Why pilot season is slow and what to do instead

How are you doing? I sense a bit of panic creeping in… Am I right? 

Let me set things straight for you –

Pilot season is NOT NORMAL PILOT SEASON this year. 

One of the most important articles we shared in The Catch Up is this: 

Pilot Season 2022: Projected Volume Well Below Pre-Pandemic Levels As Covid-Imposed Changes Take Hold (Deadline). 

Did you read that? It says, “Well BELOW Pre-Pandemic Levels,” meaning if there are less shows being made, then there are a lot less auditions being sent out. It is just simply put, slow right now. 

DO NOT PANIC if you are not getting all the auditions you have dreamed about or have perhaps gotten in previous years at this time.

I also wanna make sure you know that many series regulars do not become series regulars from auditioning during pilot season. Yup, it’s true! Many become series regulars by being booked as a one day co-star, one day guest star or a recurring role that eventually grows into a series regular. 

In my opinion, episodic season is where it’s at! That’s where myself and most of my clients get the majority of their opportunities and bookings. 

Sleep Better & Remember these 4 Things: 

1. This pilot season is slow. 
2. Most actors book the most during episodic season.
3. Many series regulars do NOT become series regulars from series regular auditions, but from episodic season bookings. 
4. Pilots don’t just get made during pilot season anymore. 

Allow yourself to ease into 2022 with grace and trust that as this surge ends and things pick back up again, so will your auditions. There will be plenty of opportunities this year! 

5 Things to Focus Your Attention On (instead of how slow it is):

1. The work. Get busy acting. 
   Get in class. Do a self-tape practice. Rehearse with other actors on WeAudition(Use code: Jenna25 for 25% off a membership).
2. Focus on nurturing your relationships. 
   When was the last time you connected with casting? That director you met? If you’re lost on how to do this in a way that feels authentic to you, hit reply on this email and we can set up a 1:1 session together. Creating real industry connections is my favorite thing to support actors on and see the auditions come on in!
3. Get creative. 
   Write your film. Take a dance class. Read a book. Do The Artist’s Way. I’m starting this week with Barbara Howlin’s Guided Group!
4. Magic materials. 
   Are your headshots up to date – branded and specific to you? When was the last time you reviewed your Actors Access resume? How can you next level it all? 
5. Your mindset. 
   Talk to your people. Find a therapist. Get a coach. Join a community. Rest.

DO NOT TRY TO DO ALL OF THESE THINGS AT THE SAME TIME. 

Life has been crazy. While I wrote “rest” last, it should never be last. It’s been a helluva two years. It’s OK to rest right now if that’s what you need.
 

Rooting for you always!