Last week, we touched on the concept of having more gratitude in your life. And now that the holiday season is upon us, I’d like to delve deeper into this idea and how it can help you stay sane in a heartbreaking business.
It’s been my experience that actors love to find the negative in every positive. This is a very destructive way to live because if you’re looking to be disappointed, the entertainment industry is more than happy to help.
I would suggest there’s a better (and healthier) way to live. When you’re hit in the face with bad news, the trick is to reframe your perspective. In other words, when your mind goes to a negative place you must choose to alter your point of view so you can find and appreciate the positive.
Let’s examine this concept from my side of the fence.
Agents love to book pilots in the fall because when pilot season hits in January, it’s reassuring to have a few series regular deals on our desks. Toward that end, I had a client test last week on a network pilot. The decision went right down to the wire between my client and a Canadian actor but sadly, the deal went north—literally.
Following the example of most actors I’ve met, my mood went dark and I considered going on a weekend-long drinking binge with some bikers I know from the Inland Empire. But then I decided to follow my own advice and reframe the bad news. Sure, my client didn’t get the pilot, but now the kid has brand-new quotes and a ton of confidence that will serve him during pilot season.
Gratitude is what allowed me to reframe that situation into one where I could feel good about myself. After all, I signed this actor and I got him the audition and I negotiated an amazing deal. So despite the outcome, I did a good job and my client is better off for my efforts. So that’s the positive in that negative.
Now let’s examine this concept from your side of the fence.
After working on nothing more than tiny parts, you finally land an audition for a juicy guest star role on a hit show. You’re nervous before the audition, but when you get in the room those nerves take a hike and you deliver a performance that would make Laurence Olivier rise from the grave and applaud your work. A few hours later, your agent calls and says you’re on hold for the job. It’s between you and another actor. He also explains the casting director confessed that you’re her personal choice.
And then you find out you didn’t get it.
Yes, that’s bad news. There’s no way around it. But you can reframe this situation so the bright side shines through. Look at it this way: You got a shot to play with the big boys and you went right down to the wire. That means the casting director likes you and will bring you in again. That also means your agent has discovered your hidden potential and will start pitching you for bigger and better parts. So that’s the positive in your negative.
I swear to each and every one of you that if you take my advice on this, you will increase your chances of attaining your goals and staying sane during the process.
And now that you’re in the mood to give thanks, stay tuned for next week’s column where I discuss all the cool stuff you can buy your agents for the holidays!
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