Once you get started down this path, it turns into It’s a vicious cycle of self sabotage. Almost every actor does this,but I’ve never met one that did it on purpose.

Truthfully, when someone does this they are usually following what was well intended advice from a trusted source.

So, as we bring the last couple of weeks in the year to a close, I thought it important to clear up one of the biggest industry myths.

This innocent sounding piece of advice is probably something you are following right now, even though it is responsible for more actors getting stuck in their careers, than probably anything else.

The problem is that it sounds logical, but when you really start to question its merits objectively, the logic falls apart quickly.

And, I’ve seen it first hand.

After working with so many actors through the years, I’ve seen actors spin their wheels for years because of this.

I’ve also seen how quickly things can change when you start focusing on the things that really work to make it in the industry...

Here’s why...

There are a lot of moving pieces in the industry and everyone has their purpose.

However, most actors completely misunderstand the various roles and how everyone fits into the bigger picture.

We’ll get into the nuts and bolts of that another time. For now, let’s focus on how you can get more auditions and book more jobs than ever before.

It’s actually quite simple.

You just need to understand the true nature of what goes into making casting decisions.

The process does change to a degree, depending on what you are reading for, but the core principles remain the same whether you are reading for a series regular or a lead in a studio picture, or reading for 3 lines on a daytime soap.

What casting directors are in search of and what you are hoping to deliver are two very different things, which immediately puts you at odds with them during the casting process.

This misalignment is what causes casting to drag their feet when making decisions and to often be overly cautious.

It’s becoming more and more common for a roster to balloon from a few dozen actors being called in to read, to a few hundred actors being called in.

Let me ask you a question that most actors find difficult to answer.

When a CD calls in a few hundred actors to read for a role, do you think it’s because they haven’t yet found anyone talented enough to play the part satisfactorily?

Think about that for a moment...

That’s where the misalignment starts to form. Actors naturally think that casting directors are in search of the most talented actors.

However, when you peel back the layers on what a Casting Director’s job really is, they are after actors who are talented of course, but most importantly they are after actors who won’t drop the ball.

So, actors focus on getting better at their craft and developing their skills. While, that’s important and has its place, it’s not what CDs are after.

This is why getting your first few credits is more difficult than getting your next few credits. See, Casting Directors are really in the business of reducing risk.

If they recommend an actor who ends up not living up to expectations on set, it’s the CD who is on the chopping block.

It’s much easier for an actor to get a second chance to prove themselves, than it is for a CD to get a second chance to redeem themselves.

This is always at the forefront of their minds.

So, when you enroll in another acting class or workshop, it doesn’t do very much to put the CDs at ease.

This is why the industry has developed a complex system to determine the risks associated with casting decisions.

It goes way beyond whether they think you are talented enough to play the part you are reading for.

They measure all kinds of factors, some of which you wouldn’t even believe, because they seem to be irrelevant.

Again, much of that is a topic for another time.

For now, let’s focus on the biggest factor that CDs look at. It’s whether or not they see you as a trustworthy and professional actor.

Here’s a quick and easy way to do that.

Whether you think it’s “fair” or not, IMDb plays a big factor in casting decisions because it has evolved into the industry’s measure of your credibility as a professional actor.

When you have a good audition, the next step is usually a callback.

However, if you are having great auditions and you’re not getting very many callbacks, that could be where the problem is.

Before the casting office puts you into serious consideration, they will look into you and see what you are all about.

This is why you have to make sure that your industry reputation matches your goals.

If you are struggling to get to the next level in your career, or if you are struggling to gain traction, chances are you are focusing on the wrong things

You have to put just as much focus into making yourself visible to the industry and having decision makers see you as a professional, rather than a hobbyist, as you put into perfecting your acting skills.

Everyone will tell you that if you just get good enough, than the opportunities will rain down on you. I’ve seen too many talented actors leave the industry after not making any progress, to know that isn’t the case.

The truth is, most actors are just a few good career moves away from having a career that exceeds their wildest dreams, but they start down the cycle of self sabotage by ignoring the most important part of becoming an industry success story.

Here’s a great career move you can make right now.

Other things will make a difference...eventually, but this will make a difference now.

So get started on it now. We’re in the final weeks of the year which means that pilot season is right around the corner.

Set yourself up for a big 2020 now, and it could be the year that I finally...

See you at the top,
Scott