ARTICLE: Booking Tips For Actors

Understand The Principles Of Hard Work

The most important thing to remember when auditioning for any role is that only one person will get it. That one person could be you.  If you are lazy and don't understand the principles of competition and hard work, don't expect miracles. You can never wing an audition. If you do you will most certainly end up in the 99% of actors who don't book. The Actor must approach acting like an Olympic Athlete, the more you practice the necessary skills the more you will book. When a high level of discipline and concentration on the work is achieved, you will see incredible results.

Research All Projects

It's important to research the credits of the creator, producer and director. If you understand the genre, tone and style of the show or film, your chances of booking will greatly increase.

        

Know The Location Of The Audition 

Know exactly where you are going. Map it out the night before. You can also drive to it and scope out the parking situation. I'm sure you know that Los Angeles traffic and parking is a bear. Start out at least an hour earlier than you think is necessary.

Do Not Judge The Material

If you negatively judge your script, cancel the audition. You're never going to get inside or understand the material because you're too busy in your head making comments on it. You will never book that way.  You need to accept that you are simply a clean vessel of pure emotion lending yourself to the material to channel the character from the writer's intent. If you want to be more than that, think about directing or writing.  I would rather you look at the material from the writer's perspective rather than a directors.  At least then, you'll understand why the writer wrote the character the way they did.

Respect The Writing (Guideline #1 "What Is The Scene About?")   
Read the material at least 10 times as if it were a novel. Understand the points of view of each character in the scene. You'll never understand the story or be in the scene if you make-up choices that are not suggested in the script about where the characters are coming from. The writer's intention always comes first.  Read it exactly as written. What you read is the truth.  If the character says that they hate the other person, then they hate the other person in that moment. Unless there's a parenthetical suggesting otherwise, don't make anything up just to impress them or to make it comfortable for you.  Believe me, making "choices" is the biggest mistake an actor can make. The writer makes the choices for you. You want the writer in the room to say: "That actor read it exactly as I wrote it. That's the character!" 

Know Your Role (Guideline #14 "Why Are You In The Script?")  

Understand why your part is in the script then you'll know who you are and your place in the story. A lot of actors want so much to be remembered that they overshoot the audition by making their part too important.  Unless you are the series lead or a major film star, you're simply there to move the story along. Don't try to be more important than the material in an attempt to impress. If you're serving drinks in the scene, then you're just a cocktail waitress. That's it.

Waiting To Audition

In the office before going into the audition is when the actors "psych out" usually happens. Protect your audition by knowing how to handle yourself in the waiting area.

Stay focused and don't look at anyone in the outer office.  The moment that you catch someone's eye, they will talk to you. Once you engage with another actor you lose focus on what you need to be doing for your own audition. Stay off the phone. Find out who is signed up to audition before you. Once that person goes into the casting office, wait outside the door.

Never compare yourself to the other actors auditioning for the same role. If you're the one that looks out of place, that could be a great sign.  You might be the one who is "the other way to go." Casting directors wouldn't be doing their job if they brought in all the same types of people. They need to bring a range of actors to present to their producers, directors, writers and sometimes the stars. 

 

Don't look around the outer office and cast someone else in your part. Don't give them the part because you think they're dressed or look better than you for the role. This is a massive psyche out. They could have called in hundreds of other actors for your role. You have been asked to audition for a reason. The casting director must have seen something in your picture and resume that was right for that part.   Know that you have just as great a shot at booking it as anyone. Do a little cheer for yourself, psyche yourself up and go in there and get the job.

Go For It

Commit to your homework and go for it! If you don't, someone else will. Which would you prefer, hitting a 10+ read in the room or knocking it out of the ballpark in your car on the way home? 

After The Audition

If you're thinking about the audition for days afterwards and asking for feedback from your representatives, then you didn't do enough preparation. You know when you've hit it. You know when you've given it your best. You don't need approval or feedback from anyone else about how you did. You know. Be honest with yourself. If you realize you didn't hit it this time, make sure you do the work and preparation to hit it the next time and every time.


Sincerely, 
Amy Lyndon
Founder & CEO
The Lyndon Technique
http://www.TheLyndonTechnique.com
http://www.TLTaccess.com - Members Only

ARTICLE: The Actor's Black Belt

I once worked as a Marketing Consultant for a large company in Ohio and the CEO once sat down with me and told me a story that really resonated with me, and I’d like to share it with you. He was a black belt martial artist in karate and he said that after years of training and hard work, when he finally earned his black belt, his sensei pulled him aside and said, “Now you can begin to become a master.” The CEO was confused. “Didn’t I just earn my black belt? Doesn’t that make me, on some level, a master?” His sensei replied, “You’ve only mastered the first step. A black belt is only a student who has thoroughly prepared to begin the journey.”

I think many actors live with the expectation that what they have or who they are ought to be enough to be a working actor in Hollywood. Our unions require no apprenticeship, casting directors tell us to “be ourselves” and we see people with no training and no experience being plucked out of nowhere for stardom. The truth is that our perception is different from reality. The star “plucked out of obscurity” has been training and auditioning for years, has their package together and has been ready for opportunity when it comes. To be a working actor, you have to view it as a black belt would: you must become a master at all the basics, then you will be able to successfully navigate the path to becoming a working actor.

What are some of the basics? Here’s a partial list in no particular order of importance:

• A properly formatted resume
• Headshots representative of your type and specific to the genres that type would work in
• Demo reel also representative of your types
• Voice over reel
• Agent and/or manager
• A proper marketing and follow-up plan
• Acting training
• Booking training – it’s completely separate from acting training
• Improv and comedy training
• Commercial training
• The ability to network
• Social Media presence
• Healthy, facile body able to endure 16 hours on a night shoot
• Audition outfits
• Membership to all the self-submission sites
• Camera to self-tape auditions or access to a taping service
• Website
• Day job with lots of cash and flexibility

I could go on and on. Being an actor is NOT easy, and neither is becoming a black belt. But once you have all the basics in line, then it becomes simpler to build a successful career as a working actor. In fact, this is the very purpose of The Lyndon Technique and TLTaccess.com – we exist to give actors practical tools and advice to become acting black belts.

So begin today to prepare for your journey. One day, people will point to you as an example of mastery at being a working actor. Until then, start training!

Justin Giddings + Amy Lyndon

The Lyndon Technique

http://www.TheLyndonTechnique.com

http://www.TLTaccess.com - Visit to download your FREE 4-Week Booking Kit!

ARTICLE: Keep The Funnel Full

Keep The Funnel Full

Justin Turner, Marketing Director

A lot of actors complain to us that their careers are not where they want them to be. We understand the frustration, but we also know that most actors don’t know how much they are in control of their own career. The problem is, actors usually put forth some (or a lot) of effort for a short period of time, get a tiny amount of results (if at all), then get frustrated by the fact that they have no momentum. The answer is simple: they don’t keep the funnel full.

Amy Lyndon uses this metaphor consistently when explaining a career. She says, “Keep filling up and funnel and don’t look back because before you know it will start spilling over with golden opportunities. That is how the energy and momentum in your career works. When you take the time off, you literally have to fill up the funnel and it won’t spill out for at least 10 days to 2 weeks afterwards. Sometimes an opportunity will come from something random just because of your energy set forth.”

Guys, you have to keep the funnel full by constantly and consistently putting in the effort and increasing your exposure so that there is a constant stream of opportunities and results in your career. What is the essential key to keeping the funnel full? Daily action. So we’ve come up with a proven list of daily activities that will help you keep your funnel full.

• Submit yourself on all the self-submission sites 3-4 times throughout the day. These sites include; Actors Access, LA Casting, Now Casting, Casting Frontier, SAG’s iActor and Backstage.com.

• Download sides and use Amy’s book (The Lyndon Technique) to practice your skills at breaking down a scene every day.

• Continually clean up your package. That means websites, resumes on all the casting sites and headshots.

• Network on social media, primarily Twitter and Facebook. Twitter is a great place to make new connections with people in the industry who are oftentimes hard to network with, and Facebook is a great way to strengthen the current connections you already have.

• Audition. Practice on the people practicing on you - i.e. college films, web series, independent films that you can book on your own.

• Weekly Update for your team. Every week, compile a daily summary of your activity and send it to your team. This way, when your agent or manager sits down with a new batch of breakdowns, you’re at the top of their list.

We at The Lyndon Technique are issuing a challenge: Do the preceding six actions daily for two weeks, and then let us know how it went by posting on our Facebook Page, http://www.Facebook.com/TheLyndonTechnique. We guarantee that your career will experience a major shift in the right direction!

Justin Turner + Amy Lyndon
The Lyndon Technique
http://TheLyndonTechnique.com
http://www.TLTaccess.com - Download your FREE 4-Week Booking Kit! 

ARTICLE: Are You Working Hard Enough? Really?

Not easy to build.

Last month, I wrote an exclusive article for our TLTaccess.com Members about burnout - the inevitable result of too much stress and working at a level-ten frenzy. This month, I want to swing to the other side of the pendulum and ask you, “Are you really working hard enough?”

I think we actors can easily point to the trials and tribulations of trying to make it in show-business and come up with a myriad of reasons (excuses) why our careers aren’t moving forward. “It’s tough.” “I don’t have the money for classes/headshots/coaching.” “If I only knew the right people.” “If only my agent sent me in more, or I had a better agent.” And so on…

Guys, it is very tough to be an actor. A lot of gurus say that if you can do any other job – do it. Well, I say bull**** to that. Rather than bail on your dreams because you can, you should tighten your belt, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to beat the hell out of any challenges that dare to take you on.

Whether it’s money, time, agent issues or whatever, there is a solution that someone has discovered. You are not the first actor to wish they had better contacts or better reps. Your challenges are not unique to you, so, what makes YOU different from the thousands of working actors?

You’re not working hard enough, or you’re not working smart enough.

Now, before you go crazy on me, please note that the keyword there is enough. You may be working very hard and very smart, but it may not be enough. Enough is a relative term, and so you have to decide what’s enough for you. A 19-year-old gorgeous blond model who is the niece of a famous director is going to have a different value for the term “enough” than you might have. But the principle remains the same: If you’re going to be a successful actor, you have to figure out what it’s going to take, and then do ENOUGH OF IT!

Honestly guys, this is a big subject, because every actor’s journey is different, so I can’t point to a checklist of actions and wash my hands of you. If you’re struggling, stop trying to figure it out on your own. Get connected to a trusted group of actors or industry professionals who aren’t afraid to tell you you’re slacking off. Even better, schedule a Career Consultation with Amy locally or via Skype. Whatever you do, do it NOW. Like, right now, today, in the moment, because this is your dream we’re talking about! It’s you vs. the world, and only one of you gets to walk away victorious.

Time to roll up your sleeves.

Justin Turner + Amy Lyndon 

The Lyndon Technique

Marketing Director

http://www.TheLyndonTechnique.com

http://www.TLTaccess.com - Download your FREE 4-Week Booking Kit

818-760-8501 - Call to schedule your Career Consultation

ARTICLE: Can You Be Found?

Waldo wants to know where the heck are YOU?

Did you know that we live in a time where technology has almost rendered us unreachable? How do I know this? Well, try filling in for the people that work at The Lyndon Technique! Every time I take over the jobs of my associates - Michelle, Valerie and Justin - and call clients or potential clients back, it becomes an utter frustrating event.  And I thought calling the DMV was bad!

Are you reachable? Can you be found? Do you really think that an industry professional will stay interested if they have to track you down? How many job opportunities have you lost because you're hard to reach? The problem with that question is that you have no idea. It's hard enough to get opportunities in this business. Imagine if it was your agent, manager, producer, director or someone calling to book you.

I thought I'd compile a list of my eye opening experience when trying to call:

Mailbox full, sitting on hold listening to rap music, difficult to understand outgoing message, a wacky or 'too cool for school' outgoing message, a return call that's garbled because of a bad connection, no message service, answering the call like you just got out of bed or are hung over, a child or someone in the house answering your phone and you're nowhere to be found, a disconnected number with no forwarding number and a phone that picks up and then goes dead. I'm sure I've missed a couple, but you get the picture.

Your business begins at the front desk. Your phone and the way you answer the phone is the front desk. Whoever is at the "front desk" sets the first impression of your company. Make it easy on the people who need to get a hold of you. Run your business like a true business. Make people feel like they want to do business with you because you make their lives easier.

Here to help you guys. WHY? Because, I am YOU!



Cheers!
Amy Lyndon
CEO - The Lyndon Technique
http://thelyndontechnique.com
http://tltaccess.com - Download your FREE 4-Week Booking Kit!
http://www.imdb.me/amylyndon
818 760 8501

BOOKINGS for July 2011

The following clients of Amy's made July a big win for themselves! Check out previous months and then start your own success story by visiting www.LyndonTechnique.com


ALL THESE BOOKINGS FOR JULY!

Nadine Velazquez BOOKED a HUGE RECURRING GUEST STAR on HART OF DIXIE!

Justin Tinucci Booked the DISNEY Interstitial Series OUR TAKE and a Supporting Role in THE MUPPETS MOVIE!

Jennie Kamin Booked a Supporting Role in the Feature Film ROSWELL FM!

Lisa Gershuny Booked a Co-Star in BODY OF PROOF!

Marguerite Insolia Booked a Lead in the Feature Film FOXFUR, a Starring Role in the Film THE NIGHT BEFORE THE WEDDING and a Lead in the Feature Film HOLIDAY ROAD!

Sabrina Revelle Booked a Lead in the Feature Film BACK THEN and the Lead in the Film JUST ONE LOOK!

Corinne Spicer Booked a Supporting Role in the Feature Film GHOUL SCOUT ZOMBIE MASSACRE!

Mike Pfaff Booked a Series Regular in Comedic Untitled Pilot for Paramount and Starring Role in UH OH UFO for Funnyordie!

Maria Fagan Booked a Guest Star in WORLD'S MOST ASTONISHING NEWS!

Jodi Skeris Booked a National PROGRESSIVE Commercial!

Alton Willoughby Booked a Supporting Role in the Feature Film KILLING FRISCO!

Lauryn Story Booked a National BLUE CROSS ANTHEM Commercial!

Irina Skaya Booked a Supporting Role in the Feature Film DEATH OF THE SHEIK!

Dan Wiley Booked a Recurring 8 Arc Guest Lead in a Web Series!

Duane Avery Booked a Lead in the Film SINGULARITY!

Joshua and Dakota Bales Booked Lead Roles in an ABC Feature Film!

Sara Castro Booked the Series Lead in the Pilot HACIENDA HEIGHTS!

Ayesha Madison Booked a Guest Star in the Web Series THIS INDIE THING!

Brandon Killham Booked a National JIMMY DEAN Commercial!

Shirley Burns Booked a Supporting Role in the Film CYNTHIA UPSHAW!

Mariangela Pagan Booked a Supporting Role in the Feature Film THE MUPPET MOVIE!

Natalia Simone Booked a Promo for PHINEAS & FERB!

Anne Apra Booked a Lead in the Film VENOM!

Keevie Smith Booked a SIMMS VIDEO GAME Commercial!

ARTICLE: Get Your Juicy On!

You know what else is juicy? Oranges.

JUST DO IT! GET YOUR JUICY ON PEOPLE AND BOOK BIG!!!

Common, you know you love it. Why not commit to it? Why not go all the way with your feelings? Why not get dressed for the occasion and show up on time and go for it? You know they want you. You know you have the gift and the talent to make them say... Yes! Yes! So, why not do it? Why not put time and love into what you do? Why not just go there and take it? It's waiting there for you to take it. It's calling your name. Sound enticing?

I'm talking about your career. I'm talking about your dreams. You want it, right? Then go about it the correct way and be prepared. Get your juicy on. Have a plan of action. Show them what you're made of. Don't let some other person take what you want. Attack your opportunities. Don't let them pass you by. Taste it and go after it. Hit every thought. Set up every action, Know what you're doing. Know who you're talking to or about. Create your environment. Feel every moment and tell the absolute best story there is to tell. Expand your imagination and breathe in all the possibilities.

You sell it baby, and we will buy it! Give it all you got and walk away knowing that you were successful, interesting and juicy. You made it happen. You're the one to facilitate your dreams into reality. You're the captain of your ship. Just put up the sails and go.

Always here for YOU!

Amy Lyndon
CEO - The Lyndon Technique
818.760.8501
http://thelyndontechnique.com
http://www.imdb.me/amylyndon

Join us on Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/TheLyndonTechnique

Follow us on Twitter:
http://twitter.com/amylyndon

ARTICLE: Tell Me About Yourself

Done right, you can be charming too. Like this guy.

Actors take meetings; it’s just a part of what we do. Whether it’s meeting an agent or manager, auditioning for producers, or just networking at a bar, you’re out there connecting with people and talking about your career. And, of course, the infamous question always arises:  “Tell me a little bit about yourself?”

Actors - Here’s the answer to that question, in the order of importance:

Interesting Fact or Story – Actors are storytellers, and the people we’re meeting are usually people who hire those that tell the best story possible. Imagine your interviewer as a 5-yr-old who needs to be entertained and the goal is to tell an interesting and funny story that also relates to your castability to let the buyer know how much money they can make on you. For example, I play a gentle nerd a lot, and so one story I use is how as a kid I would ask my parents to buy me Star Wars toys, but you see, I would never take them out of the box. So even at 8 I thought of myself as a collector! What a cute little successful nerd! Get it? Or you might tell them an interesting story about your parents and that they’re missionaries who work for the Red Cross. You’ve got to have a hook so that they remember you distinctly.

Education – A brief recap of your education helps your interviewer get a feel for what they can expect. If a prestigious university or school puts their stamp of approval on you, you’re golden. Always express your enthusiasm and relevance to the industry: “I just started private coaching with Amy Lyndon and I can see why so many of her clients book because she’s been doing wonders for me. I seem to be booking every audition I go out on.” If you’re looking to move into sit-com work, make sure you mention that you do stand-up or you’re in a comedy troupe or improvisational group. Let them know where and when they can come to see your work.

Numbers – Agents and managers love numbers – that’s what they make money on.  For example: “In just under 2 years, I Booked a hit TV show, a Series Lead with Paramount Distributing, and I have a Feature Comedy in Post Production with a 2012 Release. And my Web Series was just picked up for 13 more episodes!” They are not interested in the details! It tells them that you are a booker and in the game to make them money. No credits? Then list other accomplishments like great reviews from Theatre Productions and tell them what type of roles you play and how excited you are to move into television.

These 3 elements are the foundation to a successful Tell Me About Yourself. Keep in mind, there is a Casting Director (30 seconds) version and even a one-line meet-a-Producer-in-a-bar version. Make sure you take advantage of this in your career consultation at www.TheLyndonTechnique.com - Amy Lyndon is an expert at getting you ready for every meeting and audition!

This article is meant to take out some of the mystery behind this very important question. A great interview can make a huge difference and we at The Lyndon Technique are thrilled to give you the “Cheat Sheet” to your success.

Always remember, stay positive and know that you are awesome!

Let us help YOU succeed!!!


Cheers!
Justin Turner, Marketing Director of The Lyndon Technique
Amy Lyndon, CEO + Founder of The Lyndon Technique
www.TLTaccess.com - Get your FREE 4-Week Booking Kit!
www.TheLyndonTechnique.com

ARTICLE: Consistency Cures Anxiety | TLTaccess Members Only

Dude. Chill.

I don’t know about you, but choosing acting as a career choice has proven to be a bit stressful at times. I’ve spent tens of thousands of dollars on training and materials, and the industry-wide success-to-rejection ratio just plain sucks. So for me, it’s easy to get stressed and anxious about my career. However, I’d like to share with you the cure.

Consistency is the cure for anxiety.

When we take action everyday, it breeds a sense of purpose and momentum, and alleviates those feelings of helplessness and anxiety about our careers – or lack thereof. This article will help you nip those feelings in the bud forever.

CLICK to visit www.TLTaccess.com, join, and click on the Articles page to download & read the rest of the article!

Ok, guys, get on the ball and create the Plan! I promise you this: all the feelings of anxiety, doubt, stress, helplessness and confusion will disappear if you do exactly what this article tells you. You can apply it to every part of your life, and I challenge you to mark your calendar for the day you started working the Plan, because a year later, you will be in a completely different place in your career.

What have you got to lose? Nothing, and you have everything to gain.



Cheers!
Justin Turner - Marketing Director
The Lyndon Technique
www.TheLyndonTechnique.com 
www.TLTaccess.com - Download your FREE 4-Week Booking Kit

Branding: The New Actor Buzzword

Figure it out.

The new buzzword in the acting community is “branding.” Going beyond type, the term “brand” is meant to put your type in the context of show business rather than just casting. If you understand your brand, your marketing package will always be in line.

The American Marketing Association (AMA) defines a brand as a "name, term, sign, symbol or design, or a combination of them intended to identify the goods and services of one seller or group of sellers and to differentiate them from those of other sellers.” In acting terms, it’s the stuff that makes you unique and different from other actors – even those within your type.

Therefore it makes sense to understand that branding is not about getting casting directors to choose you over the competition, but it is about getting casting directors and producers to see you as the unique solution to their casting needs. 

Your actor-brand does the following:

Delivers your “essence” clearly – At the very core of you is a set of qualities that make up who you are as a person. This is deeper than type – this is what you’ve been told your whole life. For example, I have often been described as hilarious, innocent/gentle, and smart, but with a mischievous side to me that runs through it all. From that, I developed my main types: the funny best friend, the slacker/stoner, and the cool geek. My website, postcards, and even resume are whimsical, brightly-colored, and a little sassy. You know exactly what you’re going to get when I walk into the room.

Reinforces your professionalism and credibility – Amy talks a lot about one’s work being “crispy,” which means beings so specific that it pops. Your brand, when it’s crispy, shows that you are on top of your game. No sloppiness, no doubt – your brand says, “I’m a pro, and you can trust me to be on a set that costs $2000/minute to run.”

Emotionally connects to the casting director & producers – Remember, you are in sales, and the product your selling is YOU. Think of a product like Apple: they’re not selling phones, they’re selling the experience of the phone, and you connect on an emotional level. “That’s so awesome!” or “I could do so many cool things with that.” Etc. The point is, you want to be their go-to actor, the face that pops up in their mind when they’re casting your type(s). When they get your postcard, or see your website, you want them to be emotionally affected so that they get excited and start imagining all the ways they could use you as an actor.

There are thousands and thousands of actors that look like you. There are thousands and thousands of actors that are as trained as you, have MFAs, etc. Your type is not unique. Other actors work just as hard as you. Your competition is fierce, and it’s easy to psych yourself out when you walk into an audition room because you’re going to see 20 people who “deserve” this part as much as you. The ONLY special thing about you is that there is only one of YOU – the special qualities and experiences that make up who you are. Figure out who that is, and you’ll have your brand.

Guys, casting directors and producers have a hard job. If you create a clear brand of the kind of actor that you are, you make their job easy – and that means more WORK!


Cheers!
Justin Turner - Marketing Director
The Lyndon Technique
www.TheLyndonTechnique.com 
www.TLTaccess.com - Download your FREE 4-Week Booking Kit

Are You Sacrificing For Success?

While coming back from Raleigh Studios where I had a callback for a film on a Sunday, it occurred to me how much I love to work on a set and how much through the years I have sacrificed for the love of my art. On this one, I sacrificed my entire weekend to study for the original audition on Saturday during the second half of Friday and got the callback on Saturday night - which led to studying all day on Sunday until the call.

Most of you know that my weekdays are very long and I that cherish my weekends. So why use up a precious weekend? Well, when all is said and done, I really am like you... an actor. And, I love to work. I believe that that is both a blessing and a curse. I have been "going at" this beast for 40+ Films and 30+ Television shows since I was a kid. I can also say that I would have been so much further along if I had said "no" to my gut feelings, made stronger choices about my life and sacrificed more when I started.

I must ask you, how many of you truly sacrifice your lives when an opportunity presents itself in order to work? We all know that this is perhaps the most inconvenient career known to man. Auditions and callbacks oftentimes come at the most inopportune time. How many of you rearrange your schedule to allow the time necessary to study and book a job? How much do you really want it? How many opportunities have passed you by when you didn't do the work? Do you really think that there are endless amounts of opportunities out there? What about the auditions that you thought were a waste of your time and then it turned out that that the Producer was extremely established and could possibly determine your fate or think of you in another role on their next project? Every industry professional that you meet is like opening another account. What about practicing on people out there so that when the big audition does come your way, you're ready?

I will tell you this, if you're anxious for your rep to call for feedback, you didn't do enough homework. Let me tell you, the callback is your feedback. Additionally, if you're still studying the script in the waiting room, you didn't do enough homework. If you're still going over your audition in the car on the way home, you didn't do enough homework. If you're still thinking about the audition and running it for weeks after you auditioned, you didn't do enough homework. So many times I'll see actors put down their scripts and say, "I've got it." Ask yourself, "Did you really prepare enough?" Do you guys know how many panic phone calls I get on a weekly basis from actors that are rusty and suddenly get a huge opportunity from out of the blue and need coaching? What about the times that I get a call last minute, when the actor had the script for 2 days prior? If you're saying, "That's not me," then you make me proud. If you're saying, "That is me," then you need to ask yourself, "How competitive are you going to be with so little preparation?" Why even go? You should just cancel. Do you really want anyone in this industry to remember you as just being okay? Don't you want to be on everyone's short list? How serious are you? Are you looking at your career as a hobby, or a true profession?

Trust me, the audition that you didn't work on could very well be the one that can change your life. Do you really want it to go to some other actor? Sometimes all you need is one great role that can change the course of your career. It is said that, "Success always comes when preparation meets opportunity." I do believe that to be true.



Always here for you,
Amy Lyndon
CEO - The Lyndon Technique
_________________________
Amy Lyndon is the Founder and CEO of the Lyndon Technique, a 15 Guideline Map to Booking for actors at all levels. With over 20 years experience and clients at all levels of the industry, Amy provides insights found nowhere else. Check out her totally free 4-Week Booking Kit at www.TLTaccess.com

FREE PREMIUM AUDIO for sharing the 4-Week Booking Kit

Help other actors, and you can rock out like this guy.

EARN a copy of Amy's Premiere Business audio: How To Put Together Your Acting Package ($20 value)

Simply share our totally FREE and incredibly magical 4-Week Booking Kit!


HOW YOU WIN: It's very easy, really - whoever refers the most people to the new 4-Week Booking Kit earns a copy of Amy's gigantic business lecture entitled How To Put Together Your Acting Package. Simply direct your friends to www.TLTaccess.com, have them click on the 4WBK link, then put your name in the referral box. Each month, the guy or gal with the most referrals wins!
*Bonus: If you are a member of TLTaccess.com and you refer the most people, you get a FREE private coaching session valued at $100!

WHAT'S THE 4-WEEK BOOKING KIT?  The 4WBK is Amy Lyndon's brand new actor resource that's totally free. Over the course of 4 weeks, actors receive premium content normally reserved for paying Members of TLTaccess.com. We cover the challenges of booking gigs, motivation, the Formula For Success, and even show you a full-length coaching session to see the information in practice! No sales, just information. You can click here to read all about it and sign up yourself!

WHAT YOU WIN:
"How To Put Together Your Acting Package!"
The INSIDE Scoop! ($20 on Amy's home site)
Amy Lyndon's MOST EXTENSIVE LECTURE TO DATE!!! With over 13 Points of reference this lecture stands at 1 HOUR 46 MINUTES in length! Full of important information this is not a lecture to miss.

1. Interview Skills	8. Negotiating
2. What Is My Essence/My Type	9. Casting Director Workshops
3. Writing Your Resume	10. Postcards – Marketing
4. Pictures	11. Submission Sites
5. Demo Reels	12. Inside Scoop On Auditions
6. Agents And Managers	13. Q & A's
7. Internet Movie Database

Hi Amy,
I enjoyed listening to the lecture "How To Put Together Your Acting Package" and hearing you break down each topic. It gave me a lot of good ideas to think about, especially the Interview, Resume, and Negotiating topics. I absolutely love your brutally honest approach, and I jotted down many 'pearls of wisdom' from this lecture.
Many thanks!
Robert Glen Decker

BRAND NEW: The Free 4-WEEK BOOKING KIT!

Download your very own FREE 4-Week Booking Kit!

Welcome to the first step in finally making a difference in your career! Take a second, and ask yourself these questions:

• Am I frustrated by the progress of my career?
• Do I feel like no matter how hard I work, I'm just spinning my wheels?
• Am I looking for someone to give me guidance that actually works?
• Am I ready to make a change?

If you answered "yes" to any of those questions, you're in the right place. Amy Lyndon and her team at TLTaccess have over 75 years of combined experience working within this industry. We are YOU - working actors out on auditions every day.

Amy also works as one of Los Angeles' top booking coaches, starting the careers of thousands of actors. Every month, we post dozens and dozens of success stories on our website, so you can see why you might want to get on board! This package we're about to share with you is like nothing else in the industry.

This 4-Week Booking Kit is PACKED full of market-tested information proven to bump you into the top 1% of the industry. And it's FREE!

 

Your 4-Week Booking Kit contains:

WEEK 1 - Myths About Booking & The Business - There's so much misinformation out there that it's no wonder that actors often start to flounder. We share with you three audios that cover everything from why actors fail to the biggest myths about the business!
WEEK 2 - Addressing The Biggest Challenges - In this short video, Amy Lyndon sits down and lays out the 5 biggest challenges actors face and what you can do to overcome those challenges. 
WEEK 3 - The Basics of Marketing - Did you know that there is a formula for success? Yep, there is a very simple formula to becoming a successful working actor. That's just one of the articles we share with you during week 3.
WEEK 4 - Coaching Session Voyeur - For the first time ever at The Lyndon Technique, we are making a video of one of Amy's legendary coaching sessions public! Watch as she takes a good actor and makes him great. Then you can apply her techniques to your own audition!

 TOTAL VALUE = $100+

This is a FREE gift to you, chock full of useful information. We believe in under-promising and over-delivering, so rather than offer you some measly tips with a thinly veiled sales letter, we offer you some of our most popular videos, articles and audios normally reserved for paying customers.

Don't wait, sign up now! 

SIGN UP - Get your FREE 4-Week Booking Kit! * indicates required Email Address * First Name * Referred By Close

The first two subscription confirmation emails you receive will have a file attached called a VCF file

You can ignore this entirely. It is a file that stores our contact info for CAN-SPAM laws.

It has nothing to do with the kit. Thank you :-)

TESTIMONIALS

Amy and Justin!

The 4-Week Booking Kit is not only setting me up with the tools I need to go into the room and book the job, but it has also provided me with great tips that will help me build my career in the long run. I am so blessed to have the two of you at my side! I am so grateful to you both, thanks!

Braden Paes

_____

Amy--

I wanted to take a moment and thank you... for all that you do and are.  My ambition has ignited like never before to be who I am supposed to be in this industry.  Reading and responding to the few questions from the 4 Week Booking Kit has already began to center me and fuels my drive for this.  It is vital we remember WHY we do this, WHY I wake up at five AM to serve coffee so I have my days free for auditions and ready for BOOKINGS, WHY I wake up more motivated each day knowing I'm another step closer to working more as an actress.  I know you understand the passion that jolts our reasons for turning around what can be known as "the monotony" of this industry, to "the motivation" to press through and win.  I am so blessed to have found you all at TLT and I look forward to learning and growing every week.  Cannot wait for tomorrow's email. A most sincere thank you,

Christie Brooke

_____

Amy and Justin,

Thank you for this great information!!!!!!!!!

DH Lewis

_____

Niiiiiice! Super stuff! Thanks!

Heidi Carmichael

_____

"You're frakken fantastic. I feel so grateful to have your passionate honesty. Rock on!"

Super Joey @ Vimeo

SEMINAR: How To Book A Co-Star

Hey guys! The Lyndon Technique and TLTaccess' FREE 4-Week Booking Kit proudly present Amy's first interactive seminar...

How To Book A Co-Star

When: Saturday, June 4th | 11:00am - 3:00pm

Where: Studio City, CA

Rate: $100

CALL with questions/RSVP: 818.760.8501

*SPACE IS LIMITED: As of this posting, there are only 4 spots left!!

ABOUT THIS CLASS: As an internationally-renowned booking coach and the author of The Lyndon Technique: The 15 Guideline Map To Booking, Amy Lyndon is the authority on booking. With dozens of success stories every month, it's no wonder Backstage readers named her one of L.A.'s Best! 

Ms. Lyndon has decided to offer her first public interactive seminar on the topic that tends to plague actors the most: booking those first few Co-Stars. With as little as one or two lines, how can you deliver the necessary performance to earn the booking? Amy answers that and all your Co-Star questions.

Stop spinning your wheels, and find out EXACTLY what you need to do to book those credits! Call the office now as space is limited (4 spots left as of this posting). 818.760.8501

Honing Your Edge: The Power & Purpose of Consistent Marketing

Tom Cruise keeps it real.

I’ve been talking to a lot of actors lately that feel like the actions they take never get them direct results. Consequently, they give up on those actions. It can be frustrating when you’ve put time and effort into your business and yet there seems to be no direct results. However, I’d like to challenge some of your ideas when it comes to getting “results.”

In TLTaccess, we talk a LOT about different marketing techniques, but you probably at least know the basics: mailings, postcards, websites, social media, etc. These can all be tedious to keep updated and maintain consistently – especially when “nothing ever happens.” Here’s the thing though: these actions aren’t meant to get you direct results.

“Wait, what? Then why the hell am I doing them?”

Good question. While consistent marketing will help get you results, there will almost never be a direct correlation. What consistent marketing will do is prepare you for when opportunity and preparation meet in the form of an audition, agent meeting, or general.

Let me give you an image: by the advent of the Edo period of Japan, a class of former-mercenaries – Samurai – had been elevated to the highest caste system in the society. These warriors were renowned for their fierce military prowess and ethical code of honor. Their symbol was their weapon, the samurai sword. Samurai kept their swords razor-sharp; so sharp, that many on the receiving end claimed that a cut from a samurai sword didn’t even hurt at first because it was so freakin’ sharp. Samurai would spend hours and hours sharpening and honing the edge of their swords knowing that when it came time to do battle, their weapons would carve through any barrier of armor like it was warm butter. This elevated them from being careless or lazy mercenaries to being legendary warriors.

Consistent marketing isn’t your prowess on the battlefield. Consistent marketing is the long hours you put into honing the edge of your career. If you have clearly typed yourself, then doing mailings and casting workshops and creating one-sheets keeps that sharp. So when you walk into an audition room, you are the sharpest version of that type in the room, so clearly defined that it’s impossible to ignore. Guess what? You’re hired. When you walk into an agent’s office and you have exercised the muscle of razor-sharp self-promotion, the agent will start trying to convince you why you should sign with them, not the other way around. (No joke: a TLTaccess.com member just had 4 agent meetings and every single one made offers and follow-up calls essentially fighting over him!)

Guys, hone your edge. Stay consistent, but just remember that your marketing is not the battlefield – it is what prepares you to be a legendary warrior. Er, actor. :-P 

Vote for Amy Lyndon

Hey guys! This is Justin Turner, Amy's Marketing Director, and I am commissioning you for support!

Guys, let's pump Amy up!! Last year's runner-up, this year's winner! Vote for Amy Lyndon under Cold-Reading for Backstage's Readers Choice Awards Los Angeles.

http://www.backstage.com/bso/news-and-features-bulletins/vote-for-back-stage-s-2011-readers-choice-1005109632.story

Booking Is A Separate Beast!

Acting vs. Booking. Totally different, both formidable.

In all the years that I have been working as an actor, I cannot recall ever completely duplicating my audition during a shoot. Inevitably something gets changed. So much so sometimes I think to myself, "This is so different from my audition, why did they even pick me?" The answer is simple. Booking is a separate beast! When you understand that booking a job is not necessarily how you're going to shoot the job, then you will start separating out the two and see booking as it's own art form. Trust me on this guys, I have booked over 40 films and 30 television shows in addition to helping actors book when I was a personal manager for 9 years and personally coaching 1000's of actors over the years and witness them booking big jobs!

So what constitutes a booking? Well, it would take an entire "War and Peace" gigantic book to describe that one to you, but what I will tell you is that you have to be dynamic. Actors are so afraid of "going over the top" that they actually put a cap on their own performance. Did you know that 'going over the top' is simply not being in truth? If you are in EXACT TRUTH according to the writer's intent and you are in the tone and style of the show or film, then why are you hitting it at a comfortable 7 when you should be hitting it at a 10+ to take the job? Why get all dressed up and inconvenience yourself to get to an audition and not go there to book it?

Instead of running your scene with anyone that will help you and flattening the hell out of it, why not section out your script and work your transitions and see if you actually know where this is for you and if you understand exactly what you are saying and feeling? Look for the transitions and keep switching them effortlessly like a precision driver. If you run the lines, then they will sound like lines run.

Another thing that constitutes a booking is knowing what you are doing. Why would anyone hire you if you don't know what you doing? Trust me, the last thing a casting director wants to hear from their boss is that they messed up by bringing you into their producer session and onto a set when you didn't know what you are doing.

Also, are you prepared to shoot the scene right there in the office? If not, then don't go to that audition. This is an add water and stir business people. I'm sorry, but no one cares about your process. Are you there to deliver the goods or not? Stop thinking that you're going to get a second take or an adjustment to help you hit it exactly where they want you to be. If 6 actors are brought in for one job and 5 actors get it on the first take, why would they bring back the 6th actor who needed an adjustment? Be logical. Look at this business as a business. If the tables were turned, would you do business with you? Are you conducting yourself as a business? Are you really ready to work? This isn't a joke. This is the real deal. Information is power!

Here's to booking big!
xoxo
Amy Lyndon
CEO - The Lyndon Technique
http://thelyndontechnique.com
818.760.8501