A phase comes in an actor's career when he is neither an immature nor fully successful. Yet the roles he is offered are not always what may upgrade his profile. So he very cautiously accepts roles, sometimes even leave the characters which hamper the growth.
I need to know what kind of strategy should be adopted that the journey to the Lead roles is not interrupted ?
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Hey Emmad Butt. I always advise my students that there are three criteria by which you should accept a role: 1.) It feeds your wallet, 2.) it feeds your resume 3.) it feeds your soul. As long as it checks one of those boxes, you should consider it. Here is what I mean.
An under-5 on a TV show feeds your resume. It is likely not going to showcase your abilities too well, while SAG-AFTRA pay is decent, it might change your week, but not your year. BUT, it is a credit from a major production, and seeing those on your resume leads to more of them and bigger roles. So it feeds your resume.
A role you are not interested in, but pays really well feeds your wallet. You are not particularly excited by it artistically, and it might not be helping your resume too much, BUT the pay will free you up to stay focused on your trajectory. So it feeds your wallet.
Lastly, it feeds your soul. It might not pay well, and it might not improve your resume much, BUT dammit if it isn't really interesting and you really want to get your hands on the role because, as an artist, you really want to be a part of the project. So it feeds your soul.
If it checks one box, you should at least give it an honest assessment and consideration. If it checks two boxes, you should take the role. If it checks all three, well...you get the idea.
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Emmad Butt The great Anthony Hopkins says categorically, take everything, reject nothing. The same from the great Sally Kirkland and Robert Beltran, who are personal friends of mine. Unless and until you are pretty much literally a household name and have a specific brand to maintain for your bank account to stay healthy... take it all.
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I agree with both Tom Lapke and Shadow Dragu-Mihai, Esq., Ipg. Tom makes amazing points and that is a perfect roadmap to follow for acting and life. Spot on. And I was going to say what Shadow said but differently and from an interview I read once with Michael Caine - he said to take every role as you will get something out of each experience and the goal is to work.
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Tom Lapke Hello Sir, I am honored that you graced me your time. I fully take note of the valuable advice given to me by you and other respected members Shadow Dragu-Mihai, Esq., Ipg Sam Sokolow Truly honored ! And i agree every bit of it.
Taking this opportunity, i wish to take this discussion further in depth and seek more professional insight into the matter in concern. Because, i feel this will also help the whole 'Acting' community.
My Stance and Out Come
I started with this same policy, as been suggested above, and for good many years ( 5,6), i kept on accepting the roles that came my way, even those which were over my age bracket. Casting agents would manipulate me for their commissions and offer me all kind of roles. ( negative, positive, lame, elder brother, father with kids, business man, corrupt friend, hence all types of roles accept female characters lol ).
After few years i realized that i was intentionally being put on a certain category ( D,E ...Actors who accept everything and any budget ) by the casting companies. Because, i saw my fellow actors were considered for Lead or Second Lead ( because of their previous Selective work ) while i was either not in those lists or was too down on the ladder. Though my work was more in quantity and better in appreciation, but the Label was pasted on my name. . This concerned me much. Because i have met some tremendously good senior actors who despite delivering great performances are kept for the ( character- actors roles )only. Because they were accommodating, compromising or needy as may have been the case. This scares me that not to hit the Top and remain in the middle.
So here i am, on Stage 32, exploring the world to get better and learn more. And looking fwd to know more of such platform.
So with that history of events i posted on Acting Lounge to seek professional advice.
Current Status :
I held my nerve for a year and i got a second Lead role in a TV serial and it got Mega Hit. Now i am being recognized in the malls, cafes, events and even on jogging tracks from a distance but still not successful in terms of regular work.
I feel after the success of this particular play an invisible bench mark is set on my name because those agents who manipulated me in the past, have disappeared and if some new agents come and ask about my previous work, and when mention my projects, they vanish and never return.
Fact of the matter is, i also have moved on, as now i am in contact with the Executives, Heads and Producers.
Question Now Is :
What to expect next and how to go about it by adopting the most professional approach ???
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This is a difficult thing to answer. By American industry standards, if you are being recognized in malls and meeting with Executives, you should have agents and managers beating down your door. But I am not familiar with how the industry works in Pakistan. Every international film and tv market will be different. But it sounds like you should be seeking representation who can help guide you in your region's particulars.
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Emmett: keep taking the offers. it is still work; the work means money and a resume with current credits. A bird in hand.
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Hi Tom, great answer to the question. Exactly what I would have said and what I do myself. I recently accepted and played a role I wasn't interested in, but the money was good. So yes, it fed my wallet...I'm now looking forward to getting offers and roles that feed my soul and my resume.
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Thanks Brigitte Millar. I am glad you found it helpful.