It's The Holidays

Tip from Scott Powers;

"IT'S THE HOLIDAYS!"

Insert any one of 1,052 holidays right here.

"The Holidays" mean many different things to many different people. For actors, that refrain usually means a handy excuse to put their career on hold as their attention turns to seasonal distractions. In fact, anything except acting. What we are also noticing is that "The Holidays" start earlier each year. We now first start hearing "It's the Holidays" at the beginning of October and lasts until the middle of the following January. That's 3½ months of listening to lame excuses of why someone became a slug. And their "acting career" became an afterthought. And they wonder why nothing's happening - and look to put the blame on everyone and everything except themselves.


Work smart. Sometimes it's the person who observes what everyone else is doing, and quietly does the opposite. And doesn't get wrongly influenced by the wrong people. Like the guy who's quietly working the current stock market to his advantage - often directly opposite to the advice and opinion the pundits and "experts" who are constantly spouting opinions, reflections and reactions in their effort in trying to make everyone believe they really are experts. The contrarian philosophy works especially well in our business.


For our business, "The Holidays" really don't mean much as much as you would think. Agents, casting directors, producers, directors - "The Industry" - keep working right through. Why? Because there's still work! Take advantage of it. When other actors start to disappear or begin their seasonal period of suspended animation, you maintain your presence, even step it up. This is the time to make your contacts with agents and casting directors. They will have more time now than when the surge of activity happens after the first of the year. They would also like to have seen new talent now so they can be ready.


This is also the time to take the courses you've been wanting to take. So when business increases after the first of the year, you'll be ready to take full advantage of it. Rather than going against the cycle - like seeing that business is busy, then taking a class and by the time you're finished and can apply your skills, business is starting to slow down.


"The Holidays" are also a good time to get those new headshots you've been promising yourself. Headshot photographers are slower now and more inclined to offer a discount. And even if you don't see a photographer offering a discount, ASK. You might find yourself pleasantly surprised! Remember one of life's great pieces of wisdom: If you don't ask, you don't get. Ask a lot, you'll get more than you ever thought.


Play the numbers: a lot of actors leaving town (physically and/or mentally), a small seasonable slowdown, you're still here. Congratulations! You might find yourself actually getting more work! And keep in mind that Thanksgiving weekend is notorious for last minute bookings - and big ones - just as you're walking out the door for the parents, so make sure your agent knows your whereabouts and always be instantly reachable. The same holds true for the week between Christmas and New Years. Some budgets must be spent before the 31st because they cannot be rolled over.


"The Holidays" are a time of giving gifts. Give yourself the gift of a great career.