Tunnel Vision: Why Booking the Role Isn't Always the Goal

I feel incredibly privileged that so many actors trust me to help them with their self-tapes—whether it’s in person or over Zoom. It’s a part of my job that I absolutely love, but there's something I see time and time again. A pattern. A kind of tunnel vision.

Actors come in laser-focused on one thing: booking the role.

And while that drive and passion are beautiful—admirable, even—I believe this kind of mindset can be a missed opportunity.

Don’t get me wrong, wanting the job is natural. We all want to work. We all want to be seen. But the truth is, so much about booking a role is out of your control. You might be too tall, too short, too much like the lead, not enough like the lead. Maybe the director’s cousin suddenly became available. Who knows?

The point is—you can’t control the outcome. But you can control your tape.

Instead of fixating on “How do I book this part?”, I encourage you to ask:
“How do I make this the best self-tape I possibly can?”

That’s what I focus on in my coaching. That’s what I care about. And that’s what I think really moves the needle over time.

Because the goal isn’t just to book this job. The goal is to build a career.
To be seen as someone who is consistent, reliable, and professional—someone who delivers every single time.

You may not book the role of Kate in the new Netflix drama—but if you turn in a stellar tape, the casting director will remember you. And the next time a role that fits you better comes along, you’re no longer just a name on a list. You’re the actor who made a great tape. Who took direction. Who showed up ready.

I believe being reliable is one of the most underrated superpowers in our industry. It creates trust. It builds relationships. It makes casting directors, producers, and directors feel safe with you. You become low risk. You’re no longer the wildcard.

And let me tell you—good people get remembered.

So if you’re feeling the pressure of a big audition, take a breath. Zoom out. Instead of pouring all your energy into booking the job, shift your focus to creating the kind of self-tape that makes people go, “Wow. Let’s bring them in again.”

It’s a long game. And if you keep showing up with consistency and excellence, your work will pay off.

Let’s make great tapes. Let’s be the actors people can count on.
Let’s own it.

Big hug,

Natalia

If you enjoyed my blog and it resonated with you, I’d be truly grateful if you shared it on your social media so it might support other actors as well. My goal is to create a safe, encouraging space where actors can feel seen and supported.