The growing emphasis on actors' online presence in the entertainment industry has sparked significant discussions among industry professionals and audiences.
Ethan Hawke and his daughter Maya Hawke have recently highlighted an emerging trend in the film industry where actors are being cast based on their social media followers, according to Variety. Maya revealed that some directors and producers mandate that actors' total Instagram follower count must hit specific thresholds for a project to be funded.
Ethan shared similar experiences at the Berlin Film Festival, recounting instances where actors were recommended solely for their large follower counts, regardless of acting experience. He lamented the idea that lacking a public social media platform could hinder an actor's career. Ethan reflects on how this shift impacts young actors, differing from the more substantive actor preparation of past generations.
“So if I don’t have this public-facing [platform], I don’t have a career?" Hawke asks.
Despite the industry's changing nature, Ethan is grateful for Maya's guidance in managing social media effectively. Overall, both focus on the difficulty and confusion brought by the changing landscape in film production, emphasizing the need to adapt while maintaining artistic integrity.
Actors Go From Broadway to Instagram and TikTok and Backward
In the theater world, Broadway stars are leveraging their online presence to enhance their careers, Business Insider points out. Performers like Mary Kate Morrissey have successfully ventured into the influencer world, sharing backstage routines on platforms like TikTok and gaining significant followings. Morrissey's Amazon Storefront, where she compiles performance-related products, generated substantial income, and she landed brand deals with companies like Farmacy, Bared, Allegra, and Hilton.
As Broadway performers find success online, social media influencers such as Charli D'Amelio are crossing over to stage performances, enhancing ticket sales and generating buzz. Talent managers see the potential for combining theater with influencer marketing, especially as Broadway actors can earn much more through social media partnerships. The trend of integrating influencers into Broadway and vice versa continues to shape the dynamics of both industries.
