…that the industry is taking a very interesting turn. I think there’s so much competition for people’s attention, what with all of the great cable and internet content, that studios and big independent money are more careful about producing new t.v. and film projects. As a result the quality of the new t.v. shows are considerably better than ever which induces stars into the world of t.v. This is compounded by the fact that studio films are far more scarce than ever so t.v., with consistent paychecks and (for the most part) legitimate work, is again a big draw for stars. All of this means that joe schmo is going to have a tough time of it because if a producer is choosing between a name and an unknown they’re going to cast a name almost every time.
In addition, pilot season seems to be becoming a thing of the past. Most shows cost big money because (as evidenced by Lost) people enjoy filmic story lines and visuals. But the expectations for viewership are relative to the show’s expense. Networks are less tolerant of sticking by shows that aren’t pulling down adequate ratings. If big money is going out and big numbers aren’t coming in they’ll pull the plug and stick a new show into its slot in the middle of the season. There’s now a year round flow of production rather than the distinct “seasons” we actors enjoyed up until this last year.
What all of this means for me is that I have to keep plugging away and hope my work captures someone’s attention. Because there’s fewer projects being produced right now and available roles are offered to names first, the number of auditions are reduced to a trickle. So I’ve got to get in the room and convince them that there’s no other actor for the role but me, or hope that (as with Invasion) the producers are inclined to take a chance on me. Of course there’s always the chance that a small independent project will fly below everyone’s radar allowing me a shot at a role that’s meaty enough to tear into it. If I get an opportunity to do my thing and if the project comes together during production and in post-production (as with Behind The Mask) then there’s a small window for someone to see my work and open a door for me somewhere.
Fortunately its always been competitive. I’ve never known it to be any other way. And all of the snooty opinions I had getting out of school of the kind of jobs I would and wouldn’t take have gone out the window. When I have a door opened and its work that will keep food on my family’s table I’ll walk through that door every time.
Nathan
I have indeed noticed the “stars” are making the switch to the more lucrative TV realm now that the film industry is waning. A friend of mine who was in HBO’s “Empire Falls” (with that GREAT cast) can’t even find a MANAGER to take him on. (I got real close to going to the Emmy’s though) He’s thrilled just to get an audition! There ARE some great actors on television now, but on the other side, I see some awful ones as well. When I saw you in Cold Case, you were amazing, (not sucking up, I swear) as you were in “Behind the Mask”…AND Invasion of course, and I know there’s a lot of competition, but I just cannot understand why you could be having any problems with your talent! You have established yourself already! On a side note, what galls me about the crediting for Invasion, was that Aisha Hinds was in 7 episodes and listed as a regular, and you were in 14 episodes and was listed as a “guest star”!
I know you are a CA native, but would you ever consider Broadway? (aside from the Lestat debacle) I still think that Broadway would be a great vehicle for you, and you have friends in NYC. Would that be at all feasible? Hey, I’d take another 10 hour bus ride to see you on Broadway!! (or not. I’ll fly next time)
With fingers crossed,
AJ
Comment by AJ — October 1, 2006 @ 2:19 am
I’m with AJ! I would love to see you do a live performance. Lord knows I’ve seen enough bad actors on Broadway! (And at $100 a pop it REALLY makes you choose carefully!) I missed you at GenArts because hubby took me to see “I Love You; You’re Perfect; Now Change” and I remarked to him that night that I could soooo see you in that play!
My cousin is also an actor and tells me that it’s really tough getting in; but he knows what every actor knows…that perfect part is there, he just has to find it and get in!
Keep up the good work. Your resume is building nicely and the fame you so richly deserve is right around the corner! Believe it!
Comment by Annie — October 1, 2006 @ 7:53 pm
Please, save invasion because i really like it and i’m really disappointed about the fact that the next chapter won’t be broadcast here in italy!
Comment by Undo — October 2, 2006 @ 7:22 am
I never really thought about all of the stars that are taking parts in tv but you are absolutely right. It is a shame that excellent shows are lost in the race to make the big bucks. As if the execs running these networks are not rich enough already.
Acting is such a difficult industry to make it in but it seems to me that you have made a very nice start for yourself. I have a feeling that once your movie BTM is released in theaters it could change things for you pretty quickly.
Comment by Jane — October 4, 2006 @ 7:44 am
Nathan, you were great in ‘Invasion’!! I am soo sooo sad that they can’t give a second season a change..
I hope that the petition etc is going to work:-) have you already signed it Nathan?;-)
Nadine
Comment by Nadine — October 6, 2006 @ 6:03 am