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April26, 2008 - Subscriber Define Your Unique Character >> |
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Hi Subscriber - This morning's missive is about a 'mindset' that can cost you time in your career pursuit. I hope it helps you. =========================================== "Door-keepers" are the actor's natural enemies. Do you believe that? Do you believe that casting directors, agents, executives, managers, production assistants and office personnel are often standing in your way? That your career would be far different if there weren't any "door-keepers?" If you do believe that, I've got some bad news for you. You are making a crucial error in your plan to succeed as a professional actor. That belief can set you back years in your career. Indeed, this common attitude is usually one of the culprits causing a lack of forward progress in many actors' careers. And ... it can lead to massive frustration. Those people, whom so many actors darkly refer to as "door-keepers" - can more accurately be called, "career assistants." FACT: Almost nothing helps a career in Hollywood (or on Broadway - or pretty much anywhere) more than good "word of mouth" (inside the business). That kind of talk usually happens between CDs, agents, managers, executives - even production assistants talking to assistant directors. And don't kid yourself, receptionists have influence too -- because they're in the office every day. Even a 'gofer' can pass along your headshot. I've seen it happen more than once. You know it's true. If a casting director likes you and talks you "up" to a director, producer or even to another casting director, guess what? You take another step up the ladder. Even if it doesn't result in an immediate booking, you will get your chance - if these people are talking about you in glowing terms. Unknown actors do it every day. Harrison Ford got his big break because of his personal relationship with Fred Roos, a casting guy who bugged George Lucas with his constant pitch for "the carpenter." Do not ignore this reality. As Buddha put it so clearly, "The obstacle is the path." So, where did this "door-keepers" idea come from? Simple. Actors often associate the rejection they have to endure (it happens to all of us) with casting directors, agents, executives, etc. This sort of emotional association makes it easy to see THEM as the problem. Thus the name calling -- "door-keepers." ADVICE: Stop portraying other people, with other jobs (in YOUR business) in a negative way. Especially to yourself. If you begin to believe this common canard, (that their job description is "door-keeper,") you will never develop any real relationships with those people in the business - who ARE working and can help you to get work. Starting at the receptionist's desk. WARNING: If you make up your mind that the "door-keepers" are the problem, you'll probably remain in relationships with other wannabes who believe the same thing you do. That may result in any number of bad decisions. For instance, thinking that you can 'buy' a casting director's friendship at a workshop - or by giving expensive gifts. Or by putting your life savings into an Equity-waiver production of Romeo and Juliet as a 'showcase.' Or quitting - because your level of frustration is starting to become life threatening. Stop! Admit to yourself that your REAL GOAL is to work with Steven Spielberg or Stephen Sondheim. Admit that what you really want to do is MOVE UP the ladder. It is likely that your immediate goal is "acting for money." So I think it's reasonable to assume that you should be listening carefully to people who can help you achieve that goal - the people whose job it is to "screen" talent. They can be your allies or your enemies ... it's really up to you. Your attitude towards them will probably determine your results. The real first step on your way to your goal is to have a good relationship with these people - who WILL be your co-workers - when (and if) you start working. How do you do that? Come on, you know ... Smile. Listen. Say "thank you." Stay well groomed, bathed and ready to work. Be prepared. Be nice. Remain professional at all times. Don't screw up any one else's day with your problems. Don't beg. Don't make excuses. Don't be late. Treat everybody as you would like to be treated. Work at THOSE things. Want better results? Learn some strategies. Remember, the reality is simple: show business (acting) isn't really "competitive." It just has more workers than jobs. Because of this reality, it is only the above average actor who does well. But, what is "above average?" Actors who have managed to build relationships with the so-called "doorkeepers" and are getting paid for acting can reasonably be called "above average." Period. If your goal is to make money as an actor, you'd be wise to drop the 'attitude' and be willing to become the sort of actor the "door-keepers" like and respect. REALITY: SOMEONE has to think that paying you to act is a good idea. You won't accomplish that very often if you can't (or won't) treat your co-workers as individuals. Don't make the mistake of treating them like a "class" of people in our business - erroneously called "door-keepers." You can spend your time blaming other people for your results - or you can observe reality, adjust your thinking (belief), polish up your working relationship skills - and thus, move through the 'door.' The nice thing? It's your call. =========================================== Good Thoughts ... Here's a little poem I have pasted on my bulletin board to remind me of what I want to accomplish every day ... I want to know, when day is done, That life has been worth living, That I have brought somebody joy Through kind, unselfish giving. I want to feel, when evening falls and shadows quickly lengthen That I have made somebody glad, Some weakness I have strengthened. I want to know that come what may I've left some cheer and gladness; I want to feel at close of day I've banished someone's sadness. I want to feel at close of day That someone's cares were lighter Because of kindness I have done, May someone's life be brighter. ~ Author Unknown =========================================== "If you fail to plan - you're planning to fail" Benjamin Franklin One of the surest ways to improve your business is by making a plan. In fact, without a plan it's a very good bet that your forward progress ( not to mention your profitability) is going to suffer. Actors are no different than any other business person - they need a business plan. Of course in our line of work it's not quite the same sort of plan that is put together by someone opening a dry cleaning shop. That's why I've put together a program designed to help you build a plan that's just right for actors. I call it Action! and it's an immediate download. It comes with a step by step course of action that helps you build your plan automatically - a plan custom designed for YOUR acting career. Once you've completed the workbook you'll also be able to use the daily planner (which goes through the end of 2009). I hope you'll take a moment to go and check out this really helpful resource in the next day or two. Here's the address: http://www.showbizhowto.com/action.html. =========================================== Have a splendid week and as always ... Much Success, Bob P.S. Here's a quote that I just absolutely adore: "I know very little about acting. I'm just an incredibly gifted faker." ~ Robert Downey, Jr. You Must Act! The #1 Virtual Acting CAREER Course http://www.youmustact.com Headshot Secrets Revealed Marketing Your Acting Career In Pictures http://www.headshotsecrets.com Nail It! Delivering The Hypnotic Audition Taking Your Audition Skills to The Next Level http://www.hypnoticaudition.com Action! The Professional Actor's Workbook & Planner Get your business together and follow through. http://www.showbizhowto.com/action.html Bob Fraser Productions 3727 W. Magnolia Blvd. #180 Burbank, CA 91505, USA To unsubscribe or change subscriber options visit: http://www.aweber.com/z/r/?TIwc7CzMtMzsrBwMbGzstEa0zMwMHBwcbA== |
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| << April20, 2008 - I Have A Question, Subscriber |
April26, 2008 - Subscriber Define Your Unique Character >> |
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