Last week we shared the first step to being a working actor.
If you missed it, you can read it here
That was all about embodiment. Asking the question, if you had what you wanted already how would you live now? How would you live within your body? Or move? How about, communicate with others? What good would you be drawn to do in the world?
This second step, that we’ll cover now, is all about Self-Generation.
This area is often overlooked once an actor gets some form of representation from an agent or manager.
Find me an actor that, at one time or another, doesn’t feel like their agent or manager is doing enough, even when they actually may be really hustling well for you.
We need to understand that our agents and managers are only one slice of the pecan pie.
Self-Generation is about getting YOUR hustle on. And this part is fun.
WHAT TO DO…
People you’ve met and worked with, people in your circle, are doing interesting creative work. (All this, by the way, applies to every artist and entrepreneur.)
STEP ONE:
Make a list of 10 people in the entertainment industry (or whatever your field may be). Could be fellow actors from your class, or directors you’ve worked with on set. It could be that someone you met briefly at a social gathering. Someone who you’ve crossed paths with.
STEP TWO:
Reach out to them, ya knucklehead.
It wasn’t an accident that your paths crossed.
Your paths crossed to offer you an opportunity.
WHAT TO EXPECT:
The notion of reaching out to people you may consider “above” you may activate your mind. Look, no one is above you. We all want to create, we’re all gonna die. We’re all in this together. So what if your armpits start getting moist at the thought of reaching out to a fancy director you met briefly. Do it anyway. They’ll be flattered to hear from you.
WHAT TO DO
Organize getting together. Make it easy for them.
Hang out. Shoot the shit.
What are they doing? Get interested.
Let yourself be inspired.
Don’t worry about what the outcome will be.
Being a working actor for 3 decades – Self-Generation has been instrumental to me. A good percentage of the interesting jobs I’ve done have come from this step.
And I understand… Reaching out to people can be confronting. But not as confronting as not doing it – and not getting any of the results you’re capable of.
People love hearing from you. Do your job.
By the way, in the final installment of this three-parter – I’ll get into working with and getting representation. Stay tuned.
If you have a friend that needs to hear this – pass it on.
And, training your instrument in an innovative approach to acting and embodiment (Step One) is essential. That’s why I created the courses below.
Have an awesome day – now, reach out to 10 people.
Big Hug
Josh Pais
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