One of my actor friends told me over dinner the other night that she was impressed that I was so helpful with other actors. My response was; Gatekeeping acting doesn’t benefit me in any way and helping others can benefit me greatly.
Audition Room
When I first set up my audition room, I started offering other actors access to it without charge. It gave actors an option to do their self tapes for free and it helped me network and meet other like minded people. About a month ago, one of the actors that uses my room consistently offered me the lead role in his short film.
Passing Along Casting Calls
Anytime I see a casting call that fits any of the actors I know, I pass it along to them. In return, actors tag me in casting calls and pass them on to me if I fit. I also found out a few months ago, that one of my friends submits me to casting calls because he knows I’m usually really busy.
Meetings with New Actors
I’ve had many actors reach out to me for help in breaking into the film industry or just progressing in their career. I’ve had zoom meetings with actors all over the USA and Canada. Sometimes all someone needs is a conversation with someone doing it, to kick start their career or give them the direction to start their acting journey.
Misc
Lots of actors have trouble navigating the business side of acting. It’s boring and sometimes monotonous, but necessary. I’ve helped write professional emails and cover letters for submitting to agencies, updated actor’s IMDbs, help pick out looks for headshots, give feedback on auditions. streamline and standardize resumes, splice together reels, etc.
Give Without Expectation
I built a camper van out of an old FedEx truck a couple years ago and traveled around the USA in it between projects when i worked in oil and gas. It had a shitty paint job, so I bought some paint markers and allowed the people I met on my travels to sign it, draw on it or write a quote on it. When I was in Arizona, I met a guy who wrote, “Give Without Expectation” on my van. It’s now one of my favorite quotes and I try to remember this whenever I help someone. I never expect anything in return. If you expect something back for a good deed, it reduces the value of that good deed. I firmly believe that if you do good, good will come back to you.
Simon Shih 