This week's post features one of my favorite individuals that I have met thought social media. I met Jewel about a year ago when I was looking for shareable content with my actors. I discovered Jewel's program "Actor's Next Level" and immediately was hooked. This program features valuable insight into the world of casting, acting and auditioning. It serves as an invaluable resource to anyone who takes their acting craft seriously.
For those of you on Twitter, Jewel also shares witty, smart and engaging tweets which makes her one of my favorite follows. I asked Jewel to share the five things she has learned from producing ALN. Enjoy!
Top 5 things I have learned by producing Actor's Next Level
By: Jewel Elizabeth
1. There is no hard & fast rule to success.
All paths to success are different. While there's a bit of a stepping-stone process to acting (day player > guest star > co-star > recurring), there's no clear cut corporate ladder. Sometimes the above steps are out of order, or the lucky ones skip ahead because the timing was right. Keep trucking along at a comfortable speed and release yourself from comparing your career to others.
All paths to success are different. While there's a bit of a stepping-stone process to acting (day player > guest star > co-star > recurring), there's no clear cut corporate ladder. Sometimes the above steps are out of order, or the lucky ones skip ahead because the timing was right. Keep trucking along at a comfortable speed and release yourself from comparing your career to others.
2. Casting directors are people too.
They have opinions that vary based on their experiences and personalities. What one thinks is a "perfect" headshot, another thinks is "frumpy." Just like your interactions with bosses or managers at your day job, learn what each one likes and try to skew your interactions with them in that way. Read the room. Is everyone being a chatty Cathy? Well then, chat away. Are they moving quick & quietly? Follow suit. There's definitely the need to create your own audition, but being informed by that specific CD's likes and dislikes can really help you shine.
3. CDs all want you to do well.
I think there's a myth that casting directors, writers, and agents hate actors. That's just ridiculous. What is a script without a person to speak it? What is a casting tape without actors on it? What is an agent getting 10% of without you? These people genuinely want you to flourish, cuz bottom line: they don't do well unless you do. Know that they're on your side.
I think there's a myth that casting directors, writers, and agents hate actors. That's just ridiculous. What is a script without a person to speak it? What is a casting tape without actors on it? What is an agent getting 10% of without you? These people genuinely want you to flourish, cuz bottom line: they don't do well unless you do. Know that they're on your side.
4. Patience pays.
I have heard numerous stories (and experienced a few myself) about CDs that liked a particular actor, but couldn't find a use for them for a year or more! People tell about an actor who bombed one audition and then has been invited back for another because the CD believes in them. Nobody expects you to book right away, or everything they *think* you're right for. Keep making connections, building relationships, and when the right role and project comes along, your relationship will get you in the door.
I have heard numerous stories (and experienced a few myself) about CDs that liked a particular actor, but couldn't find a use for them for a year or more! People tell about an actor who bombed one audition and then has been invited back for another because the CD believes in them. Nobody expects you to book right away, or everything they *think* you're right for. Keep making connections, building relationships, and when the right role and project comes along, your relationship will get you in the door.
5. The best thing you can do to get cast as an actor is BE YOU.
Most times a director has no idea what they want. The moments when you show up and read the script as only you can are the moments you will book. Sure maybe they can find another 5'6" African American actress who can speak French, but they can't find one like you who will interpret the script with the same je ne sais quoi. Stop trying to please people. Stop trying to fit a mold. Just be your authentic self and bring to that audition what you think is right. Be you.
Most times a director has no idea what they want. The moments when you show up and read the script as only you can are the moments you will book. Sure maybe they can find another 5'6" African American actress who can speak French, but they can't find one like you who will interpret the script with the same je ne sais quoi. Stop trying to please people. Stop trying to fit a mold. Just be your authentic self and bring to that audition what you think is right. Be you.
BIO:
Jewel Elizabeth is the executive producer and host of "Actor's Next Level,"
WWW.ACTORSNEXTLEVEL.COM, an interview show with the industry's top casting directors and agents. As an actor she's appeared on "All My Children," "Celebrity Apprentice," "Late Night with Jimmy Fallon" and the Upright Citizen's Brigade. See all episodes at www.ActorsNextLevel.com and subscribe on YouTube for free episodes every 2 weeks.
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