Acting : Put Yourself on the Map First... Then Show Your Range... by William Joseph Hill

As an actor, it's always good to first find your niche to put yourself on the map, then you can show your range. A lot of actors bemoan the idea of "typecasting", but if you can get noticed for a specific niche, you can establish yourself as a working actor, THEN look for ways to "stretch". Perfect example that comes to mind is Lady Gaga. Before she became the music icon we all know, she was classically trained and an actress too. But she created that persona that put her on the map, which opened her to "getting" to do acting roles (which she had always had the talent for already).

I think the current climate is more favorable for actors getting to show range, especially with all of the indie production out there. My career has generally been in the indie world -- it seems that these indie filmmakers have the most creativity and are willing to take more risks, so there are more opportunities there. If you're an actor looking to work, you should get to know some of these indie producers creating their own project outside the studio system. If you have additional skills besides acting, you can build relationships that way first.

And let's not forget creating your own work which can help you typecast yourself the way you want to be known in the industry. I'm doing just that with CYBER FIGHTER, a high-end short film based on my feature script and novel. I'm heavy into Post Production now. I wrote, directed and am acting in it as well as doing all the Post Production work from editing to sound, VFX and color grading. The more jobs you can take on, the less people you have to hire.

If you have a script you're looking to produce, this is the perfect time to go after name actors who don't get a chance to play the role you might be offering. We actors love creating great characters and don't always get the opportunity. Like how Ke Huy Quan has been enjoying his recent success as his talents have finally been recognized. Many actors who might have had a good career financially will feel like their talents haven't been recognized, so if you have a vehicle that lets them show a character they would never get to play, you can probably get them to say yes.

I'd caution that you should first develop the script as much as possible to get it as close to perfection as you reasonably can before approaching anyone. And I don't believe in writing for a specific actor in mind as if they say no, then you got nowhere to go. Instead, you can have them pictured in your head, but develop the character as full and rich as you can. If you're not a writer, then partner with a writer who has the chops to write a great script.

Another case in point -- I just worked with William Christopher Ford on CYBER FIGHTER. He has just appeared in Season 6 of COBRA KAI, reprising his role of Dennis DeGuzman from KARATE KID 3. I had met him years ago and we always talked about working together, so this was the perfect opportunity. I cast him in CYBER FIGHTER just before he got the COBRA KAI call, so we had to push production back to accommodate his schedule. He had signed an NDA so he couldn't tell me what "big project" he had been cast in, but I had a hunch...

I gave his character a lot of fun stuff to do, not just in the action scenes, but a great way for him to show his acting talents and deadpan comedic timing. I plan on bringing him back for the feature once that goes into production.

Finally, remember that this is a long process that can take many, many years before you see the fruits of your labor. I've been developing this project for over 20 years, and the short film for almost 10. So it's a marathon. I have no idea where CYBER FIGHTER will end up yet (still need to finish it!), but it's very empowering to take the reins and drive your own career.

Break a Leg!