Megan Nager is a SAG-AFTRA actor, writer, producer and comedian who specializes in producing her own creative content. When she isn’t writing and producing short films and Youtube content, she is performing stand-up comedy at venues throughout Los Angeles such as The Comedy Store and The Laugh Factory. She’s a firm believer that comedy can heal emotional wounds and allow human beings to express their inner thoughts and emotions in a fun and dynamic way. Read our interview with the lovely Megan below…
What motivated and inspired you to start your own business?
I was initially motivated by a desire to hone my own unique voice and inspire others to do the same. Therefore, I decided it would be best to create a life where I would be paid for producing my own creative content.
Tell us about your business.
I create original content for several different platforms – Instagram, Facebook, Youtube and Twitter. So that means that I’m always testing different variables – for instance, a short film, a certain character, a television pilot, etc. I try to test just one variable at a time so that I can measure the success and see what people like and don’t like/how the market responds.
List awards/certifications/accomplishments.
In this industry, there are many accolades and awards. Some are more helpful than others, but I would say my most important ones:
- Member of SAG-AFTRA
- Graduated from Upright Citizen’s Brigade
- Several articles published in politico.com
- Produced several music videos and a short film that is currently being entered into several national and international film festivals
*Although none of these will make or break your career in entertainment, it’s more important about staying true to your goals.
Where is your business based?
Los Angeles, California.
What were the first few steps you took to get your business up and running?
First, a leap of faith and an extreme passion for television and film. I began by learning about all aspects of entertainment – acting, writing and producing. Once I became familiar with all three, I began to create my own content. There has been a lot of trial and error involved because you’re continually learning and growing as an artist, just as you are as a person. Your work changes as you change and become more familiar with who you are and what your likes/dislikes are.
What has been the most effective way of raising awareness of your business and getting new customers?
Social media has been the best way to reach my viewers. I have a manager who helps me secure auditions and get exposure through acting, but I’ve discovered that the quickest way to reach people is through Instagram, Youtube and Twitter. I’ve met several artists and entrepreneurs through these outlets who I’ve collaborated with.
What have been your biggest challenges so far?
Self-doubt. When you are your own product, it’s easy to feel like the failure of a project is a personal failure and that there’s something wrong with you as an individual.
How did you overcome these challenges?
It’s been really important for me to separate Megan as an artist and performer from Megan as an individual and human being. Because these struggles are more internal, it’s been helpful for me to talk them out and channel them into my work. Whenever I’m feeling vulnerable or insecure, I write about it. Writing and stand-up have both been huge life-savers because they allow me to take all of my negative self talk and place it out into the open. I’ve noticed that once I shed light on the negativity, it seems to dwindle.
How do you keep motivated through difficult times?
As funny as it sounds, I watch a lot of motivational videos on Youtube. I also have a few close friends and family members who I call whenever I’m feeling anxious and/or doubtful. Other than that, I watch a handful of comedic movies and videos that remind me of why I originally started what I did.
How do you distinguish yourself from your competitors?
A lot of trial and error has allowed me to discover who I really am and what my tastes and unique style is as an artist. I believe that every person is incredibly unique so once you find your voice and are able to express it without hesitation, you’ll automatically stand out from your competitors. I also do a lot of research on my competitors – mainly fellow comedians. It’s important to stay up to date and familiar with what they’re creating and putting out there.
What is the best advice you have received recently?
“Only take advice from someone you’re willing to trade places with”.
What advice would you give to other entrepreneurs?
Don’t let anyone, ever, make you feel like you don’t deserve what you want.
What is your favorite business tool or resource?
Deadline always provides me the most up-to-date entertainment news. I’m also always listening to various news channels throughout the day, and watching as many television shows and movies as possible.
What is a good article or book you have read recently?
“Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear” by Elizabeth Gilbert.
What are you currently learning about for your business or looking for help with?
At this point, I’m trying to network with other performers and entrepreneurs who love comedy and are passionate about spreading positivity through creating original content. I’m constantly looking for fellow collaborators and people who can lend a unique voice to my projects.
What are your goals for the next few months and how are you striving to achieve them?
- In the next few months, I hope to get a short film that I wrote, produced and starred in, viewed at as many film festivals as possible (we will be submitting it to several national and international film festivals beginning in May).
- I also plan on finishing a television pilot I’m working on by August.
- In addition, I aim to continue growing my audience on both Instagram and Youtube. My goal is to continue publishing at least three comedic sketches a week on both platforms.
What social media outlets do you use? List them below.
Instagram @meganager
Twitter @nagertherager
Facebook www.facebook.com/mbnager
Youtube www.youtube.com/user/mnager330
Website www.megan-nager.com