04 Jun Survival Secrets in the Entertainment Industry
It’s easy to give advice. It’s not so easy to take it. Unfortunately, there are a lot of situations that apply to nearly everyone that start out in the entertainment industry. You hear whispered warnings or stories that seem to have an urban legend flair, but if these situations weren’t so common, they wouldn’t turn into word-of-mouth cautionary tales.
Don’t Pay to Play
This is such an obvious piece of advice, but thousands of newbies start their careers every year and out of desperation, want, or sheer enthusiasm, they still get snarled into false agencies that require down payments for representation. Yes, there are costs to starting your acting/modeling career – headshots, prints, business cards, classes, workshops, and online accounts. One of these payments is not your representation. Managers and agents get paid after you book a job. They receive a percentage of your fee – nothing more, nothing less. If you meet with a representative that wants you to pay them to represent you, do not take even a moment’s worth of contemplation. Walk the other way.
Trusting the Wrong Person to Help You Out
We’re surrounded by industry professionals that have access to decision makers or are decision makers themselves. These people are genuine, and you won’t have a hint of confusion in regard to their motives. There are also other folks who may or may not be as forthcoming with their realities. People that boast immediately that they can change your life, make you big, or introduce you to their network should raise a red flag in your mind. Though some actual influencers may have a flare for the dramatic, they won’t make blanket promises. They’re realistic. Keep perspective when someone approaches you, promising a quick fix or magic wand approach to your career. They may simply need to boost their own egos or have other, less-business-like intentions in mind. A lot of energy can be poured into connections with those that make empty promises. Do your research on all those you meet. Google them. Don’t be paranoid, but don’t trust every person you meet that claims to have the magic sauce to making it.
Establish Stability
A life built around entertainment can mean fluctuating schedules, cash flow, and the cycle of rejection-acceptance. The best thing you can do for yourself when you start out is secure a solid living and work situation. Attempting to manage all the aspects of your career while couch surfing or having a negative balance in your bank account will only cause chaos. As much as you want to hit the ground running, in your first few months, if you can establish stable living and work situation before you launch into getting your headshots and prints out to those who can assist you, you’ll be much happier in the long run. Many people have to give up on their dreams because they cannot sustain their survival. Don’t compromise your goals by missing the essential steps to establishing a stable life. There are stories of actors operating out of their cars, but that’s not ideal, nor is it conducive to you giving your best performance when you do get that big break.