Now looking at
the brighter side, it only effects television. Yep, just TV! Just this month we have still seen film,
commercials, audience jobs and even a little TV. Realistically Hollywood never
really shuts down, there is always something working.
Enter a booking
service, especially a tenacious one like Cut Above Casting! This is exactly
where one might think it's a good idea to invest in a small monthly fee. Some may disagree, but the goal
of a booking service is to be the eyes and ears of what the background actor may not know, but
because we directly communicate with the casting directors we may be privy to
information you would of never known. Think of it like a temp agency for
background actors. The temp agency (Cut Above) has a roster of people (BG
actors) that can do the jobs, in this case the job is a movie extra. The outside companies (the casting directors)
call the booking service for options to review, select & employ for the day. We are one of the avenues you should have to help find you work. A good
booking service coupled with what ever your strategy is to hustle, rather it me
submitting on LA Casting, Actors Access, weeding out a couple legit project off Craig’s List or involving yourself in student films, will all help to keep the momentum
going until the beginning of July when our TV shows should begin to trickle
back in.
When it slows
down like this companies like Cut Above Casting start to search for what is
filming. We are always available for the casting directors to call and may do a
picture book campaign just to keep the CD’s aware that we are still out there. Most
importantly, we don’t let them forget about, so as shows start to come back
they naturally think to call on us. Our thoughts are never break stride!
Times have
changed in the industry. I have done this work for over seven years and every
hiatus has been different depending on what circumstances have happened that
year in the industry. For example, in 2007-08 the writer’s strike made for a
horrible hiatus for television, but luckily we still had quite a bit of film
out here so it didn’t make the hit feel quite as bad. With feature films
leaving California in search of greater tax credits and breaks, it feels slower
this year, quicker. But like I said, there’s not much you can do about it,
certainly complaining doesn’t help, it just blocks what is really needed; a
positive energy and focus to keep your passion alive!
Always the goal: understand the industry in which you chose, get on sets, get hands on experience, get connected, be professional, rinse & repeat!
Positive intentions everyone and we'll get through this together! I hope this has helped you to understand what to do during hiatus.
Continued success to all!
Always the goal: understand the industry in which you chose, get on sets, get hands on experience, get connected, be professional, rinse & repeat!
Positive intentions everyone and we'll get through this together! I hope this has helped you to understand what to do during hiatus.
Continued success to all!
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