Working in entertainment takes an uncanny ability to exude confidence and put yourself out there for the world to see. This means, it’s all about building relationships and making sure people want to work with you. One cannot expect to be the next A-lister or supermodel without intermixing with Hollywood’s finest.
So, how can you best position yourself to ensure you are getting noticed? There are several options. Most importantly, if you want to advance your career to super-stardom status, you’ll have to move to a market that allows for a multitude of opportunity. This means, you’ll have to pack your bags and leave your comfort zone. The best places to land are Chicago, New York or Los Angeles, and there are other markets that take a close second.
Once you’re in a larger local, you’ll want to attend as many industry events, mixers, auditions, and open calls as you possibly can. Don’t be afraid to start cold calling or snail mailing a hard copy of your headshot, resume and comp card. You’ll also want to take some acting or modeling classes, attend workshops, and mingle with like-minded talent.
To begin building your resume, however, consider accepting smaller gigs, such as TFP photos shoots or university films before moving to the big city. These will be unpaid, but you’ll get some great material to showcase to industry decision-makers. Then, once you have a full-sheet of experience to show off, you can start vying for larger roles and more visible shoots.
Never stop trying to get your foot in the door. Eventually, you’ll reach a point where you should consider working with a manager and trying to seek agency representation. If you land an agent, you know you’re well on your way.
Always practice your craft and be open to understanding new aspects of it along the way. Entertainment provides a constant learning curve. Just when you think you have it all under your belt, you’ll realize there’s still more you can be taught. And, the more you know, the more you’ll grow.
Most big-named actors and models had to work their way to the top from the ground up. They didn’t walk into their first audition, nail it and the rest is history. This does happen, but it’s very, very rare.
Don’t be blind-sighted by the glitz and glamour you envision when pursuing this type of career. Yes, you will get to this point eventually, but it’s going to take hard work and dedication. Remember, this is a career like any other, too, and you’ll have to remain on your game, open-minded, and willing to adapt.
If you have it in you to try and try again, letting rejection roll off your back, you’ve got what it takes to get your career off the ground! Just don’t forget to love what you’re doing while you’re at it. Get out there and get to work!