I've had the passion to succeed in the film and television industry for years, but I lacked the insight and 'inside information'.   I needed someone to open doors for me and introduce me to people who could hire me.  One of the best things that happened to my career was being recommended to, and becoming an active member of, APS.  Everything came together after I joined.  The support, the knowledge, the comradery,  It's a wonderful organization.  I have met tons of producers, directors, and stars, and my success is growing at a very nice pace.  Because it's working so well for me, I want to share the highlights of what I've learned and experienced through my association with APS.  And, before I begin, I want to publicly thank Rock Riddle and APS for all they have taught me, all I have achieved through their efforts, all of the people I have met because of them, and all of the doors they have opened for me.

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My job as a professional actor is to bring the producer's vision to life on the screen. How can an actor such as myself assist producers on bringing their visions to life, if they don’t know who I am? After asking myself that question, three things came to mind: marketing, marketing, and even more marketing. You are the product, and you have to market yourself in such a way that people would want to hire you. That is something you have to figure out on your own, but until you figure that out, meet people -- not just people in general but meet the right people. I bet you're asking yourself, "Who are the right people?"

Before I answer that question, I'd like to share with you what I do.  If you're not already doing this, I suggest you follow my lead.  It really works.

First, ask yourself where acting ranks in your life. If your acting career isn’t number 1 on your list, then stop reading this article, and give it to someone who is serious.

Second, read the professional trade papers, such as the Hollywood Reporter and Daily Variety.  That's how to find out what's really going on in the Entertainment industry.  Buying these papers every day could become costly.  So, as an alternative, go online, and invest as much time as is necessary finding out what's going on in your industry.

Third, target people with whom you would like to work in movies, television, theatre, music -- whatever is of interest to you.   Go to the places where these people go.  Go to screenings around Hollywood, but not to just any screenings.  Go to the screenings that have producer, director and star speakers -- and meet those people afterwards.

Fourth, share the information with your friends. but only if they are positive, serious actors.  Otherwise, you're wasting your time. Don’t be surprised if your friends are 'typical' actors who always have something 'better' to do.  Just go yourself!  Let's say it's a screening.  When the film is over, STAY.  Let all the tourists and so-called actors leave the room while YOU walk down and introduce yourself to the producers.  Let them know you exist. How can they possibly hire you if they don't know you’re alive? When you introduce yourself, be sincere.   And, be sure to send the person a thank-you card afterwards containing your photo business card.  Don't worry if there are a number of people ahead of you.  So, you may have to wait a couple of minutes before you can say hello.  It's certainly worth the wait.   Always have a 30 second or 1 minute 'speech' about yourself ready.  For goodness sake, be youself, and don’t over do it. People can tell who is real and who isn’t.

The fifth thing is not to beat yourself up if you don’t think of something clever, or you feel you could have done better. No matter what you do, you could always do better, but as long as you give it your best, that is all that counts. Keep in mind that you have to meet these people over and over before you build a professional relationship. Understand that each event is different, and you have to 'feel' the situation and 'go with the flow'.  The worst thing you can do is to leave or wait outside. You want to be inside the loop, not outside of it.  The successful people are always in the loop and know exactly what is going on.

The sixth and final thing is to follow up with each producer or industry person once a month.  Meet them again at another event; find out more about the people you want to work with.

Now, to answer the question "How do you know who the right person is?"   If you are attending large or small industry events that have substance (such as charity events or private screenings with special guests), your chances of meeting the right people just increased dramatically.  It’s a numbers game.   These people want to meet professionals who are you willing to go that extra mile to meet them. For complete in depth analysis on jump-starting your career, visit www.BeAMagnetToHollywoodSuccess.com.

Remember, opportunities are never missed; they are just passed on to the next person.  Don’t let any more opportunities pass you by. Best wishes with your career, and I will see you on the inside.