101 Tips for Actors:
Secrets for Success Every Actor Must Know
Designed to provide you with practical information for pursuing your acting career, 101 Tips for Actors gives you an insider's look at how to be successful in this business. To learn more, go to: 101 Tips For Actors
Tip #43. Less Isn't Always More
Have you ever gone on an audition and watched the casting director dig through a pile of headshots as you walk in, before looking up at you and asking you if you have an extra headshot and resume with you?
All of a sudden, your heart stops and you find yourself with a lump in your throat as you shake your head "no," and lose all of your focus before you even say your first line.
Sometimes, for whatever reason, a casting director ends up not having your headshot in front of them before you audition. It's not the ideal situation, but it does happen and it could even happen to you.
That doesn't mean that you don't have a chance to get cast in the part. It just means that during your particular audition, both you and the casting director are at a disadvantage because he or she cannot refer to your resume if a question arises. And if they take notes, they cannot put them on the back of your picture for future reference.
Your goal as an actor is to give yourself every advantage you possibly can and to be prepared at all times. This means always taking 2 or 3 extra headshots and resumes with you to every meeting or audition ... no matter what!
BREAKDOWN: Remember to always take 2 or 3 extra headshots and resumes with you to every meeting or audition, no matter what. You'll feel good in knowing that you're prepared!
Showing posts with label 101 Tips for Actors. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 101 Tips for Actors. Show all posts
Monday, August 23, 2010
Monday, July 12, 2010
1-800-My-Agent
(From the book: 101 Tips for Actors)
Is there someone in your life whom you talk to on the phone every day? Maybe even three, four or five times a day?
Has there ever been a day when this person called you, and you actually ignored their call because you had already spoken with them so many times that you just needed some space? Have you ever called someone so often that they may have ignored your call?
As an actor, once in a while a situation comes up and there’s a reason for you and your agent to speak five, six, seven or even ten times in one day – especially if he or she is in the middle of negotiating a deal for you. For the most part, however, once a week is more than enough, particularly if the business is slow or there’s nothing going on.
Don’t call your agent or manager just to “talk,” because the more time they spend on the phone talking to you (especially if it’s nothing more than chit chat), the less time they have talking about you with the people who can hire you.
Which would you rather have: a nice, cozy, feel-good conversation with your agent? Or, a nice, juicy part in a fabulous movie or TV show that provides you with a big, fat paycheck, that came about as a result of your agent spending time on the phone promoting you?
The choice is up to you!
BREAKDOWN: You want your agent out there promoting you and talking about you, not with you. So, unless it’s been a while and you need to check in, or you’re returning their call, don’t call your agent 2 or 3 times a day – especially when it’s just to shoot the breeze.
******************
101 Tips for Actors:
Secrets for Success Every Actor Must Know
Designed to provide you with practical information for pursuing your acting career, 101 Tips for Actors gives you an insider’s look at how to be successful in this business. To learn more, go to: www.101TipsForActors.com
Is there someone in your life whom you talk to on the phone every day? Maybe even three, four or five times a day?
Has there ever been a day when this person called you, and you actually ignored their call because you had already spoken with them so many times that you just needed some space? Have you ever called someone so often that they may have ignored your call?
As an actor, once in a while a situation comes up and there’s a reason for you and your agent to speak five, six, seven or even ten times in one day – especially if he or she is in the middle of negotiating a deal for you. For the most part, however, once a week is more than enough, particularly if the business is slow or there’s nothing going on.
Don’t call your agent or manager just to “talk,” because the more time they spend on the phone talking to you (especially if it’s nothing more than chit chat), the less time they have talking about you with the people who can hire you.
Which would you rather have: a nice, cozy, feel-good conversation with your agent? Or, a nice, juicy part in a fabulous movie or TV show that provides you with a big, fat paycheck, that came about as a result of your agent spending time on the phone promoting you?
The choice is up to you!
BREAKDOWN: You want your agent out there promoting you and talking about you, not with you. So, unless it’s been a while and you need to check in, or you’re returning their call, don’t call your agent 2 or 3 times a day – especially when it’s just to shoot the breeze.
******************
101 Tips for Actors:
Secrets for Success Every Actor Must Know
Designed to provide you with practical information for pursuing your acting career, 101 Tips for Actors gives you an insider’s look at how to be successful in this business. To learn more, go to: www.101TipsForActors.com
Friday, July 31, 2009
101 Tips for Actors - Last Call at Sale Price
***
LAST CALL @ SALE PRICE!
101 Tips for Actors: Secrets for Success Every Actor Must Know
Designed to provide you with practical information for pursuing your acting career, 101 Tips for Actors gives you an insider's look at how to be successful in this business. To learn more, go to: www.101TipsForActors.com.
***
As you know, I'm completely Sold-Out of my book "101 Tips for Actors," and have been for a while now. The GOOD NEWS is that I have given you access to the PDF version of my book at 50% off for almost a year now, bringing the price to $9.97. You see I really want to help you succeed in this business.
The BAD NEWS is that this sale price is ONLY AVAILABLE THRU JULY 31ST because on August 1st, I'm raising the price back up to $19.97.
Therefore, if you want to take advantage of this great opportunity, go to: 101 Tips for Actors and download your copy TODAY!
***
"A valuable guidebook, written by someone who truly cares (and who has truly been there), 101 Tips for Actors offers a user-friendly combination of acquired wisdom, business etiquette, and good old-fashioned common sense for anyone who's just beginning to navigate the strange and often murky waters of this swamp we lovingly call Hollywood."
Mark Deklin
(Film, Television, and Broadway Actor & Fight Director)
***
"I have just read the very useful book, '101 Tips for Actors: Secrets for Success Every Actor Must Know,' by Sharon Moist. Here you have a very practical guide on how to get your acting career up and going, and how to sustain it. This book presents a hands-on approach that is fresh, practical and amusing. Sharon has managed to condense my 35 years of being a professional actor into 101 Tips. What is obvious to me will now be obvious to you. Brava, Sharon!"
Marianne Muellerleile
***
BUY YOUR COPY TODAY!
LAST CALL @ SALE PRICE!
101 Tips for Actors: Secrets for Success Every Actor Must Know
Designed to provide you with practical information for pursuing your acting career, 101 Tips for Actors gives you an insider's look at how to be successful in this business. To learn more, go to: www.101TipsForActors.com.
***
As you know, I'm completely Sold-Out of my book "101 Tips for Actors," and have been for a while now. The GOOD NEWS is that I have given you access to the PDF version of my book at 50% off for almost a year now, bringing the price to $9.97. You see I really want to help you succeed in this business.
The BAD NEWS is that this sale price is ONLY AVAILABLE THRU JULY 31ST because on August 1st, I'm raising the price back up to $19.97.
Therefore, if you want to take advantage of this great opportunity, go to: 101 Tips for Actors and download your copy TODAY!
***
"A valuable guidebook, written by someone who truly cares (and who has truly been there), 101 Tips for Actors offers a user-friendly combination of acquired wisdom, business etiquette, and good old-fashioned common sense for anyone who's just beginning to navigate the strange and often murky waters of this swamp we lovingly call Hollywood."
Mark Deklin
(Film, Television, and Broadway Actor & Fight Director)
***
"I have just read the very useful book, '101 Tips for Actors: Secrets for Success Every Actor Must Know,' by Sharon Moist. Here you have a very practical guide on how to get your acting career up and going, and how to sustain it. This book presents a hands-on approach that is fresh, practical and amusing. Sharon has managed to condense my 35 years of being a professional actor into 101 Tips. What is obvious to me will now be obvious to you. Brava, Sharon!"
Marianne Muellerleile
***
BUY YOUR COPY TODAY!
Monday, May 11, 2009
Coaching Corner: Do You Talk a Good Game?
I recently had a conversation with a potential client who talks a really good game.
The challenge with this person is that I’ve “been there and done that,” so I’m very familiar with the “talk the talk, but don’t walk the walk” syndrome. Up until two years ago, I could talk just about anyone under the table with all of my big plans. Unfortunately, all I did was talk. I never took action on anything. Just ask my former trainer; he’ll tell you just how true that statement really is!
Fortunately, that’s not the case anymore. Now I talk the talk AND walk the walk, and my life has changed 360 degrees because of it.
So what changed? Just one thing: I stopped talking and started walking. (i.e. I actually took the first step on something.)
For example: When it came to exercise, I started working out at the gym for just 10 minutes at a time. (This area is definitely a challenge for me, as I’m not a big fan of exercising, but I’m getting there!) When it came to nutrition, I drank one extra glass of water. (Soda is my preferred beverage of choice!) When it came to getting my office organized, I set the timer for 10 minutes and worked on a pile of papers. (My assistant lives in Canada, so when it comes to keeping my office straight, it’s really up to me!)
See how simple it was? The most important thing was to make each step I took small enough for me to succeed and feel like I had actually accomplished something. After that, momentum built on momentum, and the steps I took got a little bit larger each time, until I was no longer talking, but actually walking!
Now, let’s be honest: The exercise thing and the water thing are still a challenge for me, as I’d still rather sit on the couch reading a good book and drinking a can of soda, than working out, drinking a bottle of water. But, I’m working on it!
I don’t think that most people who talk a good game intend to just talk. I really do think they want to accomplish the things they talk about. I know I did. I’ve also come to realize that the reason I wasn’t getting anywhere was two-fold: (1) I wanted to do it perfectly and (2) If there was too much to do, I became completely overwhelmed and didn’t know where to start.
Finally, after many conversations with one of my own coaches, I realized that perfection was never going to happen. After that, she helped me break things down into bite-size pieces, which gave me a place to start.
So what about you? Do you talk the talk or walk the walk?
If you discover that you’re doing more talking than walking, I would encourage you to take an hour or two and figure out exactly what’s holding you back from actively pursuing your goals. And if you can’t figure it out on your own, talk to your friends or even consider hiring a coach, like myself, to help you.
Then, once you have the answers you need to break through your stuck spots, the sky is the limit on what you can achieve, so go for it!
Copyright © 2009 Sharon Moist. All Rights Reserved.
P.S. If you enjoyed this article, then I'd invite you to subscribe to my free email newsletter, the Industry News Digest. The next issue comes out this Thursday, May 14th and you can subscribe at: http://www.IndustryNewsDigest.com
*********
Sharon Moist, also known as The Industry Coach®, is a highly sought-after professional career coach, whose clients include Hollywood Power Brokers and A-List Celebrities. After 5 years as a Hollywood Agent, Sharon left the agency to open her own coaching company. For more information, or to work with Sharon directly, you can visit her website at: http://www.TheIndustryCoach.com
The challenge with this person is that I’ve “been there and done that,” so I’m very familiar with the “talk the talk, but don’t walk the walk” syndrome. Up until two years ago, I could talk just about anyone under the table with all of my big plans. Unfortunately, all I did was talk. I never took action on anything. Just ask my former trainer; he’ll tell you just how true that statement really is!
Fortunately, that’s not the case anymore. Now I talk the talk AND walk the walk, and my life has changed 360 degrees because of it.
So what changed? Just one thing: I stopped talking and started walking. (i.e. I actually took the first step on something.)
For example: When it came to exercise, I started working out at the gym for just 10 minutes at a time. (This area is definitely a challenge for me, as I’m not a big fan of exercising, but I’m getting there!) When it came to nutrition, I drank one extra glass of water. (Soda is my preferred beverage of choice!) When it came to getting my office organized, I set the timer for 10 minutes and worked on a pile of papers. (My assistant lives in Canada, so when it comes to keeping my office straight, it’s really up to me!)
See how simple it was? The most important thing was to make each step I took small enough for me to succeed and feel like I had actually accomplished something. After that, momentum built on momentum, and the steps I took got a little bit larger each time, until I was no longer talking, but actually walking!
Now, let’s be honest: The exercise thing and the water thing are still a challenge for me, as I’d still rather sit on the couch reading a good book and drinking a can of soda, than working out, drinking a bottle of water. But, I’m working on it!
I don’t think that most people who talk a good game intend to just talk. I really do think they want to accomplish the things they talk about. I know I did. I’ve also come to realize that the reason I wasn’t getting anywhere was two-fold: (1) I wanted to do it perfectly and (2) If there was too much to do, I became completely overwhelmed and didn’t know where to start.
Finally, after many conversations with one of my own coaches, I realized that perfection was never going to happen. After that, she helped me break things down into bite-size pieces, which gave me a place to start.
So what about you? Do you talk the talk or walk the walk?
If you discover that you’re doing more talking than walking, I would encourage you to take an hour or two and figure out exactly what’s holding you back from actively pursuing your goals. And if you can’t figure it out on your own, talk to your friends or even consider hiring a coach, like myself, to help you.
Then, once you have the answers you need to break through your stuck spots, the sky is the limit on what you can achieve, so go for it!
Copyright © 2009 Sharon Moist. All Rights Reserved.
P.S. If you enjoyed this article, then I'd invite you to subscribe to my free email newsletter, the Industry News Digest. The next issue comes out this Thursday, May 14th and you can subscribe at: http://www.IndustryNewsDigest.com
*********
Sharon Moist, also known as The Industry Coach®, is a highly sought-after professional career coach, whose clients include Hollywood Power Brokers and A-List Celebrities. After 5 years as a Hollywood Agent, Sharon left the agency to open her own coaching company. For more information, or to work with Sharon directly, you can visit her website at: http://www.TheIndustryCoach.com
Monday, March 23, 2009
Coaching Corner: Monthly Acting Tip
(From the book “101 Tips for Actors”)
Tip #91: AEA
Do you know what the letters AEA stand for?
If you do, then the chances are pretty good you’re either a member or that you do a lot of theatre. If you don’t, then you need to know that AEA stands for: Actors’ Equity Association, the governing union for theatre actors.
So many actors today just want to do film, with the hope of becoming a huge star. Television is usually their second choice, but only if they can work on the bigger name shows like Grey’s Anatomy, Desperate Housewives, Army Wives and the like. Unfortunately, many times the idea of doing theatre isn’t even on their radar.
Our agency always looked at the resumes of theatre-trained actors before we looked at those without theatre training or experience. Why? Because theatre trained actors are usually better actors. They’re more disciplined; they understand the craft of acting better, and often times they are more committed to their careers.
In fact, one of our agency’s Tony® Award-winning clients has no interest in doing film or television, even though she’s as cute as a button, is in the most desirable twenty-something age bracket, and has networks and studios pursuing her, wanting to make her a star.
The great part about this young woman’s story is that when she first started out, she was cast as the Understudy to the lead actress in a musical that was premiering in Orange County, California. The week before the show opened, the lead actress was sick one day and this young lady went on in her place. The rest, as they say, is history: the producers fell in love with our client and fired the other actress. After that, the show went to Broadway, and not only did our client receive her first Tony® nomination (against other well-seasoned theatre veterans), she also won!
So if you’re an actor who wants a place to practice your craft, and connect with other actors who are also committed to practicing their craft, then theatre is a great way to accomplish that goal. You’ll meet other actors, make connections, and, sometimes, you may even replace the show’s lead and win a Tony® Award!
BREAKDOWN: Do theatre. Not only will it strengthen you as an actor, it will also make you more appealing to agents and managers.
Copyright © Sharon Moist. All Rights Reserved.
P.S. If you enjoyed this article, then I'd invite you to subscribe to my free, full-length, email newsletter, the Industry News Digest. The next issue comes out this Thursday, March 26th and you can subscribe at: http://www.IndustryNewsDigest.com
*********
Sharon Moist, also known as The Industry Coach®, is a highly sought-after professional career coach, whose clients include Hollywood Power Brokers and A-List Celebrities. After 5 years as a Hollywood Agent, Sharon left the agency to open her own coaching company. For more information, or to work with Sharon directly, you can visit her website at: http://www.TheIndustryCoach.com
Tip #91: AEA
Do you know what the letters AEA stand for?
If you do, then the chances are pretty good you’re either a member or that you do a lot of theatre. If you don’t, then you need to know that AEA stands for: Actors’ Equity Association, the governing union for theatre actors.
So many actors today just want to do film, with the hope of becoming a huge star. Television is usually their second choice, but only if they can work on the bigger name shows like Grey’s Anatomy, Desperate Housewives, Army Wives and the like. Unfortunately, many times the idea of doing theatre isn’t even on their radar.
Our agency always looked at the resumes of theatre-trained actors before we looked at those without theatre training or experience. Why? Because theatre trained actors are usually better actors. They’re more disciplined; they understand the craft of acting better, and often times they are more committed to their careers.
In fact, one of our agency’s Tony® Award-winning clients has no interest in doing film or television, even though she’s as cute as a button, is in the most desirable twenty-something age bracket, and has networks and studios pursuing her, wanting to make her a star.
The great part about this young woman’s story is that when she first started out, she was cast as the Understudy to the lead actress in a musical that was premiering in Orange County, California. The week before the show opened, the lead actress was sick one day and this young lady went on in her place. The rest, as they say, is history: the producers fell in love with our client and fired the other actress. After that, the show went to Broadway, and not only did our client receive her first Tony® nomination (against other well-seasoned theatre veterans), she also won!
So if you’re an actor who wants a place to practice your craft, and connect with other actors who are also committed to practicing their craft, then theatre is a great way to accomplish that goal. You’ll meet other actors, make connections, and, sometimes, you may even replace the show’s lead and win a Tony® Award!
BREAKDOWN: Do theatre. Not only will it strengthen you as an actor, it will also make you more appealing to agents and managers.
Copyright © Sharon Moist. All Rights Reserved.
P.S. If you enjoyed this article, then I'd invite you to subscribe to my free, full-length, email newsletter, the Industry News Digest. The next issue comes out this Thursday, March 26th and you can subscribe at: http://www.IndustryNewsDigest.com
*********
Sharon Moist, also known as The Industry Coach®, is a highly sought-after professional career coach, whose clients include Hollywood Power Brokers and A-List Celebrities. After 5 years as a Hollywood Agent, Sharon left the agency to open her own coaching company. For more information, or to work with Sharon directly, you can visit her website at: http://www.TheIndustryCoach.com
Monday, March 17, 2008
Are You an Open or Closed Book?
Are you open to learning something you already know? They say that “you can’t teach an old dog new tricks.” But what about people? Do you think it’s possible to teach someone something new, even if they feel like they already know it?
My father is a voracious reader, reading the New York Times and the Wall Street Journal every day, along with the stacks of books he has by his bedside. You see, my dad’s of the belief that just one good idea is the worth the price of the book. That philosophy has now stuck with me; thus the stacks of books alongside my own bed, as well! (In fact, I swear that between the two of us, we could open our own library!)
When I first started out in my career, I was always buying whatever acting book caught my eye. Yes, I probably had 2 or 3 others on the same subject already, but if I didn’t have this particular book, I would add it to my collection. Why? Because a new book often gave me a different point of view – especially if it was written from a different author.
For example: Right now I have about 4 or 5 books in my library, from different casting directors, on the casting process. Now some people may say, “Well, wouldn’t one book do the trick?” And my response would have to be “No” because there are hundreds of casting directors out there, all with different thoughts, opinions and processes they use in casting a project. Therefore, if I just read one book, from one casting director, I could (potentially) miss out on information from another casting director that may actually help me land a job. Make sense?
The same situation applies to workshops. I recently attended a workshop on marketing, and as I introduced myself to the two people sitting next to me, I experienced two very different conversations. The gentleman on my right told me that this was the third workshop he had attended this year on marketing, and that he was really enjoying these workshops because even though he knew most of this information already, he had gotten a couple of new ideas that he was now using in his business and these ideas had already doubled his rate of return – in effect more than covering the cost of the workshop and all of his travel expenses.
Next, I spoke with the woman on my left, and she, too, told me that she already knew all of this information. She also told me that the only reason she was there was because it was another tax deduction for her business and it was a great way to play hooky for a few days without having to do any work.
Two very different people with two very different mindsets, and I would be willing to bet that you could guess which one of these people had a successful career and which one did not.
Remember: All it takes is one really great idea to change your life, and when it comes to your acting career, the one question you need to ask yourself is this:
Am I open to learning something I “think” I already know?
Only you can answer that question.
To Your Acting Success,
Sharon
Sharon Moist
The Industry Coach®
*********
Website: The Industry Coach
Newsletter: Industry News Digest
Book: 101 Tips for Actors
My father is a voracious reader, reading the New York Times and the Wall Street Journal every day, along with the stacks of books he has by his bedside. You see, my dad’s of the belief that just one good idea is the worth the price of the book. That philosophy has now stuck with me; thus the stacks of books alongside my own bed, as well! (In fact, I swear that between the two of us, we could open our own library!)
When I first started out in my career, I was always buying whatever acting book caught my eye. Yes, I probably had 2 or 3 others on the same subject already, but if I didn’t have this particular book, I would add it to my collection. Why? Because a new book often gave me a different point of view – especially if it was written from a different author.
For example: Right now I have about 4 or 5 books in my library, from different casting directors, on the casting process. Now some people may say, “Well, wouldn’t one book do the trick?” And my response would have to be “No” because there are hundreds of casting directors out there, all with different thoughts, opinions and processes they use in casting a project. Therefore, if I just read one book, from one casting director, I could (potentially) miss out on information from another casting director that may actually help me land a job. Make sense?
The same situation applies to workshops. I recently attended a workshop on marketing, and as I introduced myself to the two people sitting next to me, I experienced two very different conversations. The gentleman on my right told me that this was the third workshop he had attended this year on marketing, and that he was really enjoying these workshops because even though he knew most of this information already, he had gotten a couple of new ideas that he was now using in his business and these ideas had already doubled his rate of return – in effect more than covering the cost of the workshop and all of his travel expenses.
Next, I spoke with the woman on my left, and she, too, told me that she already knew all of this information. She also told me that the only reason she was there was because it was another tax deduction for her business and it was a great way to play hooky for a few days without having to do any work.
Two very different people with two very different mindsets, and I would be willing to bet that you could guess which one of these people had a successful career and which one did not.
Remember: All it takes is one really great idea to change your life, and when it comes to your acting career, the one question you need to ask yourself is this:
Am I open to learning something I “think” I already know?
Only you can answer that question.
To Your Acting Success,
Sharon
Sharon Moist
The Industry Coach®
*********
Website: The Industry Coach
Newsletter: Industry News Digest
Book: 101 Tips for Actors
Thursday, December 13, 2007
You Asked for My Opinion ...
A client called me yesterday because he had landed an interview at two very prominent talent agencies in Los Angeles, for their agent training programs.
And, since he knew that my rise through the talent agency ranks had been meteoric, from talent assistant to head of television in 30 days, with NO agency experience, he wanted to ask my advice on a few things. (The fact that no one returned my calls during my first year on the job is a whole other story!)
Towards the end of our conversation, the topic of wardrobe came up and he told me that he was going to wear khaki pants, a navy blazer, a white shirt with a red tie and nice shoes. Then he asked me what I thought...
I told him he needed to wear a suit.
His response was that he was going to wear khaki pants, a navy blazer and a really great red tie, and that he thought this was a really nice outfit. Again, I told him he needed to wear a suit.
This went on for four or five more minutes, back and forth, telling me how nice the khaki pants were; that they weren't chinos, but really nice pants, and would that be okay?
Once again, I told him that ... HE NEEDED TO WEAR A SUIT!
It wasn't until this afternoon that I wondered why he asked for my opinion in the first place, since all he really wanted me to do was agree that his outfit was okay for these interviews.
The only problem was that it was not okay. He needed to dress for the job he wanted (future talent agent), not the job he currently has (waiter).
I recently had the chance to catch one of my favorite movies on TV: Working Girl, with Sigourney Weaver and Melanie Griffith.
At one point in the movie, Sigourney's character makes this comment to Melanie's character: Dress shabbily, they notice the clothes. Dress impeccably, they notice you.
In order for my client to compete at the level he wants to compete at, he has to dress the part; and the agents at both of these agencies wear full suits - not khaki pants.
So what, exactly, is the point of this story?
I guess it's this:
There are a lot of people in this business who are more than willing to share their knowledge with you. However, if you have the good fortune to meet one of us, and you ask us for our opinion, or our help with something, then at least be willing to listen to what we have to say!
However, if the only thing you want is for us to agree with you on a particular issue, then please DON'T ask for our opinion. Or, if you do ask, please don't argue with whatever information we offer.
Honestly, it really doesn't matter to me what clothes my client wears to these interviews. He could wear jeans for all I care, because I'm not the one he needs to impress, and I'm not the one interviewing for the job. But, I'm also done offering my opinion more than one time, when asked, because it seems to go in one ear and out the other.
My grandmother once told me that you should never argue with a child because you're never going to win...
Grandma was right!
To Your Success,
Sharon
www.TheIndustryCoach.com
www.101TipsForActors.com
And, since he knew that my rise through the talent agency ranks had been meteoric, from talent assistant to head of television in 30 days, with NO agency experience, he wanted to ask my advice on a few things. (The fact that no one returned my calls during my first year on the job is a whole other story!)
Towards the end of our conversation, the topic of wardrobe came up and he told me that he was going to wear khaki pants, a navy blazer, a white shirt with a red tie and nice shoes. Then he asked me what I thought...
I told him he needed to wear a suit.
His response was that he was going to wear khaki pants, a navy blazer and a really great red tie, and that he thought this was a really nice outfit. Again, I told him he needed to wear a suit.
This went on for four or five more minutes, back and forth, telling me how nice the khaki pants were; that they weren't chinos, but really nice pants, and would that be okay?
Once again, I told him that ... HE NEEDED TO WEAR A SUIT!
It wasn't until this afternoon that I wondered why he asked for my opinion in the first place, since all he really wanted me to do was agree that his outfit was okay for these interviews.
The only problem was that it was not okay. He needed to dress for the job he wanted (future talent agent), not the job he currently has (waiter).
I recently had the chance to catch one of my favorite movies on TV: Working Girl, with Sigourney Weaver and Melanie Griffith.
At one point in the movie, Sigourney's character makes this comment to Melanie's character: Dress shabbily, they notice the clothes. Dress impeccably, they notice you.
In order for my client to compete at the level he wants to compete at, he has to dress the part; and the agents at both of these agencies wear full suits - not khaki pants.
So what, exactly, is the point of this story?
I guess it's this:
There are a lot of people in this business who are more than willing to share their knowledge with you. However, if you have the good fortune to meet one of us, and you ask us for our opinion, or our help with something, then at least be willing to listen to what we have to say!
However, if the only thing you want is for us to agree with you on a particular issue, then please DON'T ask for our opinion. Or, if you do ask, please don't argue with whatever information we offer.
Honestly, it really doesn't matter to me what clothes my client wears to these interviews. He could wear jeans for all I care, because I'm not the one he needs to impress, and I'm not the one interviewing for the job. But, I'm also done offering my opinion more than one time, when asked, because it seems to go in one ear and out the other.
My grandmother once told me that you should never argue with a child because you're never going to win...
Grandma was right!
To Your Success,
Sharon
www.TheIndustryCoach.com
www.101TipsForActors.com
Sunday, December 9, 2007
101 Tips for Actors
Hi Everyone!
After a very long incubation period, I wanted to let you know that I have finally finished my book, "101 Tips for Actors: Secrets for Success Every Actor Must Know," and it's now for sale.
The book is for all actors, from the novice to the professional, and is designed to give them insider secrets about this business, in order to help them move forward in their careers.
The website for the book is: www.101TipsForActors.com
I’m even offering FREE HOLIDAY SHIPPING to family and friends … as well as friends of friends! So, if you know anyone who is pursuing an acting career, regardless of their skill level, I would ask you to please forward this message on to them!
The SPECIAL HOLIDAY CODE to receive free shipping is: 121507 and is good on all orders placed by midnight on Saturday, December 15th.
Here's hoping that 2008 is your most prosperous year, yet!
Happy Holidays,
Sharon
www.TheIndustryCoach.com
After a very long incubation period, I wanted to let you know that I have finally finished my book, "101 Tips for Actors: Secrets for Success Every Actor Must Know," and it's now for sale.
The book is for all actors, from the novice to the professional, and is designed to give them insider secrets about this business, in order to help them move forward in their careers.
The website for the book is: www.101TipsForActors.com
I’m even offering FREE HOLIDAY SHIPPING to family and friends … as well as friends of friends! So, if you know anyone who is pursuing an acting career, regardless of their skill level, I would ask you to please forward this message on to them!
The SPECIAL HOLIDAY CODE to receive free shipping is: 121507 and is good on all orders placed by midnight on Saturday, December 15th.
Here's hoping that 2008 is your most prosperous year, yet!
Happy Holidays,
Sharon
www.TheIndustryCoach.com
Saturday, October 20, 2007
My Book is Done!
Just a quick note to let you know that my book, 101 Tips For Actors: Secrets for Success Every Actor Must Know, is finally done!
So mark your calendars for November 18th, because that is the official date of the book launch and you definitely WON'T want to miss it!
Inside 101 Tips for Actors, you'll learn:
- The Easiest Way to Get Your SAG Card
- The Best Time to Visit Your Agent
- What Happens When Your Agent Runs Out of Your Pictures
- Who the "Real" Hollywood Players are
- And much, much more!
After working as an actor and spending 5 years as an agent, I KNOW what it takes to be a successful actor, and now I'm ready to share it with you!
Don't forget: November 18th is the day when you, too, can find out all the insider secrets that will help you take your career to the next level!
101 TIPS FOR ACTORS: SECRETS FOR SUCCESS EVERY ACTOR MUST KNOW
I can't wait to share my secrets with YOU!
Sharon
So mark your calendars for November 18th, because that is the official date of the book launch and you definitely WON'T want to miss it!
Inside 101 Tips for Actors, you'll learn:
- The Easiest Way to Get Your SAG Card
- The Best Time to Visit Your Agent
- What Happens When Your Agent Runs Out of Your Pictures
- Who the "Real" Hollywood Players are
- And much, much more!
After working as an actor and spending 5 years as an agent, I KNOW what it takes to be a successful actor, and now I'm ready to share it with you!
Don't forget: November 18th is the day when you, too, can find out all the insider secrets that will help you take your career to the next level!
101 TIPS FOR ACTORS: SECRETS FOR SUCCESS EVERY ACTOR MUST KNOW
I can't wait to share my secrets with YOU!
Sharon
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