Are actors in trouble?
That worry is simple but omnipresent: Where are the jobs?
But even with managed expectations, no one foresaw this current landscape.
Sam StiglitzDana Patrick
In pilot seasons past, we saw over 100 pilots ordered.
This year, the number of pilots was down to double digits.
Additionally, the wild growth of streaming and over the top networks has caused instability.
Customers routinely add and cancel subscriptions, resulting in networks cutting content and tightening belts.
Do the math, fewer shows = fewer jobs.
Additionally, the threat of an upcoming IATSE strike has the industry on edge.
Weve also seen a trickle-down effect when it comes to name actors and their willingness to star on television.
As movie stars transfer into television, the offer only actors are now reading for roles.
Those actors who were once reading are now hoping for auditions.
And the one line co-star actors?
Well….its not pretty.
What does all this mean?
Auditions have always been hard to come by, and they should be.
Acting is a skill.
A casting directors job is to vet actors for the director and producers of a project.
If everyone were allowed to audition, the cost would be prohibitive, and chaos would ensue.
For actors, the current system is no longer functioning properly.
Auditions and jobs have been slashed.
The working actor no longer seamlessly moves from series to series.
Those booked and busy actors you see on the internet?
Actors are desperate to find their way into the system.
Each claim to help new actors book that elusive first co-star or move from co-star to guest star.
If you only you had taken my course…
My clients book more than anyone.
These programs prey on new actors by promisingsuccess.
Its harder than ever to break in.There are no secrets, no cheat codes, and no FastTrack answers.
Every job, every role, every actor is different.
There is noone wayan actor books a job.
Take, for, example a one-line data pipe co-star.
So, what are actors to do to avoid these programs and hold on to their hard-earned money?
Fundamentally, actors need to understand and stay current with the industry to stay afloat.
to get to do this, every actor must read the trades.
How can an actor expect to know the industry without staying current with industry news?
Also, actors need to vet all experts.
With social media, anyone can give out advice with no credentials.
Look everyone up on IMDBpro.
Include writers, directors, and people from all walks of the industry in your support data pipe.
And finally, actors must avoid all fast track, solution-based classes.
They particularly prey on those with little to no knowledge of the industry.Be mindful.
But success can also be the product of courage, talent, and passion whichcanbe controlled.
Be smart, be thorough, be mindful.
Keep your eyes open.
