Breakthrough

FOREWORD

by Taylor Kalupa

I know every career relies on breakthroughs to flourish, but Hollywood actors are as dependent on them as comic book superheroes. You can be the most talented, most captivating, best‐positioned person on the planet, but you just don't have a career until you catch the attention of an agent, a casting director, or a unicorn.

I caught my first Hollywood breakthrough opportunity starring in Dave Navarro's “Rexall.” Though I was only ten, I joined a long list of stars who were introduced to the world in music videos—a club that includes household names like Matthew McConaughey, Eva Mendes, and Courtney Cox. I remember standing in line at Disney World shortly after it premiered on MTV; multiple teenagers and adults stopped me to tell me they recognized me. And kids at my elementary school excitedly ran up to me at recess to say they saw me on TV the night before.

But breakthroughs are bigger than just opportunities—getting a shot at the biggest stage on earth doesn't propel you into the skies if you don't nurture your talent, your team, and your purpose. Whether someone gave us our first chances to shine because of our extraordinary talent, our intensive training, our physical appearances, our last names and connections, or simply because we were standing in exactly the right spot at the perfect time, it was up to us to make the most of those breakthrough music video opportunities and turn them into lasting breakthrough roles.

Admittedly, I didn't. I wasn't ...