No Regrets, Just Lessons: What I’d Tell My Younger Self About Acting

3 Min Read

I don’t like to look back on life with regrets. Instead, I prefer to see all the kinks in the road as learnings and stories to tell. Each misstep and detour has shaped who I am today, and I wouldn’t trade those experiences for anything.

But if I could go back 14 years in time, there’s one piece of advice I’d give to my younger self: Work on films back to back for one solid year, especially the non-paid ones.

Then, focus on competition films. Here’s why.

Gain Consistent Experience

When you’re just starting out, nothing beats the value of hands-on experience. Working on films back to back, even if they’re non-paid, provides an invaluable education that you can’t get from acting classes alone. These projects help you:

Hone Your Craft: Continuous practice is the key to improvement. By working on various films, you get to explore different characters, genres, and styles. Each project challenges you in new ways and helps you refine your skills.

Build Your Resume: A year of steady work, even on non-paid projects, fills your resume with diverse roles and experiences. This shows casting directors that you’re serious, dedicated, and capable of handling different types of roles.

Network with Industry Professionals: The more projects you work on, the more people you meet. Building a network of directors, producers, and fellow actors can lead to future opportunities. Relationships you form on set can be the key to landing your next gig.

Learn Set Etiquette: Being on set teaches you the unwritten rules of filmmaking. Understanding set etiquette, how to work with a crew, and the flow of a film production is crucial. These insights make you a more professional and reliable actor.

Why Focus on Competition Films Next

After a solid year of working on various projects, shifting your focus to competition films can be a game-changer. Here’s why:

Showcase Your Talent: Competition films often have higher stakes and visibility. They’re typically seen by industry professionals and can be a great way to showcase your talent to a wider audience.

Potential for Awards and Recognition: Winning or even being nominated in film competitions can significantly boost your credibility and reputation. It adds notable credits to your resume and makes you more attractive to casting directors.

Higher Production Values: These films often have better budgets and resources, allowing you to work with high-quality equipment and experienced crews. This elevates the production quality of your work, which is great for your demo reel.

Career Momentum: Success in competition films can create momentum in your career. It opens doors to bigger projects, paid roles, and professional representation. It’s a stepping stone to moving up in the industry.

No Regrets, Just Lessons: What I’d Tell My Younger Self About Acting
No Regrets, Just Lessons: What I’d Tell My Younger Self About Acting

If I could turn back the clock, I’d tell my younger self to dive headfirst into as many film projects as possible, paid or unpaid, for a year.

The experience, connections, and skills gained from this intense period of work are invaluable.

After that, focusing on competition films can propel your career to new heights, providing the recognition and opportunities needed to succeed in the competitive world of acting.

So, if you’re just starting out or looking to reignite your career, take this advice to heart.

Take every opportunity, learn from every project, and soon enough, you’ll find yourself with a wealth of experience and a bright future ahead.

No regrets, just lessons and stories to tell.

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