Looking back over the history of the entertainment industry, I’ve noticed several inflection points that had a permanent effect on the business and every actor in it. These changes were each sparked by an improvement in technology, and while it may not have been obvious at the time, they all led to greater opportunities.
The first inflection point occurred in the 1920s, when silent films stopped being silent. The introduction of sound affected every acting career in Hollywood. Imagine you’re there, a working actor who has never uttered a single word on camera. Then, suddenly, your chances of finding work are based on your ability to speak clearly. It’s a confusing time, because you keep hearing sound is a fad. Even Charlie Chaplin is saying sound won’t last. Not knowing what to believe, you decide to be smart. You focus on improving your diction and your memorizing skills. As a result, you start booking more work than ever before. Sadly, your actor friends (and a few stars) with high-pitched voices and thick accents are not able to follow you into the future.
How to Become a TV Actor The second point has us flashing forward to the birth of television, and specifically commercial television becoming popular in the 1940s. Every actor you know is complaining even more than usual. They all think TV is going to kill the motion picture industry. But you’re not so sure. You imagine a world where the two exist side by side. That means more opportunities. So you move to New York, because that’s where most of these scripted programs are being produced. Then, you discover a lot of them are shot live. Hey, you’ve done plenty of plays, so you know how to handle that kind of pressure. Instead of an audience, you’ll be performing for cameras. No big deal. By responding in a positive manner to this new direction, you end up working nonstop in what is now known as the first Golden Age of Television.
Cut to the late 1990s and the birth of video on demand, more colloquially known as streaming. You grew up in Vermont, so you think a stream is the body of water that ran through your backyard. But you’re intrigued, so you decide to learn more. The next thing you know, it’s 2007 and you’re auditioning for a show that’s being produced by a DVD rental company called Netflix. It’s so new that when the offer comes in, your agent has to consult with a lawyer because he doesn’t understand the paperwork. Looking back from the present, you’re stunned by how streaming services have become so synonymous with entertainment. You also fantasize about buying stock in those companies when they were just starting out.
How to Audition for Netflix And now, the most recent inflection point is taking place right in front of us. I’m talking about social media, online meeting services like Zoom, and the ability to self-tape auditions at home. All these advances help you promote yourself, meet with industry pros from all over the world, and craft quality auditions that maximize your chances of booking. Life is good.
So, what’s next? I have no idea. But I do know that it pays to be open to all kinds of changes, especially ones that can move your career forward in ways you never dreamed possible.
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