This industry of mine is certainly an interesting one. I can't think of another line of work where getting rejected can be deemed as a success. Technically, I guess that's not really true here either, but it is certainly looked more positively on than most businesses. Basically the whole process is based on rejections that hopefully eventually lead to success. Let me explain.
The most basic of rejections pretty much comes before a word is spoken. More often than not(there are a few exceptions) if you do not fit exactly the physical characteristics envisioned, you don't get a chance to even read for the part. Now, this particular brand of rejection isn't that bad, because you generally don't hear about it. But every now and again you'll hear how you are too tall, short, thin, fat or have the wrong hair color, eye color, skin color (or hue), blah blah blah.
Next there is the first real level of rejection. Auditioning and getting a, "Thanks" and that's it. Never a real good sign. Other versions of this are,"Ok, thanks" "Great, thanks" "thanks for coming" etc. Sometimes its tough to tell if the powers that be like you at all. Sometimes they make it obvious enough. BUT, getting those first few auditions are also a success because it's better than not getting sent on them at all. That level of "success" fades fairly quickly.
You then get to the callbacks. This rejection level is a special kind of suck, because it means you were actually liked enough to get brought back, meaning you actually have a shot. Again, there is an element of success because you got out of the first round. This level of "success" sticks around, well, I don't really know because I haven't moved past thinking of it as a success yet, so maybe it never does fade.
Probably the most painful rejection notice is being on first refusal, then released. You were selected. You're the guy. You're in. Until you're not. Brutal.
Now, why am I torturing you with my Dante-esque levels of rejection? Well, I've experienced a good number of levels within the past few weeks.
In my last post, or thereabouts, I told you readers about my journey to Atlanta to be rejected. However, I later found out that the casting director called(or emailed or otherwise notified) my agent to say how much she liked me and looks forward to having me back. So, success? Kinda. There isn't really anything to show for it, but the rejection was less terrible.
I also submitted two taped auditions for feature films. One here locally in Orlando, and the other in LA. Didn't hear a word back from either. At all. So I really have no idea how much I sucked, or if I did at all and wasn't the right body type, blah blah blah, or they didn't like my shirt, or a million other things you(I) let run through your(my) head.
Now, I did submit a taped audition to a webseries thing that films in Jacksonville, which I was asked to then drive up for a callback. And ended up booking a part. Probably for free, but the experience/exposure will be good, right? And it's a SAG contract, so that'll be helpful when the inevitable LA move comes. Oh, and I got to kiss a girl (blushing).
Also am shooting a UCF film this week. And have a rehearsal for a "feature film" shooting semi-locally next month. I used quotes there because, we're really only shooting a 10 min promo now, and (fingers crossed) the feature later. And the dates have already been pushed back once. So we shall see.
This may have been a slightly long, rambling post, and for that I apologize. Maybe you'll be interested in why generally try and temper any sort of emotions about my journey, and sometimes(most times) am bad at answering any sort of questions.
Oh, and I went on an audition for a Sonny's BBQ commercial, and got a callback only to not hear back(which means no).
I try not to feel like a 16(or 30) year-old girl sitting by the phone waiting for the cute guy from English class(or the Lodge) to call.
Success to you all.
Or less sucky rejection.
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