Even if you think you're ready for pilot season, and answered "yes" to the above question, here is a checklist of the items to take care of before pilot season begins.
- Don't Be Unprepared - Know your lines and be off book as quickly as possible. Being able to perform your lines without having to constantly look at the script allows you to connect with the casting director or your scene partner, Would you rather showcase your acting ability or your skills at reading off the printed page?
- Stop Worrying - Worrying too much about booking a role during pilot season can put too much pressure on you and have a negative impact on your performance. It is an important time of the year in the acting world but not important enough to psych yourself out and ruin your chances during an audition. Relax and be yourself so the casting director is able to get a natural performance out of you.
- Have Your "Essentials" In Place - The competition during pilot season is fierce so you need to have some essential items in place before you get to Los Angeles, Even if you already live here, it's still important to have your "acting essentials" in place. These essential items include:
- A place to live - Rent prices greatly increase during pilot season because so many people are looking for housing. Landlords know they can charge the higher rates because of the number of people in town for 4-5 months. Don't think you'll get to Hollywood and be able to easily find an affordable place to live. Have your housing set-up in advance of your arrival.
- Money - Los Angeles is not a cheap city and it is expensive to live here for months on end as well as on a daily basis. Make sure you have some savings set aside just in case.
- Agent and/or Manager - There are hundreds of actors submitted for parts in TV shows. If you don't have an agent or a manager, it will be tough to get your headshot or demo reel to the right people in the casting department. I'm not saying it can't be done but it will be harder for you to make it in the door to read for a role. If you do have an agent and/or a manager, stop in and see them because you want to be top of mind when they are submitting talent to casting directors,
- Headshots - Please have headshots that match your current look. Don't be "that person" who is at least 10 years older than their last set of headshots.
- Online Presence - I'm not simply talking about social media even though that is important, I'm talking about ways to showcase yourself and your acting abilities online. Is your current acting reel on the Internet? Is your IMDb page updated? Do you have your own website with clips, credits and a bio telling people more about you? If you answered "no" to any of these questions, what are you waiting for???
- Acting Lessons - Regular classes with an acting coach will keep your skills in good shape. Even if you don't want to take a regular acting class, be prepared to do private coaching sessions before a big audition.
- Have Reliable Transportation - Make sure your vehicle is in good shape because you'll be spending a lot of time on the 405, 101. 134, etc. Be sure and leave a set of audition clothes and extra headshots and resumes in your car. It's always best to have an emergency supply on hand in case you don't have time to run home before a last minute audition.
The start of pilot season is just around the corner. I hope your acting wishes all come true and, even if you don't land your dream role, you have a good time chasing your dream of being a working actor.
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