As a child, I was brought into the acting world by my parents, who both had their own businesses. At the time, (I started acting and modeling at 6 months old) I didn’t understand the business aspects of the entertainment industry. As I grew up, my parents explained to me how things worked – how being creative and how entrepreneuriship merged together.
As I got older, I was captivated by the idea of bringing characters to life, performing on stage or in front of the camera and immersing myself in the world of storytelling. The allure of artistic expression overshadowed any thoughts of the business side of the industry. Little did I realize that pursuing an acting career would also require me to embrace my entrepreneurial side and become a business person.
As I ventured further into the acting world, I quickly discovered that success in this field involved much more than simply honing my craft. I had to navigate the complex landscape of contracts, auditions, networking, and self-promotion. It became evident that, like running a business, my career as an actor would demand strategic planning, marketing, financial management and the ability to build relationships.
The realization hit me that I needed to view myself not only as a performer but also as a brand. I had to identify my unique strengths, understand my target audience and develop a personal brand that would set me apart from the competition. This meant investing time in building a compelling resume, updating my headshots and creating a professional online presence through social media and a personal website. Mind you, the Internet wasn’t even a thing when I started out, so back then the marketing was a lot different. But as with anything, I had to keep up with technology and the times in order not to be washed out.
Networking became another critical aspect that I had to embrace. Attending industry events, workshops and connecting with fellow actors, casting directors and agents became part of my routine. Building these relationships allowed me to stay informed about potential opportunities and gain insights into the industry’s dynamics. It was clear that networking was not just about making connections but also about nurturing genuine relationships that could lead to future collaborations.
The management of my finances became a crucial factor in my life. Dealing with an unpredictable income and creating a budget became my new norm. I had to acquire the skill of handling the financial uncertainties that come with being an actor, guaranteeing that I could support myself during tough times and make wise investments during profitable ones. Familiarizing myself with contracts, bargaining for deals and seeking legal counsel when needed were all critical components of safeguarding my rights and obtaining fair payment.
Perhaps the most challenging aspect was reconciling my artistic aspirations with the realities of the business world. It required a delicate balance between artistic integrity and commercial viability. I had to make choices based on market demands, assess industry trends and be open to taking on diverse roles that would showcase my versatility. This meant continuously learning, adapting to new techniques and expanding my skillset to remain relevant and competitive.
Although initially surprised by the fact that being an actor meant also being a business person, I found it to be empowering. By embracing the business side of the industry, I was able to take charge of my career, make well-informed decisions and position myself strategically for success. This required dedication, perseverance and a willingness to learn and grow not only as an artist but also as an entrepreneur.
Today, I appreciate the importance of being a business person in the realm of acting. It’s taught me valuable lessons in resilience, adaptability and the power of strategic planning. By embracing the dual roles of an actor and a business person, I’ve gained a deeper understanding of the industry and set myself on a path to thrive both creatively and professionally.
Running a business and pursuing a career as an actor may appear to be vastly different endeavors on the surface. However, there are several striking similarities and notable differences. Both require a high level of self-motivation, strategic thinking and a commitment to personal growth. Let’s explore the parallels between these two paths and shed light on the distinctive aspects that set them apart.
Self-Employment and Autonomy
One common thread between running a business and being an actor is the element of self-employment. Both roles often involve working as independent contractors, where individuals are responsible for managing their own careers and securing opportunities. Business owners operate with autonomy, making decisions regarding their products, services and overall business strategies. Similarly, actors have the freedom to choose their auditions, projects and the direction of their artistic journey.
Auditions as Sales Pitches
Auditions can be seen as sales pitches. Much like a business owner selling their products or services, actors are essentially selling their talent and suitability for a specific role to casting directors. Just as a salesperson aims to convince potential clients of the value and benefits of their offering, actors must effectively present themselves in auditions to stand out among their competitors. They showcase their skills, portray the desired character and captivate the casting directors with their performance. Similar to sales pitches, actors need to be persuasive, confident and memorable to leave a lasting impression and secure the role. They must demonstrate their range, versatility and ability to bring characters to life, convincing the casting directors that they are the perfect fit for the project. Auditions require careful preparation, understanding of the character’s nuances and the ability to adapt and connect with the casting team. It is through these auditions-as-sales-pitches that actors have the opportunity to demonstrate their talent and land the coveted roles that can propel their careers forward.
Branding and Marketing
Effective branding and marketing are essential in both realms. Business owners strive to develop a unique brand identity that resonates with their target audience. Actors, too, must craft a personal brand that highlights their distinct skills, talents and qualities. Both must actively promote themselves to stand out among competitors, whether it’s through an engaging website, a strong social media presence or networking with industry professionals.
Networking and Relationship Building
Building a strong network is crucial in both industries. Business owners engage in networking events, conferences and industry gatherings to establish relationships with potential clients, collaborators and mentors. Similarly, actors must actively network with casting directors, agents, fellow actors and other industry insiders to create opportunities and stay connected. Nurturing these relationships can lead to future projects and professional growth.
Financial Management
Managing finances effectively is a shared responsibility for both business owners and actors. Irregular income is a reality in both fields, and individuals must learn to budget their earnings, track expenses and plan for the future. Developing financial literacy and seeking professional guidance can help actors and business owners navigate the financial intricacies of their respective industries.
Continuous Learning and Skill Development
Both business owners and actors must commit to ongoing learning and skill development. Entrepreneurs need to stay updated on industry trends, technological advancements and business strategies to remain competitive. Similarly, actors must continually enhance their craft, explore different acting techniques and adapt to changing industry demands. Continuous learning ensures they remain relevant and capable of meeting the evolving needs of their audience or market.
Artistic Expression vs. Profit-Driven Objectives
Perhaps the most significant difference lies in the core objectives of each pursuit. Actors primarily seek artistic expression, using their performances to evoke emotions, tell stories and connect with audiences. Their focus is on creative fulfillment rather than maximizing profits. In contrast, business owners operate with profit-driven objectives, aiming to generate revenue, achieve market share and provide products or services that meet consumer demands.
Clients vs. Casting Directors/Agents
Business owners interact directly with clients or customers, providing them with products or services to satisfy their needs. Conversely, actors work with casting directors and agents who act as intermediaries between them and potential roles. Casting directors and agents play a pivotal role in helping actors secure auditions and navigate the complex web of the entertainment industry. Actors’ “clients” are essentially industry professionals who cast them for projects.
Achieving success in entrepreneurship or acting demands a steadfast hunger for accomplishment. By acknowledging the resemblances and disparities between these domains, you empower yourself to make a well-informed decision regarding the path that harmonizes most effectively with your aspirations and ambitions.
