Here’s a conversation about meeting casting directors pulled from the Hack Hollywood member’s area.
Amanda
Ok so what I’ve been working on is to first write down my goal, and develop a plan towards reaching it. I’m only in Module 2, so it may change, but I’ve formed this based on information from David so far. I must say that this is an ambitious and specific goal, and I most likely would have not dreamed of setting such a specific goal in the past. But my specific, three year goal is to be recurring on a one hour CW drama such as the Vampire Diaries (very specifically). But I’d almost like to say, either in addition to or instead, my one year goal is to make a co-star appearance on the show.
So I’ve created a little plan that boils down to landing an internship at the casting office for TVD. Lo and behold, this office turns out to be three minutes from my new apartment I’m moving to in two weeks. So I’m currently doing some homework on the show, although I already know a lot about it I think, but I’m rewatching some episodes, studying the style and fashion, and the performances, and researching the writers and producers, and thinking about the themes of the show, as well as researching the office, learning the names of all the CDs, how long the office has been around, and what other shows they do. I’ve also written a CL, and I was going to have someone look it over for me. So that’s what I’ve got right now, any other ideas are welcome and I’ll be sure to share if I land an internship!
I like it Amanda…why not just go in and say hi…scope the place out and if you have to just say I wanted to see the office where I will be booking a lot of work soon…it’s bold and also fun and then introduce yourself and ask if you can do anything for them…see what happens…
Amanda
Woah I have to admit that sounds pretty frightening to me! What if they’re like um no please leave??
Haha, it’s a common reaction to think the worst but of course when we think the worst, we are actually increasing the likelihood that the worst will happen because you entering a situation fearfully. People smell fear and nervousness and that makes them nervous and fearful and they will actually want you to leave and you will want to leave as well.
Then you will come back on here and say, ‘see i told you they would tell me to leave.’ And your ego is very satisfied because your fear proved itself correct and in a way you will feel a small sense of victory because you proved me wrong. Of course, what your ego wants and what you want are two different things. You say you want to have an acting career and I’m telling you all the things to do to have that career and you haven’t really disagreed that what I’m telling you, so you instinctively know you should do these things we are talking about. However because you are scared of results that your fear is generating, you want to actually prove that your fear is warranted and the only way to do that is to actually get the negative results you are talking about. So you’ll go in, act weird and be asked to leave.
I can assure you of one thing. You will get what you give. Give a great attitude and demonstrate your knowledge and confidence and you will get a positive attitude in return, even if you don’t get an internship or audition. You will leave a positive impression and you are building a relationship with them. Lets face it. You live close to the office so it makes perfect sense to drop in there. Imagine if a new cafe opened. You might walk in and say hello to the owners and welcome them to the neighborhood. Would that be weird? No, of course not. You are neighbors with a local business so simply go say hi and tell them you live close so if they ever need help in a pinch, you can get there pretty fast. Tell them you are very available and you have some skills (run a camera, read for auditions…etc.). You’re just being friendly and helpful and of course the biggest help you have to offer is your talent. That’s what they really want so if you have it, remember you are helping them! You just need to get over your belief of social conventions and the fear instilled in you by your upbringing and the bad information permeated by the ‘acting industry’
You have to teach yourself to have a ‘wait and see’ approach. You don’t know what will happen until you do something so just do it and see what happens. This is a fun activity, because you believe it is fun. If you think it’s like getting teeth pulled, that’s what it will become for both you and them. It’s all in your head, Amanda. Just put yourself in their shoes. How would you feel if a lovely and friendly professional actress came in and introduced herself and offered to help out in any way possible? I’m going to let you answer that question and then implore you to take that approach when considering all the ‘unusual’ tactics. Amanda, I don’t know you all that well but I’m pretty sure you’re a wonderful person who would bring a ton of great energy to any environment. Am I wrong? If I believe that, I’m sure you can find the wherewithal to believe it of yourself.
Forget fear and ‘see what happens’ when you bring your shining light to bear. Just remember to smile and enjoy what you are doing. You are actually building your acting career and you will be one of the few actors who ever gets off their butts and gets in front of people before being actually invited, and that is your job as an actor…to ensure that you are seen!
Go for it!
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