Expert: Peter Messaline - 6/19/2007

Question
Hi Peter,

Once again, thank-you so much for your helpful feedback and advice. I know that right now what I really need to do is get my foot in the door by adding acting credentials along with experience under my belt. Now all I have to do is work my way up there, to that level. I just find it hard and frustrating sometimes. At times, I wish there was someone at every obstacle to guide and advise me exactly where to go and etc. lol.

I would hate to be categorized as the 'needy actress', that is definitely the last thing I would want to be compared or referred to as. It didn't even appear to me that I may sometimes give off that impression, so if that is the impression or perception of myself you retrieved from the e-mails, than I thank you for informing me about that detail as I will work towards changing and improving that.

I did take a look at that website you posted, and it was helpful--I saw your book at the bottom too! Very cool. I am going to gather a bunch of informative books relating to acting and that sort of thing, I'm open to anything useful and helpful that comes my way. Thank-you for letting me have the option to ask you further details on specific subjects, it really helps!

Hope all is well on your side,

Rebecca

Answer
Please, please don't think I was characterising you as a needy actress. This is the reality that most people in power in the business see every day, and they get very tired of it.
The more you can show that you have done your own research, about your target and the subject you want to talk about, the more likely you will be to get help.
It's the difference between,
"Boomraiders is my favourite show on TV and I want so much to be on it. I work really hard but I can't get started. Can I come in and audition for you?"
and
"I shouldn't write to 'the best agent in town', which is what Charlie Client calls you, except that I know some of your list is already cast on 'Boomraiders' and I have Actor-Combatant certification in broadsword."

Stay strong.
And stay in touch