Getting Started in 2010 -- Pilot Season is NOW

So maybe you've heard of pilot season but you aren't exactly sure what is or when. Here are the basics: Pilot Season is the period between January and April of each year (approx.) during which networks produce new television shows for the fall season. But landing and shooting a pilot is just the beginning. The vast majority of pilots don't ever get picked up. So, to actually land a pilot, shoot it and make it on the air in the fall (or in the winter as a mid-season replacement) is VERY RARE. This is why I tell people all the time to simply move to LA and make acting your life if you're serious. You can't just come to LA for pilot season and then go back to your hometown and expect any results. You have to live here, develop relationships with casting directors and land smaller roles that will lead you to a leading role in a pilot.

With all that said, I received an email today from a young lady (who's name I've deleted for her privacy) asking me about how to begin in the business. Although I've addressed this in prior blogs, I thought it'd be good to revisit the subject. Here's the email:

Hi Robin,

My name is ______, i came across your blog while looking for information on Pilot season in LA.

I am 24yrs old and my ambition is to be an actress.
I am only starting out and found your blog to be very helpful.

I have a BA degree in Journalism and Media Communications but it has always been my dream to act.
I have completed a few courses but i am not too sure where to start, can you offer any advise on where to begin?

_____________________

So here's my advice, in a nutshell:

1. REALLY discover who you are as an actor. This business is all about pigeonholing (in a good way, mostly) so you have to know your type (best friend, girl next door, vixen, etc), your acting style (comedy, drama, etc) and what makes you different. I'm a sketch comedian and a TV actor by and large, so I focused on agents/managers and casting directors who were looking for that type when I first started building my relationships in the business.

2. So now that you know your type, get into classes. If you don't have improv training -- get it. NOW. Even if you don't do comedy, this type of training will make you better at AUDITIONS as well as acting. Second City, Improv Olympic, Groundlings and Upright Citizens Brigade are tops in LA.

3. Get updated headshots and postcards and send those puppies out! Don't break the bank, but target some Casting Directors who would likely cast you. Keep your message short and action oriented -- include messages like "I recently worked on ____ and check out my new website at ____". CREATE interest in YOU.

4. RESEARCH. You have to know what pilots are out there and which are looking for your type. Backstage West, Entertainment Weekly, Variety and other resources can be very helpful here if you don't have an agent working for you. Speaking of which, you aren't going to have much luck during network pilot season if you don't have one. I can't tell you how to get one, it's VERY hard these days. Usually a professional referral is the only way, but some agents have open calls and also take mailed submissions. Check LACASTING.com for a great list of who accepts what.

5. Don't forget about commercials. Reconnect with your commercial agent or get one asap (submit your headshots, attend open calls or get a referral from a GOOD friend who knows you're talented). This work can sustain you through the tough times during pilot season and beyond.

Happy Acting!