You may be traveling to visit family. It’s that time of year and the holidays could have you hitting the road. You know you’ll have some downtime between the festivities, though, and you’re hoping to land a quick gig or two while you’re away. This can seem a bit awkward or overwhelming at first, but if you’re heading to a happening location, it may be a lot easier than it seems. So, what are some ways in which you can land gigs while out and about? Here’s some tips from NYCastings.
Stay Plugged In
Make sure you keep your phone or laptop handy. If you’re staying somewhere with WiFi, you can connect as soon as you settle in. This way, you can quickly search for available castings in the area and browse to see if anything fits.
Plan in Advance
If you have your travel dates picked out, start browsing for castings ahead of time. There’s a good chance you’ll be able to submit and audition for some online. Many casting directors book projects nationwide and will even interview you over the computer via a program like Zoom or Skype. Note the shoot dates and only try out for those which you’ll be physically available for.
Keep an Eye Out for Last-Minute Bookings
There are many projects that require same-day shoots. If you are traveling to Los Angeles or Miami, for example, you very well could land a casting for a music video, shoot, and wrap all within the same day. Since you’ll soon be out of the area again, you’ll want to make sure you’re only signing up for opportunities available within the short window you have.
Think Long Term
If you’re on the search for a new place to land permanently and think your current locale is a great, you could attend open calls or castings for projects are that are shooting further out. Just be sure you can travel to the area again when needed or be content with putting down roots there. You don’t want to make any promises you can’t keep.
Get Connected
Are you visiting someone who is also in the industry? If so, ask them about potential gigs available to you while you’re in town. This individual is probably your best bet for getting your foot in the door quickly, and they’ll know the local market firsthand.
Learning how to effectively book out of town opportunities could be a must if you’re always on the road. While it may be a bit trickier than landing gigs in one location close to home, it’s still possible with a little added effort and expertise. The next time you’re traveling, go ahead and get it a try!