Most people would be able to tell you that actors are crazy, and in some part, yes, this is true..We are a little strange..definitely don't have the 9-5 type mentality and are a little discombobulated at times. It's amazing how those outside our industry just can't get their head around who we are and what we do. There are amazing questions that are asked, and yes, whilst I admire their wish to remove their ignorance, sometimes it's just a case of wondering whether it's actually them that are crazy.
We've all had it, those absolutely ridiculous questions. "How's the acting going?". "Go on then, what have you been in?". "Is it working?". I mean seriously, what on earth does that mean? "Is it working?" Is what working exactly? I wouldn't even know how to begin to answer that question. I don't even know if it's a legitimate, or uneducated question. I mean, my PROFESSION, is an actor. That's my job. It's how I make a living. You don't see me going up to a teacher or a banker and asking them, "Is it working?" They'd probably look at me and wonder if I need to see a psychotherapist. Or better yet, wonder if I am actually in therapy at the moment.
I would definitely much rather hear, if it's necessary to ask a question anyway, "How's work?". I'm sure most actors would agree. Actors are much more likely to be less defensive and less closed off when asked this question.
But here's the funny thing..And something that amuses me the most..Those people who call themselves an actor that don't even train. I think this may be the funniest, most common occurrence within the entertainment business. Notice how I use the word, 'business'? That's exactly what it is, A BUSINESS. One can't run a business without having the knowledge and constantly learning, or at least looking to learn from those that are most successful. When it comes to acting, the most successful ones are those that fine tune their craft. They know what's going on out there and who's doing what.
I'm sorry to say, but 3 years in a drama school does not make you an actor. The sooner you realize this, the sooner you will not be stuck in the situation you're in. You need to continue to train all the time. Unless of course you're working and your schedule doesn't allow it. If you keep doing the same thing again and again, don't expect to get different results. You'll get the same outcome every time. Why do we see less and less new faces in movies, TV etc. Quite simply, it's because the new are not doing what the old do. Do your research. Know everything there is to know about the person that inspires you the most. Find out what they did to separate themselves from the rest..and yes, there are cases where your inspiration happened to be in the right place at the right time, but don't rest on that and think it will happen to you. Most likely, it wont. Ask yourself why the actors that won Oscars this past weekend, did win.
What are YOU going to do TODAY in order to get a DIFFERENT result tomorrow?
Think about it... :)
