In Hollywood, It's NOT "All About Who You Know"...

....it's about WHO knows YOU!!  You might be thinking, "isn't that the same thing?"  Well, no it's not the same thing at all.  Think about it.  How many people do you KNOW?  For me, it's a LOT of people!!  I mean, I've literally met hundreds of people in my life so far.  However, out of the hundreds of people that I've been lucky enough to know, there are a few whom I can truly count on if I ever need anything.  These are the types of friends (also family members) who will be there for me no matter what!  I'm talking about the type of relationship that is built upon trust- where you and your friend know that you can count on each other!  The same is true with relationships between casting directors and actors.  There are tens of THOUSANDS of people who are pursuing acting as a career, and casting directors meet different people and different actors all the time.  Even if you're an actor who does an amazing job at an audition, if the casting director doesn't know you, or feels that they cannot rely on you to do a great job, chances are that you're not going to book the role.  (At least not until you earn their trust.)  

As is true with any other relationship, trust must be earned.  I feel that one of the reasons that it can take so long to book a job as an actor is that you must show people that you can be counted upon to be professional and do a good job.  If you're hired by a casting director, even if it's just background work, they are counting on you to do your job and do it well!  If you don't show up for example, it reflects badly upon your reputation, and also the person who hired you in the first place.  

So, when I hear people in LA say "it's all about who you know", that really isn't true at all.  You can know a LOT of people in the entertainment biz.  But it's the ones who know YOU that can help you get to where you'd like to be in this crazy biz.  I suggest following up with casting directors often. Always show them that you're a professional and that they can count on you.  Bottom line with every relationship is:  be honest, be kind, and do the best you can do!   That is the best way to achieve a good reputation among your peers and co-workers.  :) 

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