. Some actors, wondering about an angle into the industry, for example, immediately gravitate to the horror genre. And why not? The influential The Blair Witch Project inspired aspiring actors and directors alike to come up with horror plots and themes aiming for low budgets and starring just themselves–knowing there’s often a wide audience to greet finished projects. All the power to them! That’s certainly one way to be influential. But don’t forget other avenues to pour your passions into; causes most dear to you are likely dear to many other potential audience members as well. Hear Ben Camerson speak here about ways you as a performing artist can motivate others and change the world.