Five For Friday Series Archives

25Mar 2021 by J.D. Lewis

Five For Friday – Terms Used On The Set

[video width="640" height="360" mp4="https://theactorslab.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/FiveForFriday-Session-07-480.mp4" poster="https://theactorslab.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/FiveForFriday-07-Poster.png"][/video] TERMINOLOGY ON THE SET Here are some terms you will definitely hear on a Film, TV or Commercial set. It’s good to know, in advance, the terminology used while filming. It just makes your job and the director crew’s job a whole lot easier. So here are a few. There will be more to come in the following weeks. CRAFT SERVICES: A table with food and snacks, cared for by a caterer or production person. GRIPS: Crew that is responsible for moving the equipment around the set. DOLLY GRIP: The member of the crew responsible for working with the camera on a Dolly. ECU – Extreme Close Up – A very tight shot of an actor. HONEYWAGON: Truck trailer close to the set that hosts bathrooms, wardrobe, make-up and changing rooms. M.O.S:…

12Mar 2021 by J.D. Lewis

Five For Friday – Networking

Five For Friday Series, Networking, The Business of Acting

Being a good networker is essential in pursuing your career as a working actor [video width="1280" height="720" mp4="https://theactorslab.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/FiveForFriday-Session-Six-720.mp4" poster="https://theactorslab.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Poster-Session-06.png"][/video] Remember, networking is not about asking for a favor, it’s about creating relationships. The quickest way to have people turn and walk away is instantly asking for a favor before you get to know them. Reach out and meet people because you are in the same industry and you have common interests and goals. Have something to offer! When pursuing a relationship with someone in the industry make sure that you don’t show up empty-handed. Have a great reel to give them, or an independent project you just finished… or offer them something they might like. For instance, tickets to a show or to a sporting event or concert, or…

26Feb 2021 by TomSlater

Five for Friday – Keeping Your Vibe Up

Acting Pointers, Five For Friday Series

[video width="1280" height="720" mp4="https://theactorslab.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/FiveForFriday-Session-Five-720-1.mp4" poster="https://theactorslab.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/VideoPoster-5-4-Friday-Session4.png"][/video] Surround yourself with positive people with a great outlook that make you feel successful when you are around them. Avoid spending time with the people that bitch and complain about how things aren’t working for them. They are preaching a self-fulfilling prophesy. Being around like-minded, positive people helps you keep your vibe up. Work on keeping your Vibe up every day. Go to the ‘gym of your positive attitude’. Find a routine or ritual that you do daily that keeps you in the right frame of mind, whether journaling, affirmations, meditation, prayer, reading empowering books, etc. Find your artistic tribe. Find an acting studio to work out at, where they support and encourage you… and push you to your full potential. Having an artistic…

12Feb 2021 by J.D. Lewis

Five Tips For Finding Good Training

Acting Pointers, Five For Friday Series

[video width="640" height="360" mp4="https://theactorslab.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/FiveForFriday-Session-Four-480.mp4" poster="https://theactorslab.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/VideoPoster-5-4-Friday-Session4.png"][/video] 1. Research reputable coaches and studios. Anyone can hang a shingle up and claim to teach acting. Check IMDb and also ask for industry referrals. You can always reach out to agents and managers over the phone and ask their opinions. Google acting coaches and studios to make sure they are legit. 2. Interview the studio. It’s where you will be spending your time and money. Choose a studio where there are working actors training there. It’s important to surround yourself with other working actors who are serious in the pursuit of the craft. 3. Make sure they have a ‘tried and true’ approach to the craft. Learning a craft of acting is essential. It’s an approach to the work that you can apply…

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…

15Jan 2021 by J.D. Lewis

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…

08Jan 2021 by TomSlater

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…