So… You were on a booking roll, and now it’s drier than the Sahara Desert.
You’ve either noticed a dry spell in your audition requests, or you’re auditioning lots and can’t seem to land the gig. Either way – we know it’s discouraging. However, you shouldn’t worry. Many variables may influence your ability to book a role, and most of them have nothing to do with your acting!
Hence, if you are wondering what could be impacting your bookability – here’s the skinny!
1. You’re Not the Market Right Now
Look. In this industry – what’s hot is hot and what’s not is… well… not. Years ago, it was the ‘Manic Pixie Dream Girl’ type. Aka, every girl that resembles the essence of Zooey Deschanel ever. Years before that? It was your picture-perfect looking Barbie and Ken that looked like they were delivered to the screen from a well of beauty.
But Today? The ‘hot look’ comes in all shapes, sizes, and colours. It’s raw, real, current. So if your headshots are not reflecting the realism of the industry, it’s time to find a way to cater to the market’s demand. Ensure your tapes reflect your new ‘brand and vibe.’ And learn to be a chameleon in today’s society. After all, you are an actor.
2. They Needed (X Quality Here)
The truth is… sometimes it comes down to little qualities about your physical appearance. No, that doesn’t mean you are ‘bad looking.’ It just means maybe they needed a redhead, and you’re a blonde. Or perhaps they needed someone between 5’1 to 5’5, and you’re 5’7. Unfortunately, these are often things you cannot control.
After a production narrows down its leads, they will often cast the supporting and principal characters around to diversify the film’s look and feel. So if you didn’t book because you weren’t the right ‘look’ they needed? Just know that your time will come, and you WILL be the right look they needed one day. It’s sometimes just a matter of luck and timing.
3. They Had a Different Vision for the Character
As an actor, it’s your job to bring an authentic, original performance to the characters you’re auditioning for! However, sometimes your rendition may just not be what they imagined for the role. Other times… it’s even more than what they pictured, and they’ll be blown away and totally shift how they viewed that Character.
Just remember… The only thing you can do is deliver a performance that you feel connected to and are proud of. The rest is out of your control. So own every performance, because as long as you give it your all – you’re doing something right.
4. You Might Need to Upgrade Your Setup
Now… the last three reasons we’ve listed may be out of your control. However, there will always be a time where you will need to take ownership and then adjust.
Therefore, ask yourself… “What do I need to change?”
Maybe your lighting setup is dull, or your background isn’t exactly pristine. Or perhaps you just need a little tweaking and coaching on your performance! Whatever it is, sometimes making a little change can go a long way. Once you make that modification, you may notice a difference in what you end up booking.
Do your homework. Do the work. And book the job. We believe in you.
So now that you have some insight into why you’re not booking, hopefully, this helps ease some of your anxieties or gives you the inspiration to do something new and exciting during your next audition.
Regardless, know that you are enough and you are valued as an actor. Your day for success will come. Just trust the process and keep going!
