I am an actor in Michigan who really enjoys reading your weekly articles! Should I get a video made for Actors Access so I can submit for projects in LA and NY, even though I’m located in Michigan? I am working (just finished a Subway regional commercial). Thanks!

Okay, let’s break your question in half and address each separately.

Should you get a video made for Actors Access? I’m assuming you’re talking about an Actor Slate or Performance Video, Demo Reel, or some other online version of your work available for download through your Actors Access profile. If you have enough material for a demo reel, you should have one on your website, Actors Access profile page, or available for casting directors to quickly access, wherever you store it. That’s a given, whatever your market.

If you’re considering creating an Actor Slate, that’s certainly fine, but I wouldn’t assume that it’s going to benefit you specifically because you are out-of-market (but trying to get seen in the major markets). One of the nice things about performance videos of any kind available to us online is that we can “get to know your work” if we aren’t already familiar with you. So, until you have enough material for a demo reel, certainly it’s nice to provide something that informs us about your talent and who you are.

Now for the second part of your question. Should you submit for projects in LA and NY, even though you’re located in Michigan? Outside of your immediate area and opportunities there, I’d recommend focusing your energy on Chicago. Los Angeles and New York are THE major markets for the entertainment industry. There are hundreds of thousands of actors already living in LA and NY competing for the work in these cities. For you to compete from outside either market, you must be spectacular! And that’s just to compete. Many CDs won’t even look at out-of-market actors due to the headaches involved with travel issues, accommodations, and per diem. You may see that as unfair (and of course it is), but we look at it as quite practical. We need as few complications as possible, when casting our projects. An out-of-market actor comes with a set of issues the local actor won’t have.

So, I recommend that you first set your sights on Chicago as the nearest major market. Begin familiarizing yourself with local casting directors, agents, managers, classes, theatre companies, etc., and get involved in a very competitive market right there within driving distance. If you’re already working regularly in Chicago, great! Let’s then shift the focus to whether it’s time to move to a more geographically-suitable location to pursue your career in one of THE major markets.

Bottom line, I wouldn’t worry that a video is the make-or-break issue in your ability to work in LA or NY. Check out my column on premature moves to be sure you’re ready for the next stage of your career. And congrats on that regional commercial! That’s always good news! Remember to maintain the relationships you created in the process of getting that gig. Since most work comes from relationships, you may find the investment in the people you’re already working with to be the best use of your energy. Who knows when the producers of that commercial may need you (exactly you, and they know and love your work already) to do something in NY or LA!

Bonnie Gillespie is living her dreams by helping others figure out how to live theirs. Wanna work with Bon? Start here. Thanks!

Originally published by Actors Access at http://more.showfax.com/columns/avoice/archives/000276.html. Please support the many wonderful resources provided by the Breakdown Services family. This posting is the author’s personal archive.