How do I stay motivated: Activate your hustle.

Happy Sunday!

I’m a proponent of spreading motivation to others. I made a personal goal with myself to motivate at least 3 people around me daily. Whether it’s through the form of knowledge, sending support to a fellow friend, or encouragement. However I feel it’s best to covey, I show it.

I’ve noticed that we often sell ourselves short due to the perception of something not being achievable. “Why start a fitness clothing line, when there is Nike & Adidas?” “Why launch an EP, when I don’t have money?” “Hollywood is impossible, why move to LA when it’s so expensive and there are A-listers?”

Now don’t get me wrong, I have my days. The thought of failure often crosses my mind. But I’m also not afraid to fail…. Not being afraid of failure allows me to grow with my business, in my personal life, and achieve what I’ve been put on this earth to do. I’m here to inspire and create careers.

Feeling down today? Here’s what I do to stay motivated when things are looking tough:

I have a firm grasp of my personal goals.
When things are feeling a little dim, I take time to myself and recite my goals verbally. I speak them into existence — “I am on a mission right now to further my career as an entertainment manager” — “I am on track to being listed in Forbes 30 under 30.”

The positivity of knowing yourself and where you’re going mitigates any form of stress that may come your way.

I keep my side hustles strong.
Yes, my full-time job is an entertainment manager, but I’m also very focused on what I can do extra during free time. Whether I’m consulting on branding, writing articles such as these, partnering with brands for public speaking — If you carry multiple streams of income, you are motivated and your career will flourish.

I am highly realistic with my goals and expectations for myself.
Sure, I’d absolutely love to have the 3.4 million dollar production studio, but I’m realistic on when I will achieve that. Break your goals down to make it easier on yourself. Maybe a short-term goal is to save $20.00. Get headshots. Enroll in training. Then work your way to middle-tier goals, and up. You can accomplish a lot being wise with your time.

I do not allow negativity to dictate my day.
That means terminating all factors that may destruct your progress in being successful. A bad relationship, the news in the morning, someone who isn’t as motivated as you are. Anyone that I’m around carries the same positive energy and wants to be successful. You are your circle.

I lack care for what others think about me.
Unless it has to do with improving myself or my business, the thought of what others think does not matter to me. You’re an artist — be YOU. Be as goofy and loving as you want to be!

In the end, enjoy life and accomplish goals on your own terms. You are your best source of motivation!

Repairing your DAMAGED Relationship with your Reps!

Happy Tuesday!

Life happens — maybe you missed multiple auditions due to an intense work schedule. Maybe you haven’t been called back on an audition, or you’re one of those actors who ‘forgets’ to book out prior to a quick impromptu trip out of LA.

Now that you’re back and serious about your craft, your talent agent ignores all of your emails and calls. You’re getting those dreadful one-word answers that indicates a strong lack of excitement in representing you.

Here’s how to salvage your DAMAGED relationship with your agent/manager.

1) If you have missed a lot of auditions, provide clarity to the change.
As talent reps, we understand that you have to make money. We have to make money as well, which solely relies on you auditioning and booking the job. If you are now in the clear for auditions, explain to your agent the past issue and provide clarity for the solution moving forward.

2) If you haven’t made it to callbacks in a while, call your agent and strategize.
Maybe you need to switch up your training, or work on your strategy in the room. Circle back with your team and see if there is any feedback that you can get for your next audition. Ask your talent representative for an updated list of coaches you can try out. Proactivity always strengthens relationships in this town.

3) If you know you need to book out in the near future, do so within a 2-week span.
THIS IS SUPER IMPORTANT. Talent reps submit on projects weeks, sometimes months in advance. If we know your schedule — this prevent us from having to pull or decline auditions, which then perturbs casting and can potentially isolate us from receiving their jobs in the future. If this has happened multiple times and you still have an agent or manager, call and let them know that you now understand the severity and will do better in the future.

Like most relationships, a damaged client-agent relationship will take time to revert back to stability. But you can start the ground work today.

Chris Giovanni x

Turning every NO into a WIN!

Happy Thursday!

So often we take for granted opportunities, that we miss the true lesson of experiencing them.

Sometimes hearing the word “NO” is exactly what we need for our own personal growth. Maybe you haven’t booked a job in 2 months, you can’t afford training, or your agent just dropped you from their roster.

The following scenarios will help you to channel the good in everything!

“It’s important to analyze the WIN in every situation.”

“You didn’t book the role — next time.”
The Win: You had the rare chance of performing in front of a respected casting director or producer. Chances are, you will be remembered for your great performance. You will be called back for future roles now that you have been cemented into the minds of that casting office.

—

“I don’t have enough money to invest in headshots or training.”
The Win: You’re fortunate enough to have set a major goal for yourself. You know exactly what is needed to help achieve that milestone. While you may not have to funds to do so right away, you will save so that you can align yourself with your career goals.

—

“An agent or manager declined representation. I don’t know what to do”
The Win: You know that you’re at least worthy of being represented. You have an idea of how to approach your next meeting. You now have a feel for the interview process, and will make adjustments to improve on your next big agent meeting.

—

“My agent dropped me post pilot season. I’m no longer being sent out on major films and TV shows.”
The Win: You now have time to reflect on the relationship with your former agent. What were the pros and cons? What did you LEARN from being represented? What casting offices were you exposed to — did you build a relationship with that office INDEPENDENT of that agent?

The importance of thinking positively increases your chances of success for the next time.

Be Happy. Have Fun.

xx Chris Giovanni

Getting ready for Episodic Season 2019!

Happy Tuesday!
Pilot Season is almost done which means it's time for the industry break!
Auditions will be slow and breakdowns will be few and far between.

NOW is the perfect time to reflect and prepare for the upcoming episodic season 2019! Here are a few awesome tips to help you stay on the right foot!!

1. Review all of your headshots and see if you need any additional looks.
Take a look to see if your shots need updating. It's usually wise for an actor to 're-up' on headshots at least once each season. (Pilot and Episodic) Take away any headshots that didn't perform as well in the prior season.
2. Stay consistent with show pickup updates from The Hollywood Reporter.
Every actor should know which new pilots have been picked up by networks, and which shows have been canceled. The Hollywood Reporter provides groundbreaking updates as it happens. Know your shows. It will help you for auditions in episodic season.
 
3. If you booked any cool roles during pilot season, add it to your casting profiles.
New season = new footage. Choose your best scenes for your representatives to use on your casting profiles. ESPECIALLY if it's a new show that's just come out. Casting Directors rely on great footage to trust that you can book the job.

4. Make sure to take a vacation and recharge mentally.
It's mentally exhausting having to audition for multiple projects in such a short amount of time. You may have went on 50 auditions and booked 2. Take time to 'recharge your battery' and get back out there when the time is right. You have about one two months to do so!

5. Seek new representation if need be. 
If you are not happy with your current team, make the switch and take meetings now. Ask fellow friends for recommendations, or use backstage.com to obtain a list of every current agent/manager in town. As episodic season is a time for most actors to build network credits, you want to be with a team who is motivated and enthusiastic about getting you out for auditions.

Stay ready so you don’t have to get ready!
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The Game of Relationships in Hollywood!

Happy Friday!

You have your character-driven headshots, actively training in classes, and have strong clips on your profiles for submissions. Your talent representatives are firing away on submissions, however there is just one thing — you’re not getting that many theatrical auditions!

You may see a co-star or supporting role here and there, but you’re wondering to yourself: WHERE are the guest stars? The recurring work? the leads in films? What can YOU do as an actor to help further your own career that is slipping day by day?

A successful acting career not only lies in having great talent and material, but in creating genuine relationships in this town. Even as a talent manager, I have to maintain great relationships with casting directors, producers, directors — even make-up artist and hairstylist to secure opportunities not easily made available to me.

“As an actor, you have to keep your ear to the ground, know the right people, and make your OWN career happen.”

How do you network with industry professionals and build your relationships? Simple. You expose yourself to new events. You get involved with the SAG-Foundation. You engage on social media and most importantly, you leave an AMAZING performance in the audition room so casting remembers you for future jobs to come.

What do relationships have to do with acting? Often times, there are projects that casting directors, producers, and directors get weeks, sometimes MONTHS before it’s released to the public.

Even better, if you know writers directly — you may even have a role written for you in mind! You’re invited to events, you’re kept in the loop which contributes to the enhancement of your career!

Keep networking. Keep building. Your time is coming!

xx Chris Giovanni

How to BUILD your relationship with your Agent or Manager!

Happy Sunday!

One of the more common questions that I often receive is exactly HOW to build a great relationship with your talent agent or manager. Most actors sign with an agent and have absolutely no idea on how to genuinely build a successful relationship. Out of sight, out of mind and then eventually — you’re dropped from their roster.

The key to an effective partnership with a talent rep is simple — communication. It’s a 50-50 partnership that requires both sides of the scale to be level. The following tips will help you to balance out your relationship with your team and further your career at light speed:

1. Effectively communicate your career goals at the beginning of the contract.
The moment that you are presented with a new agreement, take some time to create a list of career goals to send over:

Do you want to book a co-star in the first 2-months?
Do you enjoy public speaking and want to set up a small event?
Do you want to put out a 3 track EP by a certain time frame?
Are you in the first draft of a script? Do you need assistance with revisions?

Communicating your goals not only sets the foundation early in the partnership, but will instantly trigger in your team that you’re serious about making it in Hollywood. A closed mouth doesn’t get fed.

2. Provide your team with what is needed to get their job done.
Occasionally check in with your talent reps to see if there is anything that you need to update. Headshots, clips on your profile, maybe a new recorded track to help shop to music labels around town. Before pointing at your team for the lack of movement in your career, make sure that you are doing your part to make it easy on them!

3. Be mindful of which updates are worth sharing!
Agents and Managers operate differently in Hollywood. Some appreciate ALL updates, some only prefer updates that help them to do their job. Some great examples of updates to share with a talent rep: New relationships with industry professionals, new updates to material, (headshots, clips, etc.) invites to shows are great, INCREASE in social media engagement, new skills and languages learned, etc.

Don’t get carried away with updates. Wait until your relationship is strong enough with your reps to share other details that may not be as important.

4. Request calls and emails in duration.
Going hammer time on the phone is not the best way to build a relationship with your team, especially for things that lack urgency. Before emailing or calling for advice, gauge the importance of your question. Does it really require a phone call or email? Can I figure this out myself from a quick google search? Be resourceful before throwing in the towel!

5. Most importantly, DO YOUR PART!!!
Talent reps DREAM of a proactive client. The client who goes the extra mile to build personal relationships with casting. That outsources their own auditions. That sets studio time and invites the manager or agent to come listen and provide feedback. We should never be blindsided by anything because we already know what’s in the works. Every time we speak, there should be new updates from your end, and vice versa. If you’re just sitting at home waiting for auditions, that will be your career.

As always, feel free to send me any questions you have & I’ll tackle them!

With love,
Chris Giovanni xo

Are you really READY for a SERIES REGULAR?

Hollywood — the place where an actor can go from a one line co-star, to a straight to series pilot in light speed! Well, the most luckiest actors, right?

Ask every actor that approaches Los Angeles. Everyone wants to be a series regular on a show. To be known for their craft, to make tons of money, and work consistently for the upcoming months and years to come.

But honestly, is that REALLY a career that you’re prepared for? Have you perfected your craft enough that you’re ready to tackle a series? Check out below and find out if so!

Are you CAPABLE of a series regular?
Being a series regular requires a lot of memorization, time management, and personal skill that extend WELL past shooting a short film. Say you’re on a series with a 8-10 episode order. You may have a week, or even a few days to knock down 30-50 pages plus of script and dialogue. How well can you break down a script now? Are you able to get off-book of 9-12 pages of sides with ease for an audition? CAN you connect with your CHARACTER? If not, you should probably take some time to work with your coach before approaching a series regular.

Are you EMOTIONALLY ready for a series regular?
A series regular comes with tons of emotional battles. While the glamorous aspect of being a series regular comes with tons of press and notoriety, there are behind-the-scenes battles that often take place on a show. Are you emotionally ready to handle a show not being picked up? The potential of being replaced by another actor (I know a well-known actress who was replaced at a table read by HER cast mate from a previous series.) If you’re approaching a series regular and you’re in the mindset of a winner, and that anything can happen — go for it.

Are you FINANCIALLY ready for a series regular?
Before you are selected for a series regular, your team will negotiate a test option or offer for you to go before the networks. Your deal and how much you’re paid is contingent upon your experience as an actress, your relevancy, and how much value you would bring to the role. If you’re NEW to the series regular role, more than likely you’re not going to get the BEST offer possible. You may not get life-changing money. Depending on your financial status, it may just be enough to make ends meet. Keep in mind that the networks will hold exclusivity over you for some time, so you may not be able to work a lot of different jobs. Your life is now that show. Have a business established. Many side ventures such as selling clothes, books, consulting — anything that will help bring additional sources of income is vital. (but that’s a post for another day.)

And most importantly, remember: You are not in a race to be in a series. There are new pilots coming out all year with the influx in distributors. Even if you have to start with an under five, a co-star here and there — make your acting career fun for you.

See you on the big screen.
-Chris Giovanni x
ig: @chrisgiovannii

Talent Managers vs. Talent Agents: The Difference and What's Right for You?

Happy Tuesday Talent!

I hope everyone is having a great day landing roles and building your showbiz careers! I wanted to write a quick article on a question that I have gotten over 50 times in the last two days alone! Fact is, there is a lot of talent that don't know the difference between Talent Managers and Talent Agents! Both are very vital to your career in showbiz. Pay attention and feel free to ask me any questions in the comment section below. :)

Talent Agents
A Talent Agent is a person who is hired to find you jobs in the entertainment industry. Agents generally work for an agency that can represent as many as 100-1000 clients. An Agents sole purpose is to take your material, (Headshots, Reels, Resume, Snapshots, etc.) and attempt to find you as much work as they can within your type cast. They are not responsible for investing anything in your career whatsoever. Due to the overwhelming amount of clients and deadlines most agents have, don't be alarmed if you haven't heard from them in a couple of days, or weeks. They will generally only call if work is to be discussed.

Talent Agents are regulated and must be licensed and bonded  in their states of residence. General contract terms can be anywhere from 1-3 years. A reputable talent agent should take anywhere from 10-15% of your income. Anything higher should be accompanied with an academy award and a crown! It is also very important to do research on who you plan to work with: Analyze their roster and credits.

A common misconception with agents in Hollywood is that once you're signed: You'll get jobs coming in every second. NEGATIVE.  The industry is VERY fluid. You'll have times where you're booking 3-4 times a month, and then you'll have periods where you book absolutely NOTHING. It happens. That's where a great talent manager comes in.

Talent Managers
Talent Managers are the "meat and potatoes"of your entertainment career. We handle the overall direction and make decisions in the best interest of furthering your career.  Unlike Talent Agents, Talent Managers are not regulated by the state. On a typical day, Talent Managers do all of the following:

• Handle business matters and negotiate contracts.

• Arrange auditions with notable contacts, agents, and casting directors.

• Submit you for roles that fit your typecast or character background.

• Advise you on your casting material, providing references to industry professionals.

• Give stellar advice on personal career tips, as well as build a personal relationship with you.

• Public Relations -- Your image is everything in show business.

• Provide Career Advice and direction at all times -- You should never feel stuck if you have a talent manager.

• Create side jobs and produce branding project to help further you in your career.

The list of work goes on! Generally, a personal talent manager can carry as low as 5-20 clients on their roster. There is a lot that goes into an entertainment career, and the more clients we have means less time for you. Talent Managers are the extra pull when an agent is having a hard time selling you. Most reputable talent managers take anywhere from 10-15% of your entertainment income and contracts can range between 1-3 years. Talent Managers have the ability to take your career to the next level.

Which one is right for me?
Most of my applicants are just starting out and the idea of having a talent agent and/or talent manager is beautiful.  Often times, they have no idea the difference of either.

The answer depends on where you're at currently in your career. 

Most talent managers and talent agents will not invest in beginning talent, that's just facts. Unless you're the next Leonardo Di Caprio with amazing talent, we're not interested.

Both can have outstanding effects on your career and it's really a personal decision. If you have any further questions, feel free to comment or email me personally (contact@chrisgiovanni.com)!

How to get television network credits without a talent agent or manager?

Hello Actors!

We’re approaching the end of 2017 which marks the beginning of a very intense and busy season ahead of us. As many actors scramble to work with their reps in preparing for pilot season — there are twice as many who do not have any form of representation for guidance. So often, unrepresented actorsare met with a very common “roadblock” heard from most industry professionals:

“You need network credits and a competitive resume.”It’s almost become a catch 22 for actors. You “can’t” get network credits without having a talent agent or manager in Hollywood. Wrong. As a Hollywood Talent Manager, I’m going to provide you with tips of how you can DO the work and get booked.

Start building your connections. Hollywood is a very small community. Once you’re in, you will see the same faces over and over again. That person needs to be you. Attend every event that you possibly can. FREE SAG foundation events. Charities. Don’t just attend the events and sit in the back. Physically introduce yourself to that industry professional. Use call-to-action statements: “I look forward to working with you.” Etch your existence into the mind of that casting director or producer.

Engage on social media. Social media has definitely increased the amount of accessibility actors have with industry professionals. Take time to research and created a targeted list of industry professionals you’re looking to work with. Ask yourself key questions: Are they on instagram or twitter? What shows are they working on? Does this align with my vision as an actor? Most importantly: What is a common icebreaker that you share with that professional? Anyone that follows my social media knows that I’m a huge fan of Disneyland. Some actors have used that as a great topic of conversation to engage me with. That one conversation led to them being signed by me at CGEM Talent.

Think like a talent agent. Talent agents are very busy making sure that their clients are all prepared and ready for submission. It also helps to be SAG or at least SAG-E. Look at your material and ask others to help give you feedback, too. A successful actor has great headshots, solid acting clips, and also submission pitch notes that make them stand out. For example, if the role calls for an athlete — you go into detail. (5 years of College Basketball Experience, Starter, etc.)

Casting Directors respect those who can sell themselves professionally for the acting role. They may even keep you in mind for a future role that you DO NOT have access to!Be in the know of television projects being developed. In order to stay up to date, you must know which shows are being produced and when. Following entertainment sites such as The Hollywood Reporter, IMDB or Deadline will help you to keep track of what is current. This method will also help you to target casting directors and producers for relationships. Booking through relationships happen often in this town.

Warning: The following bonus tip is a secret which requires flawless execution after a fewnetwork credits. This is a method that can be used to help you get a theatrical agent. Please be cautious and selective as to who you do this with. Seek recommendations from industry professionals for stellar theatrical agents.

When an actor is ready to be booked by production, representation often receives what is called a “deal memo“. A deal memo is a summary of what the actor is to be paid, billed as, etc. If a talent does not have any form of representation, the deal or contract is sent to them directly. Build a personal relationship with a great theatrical agent and ask them to assist you with closing the deal. This should be a targeted talent agent on your list — someone you REALLY want to work with.

This next step is where YOU become the agent. It’s time to go in for the pitch:

“Hello,

My name is Chris Giovanni, I’m an actor located in Los Angeles.

We’ve maintained consistent communication over time and I’ve been really eager to work with you.

At this time, I currently have an offer for a (insert co/guest/etc.) star role and really need assistance in negotiating my deal. I would be honored if you can look at my resume and see if joining my team would be beneficial to you and your firm.

I look forward to working with you.”

As a talent manager, I’ve used this method multiple times in getting my clientssigned by theatrical agents. It works and provides an incentive for the agentto believe and work hard for the client from the beginning.

Pilot Season is coming and most of you are ready to hit the ground running. Use these tips at your discretion and change your life for 2018.

If you have any further questions, feel free to comment or email me personally (contact@chrisgiovanni.com)!

Thank you for reading!

Chris Giovanni, CGEM Talent

http://cgemtalent.com

http://instagram.com/chrisgiovannii

http://twitter.com/chrisgiovannii