Jessica Sloan: The Business of Acting

Hello listeners! Welcome to yet another invigorating episode of "Confessions of an Aging Ingénue." I'm your Aging Ingénue, Jenni Tooley, and I'm exceptionally thrilled to have you join me today.But before we jump into today's conversation, I have some exciting news to share. If you're a fan of Season One (and let's be honest, who isn't?), I've got a special treat for you – the Interactive Companion Guide. Head over to Jennitooley.com to grab your copy and enhance your listening experience.I’m thrilled to have Jessica Sloan as an esteemed guest on today’s episode! Jessica is a seasoned industry professional with a diverse background in film and television. From interning at top organizations like Miramax to her role as a casting coordinator at Beth Sepko Casting, Jessica has extensive experience in the entertainment industry. With 17 years as a full-time on-camera agent and head of the voiceover department at a prestigious talent agency, Jessica brings a wealth of knowledge to the table. She's now the secretary for Women in Filmand Television Austin and runs her own consulting firm, First Take, where she teaches the business of acting.Jessica Sloan was also my former agent of over ten years and I’m excited to have her share her journey and experience, starting from her intern days at the Austin Film Society to her transition into talent representation. Including pivotal moments in her career like the decision to pursue a new path after realizing the toll of constant hustle and the importance of finding balance in life - all in today’s episode!We explored the challenges and rewards of navigating the entertainment industry, from auditioning for major shows like ‘Fear The Walking Dead’ to the intricacies of agent-client relationships. This episode is packed with valuable insights into the entertainment industry's inner workings that are sure to inspire listeners – whether or not you’re in the industry.Highlights of our conversation include:    Living a Well-Rounded Life: we discussed the goal of living a well-rounded life, despite conflicting desires and the importance of balance and understanding personal desires (30:56).Fear of Saying No: we talked about the fear of saying no, especially in the acting profession and how actors can take control of their careers and not compromise their values (31:12).  Navigating Auditions: how to handle auditions and stick to your principles (32:03).Personal Journey in the Industry: we discussed some personal experiences and struggles in the entertainment industry (34:30).Creating Opportunities: rather than waiting for them (45:19).Union Membership: the challenges and benefits of being a SAG (Screen Actors Guild) member in a right-to-work state (46:02).Union Membership in Texas: joining a union in Texas and the importance of personal choice (52:32).   Dealing with Anxiety: we shared our individual experiences with anxiety and how to manage it. (53:38).  Encouragement to Seek Help: the importance of acknowledging mental health struggles and seeking help (01:09:40).Jessica’s story is one of resilience, growth, and a passion for empowering others and we’re excited to have you join us in this episode, as we reminisce, laugh, and share practical wisdom! Don’t miss a second of this engaging, entertaining, and insightful episode of "Confessions of an Aging Ingénue." Get full access to w/Jenni Tooley at www.jennitooley.com/subscribe