Thursday, January 17, 2013

I love the smell of pilot season in the morning



The TV and movie industry is getting back to normal as pilot season begins in just a few weeks. 

Pilot season is when the networks order a produced episode of a proposed show to help them decide whether or not to move forward with a series.  The pilot can be either the first episode of the series or an episode that spotlights the direction of the show if it goes to series.

Even though the production of the shows takes place in the early months of the calendar year, the pilot season process begins the previous summer.  

The networks receive HUNDREDS of “elevator pitches” for new shows from studios, producers, directors and various industry people.  The networks request scripts for (maybe) 100-125 of the shows pitched to them.  They narrow the list even further after they read the scripts.  The networks decide which shows they want to see as a pilot presentation.  The cast and crew for the pilots are then assembled in the early part of the year.  

Pilot season is one of the most competitive times of the year in Hollywood.  It’s also a great time of the year for extended stay apartments as well as folks looking to make some extra cash by leasing a room, home or apartment.  The population in Hollywood grows for a few months as actors descend on the city in an attempt to land a role in a pilot.

There are MANY tips to keep in mind as you put your best foot forward in the audition process.  Here are some of the most important tips:

***Have a current headshot.  This seems like simple advice but many people still use their headshot from the 80s/90s.  It’s also important that the headshot reflects the image you want to give to casting directors.

***Have a copy of your resume reflecting a level of experience that will catch the eye of the casting director.

***Take a change of clothes just in case you spill your lunch or coffee on your audition outfit.  Dryer sheets help get rid of unwanted pet hair on your clothes as well as static in your hair.

***STUDY STUDY STUDY!  Be sure and attend acting classes and workshops to hone your skills.

It’s an exciting time to be in Hollywood!  I’ll have more stories to share soon!



No comments:

Post a Comment