Encore Artists Management, Burbank, Calif.
aving talent is, of course, important in acting. However, there are more elements that create overall success.
Proactivity: Make proactivity a way of life. Take the initiative and, more important, the responsibility to create your own career successes; do not settle for the status quo. Artists should be success-driven. Seek out every opportunity to get the most out of the industry's environment. Become able to lucidly see and choose correct and positive courses of action. One way of being proactive is to accept personal responsibility for your actions, attitudes, behaviors, and thoughts as they affect and enhance your career. Instead of solely relying on your reps, become more value-driven and create and implement positive, goal-oriented plans of career accomplishments.
Tenacity: There are seldom shortcuts in life, so resilience and perseverance are key. Set high goals and focus intently on reaching your desired destination without giving up when the going gets tough. Do not get sidetracked on the way to achieving your goals. Do not quit; keep running the race until you reach the finish line. Tenacity is the ability to keep on going no matter what.
Awareness: People, we're in the 21st century, so why do I still see 1990s headshots and non-dialogue-driven demo reels? This industry is ever changing, and there's more competition out there, so you must change with it. You are the CEO of your company, so operate it as such. Stay sharp and aware of current industry trends. Be aware of what works and what does not necessarily work for your type. Know that you certainly get what you pay for out here. So train with the best coaches and schools. Shoot with the best photographers. Find out what the best marketing tools are and utilize them regularly. Become increasingly more aware and innovative while maintaining adaptability and flexibility. Such is essential for career longevity and experiencing a worthwhile, rewarding career.
Ravelo Artists Management, New York
The ability to intrigue an audience: An actor's job is essentially to tell a story. These stories are brought to life for an audience. Audiences today have a very short attention span. Therefore, if actors are to succeed, they must capture the audience's attention and sustain its interest. Actors must celebrate their uniqueness and strive to uncover layers in their work.
Self-awareness: An actor's instrument is him- or herself. It is imperative that actors embrace their strengths, turn their liabilities into assets, command a marketable image, and recognize how they are perceived. This way their destiny remains in their hands, and their value is not dictated by circumstance alone.
Strong instincts: There are so many opportunities in the industry today that most who attempt a career in the acting profession will find employment in one area or another. Training and life experiences will help identify and strengthen an actor's instinct, as well as provide valuable skills necessary for employment. For a truly successful acting career, actors must be adept at consistently making successful choices in their careers, as well as their personal lives.
Stein Entertainment, West Hollywood, Calif.
First of all, an actor needs to approach his career as a professional. From the perspective of a manager, what makes a successful career is having the right people on the team. The process is such that as the actor's business grows, so does his team. The team around the actor should be solid, and a good manager will help grow the actor's team with people who will be beneficial to him and his career. Many young actors who have success quickly need to have someone that is there to keep their feet on the ground. Good managers will remind their talent of the hard work it takes to make it in the industry. The main job of a manager is to advise an actor. His advice can include what roles would be best, connecting an actor with other members of a quality team, and being a sounding board for an actor for questions and concerns he might have about the industry and his career.
An important relationship for the actor is the one between his agent and his manager. They need to work together and support the talent and be guides in building the career. It's important that there be open communication between these very important members of the actor's team.
Second, an actor who is looking to build a career should make sure he is being challenged as an actor at all times. Continuing to study and grow the tool of an actor is important, and Los Angeles provides many excellent acting coaches. When I work with talent, I always recommend checking several acting coaches and photographers and always making decisions based on your connection with the individual.
Finally, perseverance is necessary, and commitment is mandatory for any actor looking to have a long and active career. There are always more actors who will work hard. There is no shortage of good actors, only of quality jobs.