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How to ask for flexibility for auditions in 9-5 jobs?

How to ask for flexibility for auditions in 9-5 jobs?

Posted on Jan 19th

Hi everyone. Longtime lurker on the subreddit, thanks everyone for their awesome advice. I'm looking to dive into acting shortly after getting a 9-5 job. I feel like if I only have one life, why not try something I've always wanted to do. I've already taken acting classes and I have professional pictures of myself. I'm looking into sales, specifically tech sales as I heard there is a lot of work-life balance and I feel like its a very actor friendly job. As I start interviewing for jobs, when would I bring up the flexibility? Or how would I ask the recruiter or sales manager about flexibility? A lot of them are work from home, and unlimited PTO, which is awesome if I book a gig, which I don't expect anytime soon because I'm starting out. I also don't think I'd get many auditions, at most 1 audition a week. And I expect them to be on Zoom, so maybe 1 hour out of the week? I'm interviewing for one job that is hybrid work from home and in office, but has flexibility and unlimited PTO. What is your advice so then I can find the right job? I'm based in Los Angeles.

How to Get Booked / I Can't Get Booked

How to Get Booked / I Can't Get Booked

Posted on Jan 19th

Hello sooooo I've been working in the industry for several years now and I've mainly only done things like live performances such as shows in theme parks and I do have a few film credits. So I've been using websites like Backstage.com and Actors Access, and I've had both accounts since 2016 and I've never once booked a single job from either website, and I've only had one audition offer through Backstage. I know this is a hard and competitive industry but still... I'm just wondering if I can get some opinions and help on the matter on how to book work? I don't have an agent, and I don't have enough footage for a reel. What casting websites I should use? I feel like I'm walking without any guidance so if anyone can help I'll take it. (Also, I'm located in Florida so I know the work here isn't a lot, but I plan on moving to Georgia in hopes of more opportunities but I still need help.) Thanks!

Being an LA actor out of Las Vegas

Being an LA actor out of Las Vegas

Posted on Jan 19th

Over the course of the pandemic, it appears that most classes have online options. And almost all auditions, at least for the initial ones, are self-tapes. So I've been looking at options to move out of LA to a lower cost of living area and yet be close enough to be considered a local hire. Vegas seems to fit the bill. What I like about Vegas vs say moving to San Bernardino or some other LA suburb is that in Vegas, you can still be close enough to world class restaurants and entertaiment, and a big international airport while having lower housing prices, lower taxes, lower cost of living (almost a dollar difference in gas prices) etc. Only 4 hours by car (for booked jobs or next day auditions), and 46 daily flights between LA and Vegas. Downside: the dry heat weather, lack of quality in-person acting classes. So in general, Vegas seems to be a good option for LA actors. Does anybody here have any insights into Vegas that I might be missing?

Tips for UK actor in 20s applying to drama school?

Tips for UK actor in 20s applying to drama school?

Posted on Jan 19th

I am looking to apply for a screen and stage course (or something similar) to help enhance my acting skills in the UK. I am seeking advice for which drama schools in which cities offer the best training for an actor with no professional background. For reference of my background, I have done amateur theatre for about 10 years total, in both youth theatre and later in university societies. Thanks in advance!

Triple Crown of Acting

Triple Crown of Acting

Posted on Jan 19th

Is TOC the highest achievement an actor can get?

Is acting genre-specific?

Is acting genre-specific?

Posted on Jan 19th

I was wondering why many actors are always cast in the same type of projects. Some actors are only in the type of feature films that aren’t necessarily commercial or known by many people not interested in film (opposed to Marvel films for instance) and win prizes (e.g. Saoirse Ronan). Then there are the type of actors that only appear on Netflix series (e.g. Noah Centineo, Camila Mendes). I mean I could not imagine Adam Sandler or Timothée Chalamet ever be series regulars on an HBO show. Why is that? Of course type plays in part in that but if you’re type is the girl next door you could play that in a thriller as well as a romantic comedy as well as a typical Netflix show like Riverdale. Can you tell your agent what kind of projects you want to be submitted for and in what direction you want your career to go or how does it happen?

Beginner Voice Actor/resume and voice samples

Beginner Voice Actor/resume and voice samples

Posted on Jan 19th

Hey hi. I'm just starting out with Voice Acting. I would like to know how to produce a resume with no experience at all with the accompaniment of recorded voice samples? How long should these samples be? I heard from 30 seconds to 5 mins. I have a recording studio for my music So that's all there. I know how to edit vocals, clear background noises, brighten voice. And other basics. How does one (would one) present all of this to a possible employer? Thank you

How do I practice?

How do I practice?

Posted on Jan 18th

I am in my mid teenage years, And I hope to become an actor when I grow up. I do theater at my high school, and I'm involved with a local theater group. I have not really done anything paid or of an especially serious nature, but that's not really what I want to talk about today. I've been somewhat wishy-washy about wanting to do acting and the past, And I've decided that I want to really pursue it. Of course, with that pursuit comes the necessity of practice. But how can I practice? What methods can I adopt to achieve effective practice in-between projects and characters? What methods have helped you?

Agent won't take me on because I do theater?

Agent won't take me on because I do theater?

Posted on Jan 18th

Had a weird experience with a prospective agent and wanted to make sure I wasn't the weird one. TL:DR at the bottom. To give context, I'm an actor with a good chunk of stage credits but a decent sprinkling of screen work as well. I recently discovered a talent agency in my region that was looking for actor submissions. They only do screen work (which is not surprising for the Mid-Atlantic region), which is fine to me, since I really only want an agent to get access to higher level film and TV auditions anyway. I submitted and, to my surprise, got a response fairly quickly. The agent I was talking to had some questions/suggestions- "you need new headshots, do you typically have facial hair or are clean shaven, what are your commitments," etc. It was all pretty par-for-the-course until I mentioned that I start rehearsals next week for a play I'll be working on until March. This is when it gets weird. She sends me an email mentioning that she was slightly worried about my upcoming production, since theater can be a large conflict (which it is) in terms of her submitting me for "acting jobs." She then asked if my doing theater was just something I did on the weekends. I followed up and explained that this was a professional gig, laid out the rehearsal/performance schedule with my dark days and let her know that my schedule would be totally free starting in April. She responded letting me know that she wanted to wait to take me on until I was "interested in acting only." As if theater acting isn't acting?? Is this normal with screen agents? Should I be choosing between pursuing theater and film? Ideally I would like to do both. I would love to hear this subreddit's thoughts on this exchange. TL;DR: I, a stage and screen actor, reached out to a talent agency for screen representation. The talent agent told me she wouldn't take me because I have theater productions coming up, saying I needed to be "interested in acting only."

Actor - Agent Relationship

Actor - Agent Relationship

Posted on Jan 18th

So I’ve been with my agent for about a year and a half. She’s a well known agent in my city, has a great roster and I’ve booked a few gigs with her. The first year I was getting a lot of auditions, but recently in the past 5-6 months they’d died down immensely. She’s also only sending me auditions for commercials. I want to have a stronger/closer relationship with her but I don’t know how to go about it. I also want to ask why I haven’t been getting as many auditions but don’t know how to word it. There’s a couple productions coming to the city soon that I really want to audition for but I don’t know if it’s appropriate for me to ask her to keep a look out when the castings for the show are posted. I basically just wanna go full force into this & I don’t know how to go about talking to my agent about it.

NEED A FILM REEL EDITED? Actor editing services offered!

NEED A FILM REEL EDITED? Actor editing services offered!

Posted on Jan 18th

Hey there everybody! I hope that you're having a wonderful start to the new year. My name is Angelo, I'm an actor here in NYC who has invested a lot of time over the years to video editing as well. I'm now opening that up to the masses and starting to cut reels for other people using Final Cut Pro. If you'd like to talk rates, definitely feel free to shoot me a message here on reddit, or send an email to Angelo@AngeloGiannone.com Here are two examples of reels that I've cut together and I look forward to speaking with you! Angelo Giannone Reel: [https://youtu.be/tmgIDtEKUHU](https://youtu.be/tmgIDtEKUHU) Zachary Sherry Reel: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2kqmhIQ5P1o](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2kqmhIQ5P1o)

There are so many reasons to hate Actors Access

There are so many reasons to hate Actors Access

Posted on Jan 18th

For Talent Link their directions are "pay the first invoice so the second can be sent to your inbox. " **BUT THEY NEVER SEND IT.**  I've never had such a hard time handing someone money for services.  I know it is necessary because it is all there really is. I have to use it not only as an actor but as a casting director as well.   And I hate both Breakdown Express and Actors Access. But I am definitely cancelling my upgraded account when it expires next month. Over the last year I've gotten two parts in feature films that I found on my own.  I live in a small market so the stuff on Actors Access is not going to be anywhere near me anyway. But what really pisses me off is I have been trying to use the talent link to send my profile to potential agents. I have heard mixed reviews about whether or not this is worth doing. But it's only $30 so I figure I will try it and then go back to having a free Actors Access account. But these assholes can't even be bothered to send me a bill  or a reminder e-mail. So I keep missing the deadline to apply to talentlink and have my profile sent to agents. ​

Platform for self-tapes

Platform for self-tapes

Posted on Jan 18th

Hi, is there a website or an app where you can find fellow actors who can give you the other character’s lines in a scene in a self tape (like via Skype, Zoom or something)? I’m asking this because I sometimes have someone to give me the lines, but sometimes I don’t and so when I don’t idk what to do and think it’d be great to have someone to say the other character’s lines. Also, I’m in the French acting business, so if there are people who speak French (or just enough to say the lines in a semi-comprehensive way) that’d be even better. Thank you and have a great day!”

Is actors connection legit?

Is actors connection legit?

Posted on Jan 18th

Is Actors Connection legit? Also, would it be appropriate to ask casting directors for a reference letter after you have done intensives with them and you have acted in front of them? Just curious. (Would really love responses from actors who’ve used actors connection or have had some experience with it.) Thank you!

Union vs Non-Union Voice Acting

Union vs Non-Union Voice Acting

Posted on Jan 18th

I have a quick question. If I'm a member of SAG, can I provide a Voiceover for a commercial that features non-union actors on-camera? Thanks for any feedback!

SE Z5600a II for Voice Acting

SE Z5600a II for Voice Acting

Posted on Jan 18th

Hi all, hope everyone's having a great day! So I've been a keen amateur voice actor for a few years now. I'm also a professional musician by trade and recently decided to bite the bullet and learn a bit more about music tech with the aim of setting up a home studio (I'm a classical musician so that's a bit different from my usual ballpark). This'll included amongst other bits and pieces a high quality condenser microphone. I've chatted with various friends who know their tech and production and have been recommended the SE Z5600a II. While the main use for it will be recording music I would also like something that'll work well for voice acting as well. My (albeit) very limited understanding is that condensers are perfect for both uses so I can't imagine there would be any significant problem but thought it worth asking in case anyone has any personal experience or advice to offer. Many thanks for any help and I hope you all have a fantastic day!

Breaking into Voiceover

Breaking into Voiceover

Posted on Jan 18th

Hi, I am just breaking into voiceover. I did about 10 sessions of classes with some local voice actors in the Philadelphia area, bought a microphone and DAW, have produced a decent Narration and Commercial demo and feel ready to jump in. My question is, what's the best way to get started? Which websites should I use? I see Voices123 and [Voices.com](https://Voices.com), Bodalgo, Fiverr and VoicesUS mentioned as the top ones. Looking for any firsthand info anyone has on those. Also, does it make sense to look for an agent right now? What other avenues are there besides websites and agents? Thanks!

Should I even act?

Should I even act?

Posted on Jan 17th

Recently I've had 2 insecurities: 1. My skills, 2. My stretch marks (I'm a guy) 1. I think I can act, rather well if I'd say so myself, but I need to be in a certain mood to act a certain mood. It doesn't have to be the same emotion, but I just can't act ALWAYS. Idk it's weird 2. Almost every male actor has had at least one role where they have to do a shirtless scene. I can't even do a no-sleeve shirt scene because I have so much stretch marks. I honestly don't know where I got them from, I have massive ones in my hips and stomach, and smaller ones on my arms and all over my back... I really don't wanna show them. Ever. I know acting is my passion, but I've been really insecure about these things. What do you think I should do?

Does anyone know these actors/teachers?

Does anyone know these actors/teachers?

Posted on Jan 17th

I will be taking acting classes at Columbia and have the choice between 2 teachers: ​ Tina C. Mitchell or ​ Sharon Fogarty ​ ​ Does anyone know which of these teachers is better or have any information and feedback on their teaching styles and acting techniques they teach? ​ Thank you!!

Demo Reel- Self Tape

Demo Reel- Self Tape

Posted on Jan 17th

Hello, Due to covid its making things a lot harder to record a demo reel with other actors/in a studio, particularly where I live. I believe I have the right equipment to record a professional-esque demo reel, now I’m just wondering on what to include? Should I do monologue? A famous monologue? A monologue written by myself? Or a dialogue scene with a friend reciting back the lines? Any suggestions would be kindly appreciated!

Are self-taped auditions also serving as the norm for acting clips/reel footage now?

Are self-taped auditions also serving as the norm for acting clips/reel footage now?

Posted on Jan 17th

So, I understand how it's more about uploading individual acting clips (labeled with the type/essence that you're playing in the clip) for your casting profiles (like Actors Access and Casting Networks) versus attaching a compiled demo reel of your work, when it comes to submitting to auditions/roles to the casting director online. BUT... more and more, ever since the pandemic, I'm seeing even very successfully working actors using their self-taped auditions AS their acting clips, versus using clips from their actual tv/film work! Has this become/is becoming the norm now? I thought using self-tapes as clips was only for if you're new(er) to acting and don't have any real footage yet from booked jobs, or at least clips from a studio that you paid to shoot professional-looking scenes for your reel. Thoughts???

any way to improve my microphone's recording quality?

any way to improve my microphone's recording quality?

Posted on Jan 17th

I want to become an anime voice actor, I'm decent at it but whenever I ask some other voice actors about it they say that my mic's quality is bad, my mic isn't that bad in the first place, I have some buzzing sound while recording caused by electricity, but I can easily remove it in audacity, but my voice sometimes sounds kind of robotic, I was wondering if there are any fixes for these kinds of issues, as I have no experience with audio hardware or anything related( Im short on money right now so I can't afford a new mic at the moment)

Which famous actors and actresses had no problem taking on challenging roles?

Which famous actors and actresses had no problem taking on challenging roles?

Posted on Jan 16th

On this subreddit, I'm wondering which popular actors and actresses had to take on most difficult or challenging roles of their career, even if they did find these experiences troubling. Roles that affected them mentally, physically and psychologically.

Have you ever been told you weren’t good / wouldn’t make it?

Have you ever been told you weren’t good / wouldn’t make it?

Posted on Jan 16th

So often on the rare occasion I post a video of my voice online somewhere I’m told “lol good luck with becoming a voice actor” in a condescending mocking tone or if I’m going to audition for theatre i get the laughed at. And honestly I’m a social reject so my social skills and understanding of character and how to portray them up to other people’s standards is limited. However, I grew to think of acting as a process, sure some people are naturally good at it but just because I’m not does that mean I should just give up and pursue another career path? Maybe some people need more live experience, or coaching. I personally know I could benefit from live theatre experience as I’ve never taken a consistent in person acting class before.. It’s just discouraging when people make you feel like you’re destined to fail. Have any of you ever felt like this? If so how did you overcome it? I have gotten paid for voice work on voices but I want to do character work but whenever I try I get laughed at..

How long will VO actors be required for explainer videos?

How long will VO actors be required for explainer videos?

Posted on Jan 16th

I understand that VO will be required for actual acting for a long time, but how long will it be required for explainer videos and e-learning videos where emotions are not usually as important? I’ve noticed even on apps like TikTok the automated voices are getting a little better (still not there but moving in the direction.) It’s something that stops me from going full time into VO work as I get a lot of this type of work. I’m not trying to be a downer, I guess I’m just looking for a little reassurance?

movie recommendation

movie recommendation

Posted on Jan 16th

I'm looking for movies that I should watch if I want to become an actor. maybe the ones that are about it or the acting is amazing. documentary s would also work thanks

For cakeday I’d love to answer as many questions as I’m able to pertaining to the VO industry.

For cakeday I’d love to answer as many questions as I’m able to pertaining to the VO industry.

Posted on Jan 15th

I’ve lived in LA since 2003. Conservatory, then On-camera and Hosting led me to Voice Over. SAG-AFTRA since 2010. I have an LA agent, a few regional agents and a manager. I’m also a member of the Television Academy. By no means am I the most accomplished individual in this sub. I still take classes frequently and I study under more accomplished coaches than myself. I truly love the industry and I love my fellow Actors. The desire which drives us all, unites us all. What’s your question? Everything is fair game.

SAG VO spot cancellation without compensation??

SAG VO spot cancellation without compensation??

Posted on Jan 14th

Hey gang! Can someone who is in SAG and does Voice Overs tell me if a production company is allowed to cancel your job - after closing and giving the script, day, time ect? Or what would make them do such a thing. I called SAG and their VO person is sick - so they transferred me to the commercials dept and they said they didn’t know. I have emails from them specifically confirming me and saying I was top choice- they went back and forth with my agent and finally we confirmed. The next afternoon they canceled- less than 24 hours before the job. They’re telling my agent that it was a “Mix up” and didn’t mean to book me!! I’m a commercial actor and haven’t done a lot of VO. My agent said she will tell them to pay me. Maybe they will… I’m really just shocked that they would be so GD rude and that SAG doesn’t have my back. I pay dues to avoid this sort of thing! for a bit of reference, I was the lead actress in the national commercial for this spot and was asked to do their radio commercials as well. It’s not like they were not familiar with me so I find it so strange that they would make such an error.

Looking for Korean Actresses! [USC Short Film - SAG-AFTRA UNION]

Looking for Korean Actresses! [USC Short Film - SAG-AFTRA UNION]

Posted on Jan 13th

Hello there! I'm one of the producers of a USC School of Cinematic Arts advanced film production entitled "Standards." Our short film is a psychological drama/horror exploring the harmful effects of modern beauty standards on the minds of young girls. We are casting for Ju-Hye Lee, our **first-generation Korean-American protagonist**, and her family members (mother, aunt, and father). We are *also* looking for a **child actor** who will portray Child Ju-Hye. \*Pronounced Joo-Hay. \------ **PLOT SYNOPSIS:** An entity, known as "The Figure," forces a young woman to say the worst things she’s ever said to herself to all of her closest friends. On the eve of her 18th birthday dinner, Ju-Hye tries her best to fit into a dress that is too small, gifted to her by her overbearing and materialistic aunt. As Ju-Hye psychologically breaks down under the pressures of looking good enough for her family, an entity that briefly haunted her on her 10th birthday dinner comes back to teach her a painful lesson about self-acceptance. After hurting everyone she loves and even losing a friend's life, Ju Hye finally faces the entity and discovers it's true identity. The entity was actually a manifestation of her childhood self, first tainted by the beauty standards imposed by her family. This **psychological drama/horror** is a social commentary on how harmful, violent, and isolating beauty standards can be. \------ **For Ju-hye, we are looking for a cisgendered Korean woman who can play 18-years-old and can speak Korean fluently or intermediately. (We are also looking for a young woman to play 10-year-old Ju-hye!)** **Ju-Hye** is a well-kempt, fiercely independent, and bluntly honest young woman. Ju-Hye struggles with body image issues, an eating disorder, an anxiety disorder, and a nicotine addiction. Falling apart under the weight of the expectations from her aunt and mother, Ju Hye reaches her ultimate breaking point. Though typically one of the sweetest people around, when Ju Hye comes into contact with "The Figure", a seemingly malevolent entity, she is forced to say all the self-deprecating things she tells herself to her closest friends instead. Ju-Hye must learn that in order to mend her freshly broken relationships with her friends, she must first mend her relationship with her inner child she has abused for so long. \------ This is a **SAG-AFTRA Union** short film made for the **USC School of Cinematic Arts**. As per university and union guidelines, though this is **not** a paid opportunity, you will receive a copy of the film, film & union credit, and free meals. Keep in mind, "Standards" is on the festival track! We will be shooting **every weekend** (Saturday & Sunday) from **January 29th** to **February 20th**. \------ If this project and/or role interests you, please contact our **Casting Director Maria Takigawa:** [**MariaTakig@gmail.com**](mailto:mariatakig@gmail.com) Send us your **headshot, resume, acting reel**, and any other information or materials you'd like. \------ For general questions about the project, please email our team at: [**StandardsFilm@gmail.com**](mailto:StandardsFilm@gmail.com) We have also posted casting calls on [Backstage](https://www.backstage.com/casting/standards-452429/?utm_source=social_share&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_campaign=casting_call) and Actors Access. \------ Thank you for reading!

Are Agents the ones that send most VO auditions?

Are Agents the ones that send most VO auditions?

Posted on Jan 13th

I'm sorry if this is kind of a ridiculous question but I'm a little unclear about what agents do. I see a lot of voice actors on social media talking about how many auditions they get sent or how many they book and it sounds like it's a lot and I'm wondering where they're finding all of these auditions. Is it the agents that send all of those auditions? I can't imagine anywhere else where you can find so many legit non fandub projects like on casting call club.

Email VO Scam Alert

Email VO Scam Alert

Posted on Jan 13th

This one apparently has been going around for possibly a few years, but I just got emailed about it yesterday, so I thought I would pass on the text of the scam so people can be on the lookout for it. I forget exactly how the scam works but it is something along the lines of, they supposedly book time at a studio for you but then for some reason they need you to cover some of the cost of the studio upfront. But don't worry! They will pay you double at the end or some such crap. Anyhow - it is a scam. There is no booked session. Most times the studio doesn't exist or if it does they have never heard of this session, etc. The 1st email I got went like this: ***"Hello, this is Maxwell. I got your contact from your website, Voice over actor needed for a commercial game host show advert project. Please respond if you are available and interested."*** I was skeptical because it was worked so poorly, but I responded to see where it would go. This was the response I got back (which is verbatim of what I have seen other people post before): ***Hello,*** ***It is an $850  voice over (Assignment) for you and it's in English. A new corporate client of mine wants to create their online website.This assignment is a copyrighted script that will be provided. We have specialists and Contract Studio Engineers who will bring real perfection to the job.  It’s a two days project and wouldn't take more than 45 minutes  to record  for each day.*** ***Job Location:***  ***The job and the recording will be held at a rented studio close to your location, so you don't have to worry about traveling, the name and address of the studio will be forwarded to you before the date of the recording.*** ***Job Description*** ***---------------*** ***We are creating a marketing video to be distributed through web and social media. The overall video is approximately 20 minutes in length with the game show host part being about 8 Mins also. The voicemust be smooth, friendly, fun and entertaining.*** ***Sample Script:(This is an idea of what to be expected)*** ***(VO) Uh, I’m no rocket scientist but I’d say…traffic congestion.*** ***(VO) Well, I’m no rocket scientist but that’s a no brainer. Mass Transit is the better option.*** ***Expectations: You need to be in a good mental and emotional state of mind. Basically this is all that is required of you, Kindly, get in touch with me as soon as possible if you will take the job. More details will be provided to you and we can continue from there. I will appreciate your prompt response.*** ***Let me know if you will take the job to commence with the next arrangement and also send a voice demo or reel. Please I'd like you to check your email on a regular basis, I might have updates for you.Thanks*** ***Best Regards,*** ***Maxwell*** Now, not wanting to be a jerk I responded as such: **Maxwell!** **Hi! Unfortunately, I won't be able to take on this job as I just accepted a part in the off-Broadway production of "Shwifty Sessions. The Rick & Morty Live Musical!" and will have no free time for recording.**  **Best of luck filling the role!** Stay safe out there folks! Remember, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is!

Complete Beginner Hourly Rate?

Complete Beginner Hourly Rate?

Posted on Jan 13th

Hi guys! I'm currently in communication with someone at my school about doing voice over for some presentations/videos for a class. I'm an actor, but have zero voice over experience. I recorded and provided them a short sample, and they asked me what my hourly rate is. I have zero idea what I should request since I've never done this before. I would be recording in a studio on campus and would only be doing the voice over (no editing on my part). They said it's roughly 10 hours of audio total. Any help would be appreciated!!

Acting

Acting

Posted on Jan 12th

hello, i would like to know what are the best schools or places to do an actor demo reel, and i would like to know how i can get agents with no experience, only with online classes.

I am incredibly new to the acting scene

I am incredibly new to the acting scene

Posted on Jan 12th

Im 22 and only just starting to act. I am in Virginia and looking to do some student films and short films over the next couple months, as well as some theatre maybe. Outside of school productions what is a good way to find castings in Virginia? Or anywhere on the east coast at that. Ive searched here and a lot of the responses about this are a couple years old. Ive looked on places like Backstage and Actors Access, but that was mostly just to look since it costs money for a subscription.

What kind of voice actor do you want to be?

What kind of voice actor do you want to be?

Posted on Jan 12th

Do you want an agent, to be a freelancer (run a voice over business), or work as an employee that does voice over at a creative agency? These are big choices that carry different implications for what it means to be a voice actor, and a point that isn't always explained at the beginning of your journey. So, what is the difference? Having an agent is what the majority of people in this industry shoot for. Having an agent essentially means that you not only have someone to negotiate on your behalf, but you also have a reputable company essentially vouching for your talent as an agency **won't** accept sub-par talent. So, what is the downside? Well, if you have an agent 95% of the time all of your jobs need to be negotiated through that agent/agency. You can't really just pick up a job and go for it (there are of course exceptions to every rule). You also pay them 10 - 15% of the gigs that they land you (If you have an agent that is charging a monthly fee or upfront costs, run). The next option is to open your own voice over business. In this case you'll get to keep **100% of the profit**. But the downside is that you'll obviously be the one responsible for finding work, reaching out to clients, negotiating your rate, and everything else that comes with running a business. The final option is to work as an employee who does voice acting, like at a creative agency. In this case you'll be paid ether a salary, or hourly, and work to fulfill voice acting gigs for the company. This can be the most stable of the three options. You'll get a steady paycheck, maybe benefits, and be able to do the work you enjoy; the downside is that they make **much** more of the profit than you. In some cases, not all, you'll be getting a base salary with no commission, if they land a $1,000,000 client, you're still getting paid your hourly rate, or salary, unless you also get a bonus that is linked the projects total profit. These are the three options that are in front of you when you go into the field of voice acting. I hope that this helps you to narrow your scope and jump in! If you have any questions for me don't hesitate to ask. Happy Wednesday let's get some work! Thank you u/talksallday & u/Separate_Safe2779 for bringing up these points in an earlier conversation. If I have missed anything, please feel free to clarify.

Requesting Commercial Footage That Never Aired?

Requesting Commercial Footage That Never Aired?

Posted on Jan 12th

Hello! So I booked one of my biggest commercials in July. It was a series of 6 commercials they shot, and I was the lead in one. They were to be released as preroll ads for a popular online pop culture website. Its for a well known company, but not McDonalds, Best Buy, Target level. Non Union. They started releasing them every two weeks starting in September. The last one to be released was at the end of November, and then nothing. Of course, mine is the only one out of the 6 that hasn't been released. I'm an unrepped actress in LA, that was planning on using this commercial (and a few others I booked this year - but not as big), for my reel to pitch to commercial agents. I've just been waiting on this one commercial to be released so I could use the footage as part of my pitch package. Would it be out of line for me to reach out to the brand and ask them about the status of the commercial, and if they don't have any plans to release it (for whatever reasons) if I could get the edited footage for my commercial reel? The brand only has about 100,000 followers on IG, so they are reachable. Just wanted to get some opinions on this from some experienced commercial actors. I was thinking of giving it until the end of February before reaching out.

Voted on the SAG Nominating Committee - nominating performances is hard

Voted on the SAG Nominating Committee - nominating performances is hard

Posted on Jan 11th

So I was in the lucky few (2500) this year who get randomly selected by SAG to nominate the best performances for the SAG awards. I was specifically on the "Feature Film" committee though there's a separate one for TV. I'm making this post because every time I see outrage at who/what is nominated for anything, I don't know how to feel - but this experience has shown me how complex of a process it is. **First off:** you have to watch sooooooo many films. I love films so great, but it's a lot. I wasn't able to watch all of them, and I had so much free time due to unemployment so I don't know how others with jobs would actually watch all movies. To be impartial one needs to see everything - but even then you're seeing some 3 months before voting, and others a few days before (depending on when you receive screeners/get invited to Q&As). **The Biggest Factor:** Marketing! You wouldn't believe the amount of mail I received over the last three-four months. And you guessed it - the majority came from the biggest budget movies/studios. Some movies just have insane PR behind them, while other incredible indie gems barely make it on our radar. I happen to be into indie and foreign films so I made an effort to go to those events. But truthfully, it's all about top of mind awareness and when you're thrown all these materials about the same films you think well I better *at least* watch these ones. **So much talent:** I don't know if this year was loaded or what (due to a covid backlog) but there were sooooo many incredible performances. It was ridiculously hard to pick 5 performances in each category because the acting was phenomenal. At the end of the day, it just becomes what you resonate with... but also it's very hard to vote for an indie performance where you feel like no one else will vote for them! What you see at the higher lead/supporting levels is that the categories are **dominated** by A-List talent. Of course everyone wants to go see the Q&A with Leo etc. And of course they're fucking good. And it becomes so hard to make space for the talent that really could rival them. **People have different taste:** Of course I read reviews of these films while I was watching these things, I was curious what other people thought. And oh my god, some of this year's "masterpieces" I found boring to bits, while some of the severely underrated works I thought were genius. All this shit is subjective! It's such a random clusterfuck of opinion - and each award focuses on a specific kind of person. SAG is actors, so hopefully.... At the end of the day so much of who gets seen and voted for starts not with the voters, but with the whole process of creating the movie and budgeting. And I think that probably applies to most Award shows.

Atlanta actress needed for covid educational video

Atlanta actress needed for covid educational video

Posted on Jan 11th

A covid test kit instructional video is being shot in Atlanta and we need an actress between the ages of 23-33. Video will be 2-3 minutes in length. Must be able to do the full covid test kit in front of camera. The shoot will be at the end of January to early February If interested please send your rate and a headshot to [birdsvfilms@gmail.com](mailto:birdsvfilms@gmail.com) Thank you

any small markets that actors should look into for acting?

any small markets that actors should look into for acting?

Posted on Jan 11th

I am wondering if there are blossoming or established markets that an actor should have an agent in. Like I heard Austin, TX has a recommended market. is anyone here in any state that isnt LA/NY/ATL/CHI that works on a good basis? Thank you.

Fellow actors--what do you do as a day job/extra source of income?

Fellow actors--what do you do as a day job/extra source of income?

Posted on Jan 11th

I currently am working retail but it's hard to have flexible hours for rehearsals especially when I'm required to work evening shifts. Was wondering what other people do or if you have any suggestions. Thanks!

When I posted a breakdown for a short film on Actor's Access, 232 actors submitted for 1 role, 32 were chosen to tape, 1 was selected

When I posted a breakdown for a short film on Actor's Access, 232 actors submitted for 1 role, 32 were chosen to tape, 1 was selected

Posted on Jan 11th

I just wanted to point out a personal experience I had while casting for a short film. This was back in 2019, so before the pandemic. So the role was for a male age range 20s-30s. The shoot was non-union and I offered $125/day for 2 days of shooting. 232 actors submitted, and 32 were chosen to tape. Out of those, only 17 actually submitted a tape. Half or so submitted on the day before the deadline. One of those tapes was so undeniably good that I changed the character a bit to fit this guy. A few things I can apply as a now actor: 1. Submitting doesn't have to be early because if it's amazing it'll still be put toward the top. I know for me sometimes I value getting it done early, but getting it to be great is more important. Obviously if it's good + early that's best-case scenario 2. There is a TON of competition. 232 actors willing to shoot a non-union short film for barely above minimum wage (SE market), or at least submit for it (considering half the chosen people didn't even self-tape). Imagine how many there are for union roles. 3. Love the art - this guy that was chosen was, in my eyes, clearly too good to be doing a non-union short film like this. Yet, it was a role that challenged him so he took the gig even though the money was miniscule. He took the time to do the tape professionally. He took time out to come to a rehearsal/scouting day at the location before the shoot (for free). Not saying it's from this short, but all of his effort/hard work/talent led him to getting a series regular on a popular show soon after. Put in the work (talking to myself especially!!!)

I'm tired of flakey Actor friends!

I'm tired of flakey Actor friends!

Posted on Jan 11th

What happens is that I meet other actors from events, on set, or online, or at a party, and they want to meet up. Thinking that I'm going to make a new friend, I naively agree because we have such a good connection, we go for coffee. It's truly a pattern now. First, they try and suck out every piece of information and education that I paid for in one meetup. Then, they are super excited and overly enthusiastic that they want to do some scenes for their reel together. They don't have anything prepared nor do they try and want to write something. Since I'm always writing myself 1 minute scenes to freshen up my acting or voice over reels, I tell them that we can schedule it (most) any time. They just need to tell me when. So they commit to a time, I get my equipment set up and ready (and I have some great lighting and cameras), I send them the scripts to memorize, and sure enough the day comes and I wake up to really bad made-up excuses. And I don't fight it. I don't argue with them. I don't dispute it. I just get frustrated because I'm all set up and that knucklehead just wasted my energy and time. Without hesitation, they will over like and comment on all my posts on social media and then about two to three months later, they will contact me and tell me that their schedule is clear, they are finally taking themselves seriously, and when can we meet up? I schedule with them again two weeks in advance and as we are getting closer they either start getting flakey by not responding to me (sometimes completely ghosting me) or find yet another excuse to back out. If this scenario happened to me once or twice with actors, I would shrug it off. But it's happened numerous times. So I'm done! I'm done trying to make friends in the industry. I've now created some boundaries when it comes to making new acting friends because this is too much of a headache for me and too time consuming! Thank you reading this and letting me rant.

Having a hard time thinking about my future as an actor

Having a hard time thinking about my future as an actor

Posted on Jan 11th

Hello, my name is Andrés and I'm a 20 yo actor from Venezuela. Lately, I've been struggling trying to keep my hopes up thinking if I will ever be able to make a living off of acting. One of my goals is moving to one of the big cities (LA/NY/Toronto/UK) to pursue my acting career, but every time I do some research on the legal processes of how to pull it off, I realize it's harder than i thought it was. Like I knew it was insanely hard, but now it seems nearly impossible. I read that post that mentioned the requirements needed in order to obtain an O1 or EB1 visa, basically you have to be a recognized actor with experience and have worked in major productions in your own country, but as you might already know, my country is going through a very very difficult socio-economic situation, currently film productions nationwide are not as common as they used to be so it's pretty much impossible to make a name in Venezuela. As of now I'm taking classes at my local theatre and just had my second play in November of 2021, that eases my mind a bit, knowing that I'm working on my craft and making small progress, but progress nevertheless. It's heartbreaking feeling how I slowly run out of time trapped here, and seeing drift away what I no longer considered a dream but rather a goal. I hope time will shed some light on me, I really don't want to give up on this, I don't even know what kind of answer I'm looking for here, I guess I just wanted to vent out, anyways thank you for reading if you did. I'm open to ideas or advices if you'd like to give some! Enjoy the rest of your day :), ​ Andrés.

lots of qs here

lots of qs here

Posted on Jan 11th

hi there. to be honest, I don't know how to start these so I'm just going to get to the point. I'm a 13-year-old from Iran and I want to be an actor. obviously, every time I mention it to my parents they think I'm just joking or something. I mean I don't blame them, after all, 1. I give up on everything I have liked easily 2. acting is a rather impossible job and everyone at my age wants it and 3. there's no possible way I can prove to myself and them that I like it. cause the application sucks here. the classes, the chances, the movies none of them are good. and I do not IN ANY WAY POSSIBLE want to be an actor in Iran. \- what are some ways I can improve my acting in my case? \- what are some ways I can show my parents that I'm serious about acting? also, I apologize for my terrible English

Looking for a decent agency for acting in Montreal.

Looking for a decent agency for acting in Montreal.

Posted on Jan 11th

Hello dear actors, I came to Montreal 1 month ago. I was acting in my country like 5 years. I am looking for a decent and professional acting agency. Does anyone know anywhere in Montreal? Thank you.

Question for Meisner Students/Meisner Technique Actors

Question for Meisner Students/Meisner Technique Actors

Posted on Jan 11th

Sorry for then length here, but would love to discuss! I had studied with a Meisner-based instructor about a decade ago, and have since studied techniques like Method (Strasberg) and Adler-- but I was revisiting the book Meisner On Acting, and I still get a bit conflicted with parts of his teaching fundamentals and how it seems to contradict certain aspects of auditioning and performing. (For context, I mostly do on-camera work now) For example, I know that getting out of your head and acting instinctually is important, but I feel like all of my script analysis, choices, and character development in preparation for understanding the story/scene and the character's backstories goes out the window when you get a really weird scene partner or audition reader while acting off of instinct in playing directly off of their energy in that moment. To explain, while I understand that it's very amateur and unprofessional to ever blame your scene partner, (if they're new to acting or whatnot, and the scene doesn't appear to have a connection or flow) and I'm not blaming anyone, but just as an example, I had a scene partner who frankly looked physically uncomfortable acting in front of a class and seemed as though he was just focused on spitting out his lines in one note before he forgot them-- which was totally the opposite of how the nature of his character in the scene was written-- So, my instincts were playing off of that and his energy, (while sticking to the dialogue, of course) instead of trying to "stick to my choices" in my head, which would go against the very basis of the Meisner technique. Needless to say, the scene came across as extremely awkward. The instructor questioned me on why I was playing my role so differently than how the character was written, (brassy, full of sass on the outside, but secretly lonely), and it was simply because my instincts were going off how my scene partner was behaving while continuing the scripted dialogue verbatim, which understandably came across as very odd given what the scene and characters were about. This might be an extreme example in the particular scene partner I was with, but my point is that this can occur in a myriad of acting situations. Again-- I do not want to come across as like I'm making excuses or blaming anyone else for what goes on, as we know anything can happen, especially in scenarios like casting directors/readers who don't give you much to bounce off of in the audition room and we gotta make it work! But my question is how people who follow the Meisner Technique handle this approach to acting while also using their choices, backstory, objectives, understanding the story, etc. Thanks!

Any actors you find overrated?

Any actors you find overrated?

Posted on Jan 11th

I find Renée Zellweger very overrated. I hardly think any of her performances are that convincing.

State of Submissions

State of Submissions

Posted on Jan 11th

I usually get this kind of info from classes / my circle of actor friends but I’ve been kind of a hermit through the pandemic so putting it on here. What’s the current state of things in terms of submitting materials to agents? I have new headshots and finished putting together a new reel this week and would like to start submitting, but in normal times the next month is the beginning of pilot season. Is pilot season getting back to normal? I picked up the UTD Theatricals Agents Directory and it seems to have a lot of people looking. EDIT: Forgot to say I’m in NYC.

Is it realistic for a European to try and make it to the big screen?

Is it realistic for a European to try and make it to the big screen?

Posted on Jan 11th

I'm from Holland and my dream would be to play in the big movies that pretty much all come from and are made in the US. I'm just wondering if it is anywhere near achieveable considering English is not my first language and most characters portrayed in those movies are American/English/Australian. I know you could obviously play someone that is not from there but there's probably a lot less jobs available compared to roles that have English as their native language. Also, any tips on how to make it to the US as an actor that is not from there?

How much is reasonable to pay for voice work?

How much is reasonable to pay for voice work?

Posted on Jan 11th

I’m new to this and I don’t want to accidentally lowball potential voice talent, but I also don’t want to overpay. I’m currently developing a free to play shooter game, and I’m looking to add voice callouts and wounded sounds. (Medic, reloading, cease fire, attack, etc…) As of right now, it’s looking like there will be about 100 lines with the majority being either two to three words long or just grunts and screams. Should I expect to pay by the line, word, or hour and what should I expect to pay for an amateur actor or actress with a good mic? I’ve seen a couple of rate guides, but they all seem like they’re for much larger scale projects than this.

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