Ep. 35 - Big Markets vs. Smaller Markets for Actors

Pros of being a working actor in a big market:

1. Greater job opportunities: In a big market, there are more film and television productions, theater companies, and advertising agencies, which means more opportunities for actors to find work.
2. Exposure to top industry professionals: Big markets are home to some of the most prestigious and influential professionals in the entertainment industry, giving actors access to a wider network of people who can help them advance their careers.
3. Higher pay: Actors in big markets tend to earn higher salaries due to the larger budgets and higher production values of the projects they work on.

Cons of being a working actor in a big market:

1. Stiff competition: With more actors vying for the same roles, it can be more challenging to stand out and land jobs.
2. High cost of living: Living in a big market can be expensive, with high housing costs and other living expenses that can eat into an actor's earnings.
3. Greater pressure to conform: In a big market, there may be more pressure on actors to fit into a certain mold or adhere to certain industry standards, which can limit creativity and individuality.

Pros of being a working actor in a small market:

1. Tight-knit community: Smaller markets tend to have a closer-knit community of actors, directors, and other industry professionals, which can create a supportive and collaborative environment.
2. Greater opportunities for local work: In a small market, there may be more opportunities to work on local projects, such as theater productions, indie films, or regional commercials.
3. Lower cost of living: In general, living expenses tend to be lower in small markets, which means actors can stretch their earnings further.

Cons of being a working actor in a small market:

1. Fewer job opportunities: There may be fewer productions and projects in a small market, which can limit the number of jobs available to actors.
2. Limited exposure to top industry professionals: Small markets may not have as many industry heavyweights, which can limit an actor's exposure to people who can help them advance their careers.
3. Lower pay: Actors in small markets may earn less than their counterparts in big markets due to the lower budgets and production values of the projects they work on.