Well Grasshopper, we are finally in the last few days of 2020. While it has been a year full of unique challenges, and certainly one we will never forget, it’s time to look ahead to what’s coming in 2021.
Just a few short months ago, the industry was very different, but many actors haven’t really adapted to the changing times.
After speaking with many of them, I can see why...
There is so much confusion swirling around the industry and what’s going on, that most actors don’t really know what to do next. So, they have simply gone back to doing the same things they were before.
However, times have changed and if you want to be a successful actor, you have to change with them.
To help simplify things, I put together a list of the best strategies that worked in 2020. If they could advance an acting career during these times, imagine what they could do during "normal" times.
Let’s start with something that is incredibly powerful and very effective at moving an acting career forward quickly...
Because creatives have a need for tons of variety in their creative pursuits, actors tend to go from one extreme to the next, when it comes to the kinds of projects they work on.
What has worked for a long time and particularly in 2020 is specializing and creating a category of one. That happens when you dominate a genre and your presence is such that when a project in that category comes along, you are the first actor that comes to mind.
I’m a big proponent of this because being a part of the conversation from the start gives you a distinct advantage. It’s almost like the part is yours to lose.
Here’s how to use this strategy in 2021 and beyond.
Sit down and take an honest and introspective look at where you are in your career and where you want to go. Ask yourself what category you really excel at.
Remember, you are only trying to determine a starting point. You can always expand into other categories down the road. For now, you just want to laser focus your efforts.
Another powerful strategy that really took off this year, out of necessity, was using social media to advance your acting career.
The key to using social media successfully is to use it to generate attention and interest in your projects. Likes, views, comments, etc are not your main goal. I know that sounds kind of backwards but stick with me for a sec...
I’ve been talking about Instagrammers and YouTubers crossing over into the mainstream industry for a long time.
Casting Directors and industry decision makers seek them out, not because they are “undiscovered” talent, waiting to be thrust into the limelight, but because they can bring something to the table.
The YouTubers and Instragrammers have a built in audience that will attract attention to the project, increasing its chance of success.
It’s the same reason that A listers are cast in a given project.
While I’ve been talking about this for quite some time, it has really accelerated this year and there is no sign of it slowing down.
It’s accelerating because industry decision makers can’t find enough talented actors that can also bring loads of attention with them, when they sign on to a project.
If you have been around Boost My Star for any length of time, you know that when it comes down to it, unfortunately the actor who can bring more attention to the project usually wins over the more talented actor that can’t bring the same level of attention with them.
So, make this a core focus in 2021. Remember, you are trying to use social media to advance your acting career. So, anytime you post, ask yourself if your post would help you do that.
HINT: if you find that you are mostly posting selfies and “glamour” shots, you’re probably on the wrong track.
Let’s talk about self taped auditions. They were already becoming more common, and the events that happened this year really made them take off. I don’t see that changing any time soon, and it could actually become the standard way to audition in the future.
So, if you master this now, you could position yourself ahead of the curve. Most actors treat a self taped audition like any other audition. In reality, it’s very different in multiple ways.
You can’t just hop in front of the camera, do your scene and call it a day.
Actions can often seem dull on camera, particularly when it’s a single, still shot. This means you have to calibrate yourself to compensate for that. Here’s how...
Record a scene then go back and watch yourself.
Were your actions understated? Were they a little bit over the top, as you tried to overcome that?
Redo your scene until you reach the right balance. This is a bit instinctive and you will “feel” when your scene presents itself the way you intended. It may not be the way you would play it on set, with multiple angles and other action around you, so it may seem unnatural at first.
Don’t be afraid to get someone else’s opinion on this. What looks understated to you can be just right to someone else and vice versa.
Also, because of the different dynamics at work when you are submitting self taped auditions, unsolicited submissions can work.
Steven Spielberg got his start in the industry by sneaking on the lot. Similarly, I’ve heard from several actors who talked their way into auditions, even though they weren’t scheduled to read.
This is the same concept, except you will be doing it from a distance, which typically makes things easier.
See, when casting sits down to go through the submissions they try to get through them quickly.
Think about it this way, if they are tasked with reviewing 200 submissions (not uncommon at all) and they spend just 3 minutes (total) on each one, that’s equal to 600 minutes: a full 10 hours.
If they like what they see, great! You will move forward in the process. They won’t all of a sudden toss your submission aside because you weren’t on “the list.” It’s much more likely that your submission would be seen as a great discovery.
This is a distinct advantage that exists with self taped auditions compared to in person ones. It’s easier for someone to simply click play, than to squeeze you into the calendar.
Similar to this, something else that is quickly becoming the norm in the industry is the zoom follow up meeting.
Just like self taped auditions, doing follow up meetings over zoom is efficient so it will remain in place and become even more common in 2021, so prepare yourself for it so you can be ready at a moment's notice.
Put together a decent background with adequate lighting, quality sound, and that is free of distractions.
If your sound sucks and your lighting is unflattering, you will be fighting uphill from the start.
These are some of the top strategies that made 2020 a banner year for some actors. However, as you work on planning your next career move, keep in mind that when it comes to the industry there is something that is at the core of everything else...
The industry is built on trust. That’s one thing that will never change. So, if you want to advance your career you have to put some thought into how you come across as trustworthy to industry decision makers.
See, most actors only focus on sharpening their skill set, and they all but ignore everything else that comes into play, before they can display their talent to decision makers.
That’s a big part of why even the most talented actors often stay stuck and never make the kind of career progress they should.
As we head into another year, remember I’m always only a comment or an email away. I’ll support you however I can, because I truly want to...
See you at the top,
Scott