Image (modified) via Flickr by RVWithTito
I always hit the holidays and think "Again? Already?" It's hard to believe it's December. It's even harder to get my head around being a month away from having to remember it's 2015. But here we are. And along with the annual traditions of travel, shopping, and eating way too many carbs, it's time for a little yearly career maintenance. So I've gone up to the attic* and dusted off this post about what actors can do in the coming weeks to take full advantage of next year's busy pilot season. I've even added some sparkly new details for you regulars. So slap on a reindeer sweater and let's dig in.
* I really do have an attic. But I've never been up there. My husband assures me I wouldn't like it.
Aaah, the holidays. Family, food, frivolity, and no auditions.
Nothing is shooting. Casting is on vacation. Agencies are shutting down for the year. It can make you lose your mind if you let it. But there is a silver lining...
Pilot season is right around the corner. Come January, you are going to want every part of your career to be firing on all cylinders. If Luck = Preparation + Opportunity, December is your chance to prepare for January's opportunity explosion.
So what should you be doing?
- Update, Update, Update
Check your resume. Check every actor website you belong to. Google yourself and find websites you didn't know you were on. Proofread everything. Make sure they all have your most current credits, contact information, representation, video clips, photos, measurements, press, etc. Eliminate any potential obstacle to someone calling you in when things pick up.
- Refresh Your Materials
Have you been meaning to fill some holes in your headshots or re-edit your reel? Do it now. Not quite ready? Get ready. Make it your mission to get copies of the work you've done. Ask friends & family to contribute to your publicity fund as a holiday gift. Take advantage of sales to get some wardrobe pieces that make you pop… And then go for it. Rip off the bandaid. Get it done.
- Watch What's Happening
Most networks have made at least one round of adjustments to the lineups that started in the fall, and there are lots of places to find that info. Watch clips of everything. Go to the movies. Catch up on the movies you missed earlier in the year. Take notes on which shows/movies you liked. (Feeling extra industrious? Find out who cast the ones you liked. Have you met or read for those people? Nos go on your target list... Yesses get an 'I love your work' holiday card!)
- Make Holiday Cards Count
Tempting as it might be, it's not a good idea to send a mailing to professional contacts just to say "Happy Holidays!" Professional contacts expect professional content. Bringing your reps a gift is wonderful. Thanking people you booked with this year is appropriate. But just like the rest of the year, it's important to make your mailings meaningful. One way to do this is to make your own "Best of 2014" list. Think about the projects that moved and inspired you this year, and send a card to thank and congratulate the people involved. Make it about them, not about you, and be specific.
Goodness, you have a lot to do all of a sudden. Thank christmas it's slow! Now get crackin'!