Networking...an absolute necessity

I'm often asked by actors, "What can I do to get my foot in the door...get my name out there?" This is a question that anyone starting out in the entertainment industry (no matter what avenue they are going down) should ask themselves. My answer to actors always starts off with one simple word: Networking. This word is quite possibly one of the most important things a person in entertainment can do.

Networking may come naturally to some, while others learn over time. Whether you are an actor, agent, manager, producer, director, writer, etc...you should be jumping on every networking opportunity that comes your way. There is something going on in this industry every night, whether you live in NY or LA. As an agent I am constantly going to different events, shows, restaurants and hang-outs (entertainment industry oriented) to meet as many people as I can. This is crucial in building my reputation as an agent and my number of contacts. You never know who you are going to meet. I've met some remarkable people who are very important to different areas of this industry.

It's no different for an actor. As an actor, it is important to network with a variety of casting directors, producers, writers and directors. Go the events that host casting directors, find out the hot spots where producers, writers and directors may hang out (of course don't go broke going to these places) and join as many networking sites as possible (linkedin, facebook, myspace, etc...) You wouldn't believe how many actors I know have facebook friended a casting director, which I think it is a great idea. It will keep you on their radar. However, alway keep one thing in mind: Do not, and I repeat, do not come off as desperate. It is much easier to sense desperation than you might think and it's very unappealing. Also, just as important, always act in a professional and courteous manner. If it seems that someone does not want to be bothered...leave them alone. There will be plenty of more people to meet down the line and you never want to be remembered negatively by someone who may be able to open doors for you. And finally: Always have some kind of business card. Even if it is a generic card with your name, email and phone number on it, business cards are vital. Trust me on this one...I've learned from experience the importance of having a business card.

Leave it all on the audition field

Every time I send one of my clients to an audition, I always have he or she call me afterwards. I know what some of you may be thinking: You're an agent, aren't you too busy for that? Since when do agents care that much? I guess this guy can't be too busy...if he was he wouldn't waste his time on calls or emails that many deem as meaningless. Believe it or not, these phone calls/emails are very important to me. I always want to make sure that everything goes okay at an audition. Okay meaning, the client felt good or comfortable about what he or she did. A quick, "The audition went well, I felt good about it" or "I received positive feedback from the Casting Director" is sufficient for me. However, there are certain clients who give me an entire analytical rundown of the audition...this is something I need to address.

I've titled this blog: "Leave it all on the audition field," because that is exactly what an actor/actress (although I think both men and women are referred to as "actors" these days...I believe it is pc) should do. It doesn't benefit he or she at all to analyze and over-analyze the audition they just went on. Especially, when it comes to commercials (which is an area I specialize in). Some of my clients will call me and go over every little detail about the audition. Some of the details are so specific, that they include whether or not the Casting Director blinked.

I understand "leave it all on the audition field" is easier said then done...I really do. Booking jobs is not an easy thing in this industry and auditions can be extremely frustrating (emphasis on the words extremely & frustrating). However, if one does not over-analyze after each and every audition, each audition he or she goes on will get better and better...trust me. He or she will not live in the past regarding auditions and will look to the future. You wouldn't believe how many calls I've received, where a client tells me: "The audition went great...I went in and really didn't care too much and it couldn't have gone better." Yes, that last line is true and it is referring to National Commercials. The point is: When you step into the audition room, do the best that you can, take a chance, don't worry if the Casting Director doesn't laugh, smile or say much, say thank you and....Leave It All On The Audition Field.