The expression, “It takes a village” could not be more appropriate when it comes to show business. We work in a collaborative art form, which allows fellow actors to help one another move their careers forward together! Here are some ways to help support your friends and build your career at the same time.
1. Promote your friends on social media. When it comes to publicity these days, social media is everything. Luckily, it couldn’t be easier to help your friend out in this department. With just a few clicks of a button you can show your support.
If a friend has a short video, a Kickstarter, or news about a project, post it on your Facebook and Twitter accounts. There is a lot of social media noise to wade through, so make sure to post a personal and enthusiastic comment introducing the project. Not only will your friend will appreciate the kind words, but others following you will want to check out something you’re passionate about posting. Also, it’s a two-way street! See if your friends are willing to vouch for you on social media as well!
2. Refer your friend to your reps. This is a big one. It requires some thought and nuance. If you like your agent or manager, of course you are going to wish your very good friends had agents like yours. However, your agent has a limited roster and must be selective about who they work with. You should make a recommendation when you have a friend whose work you admire—who you think has an incredible talent that you feel would soar if only they had the right representation. If your friend fits this profile, make a recommendation ASAP. You won’t just be helping out your friend; you’ll be helping your agent discover a new talent. This is an ideal scenario and your agent will thank you.
3. Collaborate on independent projects. We have a tendency in Hollywood to wait—wait for pilot season, wait for the perfect project, wait for the audition. It’s time to quit the waiting game and be proactive. When a friend is putting together a project, there is no doubt they will need help in a thousand different ways. Offer to help, and not just as an actor. If they need someone to work sound, hold the boom. Or you can volunteer to work in the art department, craft services, or elsewhere. It will make a world of difference to your friend and you will learn a lot about the other departments that are involved in making the art you so love. Undoubtedly, you’ll make many new friends on set! It is a great way to network. Who knows, maybe one of your new friends will be the one who introduces you to the right person who will help you book your next TV/film acting role!
Have fun helping out your friends! Good luck!
Like this advice? Check out more from our Backstage Experts!
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.
