Today was a big day.
I had that meeting with the talent agency. I'll keep their name a secret for now until it becomes official, but I've been offered a contract, and it's up to me to sign it.
First, let me tell you how God works.
I went to an actor's fair on Saturday not really knowing what to expect. It was their first year doing this in Austin, so they also didn't know what to expect, and a couple hundred people wasn't really their idea when they thought of "minimum." I had to wait in line for two hours just to get an audition time at 3:45 p.m. We had been given about 15 scenes to choose one from (as males) to audition for 15 representatives from Talent Agencies. I had narrowed down my pick, but I wasn't sure which one I was going to do.
I will say that I was leaning towards a West Wing script.
Either way I had some time to figure it out. So I went to a couple of workshops with my friend Alex to get some good advice. I found out there how the casting process works for directors, and how much is based off sight before you even get to speak a word at an audition. Here I learned that I need to choose a scene that plays off my type, and the way I was dressed. I'm still not sure what my type is, but I know I wasn't dressed well enough for The West Wing, so I passed on that.
I went more for a regular guy. Something laid back.
Little did I know, it would be this decision that would get me the call from a talent agency.
At the meeting today I was told that I was picked because this agency doesn't have a type like the one she saw in me. Mind you I was wearing my glasses, so when she said, "Laid back, sorta slacker, college type or boy next door" then you can get the picture. I'm not arguing this type whatsoever, but I'll admit it's not always what an actor wants to here. However I was asked to take my glasses off and this changed perceptions a little bit. As it stands I'll still be sold to producers and directors as the "boy next door" until the agent can see what else I'm capable of, but at least I know there's room to change peoples minds and to test my versatility.
Where does God come into all of this?
Well besides just being awesome. I realized today that if it wasn't for me choosing the exact script and rehearsing the part like I did, I would not have gotten that call from this particular agent. You see, she wanted someone that the agency didn't already have, and if I had played the "I'm the leading but sarcastic anti-hero" then I probably wouldn't have gotten the offer.
I can't say I've ever been pinned down to a type. I can't say that I ever will.
But I also don't know what type will be best for me, or what roles I will play in the future. I'd like to be diverse, like I already have been, but I have to go with what people see me as. Whatever this agency saw is what got me the meeting, and I'm a believer that God was the one who orchestrated it.
Then there's the callback I received for a sci-fi project I auditioned for last week. I won't say much about it, but I will say that it's an internet series pilot where I'll (hopefully) play a principal character (navigator of the ship) who does NOT play towards the type this agency saw in me. This gives me a chance, if I get the part, to show them what else I'm capable of, and that I don't have to be tied down completely. I think this might be God orchestrated too, but I'll reserve that praise until everything is done.
Right now I just want to voice what I've been trying to say all day.
Whatever is happening, I'm grateful to God for doing it, and I know it will all work out. I truly thank Him for these opportunities and all that He has given me the past few months. Without Him I am nothing, and I hope I continue to remember that. Should everything go according to plan the next week or so, then I'll have taken the steps to the future I've been imagining for years, and if it falls through, well then I know that it will be God destined as well. I would be happy with ministry if that's His will.
For now I'm going to let this subject linger until everything is said and done. If you would like to pray for me, then please pray that I never lose sight of the one who is in control, and that I continue to seek Him first and to not do anything for my own gain.
I hope I'm ready for this.
Mattias is an actor, writer, filmmaker, and editor currently living in Los Angeles, CA. He often writes about his observations about life, the human condition, spirituality, and relationships. He also enjoys writing about movies, pop culture, formula one, and current events. Often these writings are 'initial thoughts' and un-edited, as authentic as possible, and should be considered opinions. If you're interested in commenting on his work, or continuing the conversation, you should consider following him on Twitter or share an article on social media, where he would love to engage even further. Consider subscribing via RSS for more.