My guest on this episode of the Hometown to Hollywood podcast is producer, writer, and showrunner Diane Burroughs. Diane is best known for This is What Democracy Looks Like, Still Standing, Rita Rocks, Yes Dear, and The Drew Carey Show.
Diane shares her years of experience generously and speaks very directly about how actors both fail and succeed in this industry, including sharing audition advice, advice for parents of actors, thoughts for writers, and general excellent insight for anyone who wants to work in entertainment.
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Some of my favorite quotes from our conversation:
- “I do think it’s important to have your own website, and have a social presence.”
- “Don’t come in and say, ‘Hey, I’ve never seen this show. Can you tell me something about it?’”
- “Why would you tell me, ‘I don’t watch sitcoms’ when you’re auditioning for a sitcom?”
- “Multicamera sitcom acting is way different than single-camera, or feature film, or even being on a stage.”
- “Remember what you did in the audition when you go to the table read.”
- “Typecasting is not a bad thing. Typecasting will get you work.”
- “Just because you don’t get cast doesn’t mean I’ve completely put you out of my mind.”
- “I got into this business because I wanted to make America laugh.”
- “If you want to be a screenwriter, read screenplays.”
- “Don’t be so hard on yourself. The business is hard enough. We need to build ourselves up.”
- “You are enough. Bring YOU into the audition, and you will get cast.”
Contact Diane for pitching and script support here:
pitchtome.diane@gmail.com
Diane’s generous sharing of her experience and advice reminds us that there is so much to know about this industry that isn’t necessarily logical or obvious. The entertainment industry has it’s own rules in many ways. And in many ways it’s a business like any other. How do you know when it’s one or the other? It can be helpful to get insight form someone who’s been there. If you could use some help navigating the industry, reach out and schedule an online consultation with me. In one session we can answer your questions and set you up with a detailed action plan. I look forward to speaking with you!
Did you enjoy this podcast episode? You may enjoy my interview with Kevin Mock, director, producer, and editor, best known for his work on DC’s Legends of Tomorrow, America’s Next Top Model, LA Heat, The Flash, and Chuck.