Have You Taken Care Of Your "Pilot Season Essentials"?

Even though streaming services such as Netflix and Hulu provide new content throughout the year, pilot season is still a big deal in Hollywood. Actors flock to Los Angeles every January to try and book a role in a pilot on one of the major networks.

Even if you think you are completely prepared for pilot season, there is still a checklist of items to help you make the most of your pilot season experience:

Have Your "Essentials" In Place - Whether you already live in Los Angeles, or you are making the move here for pilot season, there are a number of "essentials" you need to have in place. They include:

1. A place to live - Rent prices increase during pilot season because of the number of people looking for housing. Don't think you'll arrive in Los Angeles and easily find an affordable place to live. Have your housing set-up in advance of your arrival.
2. Money - Los Angeles is not a cheap city when it comes to housing, gas and daily needs like food and clothing. Make sure you have some savings set aside in case of an emergency.
3. Face Time with your Agent and Manager - If you have an agent and/or manager in place, stop in and see them before pilot season casting calls begin. You want to be top of mind when they are submitting talent to casting directors. There are thousands of actors trying to land parts in pilots. Make sure your team knows you are ready to work by taking the first step to discuss your pilot season goals.
4. Online Presence - Social media is certainly an important part of your online presence but it is not the only way to showcase yourself, and your acting abilities, online. Is your current acting reel online? 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???

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 and other number filled roads. It is a good idea to have an extra set of audition clothes, headshots and resumes in your car. An emergency supply can save you a lot of stress if you don't have time to run home to prepare for a last minute audition.

Acting Lessons - Regular classes with an acting coach will keep your performing skills up to date. Even if you don't want to take a regular acting class, be prepared to do private coaching sessions before a big audition. A private session can help you get "off book" as quickly as possible. Knowing your lines, and not having to constantly look at the script, allows you to connect with the casting director and/or your scene partner during an audition. Would you rather showcase your acting ability or your reading skills?

Relax and Stop Worrying - Worrying too much about booking a role during pilot season can impact your acting performance thanks to the pressure you are feeling. Don't get in your own way and ruin your chances during an audition. The casting director will want to get a natural performance out of you and that won't happen if you are filled with worry.

Pilot season is here and you will want to make the most of your opportunities. Once you have the "pilot season essentials" covered, you can focus on acting and landing your dream role

This actor is looking forward to a busy pilot season.

Six Years and Counting

At this time six years ago, we were preparing for a road trip to California. 

We left St. Louis around 5AM on January 21st after much discussion, soul searching and moments of doubt. The decision was made to take Zach to Los Angeles to pursue his acting dream. 

My truck was filled with as many of our belongings as possible while still being comfortable for a long drive. We had to take a good amount of Zach’s clothes since he would have auditions and other acting events. I took some jeans, about ten shirts, a pair of sneakers and most of my socks and underwear. I figured I could buy anything else I needed once we got to California. We also packed a TV, Zach’s Xbox 360, pots, pans and a computer.

Even though she was staying in St. Louis for a little while before moving to Los Angeles, Dana took a week of vacation to help us get settled. She needed to make sure her boys were safe in California before she could relax.

As we traveled across the country, I looked forward to the adventure as well as getting away from the Midwest winter. I would be able to enjoy the weather in California while making it back to Missouri for late springtime weather.

I never made it back for the nice weather in the spring.

As I look back on six years in Los Angeles, I am glad to say some of the first kids Zach met here are still his good friends to this day. Plus, he has an acting coach that has been a good mentor to him and a manager that has been supportive of his every move. His comedy career continues to grow and his acting career has taken him to film and TV sets around Los Angeles as well as across the US.

Dana has worked for nonprofits, continued her voice-over career, grown her iCandy brand and been successful working and living in Los Angeles. 

As for me, here's to six years of observing and writing about:

• Child/Teen actors
• Stage parents
• Comedy clubs
• Agents
• Managers
• Hollywood
• Comedy festivals
• Auditions
• Los Angeles
• Casting directors
• Disney
• Nickelodeon
• San Fernando Valley
• Improv
• TV and movie sets

I've also spent six years making a living doing marketing, public relations and copywriting jobs in the industries of:

• Cosmetic surgery
• Cryptocurrency
• Spices
• Physical fitness
• Events in small towns in Texas
• Insurance quotes websites
• Protecting your home from hurricanes and other natural disasters
• Crowdfunding
• Library ladders
• Moving companies
• Too many others to mention

I couldn't imagine that we would be here six years. I was just taking it day to day when Zach and I were here by ourselves once Dana went back to St. Louis. We were in a new city and only knew each other. My main concern was helping him figure out how to start his acting career here. Even though he can drive himself to set now, I still help him keep track of his auditions, wardrobe, head shots and other daily essentials of being a working actor in Los Angeles.

Thanks for reading my blog for the past six years. I look forward to sharing more adventures from Hollywood with you!

This actor already has a big audition lined up in early February.