Competencies and success of motion picture actors: a resource-based and competence-based empirical analysis. Issue 1 (2nd January 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Wirtz, Bernd W.; Mermann, Marina; Daiser, Peter
• Is Part Of: Journal of media practice. Volume 17:Issue 1(2016)
• Page Start: 98
• Page End: 116
• Publication Date: 2016-01-02
• Subjects: Competencies -- resources -- success factors -- motion picture actors -- structural equation modelling; Journalism -- Study and teaching (Higher) -- Great Britain -- Periodicals; Mass media -- Study and teaching (Higher) -- Great Britain -- Periodicals; 302.23071141
• DOI: 10.1080/14682753.2016.1159452
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1468-2753

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Motion picture actors (MPA) have to compete in a highly competitive, complex and dynamic environmental setting. However, only little knowledge concerning their success factors is available. The present study addresses this lack of research by using a structural equation model-driven approach, testing and using data from a survey with 566 MPAs. The aim of this approach is to provide insights concerning specific resources and competencies that increase the possibility of successful casting for MPAs. Therefore, we tested six hypotheses and identified significant positive effects on MPAs' success from the following resources and competencies: personal network of contacts, talent agency's competence, actor's social competence, actor's media presence and actor's pricing competence. The empirical findings further illustrate the essential role of the personal network of contacts as a source of MPAs' success and offer advice for MPAs to enable them to actively and strategically develop their careers. Since this is one of the first studies that analyses success factors of MPAs based on a large sample of primary data using a multivariate method, the empirical findings constitute an important theoretical contribution. Furthermore, several practical implications are provided to MPAs.