Starting out with today’s example. A talent of Impressive Talent was emailed a Short-List for a modeling gig. The talent submitted for said gig so obviously they were interested in working the project. I called the talent because the email stated they needed a video ASAP to submit to the client. This job works 3 days from now. The talent asked if the video had to be submitted asap, I said yes. The talent said they were in a department store and wearing sweats. I told them great buy some jeans and a shirt, go outside and do the video. The talent then, a man, said, my hair isn’t good. Can it wait until later? I said no, this is due ASAP, you have someone shopping with you, stop what you’re doing and get this video made.
What is wrong with the above situation? The talent lacks the drive to make it in the business. Talent agents and managers want talent who have the drive and desire to get work, any work, especially great work because they thrive in front of the camera or on the microphone.
To work in the entertainment industry, the industry must be your priority. This means being very flexible with your time. Below are some examples of what talent sacrifice to be in this industry:
- Work on their birthday, whether they are an adult or a child
- Work on a national holiday. Frequently shoots cover a large range of dates and some of the shoot dates cross over a significant holiday. Those with the most drive realize they can celebrate the holiday with friends/family at a later time and date
- Pass up parties and social events to work both kids and adults
- Pause that sports game with the guys so the talent can take 20 minutes to go submit for a “hot” voice over project
- Skip the weekend dance competition to submit for a one of a kind opportunity on a film which is a perfect fit
This list goes on and on. A talent representative does not want talent who always have excuses why they cannot work. The representative wants talent who are always asking, “what else do you have for me to submit to so I can be seen and heard?”
There’s a very long ladder in this industry to make a success of yourself. In order to get your name out there, you need to be working yourself to book the projects currently open. If you can’t be flexible, other talent will take your spot.