Solve All The World's Problems By Just Asking

So, I make this TV show. It's interview-style, geared for actors, and called "Actor's Next Level." My team and I have about 14 episodes in the bag now and I've been pretty lucky about getting some high-profile guests. Producing this show has taught me a lot about casting, directing, producing and appeasing "stars." But mostly I learned you can solve pretty much anything just by asking.

Many actors have asked me how I snagged Brette Goldstein, or Judy Keller, or the assistant choreographer for SMASH, Valerie Salgado. These people are busy, they're kinda famous, they run their own businesses! So there's a level of shock and awe when I respond, "I asked them." 

Mind you, many of these I already had relationships with from auditioning or working at Ripley Grier, but many I cold-called on a Tuesday morning. I simply say, "Hi my name is Jewel Elizabeth and I host an interview show for actors called Actor's Next Level. Would you be a guest on it?" No monologues, no tricks or gimmicks. Just ask.

I have certainly gotten a NO (reconsider, Bernard Telsey?) but very rarely is anyone ever rude or mean to me. As a matter of fact, I have contacted the 2 most important film CDs in the entire industry who both wrote very kind emails as to how they love my show but just can't appear on it. They might not have appeared on my show but they know my name now and know I'm smart enough to ask.

This bleeds over into acting too. Know you're right for a role? Ask for an audition. Have a question about a script before you read? Ask! Wish a friend would refer you for a job? ASK THEM! There is an art and decorum to doing it, of course. But if you ask respectfully the worst that could happen is you end up with a NO -- which is what you had when you started the conversation.

So go ahead. Ask away!

(Photo by Starboard Photography)

--Jewel 

Comments

[Chris Clabaugh]

I'm new to the acting world, just trying to break into the industry. I am very early in my career, and I am constantly asking friends and film majors I meet if they are doing any new projects and need an actor. It has gone over very well. Even if I do get a "no," it's not usually the end of the conversation. It usually is a "no, but we're doing something next month and we'd love to have you be a part of that." Asking may seem simple and intrusive, but I agree that it really is one of the best ways to network.

[Joleen]

I loved reading this. I just signed up for a class that I saw online because it was %70 off, http://www.livingsocial.com/cities/4-los-angeles/deals/451006-three-hour-acting-class
after taking a break from acting for awhile, your article has me very inspired to be back in my craft. Thank you for writing this!