In the past three weeks, I have learned more about the media business then I could ever imagine learning in a strictly academic setting. The first week was dedicated to "learning the ropes." As a casting agency, the firm markets its clients to casting directors. After two weeks of helping in the casting of our clients, I actually met some of them. They include Cynthia Nixon (Sex & the City), Mekhi Phifer (I Still Know What You Did Last Summer), and Leonardo Nam (The Perfect Score).
The media business can be very rewarding, but can also make a person feel isolated from the world. Many aspiring actors worry that everyone else is succeeding while they are "still waiting." New artists may be on a roller coaster for years. The casting business is just another example of capitalism at work. While there are some people who have the talent to succeed, others do not (and are sometimes misled by their managers.) Fortunately, I work for a firm that emphasizes advancing the client before advancing commissions.