Ok, definitely no complaints about the weather here. Although, it is a bit scary for it to be 60 degrees, with winter just around the corner.
Despite what's going on outside, it definitely feels like spring in regards to my career goals & dreams.
I've been back in NYC for 6 1/2 years, and I can't believe I hadn't learned before what I've learned in the past few months. Man, if I had known then what I know now -- Woo! Total cliche', I know. And I also know nothing happens before it's time. Maybe it's an extra boost of confidence and determination that wasn't there before. Whatever it is, it's got me on fire. I have 3 steps to complete before getting to the next level. I know there's quite a few actors who don't realize the work they must do on their own outside of their agents and managers. I also know some actors who don't feel that they must invest in their career. I heard an actor say they weren't gonna pay to see any agents, managers or casting directors, and that all the workshops, classes and seminars were scams. Just how some actors need "day jobs" to supplement their income, agents, managers and casting directors teach classes, workshops, and seminars to supplement theirs. After doing a LOT of research, I learned it takes more than just having a headshot, resume, website and reel, it also takes one-on-one, face-to-face time to build strong working relationships. Make yourself known. Let people see the real you. If you're likable and pleasant to work with, you'll have a good chance of getting cast.
I had some awesome meetings last week. I met with Josselyne Herman-Saccio and Emily Gipson of JHA Management, and David Bellantoni (Beth Melsky Casting), Erica Palgon (Erica Palgon Casting & Beyond) and Scott Wojcik (Wojcik/Seay Casting) at the Diversity Fest at The Network NYC.
I was terribly nervous when I met with Josselyne and Emily, and I'm sure it was pretty obvious. They asked me questions, and I asked them questions, and I left the meeting knowing that I was on the right track, but still had quite a bit of work to do.
One of the things that stuck with me that Josselyne said was, "less is more". I have all the links to all the sites I'm on in my email signature, on my business cards, and on my postcards. All I need is a one-stop shop for people to go to if they want to learn anything about me. Thanks to Uncle Scottie to telling me about http://about.me.com. It's a one-page website where I can link to my pics, videos, resume and other sites, until I get my full website going, which of course I can't wait to do.
I FINALLY found the last piece of footage I was searching for to add to my reel. After months of going crazy trying to figure out what happened to it, I found the DVD while looking for something else all together, wedged in between two DVDs on our shelf with all the others. Well, everything does happen for a reason.
Another thing I learned from Josselyne and Emily was to increase the number of casting directors in my "roster". In the past, I've heard some people say just focus on 5. Josselyne said I need to know 10-12. I'm half way there. She said if TV is my goal, then I need to get in front of the heads of networks, and make them part of my fanbase. And of course, I need to build my credits. I want to get into comedy, but most of the comedies are out in LA. Since I don't want to go out to LA just yet, I need to focus on getting in front of the casting directors out here, build the relationships, build my credits, and then go out there when I have to. The first network CD I'll be meeting with is Janet Murphy-Butler at The Network NYC on the 8th.
I'll just continue my course on this track, and they'll be no place else to go from here, but up. :-)
