What Should An Actor Do After Pilot Season?

The TV upfronts are over and the fall television schedules are set for the main networks (ABC, CBS, Fox, NBC and The CW).  While the upfronts represent a beginning for the actors who landed pilots that got picked up, this time of year also represents an ending for some actors.

The months of January-May are a busy time in Hollywood. A great number of actors move to Los Angeles during this time of the year for pilot season. Since the number of actors is much larger than the amount of available roles in pilots, the end of pilot season sees many of the temporary residents of Los Angeles head back to their hometowns.

Will they eventually return to take another shot at their acting career in Los Angeles? A good majority of them will say "Yes" when asked this question. However, some will go back home and never find a reason to try again in California.

What about the actors who didn't book a pilot but decide to stay in Los Angeles? What opportunities remain for them in the time between the end of pilot season and the start of episodic season in late summer/early fall?

There is plenty to keep you busy if you know where to look or if you want to create your own opportunities:

• Casting directors continue their work in the summer months because movies and commercials don't stop filming during this time period 
• There have been multiple auditions in the last few weeks for plays in Los Angeles so think about trying the stage this summer
• The time between pilot season and episodic season is a chance to update your resume, get new headshots and make sure your social media is an accurate representation of your brand as an actor
• Schedule meetings with your agent and manager to review how pilot season went and what you can do to prepare for episodic season
• Pull out that script you've wanted to complete and create a project that plays to your strengths
• Take an acting class or attend workshops in order to keep your acting skills sharp

Acting opportunities in Hollywood don't stop just because pilot season has ended for the year. It might take some extra effort on your part to find a project or a role that fits your skills. Just remember that it's worth the effort because you might find the part that kickstarts your career and helps you become a working actor.

This actor has booked a few roles since pilot season ended.

The Changing Landscape Of Headshots

Zach got new headshots earlier this year and I finally had a chance to visit a photo lab and get them printed. I went there Friday night and arrived about 15-minutes before they closed. I was the only customer so I was able to chat a bit with the guy working the front desk. I noticed that the photo lab seemed to have more video recording equipment than in years past. He said video production is one of the ways they pay the bills these days because "headshots aren't as big as they used to be."

I never thought about that fact before but he is right. Headshots are still important but they are not as important as they were in the past.

Let me explain.

When someone mentions an audition, one of the first things you probably think of is the image of an actor with his or her headshot in hand waiting to see the casting director. While this still happens, it doesn't occur as often as it did in the past. Many auditions are now recorded and instantly emailed to the casting director. There is no need for a printed headshot because the agent or manager used a jpeg of the photo to send to the casting office.

Even if the audition is in person, there will be times when the casting team have the headshot pulled up on their computer so there is no need to hand them a printed headshot.

Zach did two auditions last week and none of the casting directors asked him for his headshot.

If this is becoming more of a trend, why did I get new headshots printed? Because there are some casting directors who still want the actual headshot (with the resume on the back) even though they already have the photo and resume information on their computer. It might be a habit for them to ask for the headshot or they might want it because "that's the way it has always been done".

Plus, you still need a good headshot to showcase your personality. It doesn't matter whether it is a printed copy or an emailed version of the photo. You need to invest the time and money to find an experienced photographer who can convey what you bring to the table as an actor with your photo that (hopefully) serves as a good first impression.

A headshot is much like a business card in Hollywood. You present it to casting directors as a form of introduction as well as something for them to keep so they will remember you in the future.

This is another reason you need to use an experienced photographer for your headshots. A good photographer takes into account how the photo will look on the printed page as well as digitally. He (or she) will make sure the lighting and touch-ups on the photo work well in any format.

Plus, a good headshot is something to give family members who like to show off “their actor” to friends and other relatives. It's worth the money to make mom and dad happy!

This actor has new headshots on IMDb.

How To Get Ready For An Auditon

While preparing for an audition might seem like an easy process, there are many steps to follow once the email hits your inbox.

Don't believe me?

Here are the steps Zach Louis took this week during his latest audition process.

Step One
Zach received an email on Monday for an audition from his commercial agent.

Step Two
Confirmation of receiving the email and then letting his manager know he had an audition.

Step Three
Reading the character breakdown to see how many lines he had to learn as well as determining what wardrobe to wear to be "in character" while still looking like a real person to the casting director

Step Four
Practicing any lines and getting the body language down for the character

Step Five
Take a look (again) at the location of the audition in order to determine how long it takes to get there, if there is street parking and the time of day the audition is being held

Step Six
Make sure the resume on the back of his headshot has the logo and contact info for his commercial agent instead of his theatrical agent

Step Seven
Properly hydrate and get eight hours of sleep (or try to get that much sleep)

Step Eight
Go to audition and impress the casting director with major acting skills

Step Nine
Go home and hope for a callback

Step Ten
Get a callback and jump for joy

Step Eleven
Make sure the clothes you wore to the first audition are clean and then wear them again since the casting director liked your look in that outfit

Step Twelve
Repeat steps two though nine and hope to repeat step ten

No word yet on whether or not Zach is moving through to the next round of auditions. If he does get another callback, he will refer to the steps outlined above to properly prepare for it!

Think Good Thoughts For This Actor And His Callbacks.

How To Survive Pilot Season

Pilot season is underway and you can feel the tension across the city. Everyone is comparing the amount of auditions they've had so far, what parts they went out for and wondering why they didn't get the call for certain parts. While pilot season is an important part of the year for actors, they also need to learn how to stay sane and survive the next few months. Here are some tips to help actors remain calm during pilot season:

• Keep Your Focus - Pilot season is busy and you could be driving to multiple areas of town in one day or multiple times during the week. Stay focused on your work and don't stress about Los Angeles traffic. Stay in the moment with your acting and don't worry about your agents or managers of any other "business" aspects of the television industry. Your agent and manager help you get in the room but it is your talent that will get you a callback for a project.
• Find An Outlet - Pilot season is more than going to auditions. It is also keeping track of new projects, submitting yourself for parts besides the ones your agent and manager handle, making connections and getting your name out there even more than you normally do during the year. It's a nonstop process but you need to make time to relax and let your mind rest. Go to the gym. Meet friends for dinner. Go hiking once or twice per week. Give yourself time to take a deep breath and think about something other than acting.
• It's Not Always You - There are a dozen or more reasons why you might not book a part. Your acting ability might be the last reason you don't book a pilot. They might have been searching for a "certain look" and you didn't match what they had in mind. The part might have been rewritten to be an older person or the opposite gender or even written out of the show completely. It might have been budget reasons. It's certainly disappointing if you don't land the role you were after but keeping it all in perspective is vital to staying sane during the pilot season casting process.
• Be Prepared - The art of being prepared is more than just knowing your lines and being off book. You will often be given a copy of the entire pilot script. Read through it so you know what the show is about beyond the part you hope to land, Showing an interest in the entire script and knowing how the characters interact with each other will go a long way in making you stand out in the eyes of the casting director. Being in the room is your time to shine and show you have what it takes to play the part as well as be an important part of the acting ensemble. 
• Don't Let It Define The Rest Of Your Year - Don't let the success or failure you have in booking a pilot define the rest of your year. Pilot season is only a few months out of the year. If you don't book a pilot, it doesn't mean you will be unemployed for the rest of the year. Keep your eyes and ears open for new opportunities down the road. It might seem like the end of the world if you don't book a pilot but it can also mean there is something better waiting for you later in the year. Stay positive and keep your eyes on the goal of being a working actor.

This actor has had a couple of auditions in the last few weeks.

VITs For Your Next Audition

With pilot season gearing up, and auditions becoming more frequent, it is more important than ever to have a good audition. A good audition experience is more than simply knowing your lines (although that is an important part of the experience). Here are 5 VITs (Very Important Tips) to help you have an ideal audition each time you enter the room.

1. Know your lines – You will be sent lines for your character when you get your audition time. Unless the audition is completely improv, there is no reason not to know your lines. Even if the audition is for a voice-over gig, you should still know your lines in order to sound natural and not like you are reading right off the page.
2.  Don’t try and fake it if you don't know your lines – Casting directors would rather watch you read off the page instead of watch you stumble your way through an audition. It’s better to be honest and admit you don't know all of your lines. Would you rather the casting director remember your honesty or remember you as the person who butchered the part?  
3. Always have a resume and headshot – Just because you got an audition doesn’t mean the casting director knows who you are when you walk in the room. Always bring your resume and headshot (complete with your contact info) to an audition. If you want to be remembered, be sure and have your materials ready to hand over when you enter the audition room.
4. Make a good first impression – Some actors take the baggage of their day into the room with them. Always be on your best behavior and act like you are having the best day ever. You might not get the part but the casting director could keep you in mind for another role in the future. Being professional at all times means a good chance of paying off with a future booking. 
5. Remember what you wore to the audition – If you’re lucky enough to get a callback, wear the same outfit you wore to the first audition. As great as you were as an actor, there is also a good chance that the casting director liked your look. Wear the same clothes again to reinforce the idea of you playing the part in the mind of the person making the casting decisions.

Be sure and put these tips to good use this pilot season. It never hurts to have some tips and tricks up your sleeve to stand out from the rest of the audition crowd. If you get the attention of the casting director in a positive way, your chances of landing a callback and booking the part are better than the others reading for the role. I hope these VITs make you a VIP during your next audition!

This actor has a voice-over audition today.

Are You Prepared For Pilot Season?

Are you ready for pilot season?

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:

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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,
4. 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.
5. 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. 

This actor is hoping to have a busy and successful pilot season.

End Of The Year Means One More Meeting

Even though the entertainment industry is in holiday/vacation mode for the end of 2016, Zach had a meeting with his manager earlier this week to discuss plans for 2017.

I've always appreciated the fact that she insists her talent roster look back at the year that is ending in order to make plans for the coming year. It's a great way for Zach to see what he accomplished, what he needs to work on and to bounce around ideas for future projects.

The end of the year meeting (naturally) put me in a reflective mood. Some of my thoughts during the meeting included:

• We used to discuss "how to get on their radar" and now we discuss "we know the right people" and make plans based on those contacts
• Zach's confidence during the meeting was much greater than the kid that attended those meetings years ago
• The amazing amount of content options that have been created or seen incredible growth in the last 4 or 5 years (Netflix, Amazon, CBS All Access, Hulu, Seeso, Apple TV, Crackle, Snapchat, YouTube Red and many more that I am forgetting to mention)
• Zach's view expanding while also becoming more focused as he gains a better idea of where he wants to go with his career
• A grateful feeling for the personal and professional relationship we have with his manager as she has been a wonderful personal and professional mentor to Zach
• Being impressed by the way Zach was able to lead the meeting while I was only there to offer advice and be a support system 

There were some items on his action plan from last year that we didn't accomplish or didn't hit the desired goal. On the other hand, there were other opportunities in 2016 that weren't even on the list that Zach was able to run with and grow during the past year. Even though acting is a creative field, it is still very much a business and not something that should navigated without a game plan. After the meeting this week, Zach has a clear idea of what he hopes to accomplish in 2017. I'm looking forward to being part of the adventure and helping him achieve his goals from the meeting even as he keeps his eyes open for new creative opportunities along the way.

This actor is looking forward to a successful 2017.

Three Tips For Actors Starting Their Hollywood Journey

The act of moving to Los Angeles to chase your dreams is just the first step in the process of being a professional actor in Hollywood. There are dozens of tips and tricks to make your life easier but here are three important lessons every actor should know as they begin their career:

1. You will feel alone - Child actors and teen actors always have a support system in place because they have some form of their family with them in Los Angeles since they are underage. However, it seems that the majority of actors who move here in their 20's or older are almost always alone when they arrive in town. It takes a lot of inner strength to pack up and leave your family and friends behind and move to a place where there are thousands of other people also trying to make it in the same field. This business is not for those who can't take rejection easily. It takes hard work as well as an almost ridiculous amount of belief in your acting ability to survive. Be patient and give yourself time to get settled and, before you know it, you will discover where you belong in the acting community.
2. The people you think are "your enemies" are not against you - It might appear that some casting directors and producers never seem to like your work during an audition. You need to remember that they choose the actors they call in for auditions. Your agent or manager might submit you but the casting directors and producers pick the people they want to see during the audition process. They must like something about your acting style if you keep getting asked to audition for parts in front of them. Don't enter the room with a "me against them" attitude. Enter the room knowing that you are there for a reason. They keep calling you back so they must see something in you. Know that you've already won part of the battle because you were selected to audition over hundreds of other actors submitted for the part. They are not your enemy. They want to give you a job but they just haven't found the right part for you (yet).
3. You need to be more than a good actor - One of the unspoken factors that goes into landing a part is who you are as a person. There are hundreds of actors who would love to book the part. However, they might be missing the one quality that sometimes makes a difference in who books the job. Being a good person is just as important as being a good actor. The amount of time actors spend each day on the set can be anywhere from 8 to 12 to 16 hours. That is a lot of time spent with the same people 5 or 6 days a week for months at a time. The odds are that you are not a big enough name in the acting world to get away with being a jerk to everyone on the set. Being a pain. as well as having the reputation of being a pain, is one of the easiest ways to not get a part. I am convinced that Zach's acting skills got him the recurring role on "Bella and the Bulldogs". I'm also convinced that being professional as an extra in many episodes also got him the part. He was never late, worked hard, took direction and was kind and respectful to the entire cast and crew, Zach had earned the trust of the cast and crew. His reputation of being a professional who was also easy to work with served him well during his audition for the part of "Quiet Chris".

Don't be discouraged and don't give up easily. Whenever you are feeling down, just remember you are not the only person in this town feeling the same way. If you approach your acting career with the knowledge that your big break will not happen overnight, you will be prepared to face the challenges coming your way in Hollywood.

This actor is in it for the long haul.

Answer The Question!!!

One of the main parts of the audition process happens after the actual audition. More than one person is going to ask you a series of questions including:

• How did it go?
• How many people were reading for the part?
• Who was in the room? (Was it the casting director or an assistant?)
• How many times did they have you read the lines?
• Did they like your performance?
• What were the other actors wearing?
• Do you feel like you have a shot at it?

You can walk out of the room feeling like you nailed it and then instantly be hit with doubts once you're questioned by family and friends. They don't mean any harm with the questions. Your support system is asking because they want to see you succeed and book a part. However, they don't realize that this series of questions can cause you to pick apart your performance and doubt yourself.

I've been guilty of the "too many questions" game with Zach. He had an audition yesterday and I asked him all of the above questions when he got home. I try not to bother him too much before auditions because I don't want to distract him from his acting process. I do figure out the logistics of the audition to make things easier for him. I've been to about 90% of the places he goes for auditions. To make it easier for him, I determine in advance:

• The area of town where the audition is located
• Parking issues (Street parking on a major road, neighborhood parking, any parking restrictions I know of near the place)
• Time of day of the audition to determine when to leave because of traffic
• Best route to get there (Trying to avoid the 405, 101, etc.)

The audition yesterday was on La Brea so the logistics to keep in mind were:

• The audition is during rush hour traffic so is taking the 101 or the Canyon better?
• The audition location has parking meters that are not available 4p-7p because of rush hour traffic so where should he park?
• Two-hour neighborhood parking is available until 8pm so that gives him a good option
• What time should he leave to beat traffic?

These are all small things but they help keep him focused on the task at hand which is the actual audition. Don't waste your time overthinking things or trying to take in every detail of the audition experience so you can answer questions later. Just focus on your performance and doing your best in the room. The best answer to any question asked by your family and friends is "I booked the part"!!!

This actor felt good about his audition yesterday.

What Skills Does An Actor Need In Order To Succeed?

Acting is certainly an art but it's also a business you need to learn how to navigate. It takes a combination of luck, business skills, talent and common sense to make your way through the business of being an actor. When it comes to finding success in Hollywood, what skills does an actor need on a daily basis?

• Read the sides - Zach and I were reminded of this simple skill just a few days ago. He auditioned for a sitcom and the role was for a kid who thinks he is a punk rocker. The sides specifically said not to dress as a punk rocker but to have the attitude associated with that type of person. Zach got to the audition and the first thing he saw was a room full of kids dressed like punk rockers. Zach instantly stood out from the crowd because he read the sides and followed the instructions.
• Read the room - This simple piece of advice means paying attention while waiting for your turn to audition. Are the auditions going fast or slow? Can you hear the people in the room? If so, are they happy or cranky or asking lots of questions? Reading the room before you enter for your audition means you will have a better idea of what to expect when it is your turn to read for the casting director.
• Don't be late - You wouldn't want to be late for work or a business meeting. Since that is the case, why would you be late for your audition?  The times for audition appointments are scheduled to get the number of actors they want to see through the room on time. Don't be "that guy" and be late for your audition. You will definitely make an impression on the casting director but it might not be the type of impression you want to make that day.
• Don't make excuses - Stayed out too late and didn't get up in time to learn your lines? While you might get a little bit of sympathy, the majority of the cast and crew don't care. There are plenty of actors ready and willing to take your place so don't make excuses for not knowing your lines. Be professional and ready to perform!
• Don't improvise your lines - Want to find the easiest way to offend a writer as well as the director? Make up your own lines in a scene. The script you get each morning on set is the final product and it's not your job to improve or change the dialogue.
• Get out there and work it - "Working it" can be anything from attending a play to working on your own script to taking an acting class to networking at a casting workshop. There are many avenues available for you to be seen and meet others in the industry. You have to make the effort to get out there and give your career the boost it needs to rise above every other person in Hollywood who wants to be a working actor.

This actor can work a room as well as a crowd at a comedy show.

The Return of My Top 10 Casting Notices

It's been too many months since we looked at Hollywood casting notices. Many of the auditions for Zach these days are for episodes of TV shows since it is Episodic Season. However, there are always parts to audition for in Hollywood. Let's take a long overdue look at my 10 favorite casting notices from the past few months for scripted shows as well as reality TV shows:

1. Do you have a messy room? Do you have a really messy room where even you aren't sure what is hiding at the bottom of the pile? We're looking for people 18-27 who live like slobs and want a room makeover. Must be willing to show you room on TV.
2. There's an app for success and it's our TV show! We're currently searching for people who have the next great app in mind and want the chance to share it with the world. You must be a United States citizen between 21-38 and have an app nobody has heard of before to be considered. Anyone with an idea similar to existing apps will be instantly kicked off the show. Apps must be realistic but innovative as well as forward thinking but comfortable to investors.
3. Looking for 25-32 female of any ethnicity to play single girl trapped in a room with a zombie. Must be willing to scream at loud volume for hours on end. Must sign waiver that any damage to your voice due to the screaming is not our responsibility.
4. How far will you go for your shot at fame? New movie casting female, 18-25, for part-documentary and part-scripted movie that is a comedy and a thriller. Willing to live with a complete stranger for a month while also having it filmed? FYI....You will have the chance to speak with the person before starting the living arrangement.
5. Looking for girls between 21-29 who are experts in flirting for a new series of short web videos. Kissing will be required so participants must be comfortable kissing for long periods of time in front of a crew.
6. Are you a contortionist? Know someone who is a contortionist? Can you do moves that make people gasp in shock and amazement? We're looking for male contortionists 20-50 for a feature film. Must be willing to show skills at audition.
7. Voice over actor with French accent needed to play a hedgehog in training for a marathon. Must be good at crying in French. 
8. Put your killer looks to work as "the killer" in our feature film. Looking for Latin female between 21-32 to play a seductive and deadly thief who steals hearts and trust funds at the same time. Must be well informed on financial issues and how trust funds work when it comes to penalties and restrictions. 
9. Do you like to sing and dance? Do you love to be the center of attention? If so, this is not the part for you. Looking for male 18-25 to play silent character who makes others uncomfortable with his silence and quiet intensity. No lines in movie or audition,
10. Seeking females of any ethnicity ages 40-55 to play mother figure to a group of teens who want to be acrobats. Must be flexible, agile and comfortable wearing tight fitting acrobat clothing. Bonus points if you're an actual acrobat.

Do any of these roles sound right for you? If so, you might be on your way to fame and fortune!

This actor is definitely not a contortionist.

How To Deal With Different Comedy Crowds And Still Get Laughs

The Burbank Comedy Festival was earlier this month and Zach spent the week absorbing as much info as he could from the other comedians and festival organizers. Overall, I'd give him an "A" or "B+" for his week as each show presented some challenges.

The festival kicked off two Sundays ago and Zach's first show was that night. It was also one of those nights where the audience was not on his side at the start of the show. It's not that the crowd was hostile or not there to be entertained. The reason he had to win them over became apparent a few comics into the show. The host for the evening came out and did 5 minutes that were okay but was well received by the audience. The host brought out the next comic which turned out to be his wife. She did a stronger set and the crowd was with her. As the crowd was laughing, Dana and I looked at each other as we realized a good portion of the audience was made up of their family members. The next few comics were greeted with polite laughter but nothing major. The host then brought out his son to do a set. The crowd was alive and into the show again! Once the son finished his set, Zach came out to do his material. The response was lukewarm at first but he won them over by making fun of tourists on Hollywood Blvd. By the end of the set, I wouldn't  say he killed but he did get more genuine laughter than the other comics who simply scored polite laughter. (BTW...the only comic after Zach that was loved by the crowd was yet another host family member.)

Zach's second show of the festival was the next night and there were no family members involved in the show. The Monday night show was probably his best show of the week. The comic who received the least applause from the audience was the host of the show. His "killer bit" was introducing each comic as an old friend and randomly announcing their city of origin. It got to the point that the other comics would come on stage and let the audience know they had never met the host in their life and they were not from whatever city he announced to the crowd. Zach seemed to connect with the audience as he was the youngest performer on the bill. I think the audience was genuinely curious to see what the kid was going to talk about on stage.

He was supposed to do a show on Thursday night. However, the organizers moved him to a Saturday afternoon show along with the other teen performers of the festival. The Saturday afternoon show at the comedy club is specifically designed for a younger crowd so it only made sense to have the teen comics do the show. Plus, the show was in the main room which is always more fun for the audience and the comics. Dana and I arrived a little bit early so we were able to watch the crowd enter the room. We quickly realized that "a younger crowd" meant a really young crowd. The room filled with parents and their children who were anywhere from 7 to 12-years-old. Little kids are great because they will laugh when they find something funny and don't politely laugh like adults do on a regular basis. However, a good portion of Zach's set for the day involved college and girls. How would that play to the crowd? The show host got the kids in a great mood by doing silly tricks and jokes designed for their age group. The first two comics before Zach did okay but were not loved by the kids. It was finally Zach's turn and he came on stage and started talking directly to the kids. I could tell he was adjusting his set as he was going along to discuss school and superheroes (two big topics for young kids). He definitely held his own and was one of the best received younger comics during the show. The MC killed but Zach was able to read his audience quickly and adjust to fit the crowd. It's a skill that should serve him well in the future on stage and in the business side of acting and comedy.

Zach also took advantage of the fact that being part of the festival allowed him to attend panel discussions and other shows. He watched Andy Dick's set which he said was "strange and entertaining but not laugh out loud funny." Zach was also able to attend industry panels and seminars about getting booked on the college circuit and how to use social media to help get noticed by others in the comedy field.

I'm definitely proud of him for getting into the festival. There were over 800 comics that sent in a submission and Zach was one of the comics that made the cut. He was able to meet comedians from all over the country and get advice from industry professionals. The chance to witness so many different styles of comedy in one week made a big impact on him. He's working on new material right now and it will be interesting to see what he writes after this experience. Hopefully it will be funny and not "strange and entertaining" like his review of Andy Dick.

This comedian starts the new college school year tomorrow.

Are You Ready For Episodic Season?

Zach has been busy the last few weeks getting ready for his shows during the Burbank Comedy Festival which begins tonight. Even with writing new material for three stand-up sets, he has also been busy with auditions. He had an audition last week for a meaty part in a popular TV show. More auditions are coming in for TV shows as episodic season is underway in Hollywood.

Not sure what episodic season is all about? No worries!

Here's the rundown on one of the busiest times in the TV production cycle:

Episodic season begins when the majority of TV series go into production for the upcoming season. The major roles in shows were cast earlier in the year during pilot season.  This is the time of year when casting directors look for actors to fill large guest star roles as well as smaller roles in upcoming episodes.

One of the best things about casting for episodes of TV is that the process for casting and filming moves at a quicker pace than movies. TV shows work on a tighter schedule and the work has to be accomplished within a certain amount of time before the next episode gets underway.

Even though a good amount of work is available during episodic season, there are not as many actors that relocate here for an extended period of time. My theory is that actors come here for pilot season because they hope to land a role that has the possibility of being a long-term acting job. While there are good roles available during this time of year, the roles are rarely long-term which might be one of the reasons less actors relocate here for episodic season.

As an actor, you need to make a checklist so you have everything in order for episodic season. Here are 6 key items for your checklist:

1. Make sure your latest headshot, acting reel and resume are easily available via your social media profiles.
2. Have plenty of headshots ready. Keep a few extra with you in your car!
3. Touch base with any contacts you have in casting offices as well as any producers, directors or production people you know on shows. It never hurts to reconnect with your network of contacts.
4. Take an acting class to keep your skills up to date. (I previously discussed how to find the right acting class.) Let your acting coach know what you consider to be your strengths and weaknesses and work on refining your skills.
5. Have a flexible work schedule, You never know when a last minute audition or callback will come your way. You don't want to be stuck at work and miss your opportunity.
6. Answer the phone! There are few things that frustrate your agent or manager more than not being able to get in touch with you. If you're in a location where you can't answer the phone, send them a text or an email. Make sure they know you got their message and will be at the audition on time.

The above list might seem simple but you would be surprised how many actors don't take care of the basics. Being professional and taking care of the basics can make the difference in your success in Hollywood.

This Actor Has Three Shows This Week During The Burbank Comedy Festival.

Not All Auditions Are Performed Equally

When the average person thinks of an acting audition, they picture someone walking out on stage or going into a room to read lines for a group of casting executives. These examples are still sometimes true but they are not always the case these days. There are many times actors audition for parts and are not in the same room with the casting director. Here are some examples of how auditions are currently conducted in Hollywood:

In-Person - The traditional way to audition and one of the methods most preferred by actors. Being in the room with the casting director not only gives actors an audience during the audition, it also allows for instant feedback. The casting director can ask for a different read of the script. He or she might even give the actor a different scene or part to read for on the spot. While it can be a nerve-wracking experience for the person auditioning, the fact that the casting person is there in person allows for an immediate connection to be made in the room.

Eco-Cast - This form of auditioning is provided by a company called Breakdown Services and they provide casting services to the entertainment industry. The service allows casting directors to send audition invites to actors, or their representatives, to record an audition. Once the auditions are recorded, they are sent to the casting office through the designated Eco-Cast account. This method allows a larger number of actors to audition since they don't have to be in the same city as the casting director. It does take away the intimate aspect of the casting process since the audition is simply recorded to be viewed at a later date.

iPhone - While this method is like an Eco-Cast since the actor is recording the audition for the casting director, there are a few ways that it differs as well. When an audition is recorded for submission, an actor normally tries to go into a studio with professional cameras and a generic background so there won't be anything distracting from the performance, Filming on an iPhone gives a greater sense of urgency as well as more of an intimate and "in the moment" feel. Plus, it allows actors to show off their creativity by choosing the manner in which it is filmed as well as any effects or tricks they want to add to make the audition stand out beyond their performance.

No matter which audition method is used by an actor, the end goal is to land the role and be part of the production. Zach has an audition to record on an iPhone this week and he is already thinking of ways to use the phone to his advantage during the recording process. With all of the audition methods available these days, can virtual reality auditions be far behind?

Besides his audition this week, this actor is preparing material for the Burbank Comedy Festival.

Comedy Is Funny But It's Also A Competition

I recently discussed having to make a run to Santa Monica late on a Friday because Zach had to get ready for a stand-up gig at Flappers that night. The one thing I left out of the post was the fact that his entry for the Burbank Comedy Festival had to be uploaded that day or he would be out of luck.

Thankfully, the video was submitted in time because we found out earlier this week that Zach was picked to be one of the Showcasing Comedians in the 2016 Festival. The event received hundreds of entries and the comedians chosen to take part include some familiar names from TV, movies and the comedy circuit of the United States. Comedians enter from all over the country for the chance to compete in the event. Zach's entry gives him three 5-minute spots during the week (Times and Dates TBD) with the hope of being picked to perform during the "Best of the Fest" event the last night of the festival.

Plus, he has the opportunity to attend panels and seminars that focus on club owners, talent bookers, working the college market and other industry related topics. It gives him the chance to trade notes with comedians who have experience working clubs in other cities. He's very excited to perform in front of his comedy peers but it also means he needs to write some new material before the event. Three 5-minute spots might not sound like much but that's three different sets to fill during the week.

Once I get more info about the dates and times he is performing, I will share it with you. If you're interested in seeing his entry video, it can be found in the video section of the link below:

Scroll down the page to see Zach's entry video.

Should You Make Acting Your Career?

I know a lot of actors and they are never on the same page in their careers. While one or two of them might be doing well and booking jobs consistently, there are other actors who haven't landed an audition, much less booked a job, in quite some time.

There is plenty of self-doubt and hard times in the acting world. With all of the competition for parts in Hollywood, sometimes you have to ask yourself one question:

Should I choose acting as my career path?

The simple answer to this question is "No".

In general, only a small portion of actors earn enough money as actors to make a living. This does not mean they are household names or big stars loved by the public. It just means they are earning enough money to make acting their main job.

The not so simple answer to the question is..."Yes. You should make acting your career choice if you can't imagine doing anything else with your life." 

A career as an actor is never going to be an easy journey. The amount of competition is extremely high and you will need to perform at your highest level at all times to have a chance to succeed. Can you handle that kind of pressure or are you better off choosing a more traditional career path?

Acting is a career that needs to be worked on each day. You don't necessarily need to act on a daily basis. You do need to check casting sites, submit yourself for parts, attend workshops and acting classes, network with other actors and try and create your own projects. Acting is a skill that needs to be practiced and performed on a regular basis. I try and update my blog on a weekly basis. I don't always succeed but the desire is always there. Even when I post an update, my brain is already thinking about the topic of my next post. I write on a daily basis and my work ranges from medical articles to job search tips to cooking with seasonings to creating compelling social media updates for businesses. If I go a day or two without writing, it takes me a little while to get back in the groove. Acting is the same way so you have to decide if your career path involves exercising your acting muscles on a daily basis.

Finally, you have to decide how far you want to take acting as a career. Some people are happy being known as one of the best actors in their hometown. Their place of residence might consist of 1000 people or 100,000 people. If that is the place where you want to try and build an acting career, it will be harder because there are not as many opportunities on a daily basis to book work. If you really want to maximize your potential as a working actor, you need to move to Los Angeles or New York. Even cities like Chicago and New Orleans that host movie and television productions on a regular basis only have so much available work to offer an actor. You have to decide if making the move, and leaving behind your family and friends, is a good career choice for you in the long run.

The decision about making acting your career choice is completely up to you. There are many people that give advice and offer encouraging words. When it comes to answering the question about choosing acting as your career path, you are the only person that can provide the final answer.

This teenager decided he wanted to be an actor at an early age.

7 Jobs To Pay The Bills While Waiting For Your Big Break

The TV upfronts are over and the fall schedules are set for the major television networks. The shows won't start filming until July or August and that is when episodic season starts for actors. Until then, bills need to be paid so many actors have part time jobs that allow them the flexibility to still attend auditions while earning a living. While there are many ways to make money, here are seven of the most popular occupations for actors looking to make it in Hollywood:

1. Waiter or Bartender - There is a reason this is the first job almost everyone thinks of when it comes to struggling actors. The hours are somewhat flexible when it comes to scheduling shifts. Plus, you can always trade shifts with someone if you have an audition so you can still make money while trying to book a job.
2. Temp Work - There is a large demand for temp workers in Los Angeles. Many companies find it easier to pay temporary workers an hourly wage with no benefits so they are always looking for workers to fill positions that open up after people find better paying jobs. While you might not get rich working a temp job, the income helps to finance acting classes and headshots.
3. Telemarketing - A job that is definitely not for everyone. A quick look at Craigslist reveals a large list of companies looking for telemarketers to work 4 or 5 hour shifts. The hours are not long but it's definitely not a job for someone who can't handle rejection or angry people on the other end of the phone. You might consider testing your acting skills by playing a character while calling prospects on the phone.
4. Provide A Service That Others Need - From babysitting to dog walking to personal stylist, there are a variety of services that others need on a regular basis. You can often set your own hours in order to leave yourself plenty of time for auditions. Marketing yourself as a professional is a big key to your success. Approach potential clients as a business person and not as an actor looking to make extra cash. 
5. Personal Trainer - Physically fit actors can make extra money as a personal trainer. You don't need to have your own studio since you can conduct the lessons at the homes of your clients. The hours are very flexible and it's up to you to decide how many clients you want each month.
6. Promo Work - Think of the people you see handing out flyers at events or in Costco demonstrating how to use a new kitchen utensil. These gigs are easy to find on Craigslist. They often happen at night after normal audition times or during the weekend so you can make the hours work with your acting schedule.
7. Graphic Design - Are you handy with Photoshop and other graphics programs? There are always companies looking for people skilled with graphic design programs as they update their websites and try to create online content that grabs the attention of consumers. The best part about this job is that you often get paid by the project (instead of by the hour) and you can work from home as well as on-set or in a coffee shop.

Episodic season will be here before you know it. Until the casting calls start coming in, make some extra money so you can have the perfect headshots ready to go when you enter the audition room. The money you make today is an investment in your acting career as well as a big help when it comes to paying the bills.

This actor has done a variety of gigs to make spending money between acting jobs.

Using Social Media To Promote Your Career

There are a variety of social media outlets available to actors today to help them promote their careers. From Facebook to Instagram to YouTube, social media is a vital part of the daily lives of people around the world. Are you choosing the right social media platforms to promote your career?

I do social media for a variety of clients ranging from cosmetic surgery to spices to crowdfunding to insurance quotes. All of these industries need specialized content for each social media outlet. Actors are some of the most creative people on the planet yet they feel using the same content across the board is perfectly acceptable.

It's not.

The social media sites listed below are ones I use on a daily basis. How can you use them to help your career?

• Facebook - The obvious choice for any actor when it comes to promoting their work and career. Used by billions of people, Facebook is an excellent way to build a community of fans you can interact with on a daily basis on a fan page.  It's also an excellent way to control your image without anyone seeing your personal posts that would be bested saved for a private FB account.
• YouTube - Are you a singer, stand-up comedian, actor or acting coach? If so, do you have a YouTube channel? If the answer is "no" then my question to you is "why not???" You can talk about your skills and talents all you want on your other social media pages but a YouTube channel is one of the best ways to share your skills with the public and reach a mass audience. It's also a great showcase of your talents that you can direct agents and managers and casting people to check out online.
• Twitter - I love Twitter because it teaches you how to get your message across in 140 characters or less. Creating compelling copy while still making a complete statement in a limited amount of space is not an easy skill to master. Learning to get your message across on Twitter can also help you be more focused and in the moment during auditions and meetings.
• Quora - Even though Quora is basically a giant online Q&A session, it can still help you further your career. Search for the people you admire and/or want to work with in the future and follow them on Quora. Engaging with them on a regular basis can put you on their radar but you do need to exercise caution and not be a part of every discussion they are involved with on Quora. There's a difference between being helpful and friendly and coming across as a stalker. I use Quora a lot for a hair restoration specialist I work with in Beverly Hills. Anyone that looks at my interactions on Quora will get the impression that I am completely obsessed with my hairline as well as hair restoration techniques and news.
• Google Plus - It seems like even Google doesn't care about Google Plus anymore but it is still there for you to share some links to your work or IMDb page. It will take some effort on your part to find the best G+ communities to place your links and videos in so don't expect to just make a post and see instant interaction I mainly use G+ as exposure for this blog. 
• Instagram - Even with their new (and awful) logo, Instagram is a great tool when it comes to marketing your carer. Since IG is a visual platform, it's vital to post a photo or video that is visually appealing to others. Post a photo from the set of your latest project or the costume from a play you're working on or even the script you're currently writing. Reaching eyeballs beyond your followers is pretty easy on Instagram by following a few simple tips:

1. You get one link on IG (in your profile) so make sure it points to the site you want others to view
2. Use hashtags to help others find you. Just remember that too many hashtags makes you look desperate to connect. Simply using your name as a hashtag might not gain you much attention. Using general hashtags such as #acting or #actorslife will connect you to others since they are phrases that are searched for on a regular basis.
3. When you gain new followers, share their photos when appropriate. Casting directors and other industry people appreciate having their content shared. However, don't share everything they post or you'll come off as desperate to be noticed.
4. Respond to all comments on your photos. The 30-seconds you take to respond helps build relationships.
5. Be creative with your photos and videos while sharing some of them exclusively on IG There's no reason for people to follow you on multiple sites if they can simply find the same content on FB and Twitter as they do on IG.

• Reddit - Exercise caution if you want to promote yourself on Reddit. Many people that post pitches about their work or links to their own videos get ripped apart in the comments section or simply have their link booted from a subreddit as being inappropriate or not fitting the rules of the subreddit. Make sure that your post is unique and out of the ordinary in order to make it through the crowd on Reddit.
• Vine - This social media platform used to be one of the main outlets to find new talent on the Internet. The looping video platform showcases creativity and the ability to show your talent to the world in easy to digest six-second bites. However, a good number of ad buyers have turned away from the app which has caused many "Viners" to follow the ad money and marketing sponsorship dollars to Snapchat, FB and IG. This has also led to a decreased amount of content that is "Vine exclusive" as more Vine users are now sharing their content on other platforms. Many platforms realized the viability of updating their video content and were able to catch up to Vine when it failed to make any changes and stayed with its 6-second format. I rarely use Vine for business just because of the decreased amount of eyeballs that see the content.  New talent can certainly be found on Vine but there is less marketing money and individual deals being pumped into the app so there are less breakout Vine stars than in the recent past.
• Snapchat - The platform that I am finding great success with when it comes to posting videos. Even though the maximum length of a Snapchat video is only 10-seconds, a series of 10-second videos can run one after the other to create a story. You can have people follow your story on Snapchat to create a narrative that connects the 10-second videos. Share your music, make a short film or do stand-up comedy as your story. I normally keep my client video stories to 3-minutes or less in order to keep fatigue from setting in from too many 10-second videos in a row.
• Periscope - The good news is that the live streaming video aspect of Periscope allows you to show your talents in a live broadcast setting. However, Periscope  requires people to add you on the app so it takes a performer with good worth of mouth or an amazingly dedicated fanbase to make a dent in terms of getting attention from others in the industry.

Now that you know the tools you have at your disposal, make use of them and promote yourself and your career in creative ways. Nobody is more invested in your career than you so be your own biggest fan and make social media work for you.

This actor is getting ready to start his own YouTube channel.

"He's So Funny!!!"

From the time Zach was a little boy, people would tell us that he was a funny kid. They were correct because Zach has always been a very verbal child. I always figured his chatty nature came from having two parents who both spent 20+ years on the radio.  He has always been quick with a joke and skilled at holding the attention of a crowd. In fact, he always enjoys entertaining the crews on the sets of the various movies and television shows he works on in Hollywood.

About two years ago, he decided to give stand-up comedy a try. This decision was easier said than done because he was only 15 at the time. There are not too many comedy clubs that allow anyone under 18 (or 21 depending on the venue) to get on stage. Zach had to get his start playing restaurants, coffee shops and other places that would allow performers of all ages to work on their act.

After a few months of performing at random venues, Zach was on the same bill with some other comedians in their 20s. They were all very encouraging after the show and spoke to him as a fellow performer and not like a kid. He started running into them on a regular basis on the open mic circuit and this led to a few comedians inviting Zach to be part of their shows around town.

It was always amusing to watch Zach on the same bill with these guys because they were a talented crew of hip hop comedians. Their sets would consist of a multitude of curse words and sexual jokes that were always funny. However, you could feel the surprise in the room when the nerdy 16-year-old would launch into routines about the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and high school. Zach would win over the crowd a good 90% of the time but it took them a bit to realize the young kid was a comedian on the same level as the others on the bill. In fact, he was better than half of the comedians since his act wasn't solely based on curse words.

From Sal's Comedy Hole to Busby's East to the Blu Elefant Cafe and beyond, Zach worked on his set in any venue that would allow him to perform. Venues such as The Comedy Store and The Laugh Factory were beyond his age limit and it seemed like his comedy career was mostly limited to open mics.

All of that changed in the last few months.

Flappers Comedy Club in Burbank has an open mic and Zach discovered that he was allowed to try his material in the club.  The first night he went to Flappers, he was armed with some of his best material as well as a few new bits. Once he got home that night, I asked him if he received any feedback from the folks running the open mic. He proceeded to show me a coupon for a free pizza that is awarded to the best comic of the night.  While this might not seem like a big deal to you, it was his first time at the venue and a free pizza is always a big deal to a teenage kid!

Zach attended more open mics at the club and was eventually invited to perform on the Saturday night before Easter in The YooHoo Room at Flappers. He was booked with a group of comedians opening for the headliner that night. I had no idea where he was scheduled on the bill that night so it was a matter of waiting for him to get called to the stage. He was the last act before the headliner took the stage!  Pretty good for his first booked gig at the club. Plus, he was the youngest comic on stage that night. He killed that night doing new material as well as a few bits that have always done well with crowds of all ages. He has been invited back to open for another nationally touring comic as well as be a guest on their podcast.

He is still too young to play many of the comedy clubs around town but he is making a name for himself in the Los Angeles comedy scene. Zach's goal is to be a cast member on "Saturday Night Live". Between his stand-up comedy, writing his own material and improv training, he might be on the show sooner rather than later.

Actor. Stand-Up Comic. Second City Cast Member. He's a busy teen performer.

7 Tips Every Actor Needs To Know About Being A Professional

I often discuss specific topics surrounding the world of acting such as auditions, agents and acting classes. While these are important topics, there are still many parts of the business of acting that are important for anyone interested in making acting their career. In no particular order, here are a few tips that can help you on a daily basis:

• Don't Be Late - While this might seem like obvious advice, many people don't take it to heart. There are thousands of actors in Hollywood trying to book jobs and be successful in this field. Even though traffic is horrible here, there is no reason not to plan ahead so you will be on time for a job or an audition. In fact, it's always better to be early than simply be on time.
• Learn Your Lines - Once again, this is amazingly obvious advice but it's not always followed by actors. Unless the job you booked specifically calls for improv, learn the lines that are sent to you. You need to know the lines by heart before you can begin to dive into the emotional aspects of the role. Also, don't attempt to make the lines "better" by tossing in your ideas and improv. Unless you want to insult the producers and writers of the project, don't simply change the lines to "fit your character" since you didn't create the character!
• The Business Isn't Fair - Most people know this fact but a few cling to the belief that they've done nothing wrong when they don't book a job. Also, you might book a role and then your part is cut for time. Your dream project might lose its financing. Don't dwell on why something didn't go your way with your acting career. Holding in the negative feelings and energy will only hold you back.
• Make A Choice - Will you conduct your career being prepared and ready to put in the work? Would you rather fly by the seat of your pants and hope that a big break lands in your lap? How you navigate your career is up to you but be prepared for the good and bad results of your approach.
• Don't Be Your Worst Enemy - When it comes to actors, they are their own worst enemy. From being unprepared for an audition to not rehearsing for a booked job to not arriving on time, you can do more damage to your credibility in the industry than anybody writing a review of your work.
• Get It Right The First Time At An Audition - You are not entering an audition to be coached by the casting directors. You are there to blow them away the first time. They might ask for different line readings because the production is not absolutely sure what they are looking for when it comes to character motivation. Be flexible and give other line readings if requested by them. When it comes to first impressions with your initial reading, be prepared to blow them away! 
• Don't Make Excuses - The production that hired you for a job doesn't care that traffic was bad this morning. The casting director at an audition doesn't want to hear how your power went out and you couldn't download the audition sides. Your agent doesn't care why you didn't show up for an audition they submitted you for that happened three hours ago. Acting is a business and these excuses don't matter because there is always an actor more than willing to take your audition slot or work the job you were late arriving to on the day of your shoot.

Acting is fun. Acting is an art form. Acting is also a business with many rules and expectations that should be obvious to all actors. Keep the above tips in mind as you navigate the world of Hollywood and you'll be viewed as a professional ready to get the job done at all times.

This teen actor has been taught to always be professional when working or auditioning.