We’ve talked about gratitude before (see item 10 at this link), so you already know what a fan I am of thank you notes, little gifts for special bookings (like your first SAG gig, your first lead role, your first ever TV job, etc.), and other such expressions of thanks. Well, a couple of weeks ago, I got the best gift a working actor can probably give to a casting director (next to a shout-out during the big award acceptance speech, of course). I was invited to an invitation-only taping of a sitcom episode in which an actor I’ve cast in a couple of indie films in the past two years was guest-starring.
This actor is amazingly talented, of course, and such a joy to watch (whether in auditions, on stage in small plays, or on screen). Part of casting is being a fan of the people whose work you love the most. So, any opportunity to see this actor work is one I’ll try to accept, schedule permitting. That said, there are a couple of reasons the gift of an invitation to a taping like the one I attended is smart from the actor’s perspective and appreciated by the casting director on the receiving end.
1. It’s a special “thank you” that is also a fun night out, even though the soundstage is freezing cold and show taping is a pretty long process. Turns out the actor’s manager was also in attendance at this taping. Between scenes, we got to talk about how the actor was being marketed, what agencies the manager was trying to get the actor into, the status of the most-recent project in which I cast the actor, my forthcoming casting gigs, and that manager’s other clients I should meet. Smart actor, getting us together!
2. We get to see your work. This is never a bad thing. Especially if we’ve seen you in only one type of role and this one is different in some way, we’re going to leave the experience having broadened the scope of how we see you. Maybe that means we’ll bring you in for something we wouldn’t have, prior to this taping. Also, seeing an actor working is always a handy reminder for us that you are a working actor. And isn’t that how you want to be seen? If the last time I saw you, you were auditioning for me (and maybe you only did an okay job), I’m remembering you as an auditioning actor. However, if the last time I saw you, you were taking bows to a standing ovation at the cast introductions after the taping, that’s a much cooler memory.
3. When the taping (or screening or live show or wrap party or whatever it is) is high-end, invitation-only, or VIP-level in any way, the casting director, agent, or manager you’ve invited feels special. Sure, your family members would also feel special, getting to be a part of an industry meet-and-greet after the taping, but they’d probably be impressed to attend a “regular” taping too. Industry insiders appreciate the value in schmoozing with network execs and show runners after the taping. They come wielding business cards and pitches, ready to make the most out of the post-show festivities. Associating you with that experience is win-win.
So, the next time you’re in a position to invite someone to a screening, taping, premiere party, award ceremony, or some other cool actor thing, think of that agent who pitches you to casting directors, the manager who helps craft your image, and the casting director who brings you in for roles that forever change your life. Even the gesture of inviting these folks to such events is important. It proves that you do see your relationships as ones that exist in the long haul, not just from the first job to the second. That makes everyone feel invested.
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/000263.html. Please support the many wonderful resources provided by the Breakdown Services family. This posting is the author’s personal archive.