[LSPoorEeyorick]

Though, to be fair, "time=credibility" is kind of malarkey in the entertainment industry. Sure, if you've worked on a well-known show for three years as opposed to one, that's probably more respected. But gigs don't necessarily last for long in this town (due to the nature of freelance work and the short production time allowed) so they're more likely looking at which gigs you've worked on, and to whom on those gigs they are acquainted. So that producer you're working with? Hit him up for his contacts! (Tactfully, of course.)

I absolutely agree with the recommendation not to leave an unexplained gap in your resume. This kind of thing is easily explained away in a cover letter - and is the standard anyway. "Oh, I took a few weeks/months/years off for travel, real-world experience, etc."

And while the resume is important, reel is even more important - and leaning on your connections is the best way to find work in the industry (at least, that's the stereotype, but we've found it to be true in our household.)