Getting a “NO” is only a temporary rejection in many cases
They say it takes a thousand “No”s before you get a “Yes.” A disheartening statement indeed. But rejection is a fact of life in the entertainment industry. It’s just that some rejection comes at the worst times. And some rejection hurts more because you wanted it badly.
A silver lining to this sad mantra is that needs change and people grow! So it is important to keep your mentality focused on the marathon and not the sprint. What is meant to be will be and that is great news for the diligent performer.
When I decide not to sign or even respond to a submission from a young actor that is seeking talent management representation, it is based on my needs and immediate factors. Perhaps I have no room on my roster for a certain gender, age, ethnicity or type. Or maybe I felt that the actor’s materials or skill level was not at a competitive level yet. Or it could possibly be that I have a lot on my plate or I’m in a grouchy mood from the time change. Every reason given is absolutely a temporary position that I based my decision on.
What happens when a client books a series and I have a hole in my roster? Or kids age or drop out of the business? What I may have not needed then, weeks or months ago, I really need today.
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When an actor is really green and needs more developing than I may have the time or energy for, I get disappointed. All talent reps are hoping every submission is going to be a golden ticket. So it can be such a welcome surprise when an actor reaches out months later with awesome new headshots, noticeable new strengths in acting skill or just got out of their shell and are now beaming with magnetic charisma. Score!
And when my mood changes and the weather warms and I’m in a jolly headspace, I quite possibly am looking at submissions with brand new eyes.
There are agents that I know who have rejected a referral from me and a week later turned around and decided to meet or sign an actor due to a situation change or a new perspective. Often agents and managers move to new companies and suddenly have many needs on their roster that they didn’t have weeks before.
The valuable part of networking is staying fresh in the minds of people you have met or want to meet. A minimum of once per quarter year. Finding a reason and a creative way to get in front of the movers and shakers that can help you and in turn you help them.
I not only strongly advise actors to regularly and creatively network, but I also urge actors to reach out to the previous rejections that hurt to lose. Send a personal note or video and remind them that you met before or submitted before. Address any feedback they gave you and show proof that you took their critique to heart and improved yourself. Send a new self tape or clip. Send those fresh new headshots. Make them smile or chuckle with your personality. Woo them with new found confidence. Ask for another shot. At this point is a ‘warm’ contact - not a ‘cold’ one.
Your career is a journey with lessons, bumps in the road and hopefully a ton of growth that ends in satisfying success. Don’t let a temporary “No” drag you down or force you to compromise for less than you know you are worth. Be smartly persistent and showcase why you are an asset even more today than you were yesterday.
