Now of course, this question you ask will vary from person to person, I'm sure you know. So...let me take a stab at what I think are the 10 WORST mistakes (in no particular order):

1. Trying to get by with cheap, cheesy, home made, friend- taken, printed at KINKO's headshots!
*This is your way in the door. Why waste time and money? Get professional headshots done by a photographer who specializes in HEADSHOTS (not weddings or family portraits, etc...)right out the gate!!!

2. Thinking that once you get an Agent, you no longer have to push yourself.
*HA!! What a joke. So you put your life and your career in someone else's hands? The agent may have from 50-500 clients, but you think that they will be able to focus as much time and energy on YOU as YOU can?? An agent "assists" YOU. Why do you think that they only get 10%???

3. Being LAZY!!
*If you don't know something, LOOK IT UP!! If you have a question, DO SOME RESEARCH!! Even if you DON'T have a question, DO SOME RESEARCH! Read blogs, books, websites... This is your business. Learn all you can about it. Lazy actors who don't invest time in knowing about: SAG, AFTRA, IMDB, CENTRAL CASTING, LACASTING and all the other BASIC ACTOR knowledge, is unexcusable. I hate to say this, but I was on set today w/a sweet, young Actress and was speaking about AFTRA and she said "What is AFTRA?" And this was in Hollywood!! Are you for real??? WHAT IS AFTRA??

4.Listening to unsuccessful and negative people.
*EVERY other Actor has a horror story, or advice or some negative experiences that they want to share. These are NOT the people that you want to be around or listen to. Do not let anyone who has not proven themselves to be any more successful than YOU are, share YOUR wonderful energy.

5.Thinking that you don't need acting classes.
*EVERY successful actor that you know has an acting coach. Halle Berry, Charlize Theron, Anthony Hopkins, Brad Pitt...You HAVE to keep your instrument tuned. PERIOD.

Okay, so this is getting pretty long, I will do my remaining FIVE tomorrow!!!

Good night!

Dana Hanna
www.MySpace.com/DeemovieStar