Pilot season can seem to go in two different ways depending on who you are. The first group are the actors with top agencies who are going out all the time. These are the actors that are going out so much that they actually complain about it. Seriously, I've heard them complain, ugh.
The second group of actors are the ones who desperately want to be going out for pilots, but are not getting called in for anything. The ones who maybe don't have as much experience or aren't with one of the big five agencies. I am in this group and as a member of this group I can say it sucks. Pilot season will seem to last forever with maybe an audition or two if I'm lucky. So, the question is how do you make the most out of being in the second group?
Here is how I am handling Pilot Season. I help out at my agent's office and make sure I go in at least once a week. The day I go in is one of the days that they have their pilot meetings and I get to sit in on that. This allows me to keep very up-to-date on where the pilots are in their casting process.
I also got a copy of their pilot grid which gives you tons of information about every pilot being produced or that they are considering to produce. It tells you what network is producing it, the plot summary, character list, the casting director, and more. I use the grid to figure out which pilots I might be right for and then get those scripts. Pilot scripts are rarely secret (unless it's a JJ Abrams or Joss Whedon show) and floating around all over the place. I can usually get them from my agents, but if you don't have an agent ask around to your friends.
Once I have the scripts of the shows I am interested in, I work on the role I want - just like I would if I was called into the office for an audition. If I can get a hold of the actual sides, I will use those. If there aren't sides available I will just use my favorite scene. Then I put myself on tape for the role. I send that on to my agent who can pass it on to casting.
Will this get me into casting rooms? I don't know. I am getting a lot out of just watching myself on tape - working on my on-camera skills. And you never know what can happen.
How are you handling pilot season? What are you doing to get yourself out there?
That's a great way to get he most out of pilot season. This is my first time being here during pilot season. Ignorance is bliss, I guess. I KNOW I'm missing out on a lot BUT I don't really know any different. I'm trying to just focus on the other stuff. Great post!
ReplyDelete