So this is an opinion of mine that may not be popular with some, but I figured I would see what you guys think.
You: "I haven't been booking as much as I would like to"
Person: "You could always make your own content!"
This is not bad advice at all, and for those who can create their own quality content, by all means can. But what about those who can't. Of course you are probably saying to yourself "You can always make your own content", but I am here to say I would want to make my own content that actually matters. Filming yourself doing a monologue with your phone in bad lighting is great and all, but it's not really going to grab those Youtube views or attention. What I am trying to say by "can't" is....in order to make GOOD quality content, you need a good camera, lights, mic, boom, etc, etc, etc. All things that cost money. So...what if you don't have money to get your own equipment to make your own content? Of course! Look for other people who do have their own equipment and colab with them! To that I say...what if you are in an area that there truly are no people who either A.) Don't have that equipment or B.) Don't want to create with you. SO, now you are back at square 1....no money, and no quality content to create.
The advice of "If you are not getting bookings you should make your own content" is extremely poor in my opinion, because it is not that simple for some people. It's also extremely frustrating because you know shorts, webseries, films, PSAs, commercials, etc. are being filmed all the time and yet you are told to make your own content instead of getting advice on how to get booked on THOSE examples I just gave. I know you shouldn't compare yourself to already successful actors, but I don't remember seeing youtube shorts from Tom Holland, Chris Pine, or (Insert another actor who didn't have to make their "own content" to be successful).
Now I know there will be those that say "If you have the passion, you'll find a way to make it work" and that's great and all. But, it would be nice to receive some actual real advice. I hope this little rant doesn't offend anyone, and I thought it would be interesting to share. I know many people will disagree with this post. Thank you for reading!
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3 people like this
I love this post! I just started my company that creates only original TV and feature films screenplays. As I was updating my profile with this info, I saw your post. I'm literally about to start the...
Expand commentI love this post! I just started my company that creates only original TV and feature films screenplays. As I was updating my profile with this info, I saw your post. I'm literally about to start the path you describe, and for people like me, I welcome people who wants to say "Hey, got something for me in anything", and I'm like sure, but truth is those people are not able to pay anyone so it's normally people they know and that's how it gets shot on Social Media. Myself personally how love to see actors, cameramen, costume designer all come and say hey I want to do this story with you can I pitch in something. I don't know how that or if it happens but , I'm stepping out to see what out there. I'll keep you posted
3 people like this
I understand this predicament. I think most actors go through this,
myself included. It’s a see saw, one moment it’s all happening everyone wants you, the next, the phone doesn’t ring, you don’t get ca...
Expand commentI understand this predicament. I think most actors go through this,
myself included. It’s a see saw, one moment it’s all happening everyone wants you, the next, the phone doesn’t ring, you don’t get cast and there can be big gaps. I’ve worked internationally and working actors all over the world go through the same. There is no easy solution. Our breed has a highly creative mind that needs exercising. In the quiet times apart from honing myself further in workshops I have taken up other creative pursuits like still art painting, sketching comic book heroes, making music and writing. I’m learning all of them, not an expert at any but it’s helped to apply my right brain in a new and very fulfilling way that acting alone was not able to achieve. For once I’m in control and I can do exactly what I want - that freedom is liberating. It won’t make you money but will improve your quality of life hugely and you might find another calling in life you had never thought of. The best things in life are truly free. One of the major lessons in life I’ve learnt, don’t put your eggs all in one basket. Sending you and everyone else lots of positivity.
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Now, if you're trying to impress someone who sees a bunch of polished tapes, then perhaps your homemade monologue won't go far... BUT...
When I was casting for low budget films, I wasn't looking at peo...
Expand commentNow, if you're trying to impress someone who sees a bunch of polished tapes, then perhaps your homemade monologue won't go far... BUT...
When I was casting for low budget films, I wasn't looking at people who had mega-super-production value films behind them yet.
A good monologue for low budget films just has to show your skills. I don't judge an actor by the cinematography or the editing. Show me you can act. I'm hiring you, not your cinematographer.
(Also, If you suck at acting, and read from a cue card, but have great cinematography, well, the good cinematography actually makes your acting look even worse. I can't stand acting showreels that don't show acting but are filled with gimmicks.)
1 person likes this
Make your own content. I do, and its opened so many doors for me. You can. I've also mentored the creation of many shorts by first time content creators. I do one on ones if you want to reach out. It'...
Expand commentMake your own content. I do, and its opened so many doors for me. You can. I've also mentored the creation of many shorts by first time content creators. I do one on ones if you want to reach out. It's not as crazy as it looks. It does take a village to raise a dream and film is a collaborative art, but you can cultivate a team around you, and I always like to work with people who can elevate what I'm trying to do. I've traveled to over a dozen film festivals this year because of the work I've made. I've met countless directors and writers and producers. I've had writers send me their work, as me to do their readings, and audition for their projects, or just plain put me in them. The networking that comes from being a self creator is amazing, and you get looked at different. You're not just a needy actor, but someone who is collaborating and has a seat at the table. Also, when you make your own work it keeps your reels current. I booked two roles on episodic tv shows last year because my reel was current.... with work I self produced or work friends of mine self produced and hired me for...
1 person likes this
Very true, but I would add, if at first you don't succeed, try, try again! Be honest about the work you create. You can only get better by working at it.