Blog

<< All Blogs

Industry Election Reaction - Production & Tax Incentives - Artios Nominations

By Abigail Hardin, November 14, 2024

Eye156
Happy November, UTD!

What a week it has been! There is no ignoring the election. The industry is still grappling with the implications for film, TV, and theatre production, let alone the effect on our individual lives. See below for articles on the election's impact.

No matter how you feel regarding the election outcome, there is no denying there are a lot of unknowns of what the next four years, or longer, will look like. We've weathered unknowns before - the pandemic, two strikes, the first Trump term and we will weather this new unknown.

A dear friend and mentor recommended a coffee table type book to me several months ago during a personal time of growth and reflection, Atlas of the Heart: Mapping Meaningful Connection and the Language of Human Experience by Brené Brown.

In Atlas of the Heart, Brown takes us on a journey through eighty-seven of the emotions and experiences that define what it means to be human. As she maps the necessary skills and an actionable framework for meaningful connection, she gives us the language and tools to access a universe of new choices and second chances—a universe where we can share and steward the stories of our bravest and most heartbreaking moments with one another in a way that builds connection.

Often I will open the book to a random page and see what emotion or experience I land on. I view this as the message I need to receive on the given day. I needed help processing the day after the election and I sat down and opened the book. The section I landed on was "Gratitude". This seemed like a very odd message and it made me laugh out loud, "You've gotta be kidding me!"

This passage on gratitude stood out:

Gratitude is an emotion that reflects our deep appreciation for what we value, what brings meaning to our lives, and what makes us feel connected to ourselves and others. While gratitude is an emotion, if we want to experience its full power, we must also make it a practice. [...] It's tangible. An attitude is a way of thinking; a practice is a way of doing, trying, failing, and trying again.

It was a beautiful reminder that in trying moments leaning into gratitude and developing a greater habit of appreciation can provide comfort, peace, and pull us closer to joy and a deeper understanding.

So, I'm trying to lean into gratitude right now (hello, thanksgiving) and voice my appreciation. I am thankful for so many blessings. One of which is to have a company and platform dedicated to empowering and lifting actors & artists. I am thankful for you taking the time to read this and thank you for being a part of our Up-To-Date Actor community!

Lastly, I hope you will join Annie and me at our free online workshop today! This month's topic is Seeking Representation! Read more and register below!

Let's create work that inspires and promotes the best in all of us. When we lift each other up we all can soar!

Free Workshop: Seeking Representation on Both Coasts
What are the Similarities and Differences, the First Steps, the Campaign, the Interview, the Collaboration

With the new year approaching, it’s a perfect time to start outlining a new representation campaign for 2025. In the seminar, we will explore the similarities and differences for seeking representation in LA and NYC along with the below topics.

Join career coach Annie Chadwick and Up-To-Date Actor creator, Abigail Hardin, for an in-depth approach to seeking representation and how to be a collaborator once you have it.

Learn how to create a successful representation campaign and how the Up-To-Date Actor, a new digital resource, can aid you in targeting the agents/managers who are seeking your unique talent.

In this workshop you will learn:

  • Five steps to take before approaching an agent or manager.
  • The most effective ways to begin your campaign for representation.
  • How can the Up-To-Date actor digital service help you target talent agents and talent managers that are a fit for your unique talent and career level.
  • What's the difference between working with a talent agent and a talent manager?
  • Do I need both a talent agent and a talent manager?
  • How to prepare for the interview.
  • How to be an effective collaborator with your representation.

All attendees, new to the Up-To-Date Actor, will receive a discount code for a 1-Month Full Access Free Trial to the Up-To-Date Actor. The event is free but registration is required

Register Today

Industry Election Reaction
Production & Tax Incentives
Artios Award Nominations

The Artios Award nominations for TV & Theatre were recently announced. This is a great opportunity to send the nominated casting directors a congratulations note!

The Artios Awards, presented annually by the Casting Society (FKA Casting Society of America (CSA)), are one of the most prestigious honors in the entertainment industry. The awards recognize outstanding achievement in casting across film, television, and theater, and are considered a significant milestone in the careers of casting directors and their teams.

Casting director relationships are the backbone of a successful performance career. Whether you are just starting to build a professional career or continuing to rejuvenate an already flourishing career, casting directors are your most valuable friends. Professional updates to casting directors that you have already met or those that you have targeted to introduce your talent to are a valuable PR tool to enhance your career momentum. You are your first Press Agent!

There are many ways to professionally follow up with casting directors after auditions, meetings, and career news and bookings. Up-To-Date Actor members have access to our extensive resource section with tips, advice, and examples for cover letters, follow-ups, and more. One opportunity that is often overlooked is sending a congratulations email to casting directors for an Artios Award Nomination and Win.

Read more on how to craft a congratulations note and take advantage of this networking opportunity.

Business
Quarterly Earnings Reports

Film & TV Content
Theatre Talk
Streaming
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
Actors on Acting
Quick Bites