Set in the 1990s, Marvel Studios’ “Captain Marvel” is an all-new adventure from a previously unseen period in the history of the Marvel Cinematic Universe that follows the journey of Carol Danvers as she becomes one of the universe’s most powerful heroes. While a galactic war between two alien races reaches Earth, Danvers finds herself and a small cadre of allies at the center of the maelstrom. ©2018, Disney. All rights reserved.
How to Succeed In Hollywood
The following article is a part of the free, ongoing series by talent manager and producer Bruce Edwin on how to find success in Hollywood in all areas, from a healthy perspective. You can explore all of the other articles in the series under the Table of Contents tab to the left of this page on your laptop or desktop computer, or below, on your smart phone.
You can also read the Archives section at the Archives news site of www.thehollywoodsentinel.com. If there is a question you don’t find answered here, you are invited to contact the office of Bruce Edwin at 310-226-7176. You and your question “might” even be published for the world to hear and see, with an answer.
Lessons for Success in Hollywood:
One of the biggest mistakes I see people make again and again in pursuing their career in Hollywood, is having a loser, wimpy attitude.
1, Don’t Over-Communicate.
If an agent, manager, producer, casting director, producer, etc. asks you a question, answer the question, and nothing else. Don’t sound impersonal or like a robot, but don’t ramble and make the other party start daydreaming and wonder when you are going to shut up.
2, Don’t Under-Communicate
If someone asks you a series of open-ended questions, don’t let all your answers be yes or no. Show some personality and life. Use this as a chance to build a rapport, compliment the other person, and sell your skills and talent.
3, Don’t Miscommunicate
Be accurate with your word and what you state! If you say you are going to do something or can do something, do it! Read if you have not, a great book called ‘The Four Agreements’, which is a great book to teach you how to help build, strengthen, and maintain good character and integrity.
4, Assume what you want!
I see so many people fail, because they ask, instead of assume. If I wanted to talk with you, would I find your email, and then get up the nerve to email you and ask in an email if you might maybe possibly be a little bit interested sometime one day in maybe talking with me? Would I sound like a loser?! Yes!
What I would do instead, would be to read up on you, find something in common, find your number, and call you, and explain to you tactfully in about 15 seconds why you are lucky to be talking with me.
5. Be Fearless!
Hollywood not for the timid. If you are meek and shy, reconsider working in an industry that requires you be tough, bold, and audacious. Until you master those traits, consider another field. You can’t be afraid of rejection. You can’t be afraid of a cold call. You can’t be afraid of an open call or a cold read. You can’t be shy in front of a crowd.
6. Don’t Listen to Critics or Haters
These things seem obvious, but you would be surprised how many people I have seen that think they are going to be a famous actor or model, but that are as shy as can be, uncomfortable talking with people, and shudder at the thought of rejection. Certainly, I have seen such people succeed, but they are miserable! Be fearless, and confident in who you are. As my friend Dr. Terry Cole Whittaker states in the title of her book, “What you Think of Me is None of My Business!”
Unless it supports and reinforces you, or unless you use it to improve your craft and make yourself stronger and better, don’t worry about what others think of you. Behind most critics is a person secretly wanting to have the guts to try and do what you do.
7. Get Physical!
A good way to get fearless in an area emotionally, is to do something really strenuous, difficult, or even a little bit dangerous physically, such as boxing, skiing, diving, etc. Work yourself up into a sweat, and get proficient in the sport or physical activity. When you then think about or go back to confront the mental and emotional task such as audition, or a meeting, you will find that it is really nothing, and so easy compared to what you have just done.
This is one of the many reasons why physical exercise daily, is so important. In addition to boosting your self esteem, and putting things in better perspective, you will feel better in all other areas, and contribute beneficially to every area of improving your health, and your life.
8. Get Trained
Get educated in your craft, study and train with the best, train daily until you are a master in your area, and become fearless. Never give up, and never let someone else’s opinion of you define who you are.
If you are an actor, study acting, the greats from the classical days of Hollywood, and find the best coach to train with today.
If you are a model, you don’t need a modeling school, but you do need great photos, and you need to know how to pose. A dance and acting class would be a good idea.
If you are a musician, get in a great music school or find a great tutor, who plays even better than you, that you can learn from.
If you are a singer, get a great vocal coach, even if you think you are on key. Find and work with the best.
9. Be Yourself, and Become Great!
Textual content ©2018 Hollywood Sentinel. Still and motion picture images ©2018, Disney. All rights reserved.
