In support of his popular books for actors, "The Business of Acting: Learning the Skills You Need to Build the Career You Want", "The New Business of Acting: How to Build a Career in a Changing Landscape,", "The New Business of Acting: The Next Edition" and "The New Business of Acting - The Next Edition: COVID Update," talent manager and educator Brad Lemack offers commentary, perspective and information -- and addresses questions and comments from readers and site visitors.
Selling Breakdowns is illegal, yet some actors and others claiming to represent actors do it with regularity nonetheless. Chapter 6 in The New Business of Acting (“Self-Submitting: The Art of Selectivity in Pursuing Career Opportunities”) addresses this issue.
It is a no-win situation for both the actor who has paid hard-earned money for illegal access and for the shyster who has ignored both history and law and gone ahead and ripped off actors anyway.
Witness the most recent example: The case of Brian Burke.
If an actor wants an edge in the (new) business of acting, go out and earn it. There are no shortcuts. To the agent, manager or other industry-connected person who thinks it’s okay to make a profit by taking advantage of (usually) vulnerable actors, you harm the general reputations of all of us who work hard to do the right thing every day.
Case closed.
BL
I am so happy to be included among the "experts" quoted in the terrific article in the new edition of Back Stage titled "Things They Don't Teach You in Acting School." For young actors about to make the transition from college to the real world, I think it's important reading.
As I see it, the greatest challenge for all of you, including the seniors currently in my Emerson College Business of Acting class who are soon to graduate, is to turn your degree and your training into marketable materials that can actually help get you a paying job -- and launch your career. I hope you will find some of my suggestions and advice in the BS article to be helpful.
I'm also happy to answer any questions on the topic that you might have.
Thanks and much appreciation to BS's Jessica Gardner for asking for my input.
BL
