We've all heard it before - "We've decided to go another way" "no longer in the running for this role" "We have decided to go in a different direction" "Unfortunately this didn't go your way" "Onwards" "Onto the next one"
No matter how they phrase it; the subtext is: "You didn't get the job".
I have become a bit immune to this. Not because I expect not to get the job - but because it is something I feel I need to put a shield up against. Because, statistically speaking, the reality is: I will and have receive(d) these types of emails more than emails saying I've got the job. That's by no means me viewing the acting industry in a negative light - I'm just stating the reality of the situation.
If I were to screenshot stills from each and every self-tape I have ever done - and then highlight the jobs I have gotten from those self-tapes - the collage would mostly be made up of non-highlighted self-tapes. Lots of tries resulting in not getting the job. But doesn't it make it worth it when you do get a job? If we stew on each job we don't get - then we can become demotivated. Do the tape / audition and move on. Carry on with your life. Keep training / writing / working or whatever keeps you going mentally / physically / creatively / financially.
A friend recently shared with me a golden quote from one casting director "You don't book the job; you book the room" (You're welcome)
There couldn't be a more heartening, enlightening and encouraging statement. It made me have a bit of a lightbulb moment and contemplate "Yes of course!" Say for example you walk into the room with a casting director whose work you really admire - if you go in with the mentality that you are just giving them a good idea of who you are as an actor (how you come across in the room and how you read); then the pressure is off to book that particular job. Instead what you are doing is setting up a lifelong relationship with a new "buyer" per-say. It's a business meeting. The first of many. If you go in with that mentality; the audition may feel less daunting and more empowering. You can't help how you look (well... not really a relevant statement in this day and age); so if you don't book the job purely because you don't fit the bill... then at least you know you have made a smashing impression. Which is a good day's work all in all... in my book anyways.
Look back on your success in auditions. This keeps you going.
My actor friends so often complain to me "But I haven't gotten the ONE!" - And I'm like - fair enough! It's frustrating. It's frustrating when you're a kickass actor who is likeable, talented, striking etc etc… And sometimes it can be even more frustrating for people when they get SO CLOSE they can almost taste the part. You know when you start planning your schedule around a "potential" job? Like start looking up the area it's filming in... thinking about what you'd pack... cancelling shifts in the meantime just in case you need to be free...
No? … Just me then.
It might sound counterproductive but by looking back on "near-misses" - jobs I've gotten down to the last round or recalled for, especially those special, big jobs that would be a dream to get - I find a weird sense of achievement. I feel as if they are indicators that we're doing something right. If we constantly look at the negatives and think "UGH but WHY didn't I get it?!" that can wreak havoc with your head. What's done is done. (And "what's done cannot be undone"... sorry) Therefore, there's no point going round in circles in your brain. Instead, file those successful auditions / recalls into a part of your brain labelled "Reasons why clearly you're in this for the right reasons". Think of those occasions as times when you've "Booked the room". That casting director WILL see you again! (Unless you've made a complete tit of yourself... Well, maybe even then - depends if they're looking for a tit). It's heartening. And it will help. When inevitably a casting comes through from a casting director who has already seen you (numerous times even) you have to take that on board as something good to have come from all your “near-misses”. As well as that, you've got to take the positive feedback from good auditions. You don't have to labour over all the positives - but just make sure you acknowledge them. I know there is reassurance in knowing you’ve done well and will continue to do well until you book the next one.
Top tip: Also remember the bad ones so you can compile them into a comedy sketch at some point in the future. There’s always a silver lining ;)
On a separate note - I am super excited for the release of the feature film “Falkland Square” which I filmed in September 2019. It’s to be released in summer 2020 and it promises to be a good watch. Add it to your Watchlist on IMDb here - https://m.imdb.com/title/tt7893084/
Another top tip (this time a more relevant one); if you’re an equity member you get a discount on your monthly IMDb subscription. Use the code: 2020AFFEQU
