There are many things you need to know as an actor or actress, but here are five lessons that I deem it necessary for you to know in the early time of your career.
Know yourself and your capabilities
You might have learnt how to play many different roles right from where you started like school drama club, church, etc. But know that out in the real world, you are challenged to do more than you are already used to, it is therefore very important to know yourself and what you can do.
This takes work, soul searching, enquiring from people around you like family, friends, teachers, agents, casting directors, etc. to give their opinions of who they think you are.
Your early stage in the industry can be difficult
The movie industry is not for people who are weak and adamant, it takes a lot of hardwork, determination and belief in oneself to be able to get hold of the bottom rung of the ladder. Learning to be patient and ready to hustle your way through is a great virtue.
You need constant practice
If you want to make it to the top, you need constant practice. Know that procrastination is the thief of time, therefore to be on the safer side you need to schedule your time in such a way that at least your activities will include auditioning, doing mailings, watching movies, dramas, tv shows and living a healthy life.
Don’t make enemies with producers, agents, directors, etc.
Don’t bear grudges against your producers, casting managers, directors, agents, etc. because it will affect your career. They help to push you while climbing the ladder, therefore without them getting to the top becomes quite difficult. Learn to be tolerant and patient with them, for they say “patience move mountains”.
Being a good person contributes to being a good actor or actress.
Every individual wants to work with someone who has a good nature, and not someone who has no respect, dishonest, disloyal, lazy, etc. It takes time to build a good reputation, and this is done by treating everyone with great respect and trying your best to do good work.
It takes persistence to have a life in this industry, therefore if you want to be a star in the movie industry, then know that the hard times in the first or second year is like a drop in a bucket.
Always be time conscious, professional and grateful.
