If you’ve had any exposure to the media these days, we are sure you’ve heard that we are in a recession. You may have also heard that the entertainment industry has slowed and that finalized SAG contracts appear to be nowhere in sight.
Many actors step back from self-promotion during a slower economy. Many more quit entirely when uncertainty rules the waves. They believe that they must cut back, conserve, and slow down.
While your competition sits back and waits for brighter days, now is a great time to amp up your marketing efforts and really make an impact. Here are three simple and inexpensive ways suggested by our experts at Kids Act LA Acting Classes you can create a stimulus package for your acting career.
Always Be Marketing
Regardless of how slow the industry may seem, casting directors still exist, agents still go to work, and producers continue to plan their future projects. Your audience is out there and they need to hear from you. You must be business savvy and consistently self-promote to your target audience. An actor’s audience consists of the agents who might represent you, the casting directors who may audition you, and the producers who will ultimately hire you. Consistent marketing is essential, during slower cycles in the business and even in a down economy.
You can successfully self-promote without breaking the bank. For example, create a blog about your career. Blogging is absolutely free and simple to do. Visit a website such as Blogger or WordPress to create your very own blog. After your blog is created, update it daily with news, anecdotes, and career successes. Be sure to offer valuable content that readers want to hear. Then, invite your friends, colleagues, and other industry folk to follow your blog. By creating a blog, you’re not only in consistent communication with the industry, but you are also establishing your own fan base. As your blog grows, so will your popularity. Imagine how impressed a potential agent might feel when she Googles your name and uncovers your insightful blog with hundreds of readers. Blogging daily also allows you to stay connected to your career and offer insight to others.
Always Be Acting
During a recession, you may not be able to foot the bill for your regular acting class or networking groups. Here are a few free ways you can keep your chops sharp and network with others without spending a dime.
Invite a group of trusted colleagues to your house and host weekly script readings. You can conduct table readings of plays, original work, or audition sides. Not only will you be acting, but you’ll be connecting with your peers, feeling active, and improving your skills. Put yourself on tape. Get in front of a camera, even if it’s your own. Sure, if you’re up for shooting your own project, go for it. I think that’s the best way to create the career you want. But let’s face it. Not every actor wants to be a filmmaker. That’s perfectly fine. It doesn’t mean that you can’t use your camera as a tool.
Diversify Your Income Streams
While on your way to acting success, you may require a second job that offers steady income plus flexibility to accommodate acting gigs. Rather than rely on only one source of income you create multiple streams of income to alleviate stress during a down market. What skills do you have? Are you highly organized? Do you know how to retouch photos or create brochures? Are you a good writer or proofreader? Are you great with kids or animals? What skills do you currently have that might be of service to others?
Businesses around the world hire freelance writers, designers, data-entry specialists, and other experts to provide freelance services. You can upload your resume on websites such as Elance or Work from Home and generate extra income providing your expertise on a freelance basis.
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