What Should You Do Next Now That The Strikes Are Over <\/strong> Strike has ended! Hooray!<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n Here are some helpful tips for getting things in motion over the next few weeks!<\/p>\n Make sure your casting software profiles are updated and fabulous.<\/strong> Casting Directors are more likely to view profiles on casting software platforms first, rather than take the time to investigate a large number of individual websites, so prioritize those used most frequently in your market.<\/p>\n Are your pics truly representative of who you are NOW?<\/strong> (After a few years, a global pandemic which may have included possibly homeschooling your children for the better part of a year or more\u2026you catch my drift.)<\/p>\n Is your primary photo that your reps use the primary photo you\u2019d like them to use?<\/strong> (This usually comes as a surprise to actors when they see what their reps are using as a primary headshot.)<\/p>\n Is your resume updated, easy to read, and free of spelling, punctuation, and grammatical errors?<\/strong><\/p>\n Are you making smart, clever use of your bio box on Actors Access?<\/strong> What about the \u201cAbout\u201d line on Casting Networks? Perhaps more about that on a future blog. (Or check my IG reels..I know I\u2019ve created a reel on that topic. It\u2019s there on the grid somewhere.)<\/p>\n Does your Media truly teach US how to cast YOU?<\/strong> Is it a true reflection of where your Wheelhouse meets your Wishlist meets your Market? (Think about registering for my Way Beyond Type class at Actors Connection for more on this.)<\/p>\n Is all of your media \u2013 clips, reels, audio tracks, etc. \u2013 labeled well?<\/strong> If I am taking a look at all of your media at once, is it overwhelming in terms of quantity and\/or vague labeling, or would I be able to go directly to the clip I need or am in the mood to see? (In my particular case\/taste it will most likely always be a single-cam comedy clip.)<\/p>\n Do your special skills reflect your current proficiency?<\/strong><\/p>\n Casting Director Brette Goldstein the the Author of this article<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Be conscious, empathetic, and specific in your communication<\/strong>. Casting Directors are coming up for air post-strike. They\u2019re also being inundated with \u201cHey! Strike\u2019s over! Keep me in mind!\u201d emails. Here are some tips on email communication:<\/p>\n Make email updates relevant to the recipient.<\/strong> For example, if you\u2019re sending an email to a casting director that primarily casts network procedurals, they\u2019re likely to be less interested in your latest commercial or VO demo reel. Send them what you think will inspire them to call you in for what they are casting now. This ultimately may mean segmenting your email list.<\/p>\n I would also recommend treating emails like postcards from way back when.<\/strong> You didn\u2019t expect a reply to a postcard for the most part, right? I\u2019d even kick it up a notch by closing your emails with a dash of empathy. You could say something to the effect of, \u201cI know how busy you must be right now. Please don\u2019t feel like you need to respond whatsoever. Just dropping a line to check in with you and touch base. Have a great Thanksgiving if we don\u2019t connect beforehand!\u201d Something like that. If you acknowledge that you\u2019re not a fire that needs to be put out \u2013 knowing that our inboxes often feel exactly like that \u2013 and that there\u2019s no need to write back, I can\u2019t speak for others but I know I would write back if I had a few minutes! Why? Because you get it! Also, empathy rocks.<\/p>\n If you\u2019re emailing a casting director, consider sending a self-tape or clip of something that shows that you work in the world of whatever they are casting.<\/p>\n Also, think long term when it comes to building relationships.<\/strong> The first thing that comes to mind for me is being smart when it comes to inviting industry to shows, readings, screenings, etc. Let\u2019s say you\u2019re doing a show downtown. A new play. You get through tech and first preview. It\u2019s just ok. The writing is fine, but not fantastic and the cast is a little uneven. You\u2019re great\u2026of course you\u2019re great! But there are some parts, including the set, that, well, aren\u2019t.<\/p>\n Tell the casting director that already knows and likes you that you just finished a run of a show but chose not to invite them to this one because you weren\u2019t sure it would be their cup of tea. You just want to let them know you played a really compelling leading role in a recent production of a new play. You didn\u2019t want them to come see a show that overall was a little uneven. You know they like your work and you want to respect their time.<\/p>\n That is a gift. And rarely, if ever, happens. Try it! It\u2019s one great way to build and foster a professional relationship over time.<\/p>\n If you\u2019re looking for representation, keep your eye out for agents and managers who have moved to new companies or started their own. Finding representation might be challenging right now. Reps will want to focus on the clients for whom they\u2019ve been unable to get work due to the strike. There may be few reps that are champing at the bit to bring on new clients right now.<\/p>\n That said, it is very possible that folks got laid off during the strike and will be moving to new offices when work picks up, or even venturing out on their own. And guess who\u2019s all over that? ACTORS CONNECTION<\/a><\/strong>! They will bring reps in for workshops and seminars. Look out for \u201cNew to this office!\u201d in the workshop header. You\u2019ll need to register quickly as these workshops are in high demand. I wouldn\u2019t wait, though. And here\u2019s why.<\/p>\n This is a generalization, but I think two things happen when we get a new job. <\/strong><\/p>\n 1. We are relatively excited about the opportunity and change of scenery.<\/p>\n 2. We do what we can to \u201cmake it our own\u201d. This may mean signing or freelancing with new folks. Also \u2013 and again, this is a huge generalization \u2013 many of us lose that initial glow and enthusiasm after a few months at a new job.<\/p>\n Register early for these workshops<\/strong><\/a>. They will fill up quickly, and once a rep has signed on new actors, they may need to take a pause and focus on their roster. Get in while the energy is high!<\/p>\n That\u2019s my advice for now! Keep an eye on my IG @brettegoldstein<\/a><\/strong>. Lots and lots of tips there. Keep kicking butt and taking names! I\u2019m on your side!<\/p>\n <\/div>\n
by Brette Goldstein<\/a>, Casting Director\/Producer<\/strong><\/p>\nNext!<\/h2>\n
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<\/a><\/p>\nHere\u2019s my advice.<\/h3>\n
Next!<\/h3>\n