Marketing Tips For Actors - The Yellow Brick Road
By Gwyn Gilliss

I don't know of anyone in the last several decades who hasn't heard of the Wizard of Oz, that wonderful musical journey down the yellow brick road with a teenage Judy Garland singing her heart out. It's brought out of the MGM archives every now and then and played to another generation who are delighted with the story. Besides being entertaining it teaches us four valuable themes about life.

First, that life seems better elsewhere - like over the rainbow. But in fact, there's no place like home. What you have and have been given is usually pretty good if you can recognize and accept it. Dorothy wanted to explore the world beyond Kansas but after experiencing it realizes the farm with loving Aunt Em and the farm hands is pretty wonderful.

Secondly, no one is ever really alone. When lost in a strange world and you need friends in life there will always be a Tin Man, a Cowardly Lion and a Scarecrow to stand by you.

Thirdly, there will always be threats and challenges in life- from the spooky forest to the Wicked Witch of the West. But there's always good in the world as well. That's why Glinda, the good witch comes to help Dorothy when she truly needs her.

And Fourth, Wizards are not always infallible. Sometimes they can lead you astray. The journey itself down the yellow brick road was actually more valuable for Dorothy than finding the wizard because she learned so much about life and herself. She gained confidence and learned to trust her friends, finally finding her own way home.

How does this relate to an acting career?

1.Over the Rainbow-I've never met an actor who didn't at some time resent that another actor had gotten cast in a role he wanted or got a contract role on a TV series or a B'way audition or achieved movie star status. Things always look better when someone else possesses them.

Lesson: A smart actor has to be wary of jealousy and resentment. You rarely see the real or downside to being a movie star or what it would be like playing someone else's role. Accept that who and what you are is wonderful and that your path is yours alone. Enjoy the work and the path. That is real success!

2.Friends- are wonderful if they support your agenda-what you're trying to accomplish-as the whimsical trio did for Dorothy. They dropped everything to help her get home.
Lesson: Make sure your "friends" are true friends. When your "crowd" however consists of other out of work actors who are resentful and hostile, beware! They can definitely pull you down. Hang around with winners and you become one! Join a Mastermind of like-minded, success-oriented actors!

3.Threats and challenges- Fortunately, there really aren't people in this world whose goal is to destroy actors but there are some industry pro's including acting teachers/divas, casting directors, film directors or others who may discourage, demean or insult performers. They're to be avoided "like the plague" and ignored. The Wicked Witch of the West shouldn't have any control over you. Tell them to "be gone!" or you'll "drop a house on them!" (That's what Glinda the good witch advises Dorothy to do).

Lesson: No one can tell you if you're good or bad or even if you should consider another career. An acting teacher or casting director shouldn't use a class or a paid workshop in which to damage your spirit and psyche. Thankfully, there are very few of these people left in the business. They seem to have died off with the "studio" era.

4.Wizards- Perhaps we can translate that to mean hotshot agents, managers, those who promise to get you there but can't seem to get the balloon off the ground. Or when they do, you're not aboard. Most agents I know want to see you succeed but some don't have the connections to get you in the door, don't understand your type and range or just don't "get" you. Nobody's perfect.

Lesson: Don't trust any one person or agency to make your career happen. Move on. Dorothy eventually didn't need the wizard to get her home. She had the power of the ruby red slippers all the time. And by wishing and expressing her goal, she made it happen on her own. So can you! Finding a good agent takes time and you need to be selective. Don't rush to find that "match" any more than you would to find a personal "Match" in your life. It's too important a decision to just "grab the first offer".

So...the allegory of The Wizard of Oz is a good example for actors or anyone on a life journey. Just find your team-your tin man, scarecrow and cowardly lion to help you on your way. Your team is your acting coach, headshot photographer, videographer/editor, graphic artist,webmaster and Career Coach all of whom can guide you, give you advice, drop everything to help you on your path and even rescue you from mean spirited "witches". So if you're not in Kansas anymore-it's OK. You can safely get down that Yellow Brick Road.

Successful Marketing!

Gwyn