I just read a letter to actors about the current state of show business by James J. Jones, of The Premier Talent Group http://markatteberry.blogspot.com/ According to Mr. Jones, I fit into the category of “developmental or sometimes working” actor. Apparently, it is the most not happening and unwanted group to be in the last couple of years. It may come as no surprise that if you are in this group, finding representation, specifically theatrical representation, has been quite a challenge. Agents and Casting Directors don’t have the time to take chances. The top names, and working actors are cycling through the majority of the work and leaving us out. This reality may cause an actor to want to yell “Bull Shit” and perhaps find another line of work - at least the actor that is not determined and willing to persevere through the lean times. Here’s what to do; be patient, get a life, work on your craft. You’ll be ready when opportunity comes again, assuming the current condition is not permanent as the letter maintains. Knowing this now, I’m very grateful I did an under 5 on a Comedy Central Pilot about a month ago. I wonder what pilot season would have looked like or should I say will look like when the trickle down casting subsides and the flood gates for the “developmental or sometimes working” category. It’s a soothing thought for the ambitious. I would not have come across this article had I not been on Twitter, therefore I have come to the conclusion that Twitter is proving to be a useful tool in my journey. I think it’s wise to research and follow what’s going on in the business side of things so we can plan accordingly and keep our sanity. After all, sanity walks a fine line in Hollywood. Falling into a funk is easy on a slippery slope.
