This industry is an industry of relationships. Whenever you put your headshot, resume, showreel or performance clip out there; you are creating impressions with existing relationships & creating new relationships whether that’s with a casting director, producer, acting teacher or a fellow actor. If you see an industry professional in the streets or event; you have an opportunity to create a positive or negative impression to add to your existing relationship OR you can miss out on that opportunity. Referrals are solely based on relationships! I’m certainly going to put weight behind a referral from a teacher or client I trust more than an acquaintance. If you know someone has referred you, make sure you live up to it and don’t ruin the relationship from which your referral came from. Even better, treat everything as if you have been referred to by someone because you don’t want to miss an opportunity. Whenever you decline or accept an audition, that creates an impression on your relationship. The way you speak about others also creates an impression as well as punctuality, professionalism, quality of work and your rep. And if you’re a represented performer; not only are you creating an impression with your personal relationship with that particular industry professional but also your representation’s relationship with that industry professional. You never want to be the reason why the relationship between your rep and that industry professional breaks. So every chance you get, make sure you make a positive impression. You may not land the role but if you do good work, that’s another step up on the positive impression on the relationship scale. Another thing to think about is whenever you ask your rep for a favour such as “Can you find out some feedback on my last audition?” or “Can you find out if I have a callback?”, you are asking your rep to use one of their favours with that Casting Director. And favours are hard to earn so don’t be offended if your rep says no. As much as they want to, they may not have enough favours left or they’re saving their favours for something more important like a booking or negotiation. CHECKLIST:
First impressions set the basis for your relationships.
Take every opportunity you can to further your relationship.
Referrals are great if you have an awesome relationship but it can backfire if you don’t live up to it!
You’re representing not just yourself but also your agent/manager’s relationship.
Don’t take offence if your reps says no to a favour as they have their relationships to maintain too!
