NOTES FROM THE RECENT BLACK HOLLYWOOD CONFERENCE;

IN MY OPINION:

WILLIAM REYNOLDS:

NOTES FROM THE RECENT BLACK HOLLYWOOD CONFERENCE;

Do you want to act, or just be famous?

Every actor faces setbacks and crises of confidence, but they must stay focused on their goals and persevere, most actors and panelists said.

“This is a business where you constantly have to prove yourself,” Henson told the packed house of more than 400 attendees. “Be clear what it is you want from this industry.”

In her work in casting, Sylvia Bernard (LA casting director) often sees actors for whom becoming famous is the goal, and acting is only a vehicle to achieve that objective. That lack of dedication to the craft comes across during auditions.“Ego is what I usually see coming through the door,” Bernard said. “I have a tenet I tell actors all the time: It’s either your job or it’s not.” She noted that actors with a more long term vision have an idea about the role for which they are trying, and give each audition their best effort. They may not get the part, but then  their talent is noted,  they may be rewarded with a different – and possibly better part – months, or even a few years, later.