Opportunity Doesn't Care About Its Timing and Neither Should You

I've talked a great deal about my time as a casting reader. One of the reasons I bring it up so frequently is because I learned so many important lessons that transcend the stage. 

This afternoon I was speaking to a dear friend of mine who was set to give a big presentation in a few days. "I'm so nervous. I just want to get through it without screwing up," she cried. 

I thought back on the scores of actors I read with who allowed their timidity and surprise over being called in to audition overshadow the opportunity itself. The seasoned veterans on the other hand knew they'd been called in for a reason, and mastered the ability to be kind and still claim their space to deliver a terrific audition.

"This is a remarkable chance for you," I tried to convince my friend. "And who knows, nothing may come of your presentation this go around but you might get a phone call down the road for the perfect opportunity.

My point was that if you put your best foot forward and strive toward excellence it will leave an impression. Over the years I saw incredibly talented storytellers deliver amazing performances only to be overlooked for the part. 

But on several occasions I saw actors come in years later for an equally great opportunity, sometimes even better. They had made a conscious decision to spread "good contagion" and leave their calling card. 

As a result, they stayed on the mental rolodex of a person with influence and got another opportunity to showcase their talents.

Get Non-Artists Involved in Your Projects

Inspired by the 2015 Sundance Film Festival Premiere of the feature film Tangerine, shot entirely on three iPhone 5s smartphones, I decided to shoot a short on my mobile with a couple of close friends. 

Dan and Bill are medical professionals, not actors. Lured by my assurance, "You just have to be yourselves," and perhaps my promise to buy them dinner, they actually showed up on "set" (a restaurant) at their scheduled "call times." 

I had not clue what to expect, but was soon pleasantly surprised by the quality of their engagement. They both were not only terrific actors, but at times took on the roles of director, cinematographer, production assistant, and even script supervisor. 

What's more, they were insightful, curious, and clearly loved the critical thinking aspect of filmmaking. The three of us stumbled through ways to solve what to do about lighting, sound, and wide shots.

To say my film will not be at Sundance any time soon is possibly the understatement of the century. But it’s already proven a fun project worthy of my time and theirs...I hope.

Just because someone isn't an artist doesn't mean they're not creative. Get your non-artist friends and colleagues on board. They may surprise you.

Seek the Insight of Non-Artists

Last night I spent about an hour speaking to a good friend from high school who now works as an attorney in Austin. Despite being in a completely different line of work he'd always shown a strong interest in my career as an actor.

We'd often talk about films we'd seen, new and exciting television shows, and actors we admired. At the end of our talks I was convinced he knew more about the industry than I did. I half wondered where he found the time to keep up all the various mediums while juggling a full-time job and the responsibilities of having a family.

Our conversation also reminded me of the importance of reaching out to folks who have nothing to do with your creative pursuits, or even any real knowledge of your medium. His insights on the story I was trying to write were poignant, introspective, intelligent, and unique. It reminded me of the times I'd asked non-actor friends to read over a pair of sides with me as I prepped for an audition. Invariably, non-actor friends would offer a point of view that seemed so obvious, yet frustratingly hidden to my actor sensibilities.

I discovered the longer you're an actor and the more training you have there is a propensity to start looking at the work as just an actor. You think in terms of "objective" and "obstacles," while your friends are simply looking at the work as human beings.

Try and seek feedback beyond your immediate circle of artists. They may surprise you with what they find.