Episode 4

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Published on:

28th Mar 2024

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."

Also, make sure to subscribe to the monthly Museletter to get exclusive tips and insider info.

I'm Jenni Tooley, your guide through the chaos, and I can't wait to hear your thoughts. Please comment, review, follow, and subscribe – your support keeps this podcast thriving. Also, be sure to check out my website for more resources and updates on upcoming episodes.

Season two promises to be another captivating, thought-provoking and insightful ride! So don’t miss any episodes.

Until next time, lovelies! Stay fabulous, stay real.


Connect with me:

Instagram: Jenni Tooley

Facebook: Jenni Tooley

Website: Jennitooley.com


 

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About the Podcast

Confessions of an Aging Ingenue
from insecure ingenue to perimenopausal powerhouse
Go BTS into my creative life/career as I regain my integrity and create a system that aligns with my values and supports an abundant, healthy lifestyle.

It’s taken me decades to find my way back to me. The journey has been messy, out of control and all of the things I feared. I fear them no more. Take these stories as your own.

Imperfect. Unedited. Uncensored.
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About your host

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Jenni Tooley

Hi! I am Jenni Tooley and I have a lot going on! I tend to go where I am led, am highly adaptable and have a wide variety of transferable skills and talents. This means I have experienced a whole lot so far in life-- I have owned and operated my own cottage bakery, am a trained birth doula, am a yoga teacher, am a professional actor, have worked in non-profit development, launched a web series and just distributed my first feature film, STUCK. Oh! Did I happen to mention I've also been an actor for over 3 decades and played alongside in Richard Linklater's Boyhood? That all sounds amazing- and super woman-ish, right?

What you may not know is that although I am a creative human, I am also a messy one. I've been around lot of blocks and trudged through around and over some of the deepest blocks within myself. I know what it's like to feel stuck- unable to move forward. I know what it's like to be overwhelmed with self-doubt. I know what it's like to feel like I or what I do is never enough. I've spent years trying to "fix" myself. I have a "chick with a stick" in my brain that loves to whack me around whenever I make a mistake, show my imperfections, or am willing to be vulnerable. She thinks she's keeping me safe. But I'm tired of being abused by myself. My "good enough" is actually more than good enough. I don't have to go outside of myself for validation. And being vulnerable is really hot!

I won't claim to have completely overcome all these things-- after all I am human. But I've gotten through them and continue to build myself up rather than break myself down, most days:) Along my journey I have collected so many tools, a whole lot of experience, and have always been (it turns out) filled with wisdom. I am thrilled to be able to share all of this with you! I specialize in holding space for people, deeply listening, and being able to guide people back to the truth of who they are. The process isn't perfect. And I will never claim to have " the only 5 steps you need to fix yourself for good" because in my experience that's a bunch of hoo-ha. And it sets up a situation where if you didn't get fixed you think there must be something wrong with you(I know, I've had that experience).

I'd love to have you join me on this journey! www.jennitooley.com