Pilot

“We must use time as a tool, not as a crutch.” – John F. Kennedy

K Callan points out that pilot season is perhaps the worst time to approach talent agents in Hollywood.  Most agents are too busy trying to sell their current clients and the last thing they have time to do is search through new headshots.

Pilot season generally runs from January through May, though this trend is evolving with the advent of new media and midseason program releases.  Historically, agents have been most approachable in the downtime of the summer months.

Ms. Callan further advises prospective clients to avoid calling before noon as most agents spend their mornings reading ‘The Breakdown’ and submitting their already established clients’ pictures and resumes.  This is getting rather nitpicky, but agents are looking for reasons to say no to prospective clients.  Seems logical to minimize the potential red flags by following the advice given in Ms. Callan’s excellent The Los Angeles Agent Book.

I’ve had actor friends and acquaintances scurry off to LA in time for pilot season, but timing the departure around this often fabled time in Hollywood is probably more detrimental than beneficial.  If I’m wrong, let me know!