As an independent actor, you’ll have the freedom to be a little more choosy about the roles you take on. That said, you might find yourself facing down the demon known as option paralysis, or analysis paralysis. Having options is great, but having too many is stressful and it’s hard to establish a baseline or neutral point to weigh your options against each other.
Rather than weighing them against each other, there’s some specific criteria that you can use to decide whether or not the role is worth taking in the first place. Now, I’m not saying a role has to fulfill all of the criteria I’ve outlined for you. It’s just to give you an idea of important factors to consider so you can make the most informed decisions without compromising your income independence.
The Gig Pays Well
This one likely goes without saying. If the gig doesn’t pay well then it’s probably not worth your time, because any time spent (i.e. wasted) on that role is time that could be spent developing your assets and pursuing better paying gigs. However, it’s not all about the money. As an actor, financial independence is about more than the freedom to say yes or no – it means you aren’t so desperate for work that you say yes to ANYTHING that comes your way. If you have enough coming in through your side hustle as a producer or passive income through other ventures, then you’ve got nothing to lose by taking on a lower-paying gig. Just make sure you have something to gain from the experience.
The Role Fits Your Brand
I can’t say it enough, branding is crucial to establishing a long-term career as a working actor. Success requires more than talent, it requires an understanding of the business of acting – the most successful brands out there are known for something very specific, something that sets them apart from their competitors. There are tons of high-profile comedians, but the type of comedy we associate with Adam Sandler and the comedy we associate with Chris Pratt are completely different.
Roles you take on need to reflect what it is you want to be known for. Doing a little bit of everything will dilute your image and reduce you to a mediocre actor – no matter how talented you truly are. Having a scattered and unfocused body of work denies you the opportunity to show off your skills.
The Role Fits Your Strategy
Your portfolio is an important tool for advancing your acting career. A focused portfolio guarantees work in the future. When people need that special something you and you alone bring to the table, they’ll know who to call. A body of work also helps you communicate with your agent or manager, so they know the types of roles you want and where you best fit in.
However, some roles can be unique opportunities to connect with important people who can propel your career in the direction you need it to go. The casting agent could be three degrees of separation from a director you really want to work with, so trying to get on their radar and into their inner circle makes more sense than taking on a role that does little to lend itself to your growth.
The Role Is Personally Fulfilling
Enjoying a role is way more important than you might have been led to believe. How you’re feeling on set is going to show up in your performance, even if only a tiny bit. And if you’re not having a good time, then what the heck are you even doing there? It’s much better to take on a role that doesn’t pay well but you know you’re going to love doing, than to take on something that does pay well but will make you miserable. Conflict is unavoidable, sure, and I know it’s not realistic to only go on a set where you’re getting good vibes from everybody. You’re pursuing your dream to break free from the drudgery of a nine to five, not continue to suffer from it.
The decision is ultimately yours, but take some time to ask yourself:
- Is the money I will make worth my time?
- Is it aligned with my persona, both on and off set?
- Does it fit into the bigger picture?
- Will I be happy doing it?
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