Last week, after studying yoga for almost three years, my heels touched the mat during downward dog. This might not sound like a major accomplishment but hey, it’s something I’ve been working on and I’m thrilled it finally happened.
But that wasn’t the reason I signed up for yoga. Getting limber was just one part of a much bigger plan. My real objective was to become a healthy person.
To accomplish that, I came up with several short-term goals like finding new ways to exercise, quitting fast food, and replacing soda as my go-to drink. I knew those changes would make a big difference.
Well, it took a few years but I’m proud to say the plan worked. I no longer collapse from exhaustion when I go out dancing with my younger girlfriend, and my cholesterol has dropped to below 200. I pulled this off by understanding one fact: If you want to accomplish anything, you need short-term goals that serve a long-term goal.
Actors often set themselves up for failure by choosing goals like “become successful” or “win an Oscar” without figuring out the steps they must take to get there. So let’s be specific. Your long-term goal is to book a pilot. You want to accomplish this in no more than three years. Now let’s put together some short-term goals that will get you there.
First, do your homework. Who are those actors currently working as regulars on TV shows? You can research their names and credits on IMDbPro. Focus on people in your age category, the ones who aren’t famous. Create a list of at least 10 names.
Now ask yourself this. Did those actors have any experience before they scored their big break? I bet they did. Producers like to hire actors who know their way around a set.
So now you have your first short-term goal if you want to book a pilot: You must build up your TV credits.
Now go back to IMDb and look up which casting directors hired those actors for the shows they’re currently starring on. Then backtrack to the actors’ earlier credits, even the minor ones, and check out who cast them in those parts. Nine out of 10 times, you’ll discover the same casting directors who got them their series also hired them during the early days of their careers.
Casting directors love to bring in actors they have hired in the past. So there’s your second short-term goal: Create relationships with casting directors who work on pilots.
Now check if the actors on your list have representation. Actually, don’t. I’ll save you some time. The answer is yes. They all have agents. Pilot season is insanely busy and it’s hard to get in the room if you don’t have an agent whispering your name in the casting director’s ear.
And voilà! There’s your third short-term goal: You need to sign with an agent who represents actors currently working as series regulars. And no, I’m not just talking about the big shots who work at places like CAA and Gersh. There are plenty of smaller companies that book pilots all the time.
Now I know what the doomsayer inside you is saying. All those goals are easier said than done. You’re right, but so what? You knew this was a tough business when you signed up, and at least now you have a plan of attack.
Trust me. Your career is a lot like Google Maps. It’s easier to reach your destination when you have a series of steps designed to get you where you’re going.
Like this advice? Check out more from Secret Agent Man!
