A social media age in the industry!
In my down time at my medical role play job today- I’ve been looking more in-depth at the lenses, especially part of one that really grabs my attention- Web 2.0!
‘The phrase Web 2.0 refers to a second-generation of web-based communities. This includes social-networking sites (like Facebook and Twitter), blogs, collaboration sites such as wikis, all which aim to facilitate collaboration and sharing between users’ - quoted from the Mod One Handbook
As I graduated five years ago, I have noticed a marked shift in the use of technology within the arts as a means of networking, establishing community and finding work. There is no doubt that the way we can get auditions and jobs has changed massively even in such a short period of time. Self tapes and showreels mean we can apply to jobs all over the world and also that creative teams can see a wider range of people for first rounds and save money and time that would’ve otherwise be spent organising and running auditions. In terms of learning, this is also a skill which I have had to develop through trial and error- acquiring tools along the way through Google, purchasing equipment such as Ring Lights so I can film at any time and getting to grips with editing tapes on my IPhone.
Multiple jobs I’ve had recently I’ve found through more official channels (Spotlight/Mandy etc), but on many occasions I have also found jobs through Twitter and Facebook. A large part of my practice is using Twitter as my news for the arts. Everyone I follow is within the industry, so I find I can keep up with what’s going on by following what’s on, what’s being cast, what the trends are etc. My contract abroad last year meant I had six full months of work just through seeing a Facebook post on a group for women in the arts. Truthfully, I feel Web 2.0 is enhancing my life as an actor as it gives me more autonomy when it comes to my own career.
Alongside these two main points, I have to also refer to the theory that Web 2.0 starts communities by providing a ‘social space for people, strangers and almost strangers with diverse backgrounds to come together as equals, as generators of ideas, to deliberate and act collectively’ (Feenberg and Bakardjieva, 2004 p.38). We are all aware of the impact of platforms online to enact social change - #MeToo started a global movement and connected people with shared experiences. This community aspect is shared in the recent industry #YesorNo campaign (which aims to have agreement across all mediums of the industry that all actors will receive an answer either way on whether they secure a role or not). Kate Davies-Speak also started the fantastic #ShowreelShareDay - so that actors can send out their showreels, retweet others’ and have a rare moment of solidarity in a competitive and isolating industry. Content creation has also led to podcasts such as ‘The 98%’ set up to shed a light on actors’ life in The 98% of performers who don’t make their living solely from acting. ‘Industry Minds’ discusses the importance of talking about mental health within the arts. Web 2.0 has given us the ability to amplify our own voice and others. I am excited to implement this lense within my portfolio, as it absolutely fascinates me!
Useful links:
The 98% Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-98/id1354570696
Industry minds podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/industry-minds/id1435817082
https://www.equity.org.uk/news/2019/september/get-your-yesno-following-auditions-equity-launches-new-code-of-conduct-for-auditions-at-west-end-deputies-meeting/
Self tape fun below 👇👇👇
‘The phrase Web 2.0 refers to a second-generation of web-based communities. This includes social-networking sites (like Facebook and Twitter), blogs, collaboration sites such as wikis, all which aim to facilitate collaboration and sharing between users’ - quoted from the Mod One Handbook
As I graduated five years ago, I have noticed a marked shift in the use of technology within the arts as a means of networking, establishing community and finding work. There is no doubt that the way we can get auditions and jobs has changed massively even in such a short period of time. Self tapes and showreels mean we can apply to jobs all over the world and also that creative teams can see a wider range of people for first rounds and save money and time that would’ve otherwise be spent organising and running auditions. In terms of learning, this is also a skill which I have had to develop through trial and error- acquiring tools along the way through Google, purchasing equipment such as Ring Lights so I can film at any time and getting to grips with editing tapes on my IPhone.
Multiple jobs I’ve had recently I’ve found through more official channels (Spotlight/Mandy etc), but on many occasions I have also found jobs through Twitter and Facebook. A large part of my practice is using Twitter as my news for the arts. Everyone I follow is within the industry, so I find I can keep up with what’s going on by following what’s on, what’s being cast, what the trends are etc. My contract abroad last year meant I had six full months of work just through seeing a Facebook post on a group for women in the arts. Truthfully, I feel Web 2.0 is enhancing my life as an actor as it gives me more autonomy when it comes to my own career.
Alongside these two main points, I have to also refer to the theory that Web 2.0 starts communities by providing a ‘social space for people, strangers and almost strangers with diverse backgrounds to come together as equals, as generators of ideas, to deliberate and act collectively’ (Feenberg and Bakardjieva, 2004 p.38). We are all aware of the impact of platforms online to enact social change - #MeToo started a global movement and connected people with shared experiences. This community aspect is shared in the recent industry #YesorNo campaign (which aims to have agreement across all mediums of the industry that all actors will receive an answer either way on whether they secure a role or not). Kate Davies-Speak also started the fantastic #ShowreelShareDay - so that actors can send out their showreels, retweet others’ and have a rare moment of solidarity in a competitive and isolating industry. Content creation has also led to podcasts such as ‘The 98%’ set up to shed a light on actors’ life in The 98% of performers who don’t make their living solely from acting. ‘Industry Minds’ discusses the importance of talking about mental health within the arts. Web 2.0 has given us the ability to amplify our own voice and others. I am excited to implement this lense within my portfolio, as it absolutely fascinates me!
Useful links:
The 98% Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-98/id1354570696
Industry minds podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/industry-minds/id1435817082
https://www.equity.org.uk/news/2019/september/get-your-yesno-following-auditions-equity-launches-new-code-of-conduct-for-auditions-at-west-end-deputies-meeting/
Self tape fun below 👇👇👇
Its interesting, as I obviously know the opportunities that have come your way via Web 2.0, and it's interesting to see that in counterpoint to how I feel about socials. Yes it's been good for you/us, but just today I've seen an industry related post that has been very demoralising, so I think it definitely works both ways, unfortunately there's no real way to cater for only the positive.....
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