AGGREGATED ACTING FORUMS

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Taking your own headshots.

Taking your own headshots.

Posted on Nov 18th

This isn’t really anything I considered before but my old acting teacher sent me an email over to send headshots and a bit about myself into a well known British tv show on Netflix which is looking for trans actors (I’m a 24 year old trans man), there is no acting experience required. Could I have some advice on how to take some headshots please? I’m a photographer and I have a very good DSLR, this is just something I have no experience with! Thanks

Imposter syndrome anyone?

Imposter syndrome anyone?

Posted on Nov 18th

So, I started working with the local cast of a national murder mystery theater comapny a couple months ago, and I'm really loving every minute of it. So far I've been playing side suspect characters that have an important clue or really just add flavor to the story. But recently, I've gotten cast as the lead in character in a couple shows. The one in charge of driving the story and helping the audience follow along. And I'm starting to get really nervous, thinging I'm not ready to be thrust into the spotlight like this. I've been stress reading the script over and over, trying to nail down all the beats and moments and make sure I'm introducing suspects in the right order for them to give their clues correctly. I'm so worried that I'll screw it all up. When those of you working actors out there got your first "big role" where the show really depended on you, did you have thoughts of I'm not ready? That it can't be you because you're just a supporting character actor and not a main guy and someone must have screwed up somewhere to think you'd be ready for this already?

Rarely do I get starstruck..

Rarely do I get starstruck..

Posted on Nov 18th

But I just signed with my manager less than a month ago and today I just received my first Tyler Perry audition. As a black actor, this is huge to me

Background actors, if you don’t get work on a given week, can you get unemployment for that week? Anyone have experience with that?

Background actors, if you don’t get work on a given week, can you get unemployment for that week? Anyone have experience with that?

Posted on Nov 18th

I live in Los Angeles for reference, and do both central casting and calling service. I just am curious to see if it’s reasonable to get a week of unemployment every once in a while

Submitting to union projects as non-union

Submitting to union projects as non-union

Posted on Nov 18th

I’m a non-union actor and am decently proactive about submitting to roles for non-union film/theatre work. I’m wondering though if I’m allowed to submit to EPA auditions for theatre and SAG projects for film (I need 2 more waivers to be SAG-eligible). What’s the likelihood that I’d be seen or taken seriously? Any advice would be greatly appreciated as I haven’t been able to find a straight answer. Thank you!

Preparation for a Role

Preparation for a Role

Posted on Nov 18th

Hey! I want to ask about how long can an actor prepare for a role? In my opinion, to get into a character takes time but I also heard that many actors have only a week for the preparation so what’s the average?

Best way to choose your "Best" Headshot

Best way to choose your "Best" Headshot

Posted on Nov 18th

I'm referring to selecting which Headshot as your primary photo when submitting to Actors Access and Backstage. - I think picking the one that best suits the role makes sense first and foremost. - - I've heard some sites say use tinder and put up both photos for the same amount of days to see which gets more swipes. If it's one photo by a landslide over the other then thats an answer. (I don't believe this necessarily because that's more for modeling. I do think "approachability" is a factor as well as, "this person looks like someone I could tolerate for 12hrs straight") - - Personally, I alternate dates submitting for everything I can with one photo. Then the next day with another photo. At the end of the week I look to see which got more audition requests. - - And for some actors, you have one really amazing headshot that stands above the rest so it could be an easy pick for you. What's your process for deciding on your default photo and primary photos you submit with?

Do you think big actors get frustrated when they’re always associated with a single project?

Do you think big actors get frustrated when they’re always associated with a single project?

Posted on Nov 18th

Like Emma Watson regardless of what movie she does she’ll always be thought of as Hermione. Like Vin Diesel with Dom or Chris Hemsworth as Thor. They can never really step out of their character’s shadow.

Is it more difficult to get started at 27 then it is at, lets say 21?

Is it more difficult to get started at 27 then it is at, lets say 21?

Posted on Nov 17th

I'm still an aspiring actor, but I don't have an agent, and my last (and only) gig was a commercial gig 2 years ago. I've been doing loads of extras work on the side but Im starting to wonder If I should approach work differently than 6 years ago, but then again maybe its all in my head. Also I have a fear that I have forgotten how to act as I was not practicing during the lockdown.

New actor - stay in San Diego or move to LA?

New actor - stay in San Diego or move to LA?

Posted on Nov 17th

Hello all, I wanted the opinion of anybody working in LA right now or who moved from San Diego to LA for acting. I'm a young professional who has some job offers to work in LA. Because a lot of things are virtual at the moment (including classes), would it be worth it to move to LA? I'm interested in taking improv and acting classes, which I know LA has some of the best options for this, but most of them are virtual anyways right now. Also, because I don't have much experience, I'm aware a lot of people recommend not to move to LA until you have some experience. Should I move to LA right now with most things being virtual classes/self-tapes and get any in-person experience I can with the currently available fewer options for classes. Or should I wait 1-2 years while building experience in SD? Appreciate any thoughts!

Racist role?

Racist role?

Posted on Nov 17th

Hey! I got cast in a student film as a suuuuper creepy racist role. Basically I would put on “Asian face” at some point during the film. Potentially taping my eyes to be more narrow, and caking my face in white makeup. I’m a new actor, would this be really fucked up of me to do? I’ve got an agent and manager and I don’t feel comfortable asking them just yet if I should do this or not.

In a short film, would it be wrong to ask for a name?

In a short film, would it be wrong to ask for a name?

Posted on Nov 17th

I'm in a short film where I have more lines than the lead character. I think I'm working with a first time filmmaker, they didn't specify. They said they are doing this for diversity and so that all the actors on this can be discovered. Would it be wrong to just ask for a name instead of being called "Brother 2?" It's incredibly irritating but maybe they aren't thinking about it. I just worry it could risk me losing the role. I've played enough no-name roles in the last 10years, my imdb is already littered with horrible choices lol.

Commercial Auditions slowing down in LA?

Commercial Auditions slowing down in LA?

Posted on Nov 17th

Wondering if this is the time of year Union commercial and/or theatrical auditions slow down? Is there a time where they just aren’t shooting anything in LA due to the holidays? Someone told me it’s good to stay in town during December since many people aren’t available but I’m not sure if that’s true for SAG actors as well?

Non-USA citizen wondering about Unions

Non-USA citizen wondering about Unions

Posted on Nov 17th

I wouldn't even call myself a new actor as yet as I have no on-paper experience. I'm from a small Caribbean island and acting isn't really a huge industry over here. I self-tape, take online acting classes, study techniques, etc. I think I have so much potential. I really want to start off somewhere but I guess asking/reaching out for help right now is a good way to start. I've been researching Non-American Actors in Hollywood for over a year now and I really haven't gotten any real answers as yet. I read in order to get a good agent and build your career or even get into high-profiled films in the future you need a union? My country/region does not have anything like that and I was wondering if I can legally get into any Union in the USA. Even Canada or the Uk would be good for me. I just want a stepping stone or a guide on what to do next. I feel very stuck but I'm not going to lose hope

Dealing With Conspiracy Driven Family Members.

Dealing With Conspiracy Driven Family Members.

Posted on Nov 17th

Delete if not allowed. I'm an aspiring actress that would love to one day be in real movies or on real tv shows. I've mostly done plays and student films but have started taking it more serious and am joining a union. Some of my family members are trying to scare me into crazy Q anon theories about Hollywood and how it's evil and run by pedos and I should stay away and I told them that every workplace and business has some form of corruption and that these crazy demonic theories have been around forever. I wont lie though, it does scare me and sometimes makes me not wanna even try to take my acting further even though I know the theories are insane. Can anyone else relate?

Would it be super unprofessional to show up to a set as a fan?

Would it be super unprofessional to show up to a set as a fan?

Posted on Nov 17th

So I'm going to New York this week for an anime convention, and then I get word that one of my favorite shows is filming somewhere else in New York, and if I'm in the right part of NYC at the right time, I could potentially watch them film and/or interact with some of the actors. But I also want to be a professional actor, on a level with this show's cast. I'm obviously not going over there with an 8x10 glossy and asking to be on the show or anything like that, I just want to watch them film as a fan and maybe get a selfie with the actors if they'll let me. Would that hurt any of my future prospects as an actor, or am I okay?

"Pinned" or "On Hold"

"Pinned" or "On Hold"

Posted on Nov 17th

On the topic of being "pinned," do you typically hear back from casting when they would like to release you from the pin (for specific dates) if they go with another actor? Or is this like most things in the industry where you should assume you won't hear unless you book?

New voice actor

New voice actor

Posted on Nov 17th

I’m fairly new into the whole voice acting process. I’m taking classes and stuff to refine my voice. I’ve already been stage acting for years. I’m just wondering how is the best process for getting auditions. I don’t really care how big or if they are paid. I’m just wondering if there is a trustworthy site to visit? Any help would be welcome no matter how small.

Got dropped by my manager of 3 years. I am very sad and feeling insecure about my acting/passion for it

Got dropped by my manager of 3 years. I am very sad and feeling insecure about my acting/passion for it

Posted on Nov 16th

Ugh… idk where to start. I lived in La for 4 years moved back home (couple hours away from La) because I lost my job and figured I could do self tapes from home anyways since that’s the new norm. I can honestly say this year I’ve been rejecting more audition offers (due to me not living in La, not being interested in the role, very low pay… Not enough for me to travel, family obligations, and my mental health has been at an all time low) My manager dropping me today has me re-evaluating my whole life. I can’t help but feel like a failure. I can’t help but feel like I wasted 4 years in La. First year was a complete joke. I was 23 years old spending 5 days a week closing a bar until 3 am and could barely make ends meet. Couldn’t afford an acting class. My friend told me our mutual friend asked her “does she even pursue acting anymore”. It broke me. I was constantly in survival mode while I watched that same girl pull money out of her trust fund account and solely focus on acting. The second year was bad. Finally 2019, I started getting into bigger auditions, studio lots, call backs (still non union) but no solid bookings! Yet I felt confident and was finally seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. Covid hit, I spent a whole year stuck in my apartment. Came home, unemployed, booked one gig all year through my manager. I know I wasn’t putting my all into acting. I am more focused on my mental health and making money in hopes of living a better quality of life and hopefully will be able to be in a more comfortable state of mind, enough to whole heartedly chase acting again. I just can’t help but feel like maybe I just suck. 4 years in La did some work, most was shit. I didn’t even see end result for so many project. Self tapes give me anxiety. When I was in La, I would get my tapes done at a studio. Now I’m home I have no actor friends to help. I don’t want to pay someone off we audition to help me. It makes me uncomfortable not knowing the person and it doesn’t even feel like I am connecting with my reader responding through a screen. I hope I am not losing my passion. I am afraid I am…

[Casting] Need actors with animals / pets!

[Casting] Need actors with animals / pets!

Posted on Nov 16th

I own a creative ad agency called [Airtraffic](https://airtraffic.co) and we work with a lot of mobile app/gaming clients. Right now we are producing a series of short TikTok style video ads for a client, and they call for people with pets or animals. The videos are all remote / self-filmed using your phone. The animals vary from dogs and cats to horses, fish, birds, cows, snakes, turtles, goats, and even a tarantula. The videos are fairly short - around 20-30sec - so they should take maybe 30min of your time to produce. These are all paid gigs. Contract is full buyout but we do not limit your ability to work on similar productions in the future (i.e. other mobile or gaming products). If you have an animal and are available, please email [talent@airtraffic.co](mailto:talent@airtraffic.co) or send me a message here. Thank you!

Looking for LA Actors for Student Interview

Looking for LA Actors for Student Interview

Posted on Nov 16th

Hi r/acting! I'm an undergraduate currently pursuing a degree in acting. As part of a project for my Business of Acting class, I'm supposed to interview professional actors who work in LA. I would be asking questions about their experience in the business and what it's like to live in LA. If there are any professionals on here interested in giving an interview, either over email or Zoom, DM me! I'd also greatly appreciate any advice on how to get in touch with actors in the LA area. Thanks!

Actors working for casting directors?

Actors working for casting directors?

Posted on Nov 16th

Do any of you work in casting offices or with casting directors? If so how did you get in and does that hurt your career or help it?

Acting Ability or Political Correctness?

Acting Ability or Political Correctness?

Posted on Nov 16th

I have seen several instances where a person of one race voices a character of another race, and it being considered offensive/racist. One example of this is the character Missy in Big Mouth. This character was originally voiced by a white woman, but was replaced by an African American woman due to backlash of it being considered "offensive". What are your thoughts on this? Is it considered offensive for a person to voice a character of a different race, or should it be based on the the talent of the actor rather than race?

Acting for film or acting for theater?

Acting for film or acting for theater?

Posted on Nov 15th

I’m a beginner, and many people told me to start with acting for theater classes (because it’s a more „complete” kind of education), while I chose to start with acting for film classes, because I prefer that kind of acting. What are your opinions about this? Did all successful movie actors begin with theater acting?

What are good jobs for actors?

What are good jobs for actors?

Posted on Nov 15th

What are some good paying jobs that an actor can work? Is working part time better? If you’ve working full-time, how do you balance acting/auditioning and your regular 9-5?

LA based, Without a living situation.

LA based, Without a living situation.

Posted on Nov 15th

Hey everyone, I moved out here a few months ago with some people I considered family to pursue my acting career, and yesterday I was informed I was no longer welcomed to live there. I'm not sure what my next move should be, my financial situation isn't the greatest atm but I'm certain my current circumstances will change

Any other introverted actors out there?

Any other introverted actors out there?

Posted on Nov 15th

Feeling so insecure and just seeking a bit of reassurance. Im confident in my ability as a theatrical actress, but the only auditions Ive gotten lately have been for commercials. I get so insecure during callbacks for them it makes me doubt my entire existence. Everyone is so chatty and bubbly and outgoing whereas Im reserved and introverted. I dont experience this during theatrical auditions but something about the commercial audition process makes me feel like such an imposter and I hate it so much. I feel like the CDs want someone with that authentic bubbly spark which I cannot manufacture and feels so fake when I try to. I know I just need to change my own perception of it but I get so tired of pumping myself up only to be riddled with nerves and feel like a failure after every single callback. How can I just stop caring so I can just have fun with it? Is it possible to book stuff even if Im not the life of the party personality that seems required of every actor?

Getting an Agent (LA)

Getting an Agent (LA)

Posted on Nov 15th

Hello! I am to the point of my career where I feel like I am ready to get an agent (or a manager honestly, yes I know the difference). I feel like getting an agent and how to contact them is somehow something others know and I am just the fool. I would really appreciate any actual, concrete advice on how to do so. Is the best thing to do truly scouring IMDb for C-list actors and somehow finding their agents' emails? Is sending generic, yet semi-personalized emails to 50 agents whom I have no connection to the best thing to do? I am ready to put in the work, I live in LA, I am successfully and consistently booking short films and background work on my own, and I am ready to start taking the next step. Please, any advice would be genuinely appreciated. Be honest, harsh, helpful, I am not looking for an easy fix or an in, just anything anyone has to give.

Why do so many people in the industry hate super hero movies?

Why do so many people in the industry hate super hero movies?

Posted on Nov 15th

Ridley Scott just came out saying he thinks that superhero movies and boring and lack creativity, we also had Martin Scorsese talk about them, Ricky Gervais and also recently Denis Villeneuve. I get the points they make, about how a lot of them do lack creativity and use the same cookie cutter formula but are they really that bad for the industry? I mean they’ve kicked off a lot of careers for actors and you could say the same thing about the Bond movies. I mean I will admit I am starting to get tired of superheroes movies but you can’t deny they are fun and have allowed some amazing actors to be in the spotlight

Looking for an indie actress

Looking for an indie actress

Posted on Nov 15th

Hello there, I do hope this is the right subreddit, if not any guidance would be appreciated. Looking for an actress who does primarily independent films. I believe she has only been acting since 2019 maybe a little bit longer. First name is some variation of jasmine/Jasmyn/jazmin/ etc. From the phoenix/flagstaff area. Medium to long, I believe it was dark Brown hair. If I could remember where I saw her this would not be an issue haha. Thank you in advance.

I need some advice!

I need some advice!

Posted on Nov 15th

I’ve always wanted to be an actor and I’ve lowkey been afraid to go for it. I’m 23 years old now, about to be 24 and decided enough is enough and I want to get the ball rolling on my career, but have no idea where to start. I did a few plays as a child in places like church and school. Can anyone help me? I’m from Orlando if that helps lol. Any advice is appreciated

What was that 1-2 move you made..that turned your career around?

What was that 1-2 move you made..that turned your career around?

Posted on Nov 15th

I guess I'm looking for tips but also want to see what other actors say on moves they made that really turned their careers around. I think back on the last decade of my career and I went years where I would only get 1-5 auditions a year..to now where in a good month I get maybe 5 a month. Things kinda slowed down but there is a reason for that I feel in which I need to speak with my agent. But anyway, as for my moves..training. I took acting class after acting class after acting class. Then when I right audition came, I would be ready. In Chicago there are only 20 SAG agents. If you are in the know, you kinda know who are the top agents. When I booked my first booking, I was with a low-tier - foot in the door agent. What I would always do when signing in because you sign your name and agent you are with..I would look at the actor and the agent..I would make a mental note..I might be with a low level agent, but here I am in a room with actors who are with the cream of the crop. I gotta kill it, I gotta stand out over them. And that one audition came, and I did exactly that. And this was with the number 1 CD in Chicago, as I auditioned I heard, "wow, well we got that role down" and it felt good. I was nervous on set, I felt outta place, but hey, I got it done. My first ever job. I just booked my second job last year for an Apple TV. Here is another part of the story, I started acting in 08. I landed a lead role in a big indie movie - long story short, it went nowhere. I had this ego that I didn't need acting classes - I had that ego for a long, long time. Stupid long time. Then I had a convo over gaming with a long lost friend I found on Facebook..we talked and his passion came up - paintballing. This guy has put in over 5-6K in his paintballing equipment..He loves it. Sure it's not his career, but he is sponsored and goes to tournaments and everything. It hit me, how has he put more money in his passion, than I have in my acting which I consider my "career?" That's when I signed up for classes and I completed acting programs. That's what I did. I took classes and I stuck with it. Sure, I get depressed and down...like I wish I woulda took classes since I started..I woulda got where I'm at faster..I will forever regret not becoming the man I am today, earlier in life when my mom was alive...that will always be with me. I was a late bloomer in life... I guess I'm ranting...there is one phrase you need to abide by, work smart, not work hard. or both. Work hard & smart.

Connecting to the Script

Connecting to the Script

Posted on Nov 15th

I have seen a lot of Actors emphasis on the fact that you need to connect to the story or the script as deeply as possible for a great performance. How to connect to the story?

My very first failed drama school audition

My very first failed drama school audition

Posted on Nov 14th

Hi everyone! So today I had my first audition ever for drama school and didn’t make it to first-round callback. Since I’m an international applicant that had never auditioned in English before and literally just started exploring Shakespeare this year, I knew this first time was going to be a learning experience. Also, it was Juilliard. Heh. But although I’m very happy I got to do this today, I would like to know if any actors here at drama schools or auditioning have some experiences to share about how your very first drama school audition went like and advice on how to not let that first “no” put pressure on your next auditions for other schools.

As a non-union BG actor, who do I contact about missing paychecks?

As a non-union BG actor, who do I contact about missing paychecks?

Posted on Nov 14th

I was hired for a production in September through a third party app (Castifi) and so I was sent all my call times and info through email from someone from one of their emails. I was not given any correspondence for anyone involved in production or payroll. This has happened this way on other sets before, but I never had a problem with payment so I never thought to ask for the information (though going forward, I will.) I had reached out to the people whose emails I did have, but I have not heard back from anyone. I did receive one check from them, which was half of what my expected Covid payment should have been, but I still haven’t gotten my payment for my full days work, which was on Sept 30. I did send an email about that too but have not heard back about that either. Would calling the payroll company do anything? I’m sorry if these are dumb questions, it’s just that I feel as background actors, especially non-union, we don’t get much to work with or included in many details, so it’s really hard to know what to do here or what my options are. Thanks a bunch!

What's Austin's Film Industry Looking Like These Days?

What's Austin's Film Industry Looking Like These Days?

Posted on Nov 14th

So I hear word that HBO & Netflix each built out sprawling new studios in Austin, TX. Does anyone have any insight as to how hopping the film industry's there right now? Any actors that live in Austin out there to give me your two beautiful cents? Do ya'll have good agencies out there? Do they put you out for roles outside of Texas too? What's the acting landscape like here?

Are actors allowed to have boundaries when accepting or declining roles?
How do you get into the business without going to film school?

How do you get into the business without going to film school?

Posted on Nov 14th

I’ve wanted to be an actor since I was 14, and only recently wanted to go to film school….until I figured out how much it costs, so I wanted to ask how you get into film because google won’t tell me anything.

Does voice acting change significantly depending on the language?

Does voice acting change significantly depending on the language?

Posted on Nov 14th

Might be a strange question, but I’ve really been thinking about it. I’d really like to take some on-site voice acting classes, but because of where I live (Mexico City), it means they would be on Spanish and focus on the Spanish speaking market. I also know Mexico and specifically Mexico City is a good place for voice acting because it tends to be the place where most dubs and commercials are made because of the neutral accent and big entertainment industry. However, for whatever reason, I just really prefer voice acting in English (I’m fluent at a native level so there’s no problem on that end) and wanna make that my ultimate goal. I know an acting class helps you improve regardless, but would I be wasting money and time by taking it in a different language from the one I want to focus on? Or is it pretty much the same? Any bilingual actor has any experience with these kinds of situations? I’d like to take advantage of knowing multiple languages but I’m kinda lost on how to go about it :))

Do I have to make sure the actors I want for my cartoon want to voice act the characters?

Do I have to make sure the actors I want for my cartoon want to voice act the characters?

Posted on Nov 14th

So since I am 16 and want to make a cartoon and for my voice actors I want Brooklynn Prince, Asher Angel, maybe Nicole Sullivan or whatever? But I am curious to know if Brooklynn Prince or Asher Angel would be interested in doing voice acting for my cartoon???

Trying a voice that is unnatural

Trying a voice that is unnatural

Posted on Nov 14th

My voices tone can fluctuate depending how loud I am speaking. I was wondering if there was any tips anyone has that I could possibly try to speak louder while doing another voice. Is this something I shouldn’t expect myself to be able to do? I really want to try and speak at a louder volume with a different voice but I can’t seem to do it and was wondering if this was normal or should voice actors be able to put on a voice that could be extremely lower then normal or higher and still be able to speak at normal volume

URGENT CASTING CALL for london actors!

URGENT CASTING CALL for london actors!

Posted on Nov 13th

Looking for actors for vampire short film! shooting from 19-21 of this month from 9-5 and on the 24-25 from 4-12 in central London:) Please email me at lillimunro00@gmail.com

Any other actors out there that struggle with OCD intrusive thoughts/ constant line fixation/memorizing?

Any other actors out there that struggle with OCD intrusive thoughts/ constant line fixation/memorizing?

Posted on Nov 13th

I know this is a niche group if anyone relates but I figured I’d give it a try. I have ocd with intrusive thoughts and unfortunately this affects me a lot as an actor. My mind obsessively goes over my lines for either an audition, callback or if I get the part- the whole play. I can’t sleep, take a nap or rest because my mind forces me to go over my lines, I can’t stop looking at my script and it constantly occupies my mind- I feel like I don’t deserve to sit back and relax and maybe watch a tv show. I don’t know how to set a “boundary” with my mind. This is super unhealthy and I don’t know what to do. I’m not new at acting, this is for NYC theatre but I just don’t know how to manage this because it’s unbearable. I am already in hell based on a callback for a short scene on Monday.

Mindset for College actors ?

Mindset for College actors ?

Posted on Nov 13th

All I care about is getting better and fulfilling my acting habit. I'm based in Philadelphia. I'm a theatre-acting student at a public university. I'm almost a second semester sophomore. Acting is like a drug for me. I'm studying a lot on my own outside of homework, taking intensives, and acting in plays, etc. I feel like simply completing my college classes isn't enough to ensure a life where I get to act regularly in enjoyable productions. I feel like I'm going to get to graduation and be unprepared. **What advice do you have for students who want to start forging their path now? Anything helps.** I know this profession is really difficult.

Help!! Do I leave my agent?

Help!! Do I leave my agent?

Posted on Nov 13th

Help! Will make this as concise as possible- I've been with my agent for almost one year (two weeks out from contract renewing). I've always gotten kind of weird/unprofessional vibes from the agency as a whole. For instance, the process for signing - I sent a blind submission to try and set a meeting to interview to get signed, and ended up just having a 5 minute phone call with the head agent's assistant (who is not an agent), asking me cookie-cutter questions, if I had headshots, a reel, etc, no real questions to see if we were a fit. I was sent a contract the next day, no other questions asked. A new actor with no reps, I signed it. When I asked if I could set up a time to speak with the agent herself, I was told that since I was developmental, the assistant would be the one I could speak with and who would submit me. Things that have happened since: 1. Assistant who was my point left the company, found out about it through a bulletin board post by the NEW assistant on the company website. Riddled with spelling errors. 2. Agency is not SAG-franchised, which I've heard is a red flag. 3. They will send out sides to their actors who they submitted to a certain role, and CC every single actor, like 30 of us. Not BCC'd. 4. Owner/head agent is unprofessional in the way she communicates with actors (uses a website bulletin board as primary form of communication, and is belittling to any questions she gets, everything she posts is riddled with grammatical errors). 5. Delayed payments (like over two months late). 6. Have clients pay for different website subscriptions that the agencies supposedly use to pitch, but nothing ever comes from them (not casting sites, media hosting sites). 7. Ignore days that you have emailed saying you're "booked out". 8. I haven't booked anything through them since signing - that's not to say that's their fault, but just an interesting note. Everything I've booked has been on my own submissions or through my own connections (which I still pay them their percentage for of course on those bookings). I have a manager as well, who I have gotten more recently, who is well-respected, and she says that since they technically have gotten me a decent number of auditions and I'm at the beginning of my career, it's better to have an agent than no agent, but I'm not so sure. Do I talk to my manager again about this? Thank you guys :')

Shower thought: if editors get paid for test edits why don’t actors get paid for self tapes?

Shower thought: if editors get paid for test edits why don’t actors get paid for self tapes?

Posted on Nov 13th

My boyfriend is a video editor. Sometimes to “audition” him clients ask him to edit a test video for which he gets paid $150-$200. He can often spend 8 hours, sometimes more on a test edit. If they like him, they bring him on the project for his day rate. Now, imagine if you got a couple of hundred bucks for those self tapes we’re always running around to finish. Would certainly make all the shift-swapping, line memorizing, hair styling, makeup, script analysis, and MORE a little less stressful because even if we dont book it, at least we got some money for all that time. However, with Hollywood being…Hollywood, I don’t see this happening in the foreseeable future.

What do you think is the best website builder for a voice actor?

What do you think is the best website builder for a voice actor?

Posted on Nov 13th

Howdy! I'm looking to build a website and wanted to get some opinions on which website builders you've enjoyed using. I just tried dabbling in Godaddy.com for the first time but when I looked to upload demos, it seems like the best option it gives me is to implement soundcloud links..which isn't really what I want to do. I just want something clean and simple. My headshot with some quick and easy play buttons next to it to hear my demos.

Attractive, affordable websites for voice talent

Attractive, affordable websites for voice talent

Posted on Nov 12th

**Most voice talent websites suck. Ours don't.** Most voice over actor websites are terrible. They look dated. They have weird spacing. They look wrong on mobile. And they make skilled talent look amateur. Yikes. Show casting and talent agents you’re the real deal with a professional website that stands out from the crowd. Our websites feature modern designs, put your demos front and centre, and showcase your personality. With a well-designed home on the web, you can get more auditions, book more jobs, and grow your voice over business. Learn more at https://www.voiceonscreen.com

What are some features of the best voice actor websites?

What are some features of the best voice actor websites?

Posted on Nov 12th

What are some of the features you need to incorporate into your website if you want to make it as a voice actor? I'd love to hear your ideas and I have some of my own: **Your best demo right up top.** If people are visiting your website to listen to your demo, it should be really easy to find. Your best work should be the first thing visitors see when they visit your website. **Lots of white space.** Lots of voice actors try to cram a lot of stuff in to a small space on their website. The best ones have lots of white space and give the information room to breathe. **Works perfectly on mobile.** You never know when you're going to want to show off your demo. Having a website that looks great on a phone screen is really important. **Testimonials and client logos.** In my experience, casting agents want to know that you have good experience and others will vouch for you. **An equipment list.** Your equipment is a dead giveaway if you're a pro or not. Even if you've only got a few pieces of gear, listing them on your website can make you look more professional. **Contact information.** Obviously, if you want your website to get you work you need to make it super easy to find your email address and phone number. **Good photography.** Your headshot is one of the best ways to show off your personality and make a connection with your website visitors. Even though they're hiring you for your voice, they want to see your face. What else sets apart the pros from the rest when it comes to voice actor websites?

Homophobic manager. What would you do?

Homophobic manager. What would you do?

Posted on Nov 12th

Need advice. My manager (I don’t have an agent) found a relationship podcast deal for me a few months ago. He then told me I wasn’t allowed to have gay/alternative lifestyle guests on the program. I walked away. Because zero dollars are worth excluding an entire community. *Note - my family has NUMEROUS gay/lesbian members - so, I’m definitely an ally. I’ve lost two gay students that could no longer deal with the parental and peer harassment and chose to unlive…* Flash forward to last week, while discussing the casting process, his assistant stated, “Andy (name changed) refuses to even submit our gay clients for gay roles, he believes that if you are an actor, you can act straight.” So, in summary, he’s willing to make money from gay clients as long as they are performing as straight. WTF!!!!? My heart hurts, and I’m in HE MUST BE PUNISHED mode. I submitted a 30-day notice of my desire to leave the agency. But, I’m angry with the passion of a million suns. Would you report him? If so, who should I contact? If you just happen to have every email address to every member of the agency, would you anonymously let them know of his discriminatory practices? Or, let it go. This business is dirty, karma will have its way with him. I’m rather new to the acting and VO world (8 months) I’ve booked numerous national gigs - utterly terrified of retaliation. What would you do???

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