The New Business of Acting: How to Build a Career in a Changing Landscape - The Next Edition

Index

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

ILIKE TO THINK that I am work-in-progress—and that, regardless of what the year on the calendar says about my chronological age, I have never felt younger. There have been decades of lessons learned from both mistakes made and from achievements earned. They have all added up to make me the person I am at this moment. Still evolving; always evolving, I hope.

My 25-year relationship with my husband Mark continues to remind me that family time together and time off the grid is the most important time of the day. My father Robert’s death in 2017 and responsibility for his care prior to that continues to remind me that sometimes business can wait. My mother Shirley’s drive and eagerness to make every day count remind me that, at any age, every day is its own adventure. My brother Rick’s commitment to family and his leadership in his community remind me that ethics matter.

My relationship with my clients, many of them for more than 30 years, continues to remind me that, regardless of the success or fame one achieves, it is who we each are at our core that truly defines the person we are. Then there are the decades that have been filled with hundreds of students who have sat in my classroom who have taught me so much and of whom I am very proud.

There are other individuals who have left—and many more who are still leaving—an impact on my life that has forever changed me. I trust that they know who they are.

Lastly, to my long-time client and cherished friend Pamela Roylance, thank you for your patience with my prose and my many lengthy, one-sentence paragraphs. You helped make this a better book with every note you gave me and every question you raised.

BL

October 2018

PREFACE

THIS BOOK IS rooted in personal perspective and professional experience that I claim as my own. Through my many years in both the old business of acting and the new landscape, I have had the opportunity and the exposure from which to have formed an opinion, albeit a subjective one, based on what I have seen that works, what I have experienced that has backfired and what role passion, resilience and planning plays in realizing a dream, especially during challenging times. And, indeed, these are challenging times. It is not that it used to be any easier to seek and secure a career as an actor in the old days. It is just as tough now as it has ever been. But the circumstances that inform that career pursuit have changed. A lot.

Admittedly, my advice to you in this book is very personal and very specific and, without a doubt, very much rooted in my philosophy that the opportunities we all seek do indeed exist. However, it is our job to earn them.

This book is not intended to serve as a historical treatise on the various aspects of the business of acting covered in the chapters ahead. But, instead, to serve as a subjective, hopefully informative, overview of how the business runs that impacts and, in many cases, informs an actor’s passion for career success and the journey that will steer him or her heading in that direction and, of course, keep them on course in the process.

It is my objective to provide you with an empty toolbox, figuratively speaking, and an instruction manual, of sorts, on how to acquire the various assortment of tools that you will need to build the structure that will be known as your career, whether this is your first time out of the gate or you are embarking on a rebranding mission for a career you have already been having.

Of course, every assembly job first needs a plan to follow, one that is well-researched and one that will, throughout construction, keep you on track and prevent you from putting the bathroom where the kitchen is supposed to be.

You would never build a house without a plan, nor would you set out on a journey to far-off destinations without a map to guide you. That is what this book is meant to do: to serve as your guidebook, to inform you about the sights that must be seen (and, of course, steer you away from those that should be avoided) as you create and launch your personal action plan for career success in your journey to and through the not-so-far-off land known as the new business of acting.

INTRODUCTION

WHEN I WROTE and published the first edition of my first book, The Business of Acting: Learn the Skills You Need to Build the Career You Want, back in 2002, none of us working in the industry then could have imagined, nor could we have predicted, the massive and drastic shifts that were headed for the business in the years that were to follow. The challenge for all of us was then, as it is now, to fully understand, embrace, adapt and adjust to those shifts.

Arguably, five of the most impactful of these significant changes have been the SAG and AFTRA merger, the introduction and proliferation of both self-submissions and self-tape auditions, the growing and gross inequality in actor pay, the necessity to become a prolific and skilled Hollywood hyphenate and, perhaps, most importantly, the impact of the #MeToo movement on an industry now struggling to redefine itself and rebrand a tainted image—and what it all means for new-to-the-business actors and professional, working actors seeking to jumpstart their careers.

This has never been an easy business to navigate. But for those who have to have the acting career they are seeking—or get back on track to the acting career they once had, there is no greater reward than beating the odds and proving the discouraging naysayers wrong. Information is powerful; the more you learn, the more prepared you are for both the challenges and the rewards ahead. As I look at it, challenges are really teachable moments. With each lesson learned, we stand stronger, we stand taller and we become more and more empowered to maintain momentum moving forward.

We will get into all of this in the 20 chapters that follow as we enter The New Business of Acting: The Next Edition.

THE INDUSTRY’S DESPERATE ATTEMPT TO REINVENT ITSELF AND ITS BRAND IMAGE IN THE #METOO LANDSCAPE

WE CANNOT BEGIN a journey teaching you how to think like and become a strong, empowered actor without addressing what once was considered the 800-pound gorilla in the room. Of course, this room is the business of acting itself. We all knew it was there. But few people wanted to either acknowledge it or talk about it. It was simpler to let someone else take action. Yet no one else did. So, there the beast sat. Until now.

It begs the historical question, What price are you willing to pay in your attempt to have the career you want? If that price compromises your personal integrity, colors your still-evolving reputation and/or leaves you feeling anything less than positive about yourself and your journey forward, then there is no argument that it is too steep a price to pay.

There are some who are so intently focused on achieving a particular goal that they will, without regret (at least at the time a line is crossed), do anything it takes to gain an opportunity they believe could not be earned any other way. This, then, becomes a conversation about personal integrity and choice.

Unfortunately, many women and men have become real victims through no fault of their own and found themselves in situations they never would have chosen to be in. They have been victimized by a societal order that has marginalized many segments of the population into a less than status, historically placed there and kept there by those with power. Whether small business owner or studio boss, for far too long, those in charge have gotten away with taking advantage of the less fortunate—and, for far too long—those less fortunate, either through upbringing, culture, prejudice, self-doubt, personal fear, social fear, workplace pressure, social phobia, self-demeaning feelings, lack of opportunity, intimidation, or some or all of the above, were convinced that they had no choice. Regardless of the reason, it never should have happened.

If someone more powerful than you made a demand on you, the ability, the choice, the empowerment to have the strength to say no was not an option. Then the shame, the embarrassment, the anger, the emotional pain, from such an ordeal prevented these people from coming forward and seeking justice. Until now.

This leads us to the current state of one particular industry with a legacy of crimes of opportunity and, historically, very little price, if any, paid by the perpetrators.

The truth is that long before Harvey Weinstein, Bill Cosby, Kevin Spacey, Morgan Freeman, Matt Lauer, Charlie Rose, Russell Simmons, Jeffrey Tambor, Dustin Hoffman, Jeremy Piven, Ben Vereen, Louie C.K., James Franco and so many others accused of sexual misconduct were gleams in their parent’s eyes, sexual harassment was occurring in Hollywood. Long before any of these people rose to their positions of power or fame in an industry where their influence could open doors to opportunities—and long before the world would find their abuses of power disgraceful, sexual misconduct was occurring. Long before the euphemistic casting couch would be replaced by a suite in a five-star, luxury hotel or nightclub restroom, sexual misconduct, abuse and harassment were rampant in Hollywood. And not just in Hollywood as a geographic location. But the word Hollywood that has come to define a global industry now struggling to reinvent its brand and restore a now-tainted image. That monumental task also comes with a requirement to create and implement a lasting fix.

As I write this in the summer of 2018, the news has been packed full of charges against the famous and not-so-famous in the business of acting and other industries who misunderstood the limitations of their jobs. In short, they didn’t think there were any. No doubt, countless others, both male and female, who have abused their positions of power and influence for their own personal gratification, will continue to be accused and will endure the consequences and the disgrace from the accusation itself. No doubt, by the time you read this, countless other notable and once-admirable careers will have crash landed, all the result of self-inflicted, inexcusable behavior and entitlement. In fact, a New York-based crisis consulting firm reported that in just the previous 18 months alone, over 400 high-profile executives and employees across numerous industries had been publicly accused of sexual misconduct.

This is not a new issue nor is it a new crime; the old Hollywood studio system was crawling with sexual misconduct, harassment and abuse. And the truth is that long before there was a film industry, this behavior was occurring in the business of entertainment and in numerous other industries and workplaces, as well. Might there have been a time when this was never an issue? Unfortunately, unlikely. But all of that is changing—and leading that change, with already unprecedented results, is an empowered bloc of victims, both men and women, who have demonstrated the strength and courage to stand up and be counted.

What is new are the bold, public allegations and the naming of names. What is new are the public admissions of guilt. What is new are both the public apologies and the amplified public denials from those claiming their innocence, denying responsibility and evading accountability.

What is also new are the global media platforms from which to speak out and be heard. Reports of these incidents now have far reaching impact. This has helped rally support for the victims, organize massive and meaningful protests for awareness and change, and, in the process, launch a movement.

What is not new is a public infatuation with all things celebrity. We love to build them up, we love to see them fall and, in many cases, we love to see them have second chances and opportunities for redemption. And Hollywood has proven that it can, oftentimes, be as forgiving as the public. But that was before #MeToo and what it stands for.

Change is a work-in-progress and is a significant component of the industry’s efforts to rehabilitate its tainted image in this area. The still-evolving result has included the creation of programs that aim to stop sexual harassment in the workplace, provide support to those who have been victimized and to report any and all incidents of sexual harassment or abuse.

SAG-AFTRA, the union that represents approximately 160,000 actors, broadcasters and other artists, published a code of conduct in the winter of 2018 that defines the different types of harassment that their members might confront. The code also details the obligations employers of actors have with regard to reporting allegations of misconduct.

Actors Equity Association, whose domain focuses on theatre, has partnered with The Actors Fund to educate and train AEA’s business representatives on how to respond to harassment and abuse complaints.

Both of these actor unions join with the Producers Guild of America, the Writers Guild of America, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences, the Television Academy and other industry organizations in stepping up to the plate to change what has been the status-quo to what is becoming the long-awaited, much-needed new normal. Most agree that it is long overdue and undeniably time to instill change from the inside out.

But the business of acting and entertainment has sent mixed messages in the past with its response to a myriad of allegations against high-profile brands.

The industry now celebrates actor Robert Downey, Jr. after his public fall from grace, in the late 1990s, when drug and alcohol abuse and addiction halted a stellar career. The industry appears to have forgiven Mel Gibson for his drunken, anti-Semitic, homophobic outburst during a Malibu, California traffic stop in 2003. And Woody Allen is still making movies despite a legacy of child sexual abuse allegations. Unfortunately, there are many others. Perhaps box office appeal is the great rehabber.

Chris Brown’s attack in 2009 on then-girlfriend Rihanna shocked both the music industry and fans of both artists. But nearly ten years after that incident (and Brown’s having served prison time on a variety of charges), he seems to be doing just fine. He has continued to release new music. In 2017, attempting to rebrand his tainted image, he self-produced Chris Brown: Welcome to My Life, a documentary packaged with concert footage and commentary by celebrity friends, aimed at generating public empathy and understanding.

This is a conversation that takes center stage each semester with students in both my Business of Acting and my Entertainment & Crisis Public Relations college courses. Can the public isolate an artist’s behavior from an artist’s work? Can you separate the art from the artist? History seems to tell us that it depends. A tainted star’s ability to draw a paying audience back to the box office, a television network, a streaming service or to make an iTunes purchase of his or her latest release can make a huge difference in launching a career comeback or preventing it from happening.

In 2005, a jury in Michael Jackson’s child molestation trial found him not guilty. They did not say that he didn’t do it. They simply concluded that there was not enough evidence to convict him of the crime. What existed was enough reasonable doubt to find him not guilty in a court of law. But, the jury’s verdict raised other questions in the court of public opinion.

The finding of a not guilty verdict will not erase a public perception of guilt. The O.J. Simpson trial is a great example of the public as both judge and jury.

The Tiger Woods infidelity scandal, the Paula Deen racial slur scandal, the Dixie Chicks anti-war, anti-President George W. Bush political scandal, the Charlie Sheen drug and sex scandal, Roseanne Barr’s racist Twitter comments, Kathy Griffin’s publicity photo of her holding what was made to look like the severed head of President Donald Trump . . . none of these people served time for what they were accused of doing. But they all paid a hefty price in other ways, including the loss of sponsorships and endorsement deals, cancelled or not-renewed contracts, decreased fan bases and derailed careers. Time can heal some wounds. But not all.

This is a book about the business of acting and the ongoing evolution of an industry. It is a guide for moving from student of the performing arts to working performing artist. For performers wanting to refresh the page on a once-active career, this book also offers both a perspective and a strategy for creating and discovering new opportunities to put your career back on track.

So, what does the industry’s tainted image have to do with a career in the new business of acting? Everything. It is a wake-up call for all of us. It puts each of us on heightened alert on the journey to making this industry a safe and creatively fulfilling environment where all players can contribute and flourish without duress. The more awareness we have about the surroundings in which we live, train, educate and work, the more control we have for avoiding the distractions and maintaining focus.

The global perception of the business of acting is that this is a glamorous world to inhabit. First class airline travel, red carpet openings, movie premieres, award shows, star-studded parties, sparkling fame and endless cash. It is a great perception, but it is far from the real picture for most actors. While it may, at times, be some or all of these things, it is also hard work. And it is also an industry where some people seek out short cuts to get to the top. And this is where trouble can begin.

The question of, What are you willing to do to achieve the goal you seek? is at the root of any discourse on the subject of fame, fortune and opportunity. The #MeToo movement has put this discourse front and center—and, of course, this is not unique to the business of acting. But the spotlight is now shining on all of us and we need to use this bright light to see our way clearly forward.

Careers take time to develop. No one can do that for you. It takes an action plan that requires determination, patience, support, balance and passion. Its foundation is never based on favors, quid pro quo or dangling promises of what might be given to you if. It takes time. One of the great joys of achieving the success you seek is basking in the joy of having earned it.

In my college classes, we talk a lot about the acting landscape—and most of these conversations have nothing to do with acting. Instead, they have everything to do with understanding where and what the challenges are and where the rewards lie—and how to manage all of it. Often, these are uncomfortable conversations. But they are necessary conversations to have nonetheless. What is more difficult than honest conversation about these challenges is the result of not having them at all.

Have a voice. Take a stand. Make smart choices that you can proudly take ownership of and responsibility for—and in the new business of acting, no is always an option.

THE TRANSITION FROM STUDENT TO WORKING PROFESSIONAL

SINCE MY FIRST book was published, I have accumulated nearly 20 additional years of experience in both the business of acting and in the academic classroom. That vantage point has reinforced my perspective on what it takes for students to successfully transition from the world of higher education to the real world and the pursuit of a career in the performing arts.

There is a chasm between what is taught and practiced in many colleges and universities and the knowledge and perspective that is needed to create, launch and maintain a positive, forward-moving career journey—and it has only widened over the years. The challenge, as I have experienced it, is not to ask recently-graduated students to forget or relearn anything that they have been taught or exposed to while in college, but rather to educate themselves in how to bridge that great divide and how to apply what they have learned academically to the professional business of acting.

I have interacted with hundreds of my own students over the years, as well as hundreds of other students as a guest lecturer or workshop facilitator at colleges and universities all around the country. I love spending time with passionate young people; I also value the opportunity to help them begin their transitions with an understanding and, hopefully, an objective look at what they have already been through in school and what that education will buy them in the real world that is the new business of acting.

It is not that college acting classes, scene study classes, movement classes and related courses are not valuable. Indeed, they are. It is just that these classes are not professional in focus and goal; they are grade-oriented and degree-centered. This means that achieving an A in a performance class in college does not necessarily mean that you are ready to ace a professional audition—or that you are even prepared to go on one in the first place.

But let’s not jump too far ahead of ourselves. Let’s first explore The New Business of Acting perspective on the transition.

As a student of the performing arts, whether you have studied in school or on your own, you must, at some level, always be a student of the performing arts. This philosophy requires you to recognize that in order to be your best, you must always be learning something new.

When you are not working professionally, you must be engaged in other activities that are positive, helpful and reassuring to both your career and to your life. Sometimes it is a class. Other times,