January 2021 - The Actor's Lab

29Jan 2021 by J.D. Lewis

5 For Friday | 01•28•2021

Acting Pointers, Finding an Agent, Five For Friday Series, Networking, Portfolio Suggestions

Five for Fridays – Tips for the Working Actor [video width="640" height="360" mp4="http://theactorslab.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/FiveForFriday-Session-Three-Smaller.mp4" poster="http://theactorslab.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Poster-03.png"][/video] Believe in Yourself – I know this seems basic but it is the cornerstone for working as an actor. Do everything you can to build strong self-worth as an artist. Suggested ways of strengthening your belief: affirmations, meditation, repetition, prayer, psychotherapy, hypnotherapy, journaling, reading self-help books, positive self-talk. Find whatever makes you feel empowered as an actor, which includes working diligently on your craft, surrounding yourself with positive people, and taking care of yourself both physically and emotionally. Define Your Cast-ability – Defining who you are in the scheme of the industry is essential. That does not mean that you limit your scope as an actor, type-cast yourself or put yourself in a box. It…

5 For Friday | 01•15•2021

Finding an Agent, Five For Friday Series, Networking

5 for Friday | Targeting Agents [video class="video" mp4="http://theactorslab.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/FiveForFriday-Session-Two.mp4" poster="http://theactorslab.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/YouTubeIcon-Thumbnail.png"][/video] Before you begin targeting agents, make sure that you have all of your ducks in a row. To start, have a great, professional headshot (that looks like you!). Do your research and find a reputable headshot photographer. Your picture is your calling card. Also have a professional resume with credits. Finally, build a reel that highlights your best work (no longer than a minute to a minute and a half). Getting tape and a great reel is an ongoing activity. Super helpful to also have some professional credits that are listed on IMDB. https://www.imdb.com Solid work from independent projects are important and can help you land an agent as well. Don’t target every agent in town. Do your research and…

5 For Friday | 01•09•2021

Five For Friday Series

[embed]https://youtu.be/XL2JuaBH8t0[/embed] 5 for Friday | 5 Tips for the Working Actor 1. The Thinking of Success - I have been an acting coach working with successful working actors for 31 years. One thing I know to be true is that successful actors have one thing in common. They believe themselves into being working actors and feel they deserve to be part of the entertainment industry. A belief system is cultivated by hard work. Find a consistent way to work on your personal belief system. Some tools to consider: Affirmations, journaling, hypnotherapy, consistent positive self-talk, visualization, reading empowering books and blogs, etc. Think of it as going to the gym for your mind and building strong self-worth. Consistently see yourself as a working actor. 2. Investment of Time and Money - Becoming…