Casting Director Jenny Rawdin on how starting small can result in a big career
By Jenny Rawdin
When you're just starting out as an actor or model, it may be hard to find jobs that actually pay. But don't be discouraged! Check out these 6 reasons why you should take unpaid jobs:
1. You'll build up your resume. Even if you're not getting paid now, having several professional gigs on your resume will pay off later.
2. It's a learning experience. Every actor or model has something to learn, no matter how big their career is. Don't turn down the opportunity to work with directors, cameramen, and production staff just because it's a small unpaid job.
3. Smaller jobs aren't as time-consuming. Unpaid gigs usually last for less than a week. You'll get a credit on your resume and on-set experience - all in the time it takes to get a suit dry-cleaned!
4. You can get insider info on upcoming projects. One of the great things about the entertainment industry is that everyone is connected. Even if you're working on a small gig, chances are someone on-set knows about other opportunities! If a member of production staff compliments your work, don't hesitate to ask if he or she would like to hire you in the future!
5. There's usually some form of compensation. Sometimes this can be as small as a company t-shirt or some swag, but acting jobs often provide free flights or vacations, and usually include a DVD for your acting reel.
6. You never know who you’re going to meet. If you impress enough people, the odds are in your favor that one or more of them will contact you for future projects. And don’t just discount screenwriters, directors, and production staff just because they’re working on small projects. Even Steven Spielberg started small!
Jenny Rawdin - MTV Casting Director. Jenny has been casting actors, singers, dancers, and models for MTV's Total Request Live, the hit pop-culture-driven video countdown show. She also works on MTV Specials and MTV events and has been working in the film and television industry in New York City for six years.
Have a question? Ask our experts!
