We actors have a bad rap. I’ll admit that when it comes to myself I can definitely have some actor tendencies. Two years ago the owner of my agency called me. As I was placed on hold while her assistant patched me through, my heart started racing and all I could think was: This isn’t gonna be good. And it wasn’t. She was aghast to find out that I was out of pictures, and that they were out dated. She said no matter how much I am coaching I am still, and always will be, an actor. She totally called me out and she was 100 percent in the right. While I was focusing on my passion of coaching I was completely dropping the ball when it came to my other company: myself.
They’re compulsive. During an intensive a few weeks ago my assistant brought up the fact that only one person had actually responded that they had received their material and that they were confirmed for the weekend. Rowland Perkins (one of the five who started CAA) was known for returning every email within the same day. I have a great relationship with a VP of casting at a network and he will consistently return an email within minutes. He sets an example for me that I have yet to totally master, yet strive to achieve.
They return emails and calls. Have all your materials ready to go at all times so when asked, it takes two minutes to send. Keep your reel updated and IMDb current. If you have a film or script or play that just doesn’t seem to get done, finish it.
They pay attention to details. I make mistakes all the time. It happens. However, I would prefer to avoid the ones that are obvious or that I have already learned from. It’s the little things that made a big difference. You would be surprised at how many emails I receive similar to this: “Hi Sarah, Do you have any classes? And what are your rates?” My name is on my email and all the information is on my website. It’s not that I don't want to give everyone answers to their personal questions, it’s that I absolutely do not have the time. I have had actors come in to coach on an audition and be stressed about the four scenes that they had been working on all night, but missed the note on their appointment page that says only to prepare Scenes 2 and 3. Paying attention to detail makes us not only better business people, but absolutely better actors.
They’re athletes. You all have possibly heard or experienced this type of mentality. I have had the incredible experience of working with several professional athletes—some on their game and others who are transitioning into acting. They have a phenomenal work ethic as well as complete openness to the work we do. For them there is no ego about working with a coach; they know that it’s my job to make them better. They don’t go into games thinking, Man, I really hope we don’t lose. No, they play to win. This frame of mind translates in auditions and there no question, doubt, or fear about what they are going to do in the room. It is wild to think that many of the things we face in an audition room are what they can face out on the field or court.
A while ago, agents and managers stopped talking to me as an actor and started simply talking facts and business so we could work together to get the client where they needed to go in order to book. The curtain was pulled back and it gave me insight to their frame of mind and how it differs from actors. It is a business and personally, mistakes aside, I want my company run by the best CEO that I can find. Most days, that seems to be me.
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