Do I need a REEL for film & television?
Can a MANAGER negotiate my contracts?
Can I have more than 1 REPRESENTATIVE?
How or should I FOLLOW UP after an interview/audition?
How can have a successful INTERVIEW?
Is it better to FREELANCE than to sign with a representative?
Can I just drop by any REPRESENTATIVE or CASTING office?
How can I NETWORK effectively?
When do I need a PUBLICIST?
What is TAX DEDUCTIBLE?
How do I find a THERAPIST?
What should I put on a REEL?
When should I join the UNIONS?
What's the difference between an AGENT and a MANAGER?
Do I need a special ACCOUNTANT to do my taxes?
How do I get REPRESENTATION?
How much does it cost to join SAG, AFTRA and/or AEA?
WHAT can I be doing when I am not AUDITIONING?
How do I stay in touch with my AGENT and/or MANAGER?
How do I get paid when I have a REPRESENTATIVE?
Isn't NETWORKING just going to parties?
What is FREELANCING?
What is a PUBLICIST?
What are the BREAKDOWNS?
ACT I - GETTING HERE
ACT II - GETTING STARTED
ACT III - GETTING AHEAD
TO BE OR NOT TO BE: UNION VS. NON-UNION
REPRESENTATION
COVER LETTERS
INTERVIEWING
NETWORKING
MARKETING
TAKING CARE OF YOURSELF
EARNING A LIVING BETWEEN ACTING JOBS
HOW DO I KNOW WHEN IT'S TIME TO GET OUT OF THE BUSINESS?

NETWORKING

The goal of networking is to create a "circle" of contacts -- friends, colleagues, and of course, show business professionals such as directors, producers, casting directors, representatives., etc. -- that will serve as a support system in the industry, and maybe even in your personal life. This "circle" can help you to stay informed, supply leads that may help you get a job, advise you, and make what seems to be an impenetrable industry a little more manageable. The most important thing about networking is keeping track of your contacts. So, find a database you feel most comfortable working in that can keep track of directors and when you've met them, casting directors, agents, managers etc. Write down auditions, meetings, brief run-ins, letters or notes you've sent, plays you've seen, etc. This is especially helpful with commercials. As I've mentioned in the ACT II section, stay on top of your reading of periodicals, etc. Don't forget Google when expanding your industry knowledge.

Below are various ways to network more effectively.

Look Your Best, Carry Pics, Resumes, and Business Cards

When you leave your home always make sure you look your best and have pictures and resumes with you. In addition, have your business cards. They are cheaper than pictures and sometimes more appropriate.

Take Classes

It is important not only to keep the cob-webs off but to try something new - improvisation, clowning, on camera technique. You will also meet other actors and hopefully strike up friendships that may turn into work or introductions to people who are in positions to give you work. If you admire someone's work in your class and know they admire yours, ask them if they can set you up with an interview with their representative. If you feel that you are at the top of your class, you are in the wrong class. You're probably not being challenged. Try to audit a class before you pay for it.

Write Letters

Write letters or emails to people who affected you in a positive way. Write to a director of a play, a casting director of a movie, even an editor or cinematographer. Again, I mean genuinely affected you - a short note as to why you were moved by their work could lead to a future relationship.

Find Your Own Work

Go to the SAG board or online to see what movies and television are being shot here in NYC. Investigate and see what is appropriate for you. There are many TV shows shot here now. Find out what they are and watch an episode or two to be familiar. The Drama Book Shop is the ultimate place to find all resources. BUSINESS ENHANCERS

Pay To Display

These are classes or one-on-one interviews where you pay to directly meet a specific casting director or representative. They are not cheap, so you want to be very selective as to which person would be most advantageous for you to meet. An example: if you are a comic actor you wouldn't want to waste your money by meeting someone from Law & Order. Concentrate on the "casting director" or casting associate as opposed to the assistant casting director, who is much lower on the totem pole. Here are some companies that specialize in Pay to Display: One on One, Actor's Connection and The Green Room. CASTING

Investigate Big Grad Schools

NYU, Columbia, Fordham, Yale and Juilliard have excellent writing programs and most need actors to do readings for these up and coming writers. The general idea is to surround yourself with a circle of people whom you admire and who also admire you. This takes time and is ongoing and forever changing, but the entertainment industry is built on relationships which are nurtured by networking and marketing.

Use Technology

If you've just received a great review in BACKSTAGE or want to inform your friends, family and industry people of your upcoming music gig or showcase, post your information on Facebook, Myspace, Twitter, You Tube, Blog, etc. BUSINESS ENHANCERS/Career Support








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