How sick of that question are you? Or the other favourite, “You’re an actor, have you been on TV?”. What is the obsession with TV? If you’ve been on TV does that somehow make you a more worthy actor? Do you need to be on Emmerdale or Corrie or any other show to be accepted as a ‘proper’ actor?
My answer is NO absolutely not.
You see the general public love a rags to riches story and they love to see the end result because it’s interesting. Hearing about how you’re on your 6th student film, or how you’re currently building your show reel, or how you got penciled for that ad isn’t interesting. It isn’t but that is the life of an actor, that is the truth of the actors journey towards “TV success” and that is the actors struggle.
Acting is not an easy profession; it’s saturated. Anyone who enters this industry (if not already) soon becomes aware of the obstacles in their path.
I am here to say to you today well done and keep going on your journey. Well done on that 6th student film, well done on your new head shots, well done for keeping up your training and well bloody done for continuing to keep striving for success no matter what is thrown at you. You are an inspiration. Well done for not settling for less, for going with your heart and well done for not living the typical life. You are made of strong stuff, you are courageous, you are a fighter and you will get there if you keep your eye on the ball.
It is tough I understand, but whenever you feel like quitting find that fire in your belly that keeps you in the industry, remind yourself of why you don’t want any other career, keep your big vision in mind and believe, I mean REALLY believe that you are going to achieve it, then go out and take the action needed to get to where you want to be.
Success is different for everyone and it doesn’t need to be about getting on TV. So the next time you are asked “When am I going to see you on TV?”, smile and remind yourself of YOUR big vision.
