Episode 391: The Myth of Getting Lucky

Somebody books a big role and everybody says the same thing. They got lucky. They just got lucky.

And yes. Of course luck plays a role in this industry. It can be the luck of being in the right place, right time, right project. You're just the right actor. But if you look closely at actors who work consistently, not flash in the pan, but those who have a consistent career, something else becomes very clear.

What looks like luck from the outside is usually preparation meeting opportunity.

What Actors Think Luck Looks Like

There's this idea that a career unfolds like this. One audition, one big booking, and everything changes overnight. I remember thinking that as a young, and I'm going to add this word in, foolish actor.

That makes a great story. But the reality is that most overnight success stories look very different. Usually it involves years of training. Usually it involves hundreds of auditions. One of the things I used to say to myself was this is one audition in a lifetime of auditions. You're going to be auditioning and auditioning and auditioning. It's just one audition.

It also involves building relationships over time with casting directors, directors, writers, producers. And so many roles that didn't lead anywhere. I have one particular story where I got into the orbit of one of the biggest television producers out there. They really liked me. I had a recurring role on their show. And then it got canceled after one season. That wasn't bad luck. That was just a role that looked like it was really going to go somewhere, but because I wasn't savvy enough about the business back then, it eventually dried up.

Success Doesn't Happen to You

The amazing Jen Sincero says success doesn't happen to you. It happens because of you. When you see success as luck you are accidentally handing over your power. Just giving it over.

Preparation is something people don't see. Just like an Olympic figure skater. You don't see the hours of preparation. You see one performance. Working actors tend to have one thing in common. They are ready when the opportunity appears.

And that readiness includes strong audition skills, strong self-tape skills, professional materials, a clear understanding of their casting type, and comfort being themselves on camera. When the right audition arrives they are able to deliver. And as a casting director that is the biggest thing I am begging actors to do. I want them to deliver the goods.

Instead of seeing opportunities as a rare miracle, working actors see them as moments to be prepared for. Preparation creates confidence and confidence creates opportunity. That's an energetic thing. That's a mindset thing.

Relationships Look Like Luck Too

Casting directors remember actors. Agents and managers submit the actors they trust to deliver. Directors bring people back who are great to work with.

From the outside that might look like someone suddenly got a break. But very often that opportunity is the result of years of consistent professionalism.

Luck Favors Momentum

Luck favors movement. Momentum. Good things, good energy comes out of momentum.

The idea of just waiting to be noticed doesn't work. Opportunity usually appears when you are already working. Work begets work. And it doesn't even have to be something big. It can be something small. Work begets work.

Working actors train, they create projects, they audition. They meet collaborators at film festivals, meet and greets, industry events. The universe can only respond to the energy you are putting into motion. Actors who stay active tend to encounter more opportunities. It just makes logistical sense. But from the outside, yeah, that can sometimes look like luck.

The Bottom Line

Yes, there is an element of unpredictability in this business. But luck alone will not sustain a career. What sustains a career is preparation, relationships, consistency, and confidence. Being good at your job, but knowing you are good at your job.

Luck may open the door. But preparation is always what will allow you to walk through it.

Want to Keep the Conversation Going?

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And as I always say, stay safe and treat yourself real well.