Creating content is a team effort. Even though some jobs may command higher pay rates or get more attention, each and every person is crucial to the success of a project.
In my experience, the most appealing actors to work with are those who make everyone’s job easier. By that, I mean not creating obstacles or surprises that people have to work around in order to efficiently do their job. So if you’d like to get started making your own content—or want to get better at it—here are a few things to keep in mind as you work to ensure that you are actually someone other people want to and will enjoy working with again and again.
Choices
The entertainment business is competitive and as such, your competition is taking classes to improve their skills, getting professional headshots that stand, chose to stay in the night before a work day so they could be present, professional and look their best, treat themselves as a business, and invest in their career.
While I don’t believe in comparing yourself to others, I do believe in keeping yourself present to the idea that there are others out there who have a similar dream to yours and are working hard for it. There are many things that we don’t have control over in the entertainment industry, but we do have control over our personal choices.
Relationships
Producers and directors invest their time, money, and reputations on a particular film or series. They have a lot riding on a project’s success and want to produce content that will forward their career or profits. So it makes sense that they would want to work with someone who’s professionalism they trust.
READ: Directing Tips for Actors
Hollywood is a small world and word spreads quickly; avoid burning bridges. No one wants to be on set for 14 hours a day with a person they don’t like. (I often think of the saying, “be nice to people on the way up because you might meet them again on your way down.”) In addition to meeting casting directors at auditions, there are other opportunities like film festivals and getting involved with organizations like Film Independent that are helpful for establishing positive working relationships.
Integrity
Communication is an essential tool for building trust, achieving productivity, and maintaining strong working relationships. There are many moving parts in a production and each one depends on another to get the work completed efficiently. You can be the most talented artist in the world, but a lack of integrity will always overshadow talent and make it difficult to work with you. Say what you mean and do what you say. Consistency builds trust and is a sign of professionalism. In such a fast-paced business where so much is on the line, people appreciate someone whose word they can depend on.
Punctuality
Being late sends a signal that you feel your time is more important than everyone else’s. There are very few valid excuses for lateness and it’s disrespectful to everyone. Running fifteen minutes late may seem like no big deal but for your director, it could mean the difference between getting that last amazing shot or having to cut an entire scene. Life happens, but give advance communication if you think there will be an issue with you arriving on time.
The bottom line? Give people the tools they need to help you succeed. Show that you are working hard on your career, motivate your team and the people who are helping you achieve what you've set out to do.
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The views expressed in this article are solely that of the individual(s) providing them,
and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Backstage or its staff.
