Thread by @thekatyo

#actors! I wanted to share something I do that has helped me keep track of my career over the years. I keep a spreadsheet of every audition that I get (commercial and theatrical), even if I decline. I write down writers, CDs, networks, character types, etc.

I make sure to document if it’s series reg, guest, recurring, etc., and if I get a callback/book it, I highlight that. I also include miles traveled for auditions for tax purposes (I use @everlance for this). On the bottom, I can toggle through the years.

The stats I keep track of for commercials & theatrical are different but it helps me realize what I’m having success in across the board & what doesn’t work as well. I can see what CDs are calling me in most frequently and how they are seeing me, aka my “type.”

Interestingly, the types I go in for commercials are different than Film/TV. This gives me some insight that I can use to talk to my team & figure out why one side sees me as “bad guy” only while I’m getting callbacks for “fashion guru”, “executive” & “rock star” on the other.

We can discuss if it’s a headshot/pitching issue, etc. When I was meeting with agents, I was able to print and present this & they loved it. It lets them know what connections I’ve made, that I steadily audition & my audition/callback/booking success.

I try to document which producers/directors/shows I’m auditioning for as well if I’m given that information and the writers. It’s good to research the kind of work they do to inform your audition so you don’t wind up doing an intense audition for a parody writer.

I’ve also become a fan of a lot of writers, CDs, etc. by doing this because I consistently enjoy the work they do. You can also see when a CD has a one track vision for you which is good at times to build a career but can also encumber your creativity.

Anyway, it’s helped me out a lot so I thought I should share. This is a business after all, so it’s good to try to not be a passive participant in your career. ❤️

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