For those of you who have just launched a career as an actor or you are a seasoned veteran, you have discovered that acting is both an amazing art form and also a business. Actors have approached me seemingly surprised by the extent of what happens at home off the set.
They find themselves enmeshed in a state of the art of business … THEIR OWN BUSINESS.
HAVE NO FEAR!
Although it may seem to be a time- consuming undertaking, much of the work is prep work that gets done in the early stages when actors are needing to getting their ducks in a row.
Like any other business, the acting business requires a significant amount of behind the scenes “prep work” translating to time investment which in most cases is front loaded, meaning that once the prep work is up and running, there is much more time available to blend an acting career with a personal life.
Just like a pizza restaurant business behind the scenes must initially prepare for business to open ALL before serving the very first pizza, so does the business of acting require behind the scenes prep work.
Doing what, exactly?
- Attending meetings with architects & builders
- Designing the restaurant – light fixtures, art, counters, shelving, flooring, sinks.
- Applying for wine, beer & alcohol city & state licenses
- Obtaining restaurant permits
- Supervising the buildout
- Meeting inspectors
- Ordering supplies
- Purchasing kitchen & bar appliances
- Arranging glassware & liquor bottles
- Organizing drawers
- Reviewing technology options
- Installing electronics such as computers, i-pads, etc.
- Acquiring dining tables, chairs, utensils
- Mounting wall décor
- Creating revolving menus showcasing specialty dishes
- Researching advertising options
- Assessing marketing strategies to promote the business
- Contracting with food & liquor vendors
- Scheduling food deliveries
- Developing an accounting system for billing expenses & accounts receivables
- Setting a budget & payroll for employees
- Consulting services
- Preparing food
If you are like most successful working actors, your days are also filled behind the scenes preparing & maintaining your business:
- Creating & registering an acting business corporate name
- Caring for appearance, hair color, hair styles, haircuts, regular exercise, healthy habits
- Scheduling periodic headshots
- Acquiring wardrobe for auditions & appearances
- Preparing resumes
- Creating video reels
- Setting up social media profiles
- Contracting with casting network sites, IMDB, etc. for host acting materials
- Reading scripts
- Analyzing characters & character development
- Memorizing lines
- Self -submitting for roles on casting sites
- Interviewing talent representatives & completing talent contracts
- Prepping for agents & managers submission auditions
as well as
- Showcasing skills via theatre plays, video reels
- Joining & maintaining SAG-AFTRA union membership
- Consulting acting coaches
- Enrolling in acting workshops
- Attending industry events
- Updating computer technology
- Cropping headshots, changing file sizes,
- Uploading materials & media
- Shooting self–tapes for auditions
- Taping slate shots
- Traveling to live auditions,
- Preparing for call backs,
- Packing for out-of-town bookings
- Strategizing marketing for self-promotion: internet, industry contacts, social media
- Setting up accounting for tracking actor’s expenses & account receivables
- Advertising via press kits, website, emails to casting directors, social media
- Networking with industry people
- Creating a website showcasing headshots, biography, resume, media, galleries
- Keeping resumes current
The business of acting is an investment in yourself!
Much of the behind-the-scenes setup is just that, setting up. Once the setup is complete, it is much easier to maintain and the sailing is smoother. Personal life can be well integrated & satisfying.
YOU ARE WORTH IT!
Some days will seem more labor intensive than others & juggling the moving parts may seem overwhelming at times. Most days are all systems go.
Stay the course! Never give up! Have Fun!
Your talents & gifts are unique to you! Share them with the world.
Stay tuned for my next post. For questions & comments, please submit here.
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