Today I had the privilege of meeting with a super sweet woman named Flo from my church who used to be a talent manager in LA. Whenever I would talk to someone from church about my career path, they suggested I try to get in contact with her. They weren't sure exactly what she did, but did know that she used to be in entertainment. The major selling point people would say whenever they encouraged me to reach out to her was that she used to manage Eric Stonestreet from Modern Family. Flo and her team were the ones who put him on the show. Um... that's kind of a big deal! I finally gained the courage to ask her to meet with me (I didn't want to seem like some leech who was trying to use her) and she was kind enough to set up a time to meet with me despite her busy schedule.
Boy did I learn a lot...
1. I need professional headshots A S A P. Flo recommended spending anywhere between $400-700 on my headshots showing different ranges of character in 3-4 looks. The one headshot photographer she recommended was Theo and Juliet--I looked into their work and they have done headshots for so many working actors today (Emma Stone, Julie Bowen, and so many more). Unfortunately, they offer one headshot package that does include a LOT, but costs $1385. WOO. One thousand three hundred and eighty-five dollars. BRB. Crying. However, call me crazy, but I'm seriously considering going to them. I want the best as I go into the industry full force and well... they seem like the best!
2. I need a reel. And not a reel done by myself with my camera in my room. But a professional reel that shows a range of emotions and characters. She told me that whenever she sifted through piles and piles of headshots, resumes, and reels looking for new/undiscovered talent, what really set the actor apart was his or her reel.
3. I need to get footage to compile a reel. So obviously in order for one to have a reel, one needs to be on camera somehow. I have thankfully done a couple of shorts, and can (I say hopefully) get my hands on copies of them. She recommended looking into USC student films, filming a class that I am in, or--worse comes to worst--professionally record a monologue I'm very confident with. Managers and agents can tell when you're just in your room reading a monologue from your computer. You need to take yourself seriously and remember that this is a business and a career, albeit not a 'traditional' one, but one to be taken seriously nonetheless.
4. Build my resume, work on my craft. My resume right now with the 4 student films, 1 play, and 5 UCSD acting classes does not come off as impressive. She warned me that sending in a premature resume might hurt me, because managers/agents will remember me when I try to send in my information again and will automatically disregard me. I have to continue seeking out opportunities for me to work, as well as continue to hone in on perfecting my craft. Adding to my experience and my training will make for a better resume. And if these managers/agents recognize the acting coaches under my training, they may even give them a call to get their opinion on me.
5. Be selective. I thought that as an actor starting out I would need to seize every opportunity that came my way. However, Flo told me that everything I do in this industry will follow me, and that I need to be selective in the projects I work on, making sure they represent the characters I want to be. She also discouraged being an extra, because though I may get some money, it will not further my career AT ALL.
I could probably write about 50 more points, but those struck me as the 5 most important. Flo warned (I don't know if this is the best word) me that it's not going to be easy, and that it may take up to five years for me to see even any sliver of success. But this is something that I am well aware of! I am fully prepared to take on the role of poor aspiring actor and pay my dues.
However, I have a lot to be thankful for: I don't have student loans to pay off, my family is not in a financial crisis where I need to have a job and make money right away, and I have a support system that believes in me through my mom, sister, boyfriend, and many friends. I feel so extremely fortunate and thankful to God that I have the luxury of pursuing my dreams. And that I even have a dream to pursue in the first place! Like I said in my last post: after auditioning for Chinglish my love for acting was solidified, and I knew that this is what I want to be do and what I'm meant to be doing.
Flo's warning didn't scare me as much as excite me. I feel very excited to hit the ground running! How will I find $1385 for headshots and like 2000 more dollars to take acting classes? I HAVE NO IDEA! But I'll find a way, and praise JESUS through it all ~
Thanks for reading friends, and see you next post.
Peace,
Olivia
