Tips for Talent: Slow Down and Check The Mirror

by Jenny O'Haver

For entertainment purposes only.  Does not represent talent referenced in this blog, I promise!

One of my favorite actors came in for a callback.  She was quite late.  It happens to us all;  you can't find parking, the sitter doesn't show, an accident on the freeway.  Life.  The key is how to make the best of it.

She must have rushed through the lobby.  My assistant brought her into the studio where the clients and I waited.  She stepped in looking spot-on...except her hair.  It was windblown and messy.  I wanted to see her do well so I whispered that she should fix it before we rolled camera.  She thanked me and stepped out of the studio.  Minutes later she came back, apologized, and went on to give a solid reading of the copy.  But I could tell she was off.  Later, as clients reviewed the footage of talent they liked, someone asked to revisit the 'one with the hair'.   She did fine but didn't book the job.

I imagine it doesn't matter what business you are in.  Sometimes the best way to hurry up is to slow down, take a breath and if you're an actor, be sure to check the mirror.  Better to be another minute late and bring your best self into the room.  

Photo credit: "Young Lady Cupping Her Face" by adamr