Every actor has a parameter in which they can work. That parameter is set by their look (which dictates Type), and their personality (which plays a large part of their Brand). Within that parameter are the specific roles that an actor can realistically and honestly play. Professional actors, actors who build lasting careers, actors who are out there auditioning booking and working are the actors who understand this concept. More importantly they understand that the film and television industry is a business. While we all have visions of glamour, red carpets, huge paychecks, and paparazzi chasing us down, the truth of the matter is that to succeed as an actor, you too must understand that this is a business and it is run like any other successful industry.
An illustration that most of us actors can understand… waiting tables. Take for example, a young actor who just arrived in Los Angeles from Nebraska. During college he worked at the local pizza place as a waiter. So after arriving in LA, he seeks out the survival job that he is right for today…a waiter. It’s important to note that he doesn’t apply at Hooters because he’s not exactly the type of wait staff they hire. He also doesn’t even go into one of the “Old Hollywood” restaurants because he knows all their waiters are older gentlemen who have been there for 50 years. His buddy from acting class told him about a place that hires good looking Midwestern guys that don’t need a ton of experience, so he heads over there. When filling out the application, he doesn’t apply for the CEO or the General Manager of the restaurant chain…his current skill level, resume, and background don’t support that at this time. He doesn’t even apply for Manager because he is too young and doesn’t yet have the experience for that job. Our young actor also understands that once hired, he’s not going to get the best shifts right away until he proves himself. He applied and got the job that he was right for both physically and experience-wise at this time.
Do you all see where I'm going here?
It's the same in the film and television industry. You have to apply for the job that you are right for…today…with your background, your resume, your look. Yes, I get the whole “but if they just see me… If I can just get in there… I know I'm wrong for this but I'm going to send my picture and they're going to see how amazing I am, call me in, change their minds about the role, and I get my big break" thought pattern. We have all been there. The problem is that that’s just not how it works. Every so often maybe, and I hope for each and every one of you that you get one of those magical moments…but in order to begin and continue working as an actor, you must know go after it professionally.
If the young actor from Nebraska had applied for the CEO of the restaurant chain or the manager, do you think he would actually have been taken seriously? No, of course not. Understand that point. If you are submitting yourself for roles that you are not right for, you risk not being taken seriously as a professional actor. There is nothing more attractive to an agent, a casting director, a director, or a producer than an actor who is professional...an actor who knows exactly who they are, what they bring to the table, and where they belong in the industry. Don't just submit to every role you possibly can thinking it's getting your face out there. Do it the right way: Define your Specific Type; Develop your unique and special Brand; and Discover the types of roles or categories of roles for which you are right; and then target those roles by submitting yourself for those, and only those. Get the reputation of being a professional and not just a “wanna be.”