Those of you who have gone out for auditions or meetings with casting directors have undoubtably experienced the disappointment of not being chosen for a project at some time or another.
The first instinct for many people is to immediately feel discouraged. "Arrrgh!", you might be thinking. "I was SO sure I had that part. They seemed to be so into my personality, my acting, my looks, etc." Then many people needlessly take it in the most negative way possible, and view not being chosen for a role as a personal rejection.
Do not fall into this trap!
It is almost guaranteed that you will be passed over for roles and opportunities at the very beginning of your forays into acting, or modelling. It's nothing personal -- it's the nature of the beast. Consider how many hopeful would-be performers are vying for the exact same limited spots, or even single spot. This can be in the tens or even hundreds of people -- all enthusiastic and most talented.
It's pretty challenging for the casting directors to pick only a few, or only one, of all the candidates they see. They may like all of them, or at least several people. But they have to make a decision, and somebody had to be picked. It just so happened that it wasn't you -- this time. Remember: it's a business -- unless you ran over the director's pet iguana with your car, it's never personal.
This is just one of the many reasons why perseverence in this field is so important, if you really want to make it as a model or onscreen/published talent. Not only do you learn a tonne of important information about the ins and outs of the biz, but you make yourself more visible to a wider community of decision-makers.
Intangibles also play a huge part in an executive's decision process. This is where he or she may go with a 'gut' feeling about the performer, based on the overall feeling that person's contributes to the role. Contrary to popular belief, it is NOT principally a contest between the best-looking or even the best-talented, but rather, does the performer 'vibe' with the scene? (And we've all seen successful actors who we feel are far from the most georgeous people on Earth!)
So, what does this all come down to?
The most important trait to have is a positive attitude, combined with determination and a willingness to learn and better your craft. Not only do you expose yourself to more influential people, but you acquire instincts from being amidst the showbiz culture. The more you learn, the more attuned you are to what certain productions are looking for ... and the less you have to be 'told' what to do.
Many actors have acquired reputations as being 'a director's actor' in Hollywood for this very reason. You do not have to be a superstar going to a 'go-see' or audition or taped meeting with a casting crew to get this enviable designation. You just have to be keep your ears open, and let your personality shine through.
Also remember that success in show business also relies on a fair share of luck-- the cliche 'being in the right place at the right time' certainly applies here. Some actors struck gold going to their very first ever audition with this combination of a healthy mindset, tenacity, cooperation and perfectionism.
So, to my fellow aspiring shun-ees: congratulations! You've been passed over for a genuine showbiz opportunity! And you're still standing! You've reached a lot further than most people who give up, because here you are, reading some sound advice to further your quest. That alone shows that you've got what it takes to go far. So never give up!
Show business is a lot of hard work, and it mean striving to capitalize on those coveted chances to show the world who you are. Opportunities are as unlimited as the types of individuals going for them. Being passed over -- or even rejected -- for a lot of roles, simply means you've been 'in the game' for a long time. But remember: lightning striking repeatedly in a given area, eventually strikes a target.
So before you ponder chucking your portfolio in the trash or crank calling a studio to cuss them out anonymously (not recommended, by the way) after not being chosen for a desired position, tell yourself that it only adds to the sweetness of the eventual day you DO hear an agent like us at Nova Models and Talent call you to let you know 'they like you! They really, really like you! Come on back!'
