Upfronts just ended so we thought this would be a good time to answer the question… what the heck are upfronts?!
Upfronts are annual TV presentations that usually take place in New York (however thanks to dear old Covid, they’ve been virtual the last 2 years as of 2021).
They are put on by TV networks with an intent to sell commercial space for the upcoming season ahead of time to advertisers. Networks try to “wow” potential advertisers with their pilot slate, as well as the strength of returning shows.
𝕋𝕙𝕖 𝕥𝕖𝕣𝕞 “𝕦𝕡𝕗𝕣𝕠𝕟𝕥𝕤” 𝕣𝕖𝕗𝕖𝕣𝕤 𝕥𝕠 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕨𝕖𝕖𝕜𝕤 𝕠𝕗 “𝕦𝕡𝕗𝕣𝕠𝕟𝕥” 𝕒𝕕 𝕤𝕒𝕝𝕖𝕤 𝕥𝕙𝕒𝕥 𝕒𝕣𝕖 𝕝𝕒𝕦𝕟𝕔𝕙𝕖𝕕 𝕕𝕦𝕣𝕚𝕟𝕘 𝕥𝕙𝕚𝕤 𝕥𝕚𝕞𝕖.
Each year, billions of dollars and thousands of jobs are in play as broadcast and cable networks make strong cases as to why they’re still relevant in the days of digital and user-generated content.
There can be a bit of a “lull” for actors in between pilot season and episodic season (although many would argue pilot season is becoming more year-round each year). But once pilots are picked up and shows are renewed, things really start to get busy again.
Episodic season (which is relatively around July-Sept) is a great time to focus on getting more TV audition opportunities.
#themoreyouknow #thecastingdirectorscut #terminologytuesday #actorlife
Related reading: What Is Paid Ads Billing? Actor Credit on Posters, What Are Given Circumstances in Acting? and What Is Imposter Syndrome for Actors? What Can Help.
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