How I Started My Acting Career From Nothing

Like many moms, I put my career and dreams on hold when I got pregnant. My son is the most precious person in the world to me, and I don't regret that choice, but things changed when he became a teenager and didn't feel like hanging out with me anymore (cue the sound of my heart slowly breaking).

But once I got over the fact that my son was growing up, I suddenly had time to consider what I wanted, and the answer was unsettling. At 47, with a gaping 16-year gap in my resume, I decided to give my dreams one more shot. I knew it wasn’t going to be easy. After all, I didn't have any industry contacts or current showreel materials, and I had no idea where or how to start, because, on top of everything else, I’m American and live in Germany with my German husband. That means on top of not speaking German perfectly, there were also cultural differences in the industry to navigate.

Luckily, I like a good challenge. ;-)

Getting Started

When I was younger and living in Chicago, I was a member of SAG-AFTRA and was working on my equity card. But, most of that was due to luck. It’s not like I had a strategy back then. I was just doing “all the things” we’re supposed to do: I had an agent, I was making the rounds and keeping up on my skills — but so was everyone else. I knew this time around, I needed a plan and a strategy if I was going to get the career I wanted. 

A Decade Later

Fast forward 10 years, and here I am—a working actor showing up on screens big and small. Am I a big star? Definitely not, but I am a working actor. I’m saying this not to brag, but to show you that following your heart and not giving up on your dreams isn’t crazy - it's worth it. But you need a plan. There’s no age limit on success in the film industry and there’s room for anyone who’s ready to step up and claim it.

What I very quickly began to realize is that there are five pillars to a thriving acting career.

The Five Pillars

1. Mindset 

Mindset is everything. Our subconscious loves keeping us safe, but that often means holding us back. Recognize those mental blocks and push through them.

2. Branding

Branding and mindset are the two most significant pillars. Look, film is a visual medium, so we have to show the industry what we can do. And your materials should highlight where you want to go, not where you’ve been

3. Marketing

Once you’ve nailed your brand, marketing is just about spreading the word—you are the product! Stick to your brand and play to your strengths. Whether you’re funny, smart, sexy, or all of the above, let that shine in your materials. Lead with a clear goal: What do you want people to feel, think, and do when they see your stuff?

4. Networking

Networking is important and goes hand-in-hand with marketing. People love working with people they like. Building relationships means stepping out of your comfort zone. You have to get comfortable with being uncomfortable. Focus on what you can give in these relationships, not just what you can get. Connect as a human first, actor second.

5. Community

This one is often overlooked. Other actors can be amazing for accountability, perspective, audition tips, support, and more. Building and nurturing a strong community of actors can make all the difference.

But here’s the thing, knowing that these pillars exist doesn’t mean anything if you also don't know how to assess where the cracks and crumbles are.

And lastly, once you recognize where the weaknesses are, you need to have a plan of action to fix them so that they’re strong enough to support your career.

Let me leave you with this thought…

Dreams Don’t Expire

Dreams have no expiration date. The only thing that stands between you and your dreams is action.

By the way, if you’re a trained actor, serious about your career but struggling to get to the next level, then book an appointment with me. It’s free, and together we can figure out if you’re a good fit for my program, and if you’re not, we’ll figure out the next best steps for your journey together.

Until next time, you stay your bold and beautiful self.

Anne