Below is a piece I wrote that inspired a lot of conversation about making creative, strong choices. Let me know what you think. ============================= Why I was such a cruel prick “I never paint what is. I only paint what I imagine could be.” Degas Want to know how to fully explore your character - and dare to make choices that feel uncomfortable...even possibly get you in trouble - so you can DISCOVER the true ESSENCE of your character? Here’s the dealio, YOUR imagination is one of the best ways to ILLUMINATE the TRUTH of the character. The reason why your imagination is so important is because too often actors get stuck working from their “rational brain.” And what that means is...you’re not working from your instincts. Here’s the real truth: your rational brain stifles your creativity and forces you into making GENERIC and PEDESTRIAN choices. I remember having an audition for a violently abusive husband on a short lived ABC series. Anyway, once I walked into the casting office, I was told the audition would be an improvised scene... Then I was told my character is none too happy about how my wife has cleaned the house. In fact, I leave sticky notes around the house detailing how she failed to clean something properly.
I wrote some of this in my journal yesterday (my birthday!) and I just want to share/vent here and see if anyone else feels this way? Here's my acting story (abbreviated): I auditioned and was accepted into Chicago College of Performing Arts for class of 2024. I deferred because of the pandemic. I took my first on-camera acting class on May 6th, 2020. I trained really hard at a bunch of different studios remotely during COVID to develop my craft. I booked my first student film last August. This past year I've worked on 15 (non-student) short films. Some of them were out of state with big budgets. I've signed with two agencies. I booked a dayplayer in a feature in my area last November. This June I was in Georgia for the month shooting a lead in a mid-budget period thriller feature. This July I spent 2 weeks in Oklahoma working as a major supporting character in a coming-of-age movie. I am consistently going out for TV co-stars and mid-sized supporting roles in films. I am being seen in Atlanta for recurring guest stars fairly routinely. I am my happiest and most content self when I am working on set. I make a conscious effort to be pleasant, present, and professional (my 3 Ps lol) and never say one negative thing. I feed off of the energy and I know that acting is what I was created to do. Everything that I’ve accomplished this year is so so fantastic and objectively I know that I’m lucky to have had so many opportunities in what was basically just a year. But here I am sitting with this unshakable feeling that I'm not good enough and people don't like me/don't want to work with me. Once I wrap a project or send an audition in I always spiral into an insecure mess. Leaving set after working on a film leaves me with a few days of melancholy ecstasy followed by questions of “why did I say that to them”, “he doesn’t think I’m talented”, “was too annoying during lunch”. You guys get it. I usually end up convincing myself that I was a burden to everyone and that production regretted hiring me because I’m untalented and annoying. Don’t even get me started on the looks. Please let me know if anyone else feels this way? I’ll send in a tape where I look great because of the lighting and then when I get to set, I am convinced the director/production thinks I catfished them and look nothing like my audition video but they don’t want to tell me because it’s too late to find someone else. Another example is if I didn’t have to film a full body slate, I feel like they think I’m fat when they see me in person. Also I am personally confident in my acting abilities but I feel like the people in video village are whispering to each other that I did terribly (this is after I wrap, not during production). Social media just feeds into this. When I see former castmates interacting with each other without me via posts on Instagram, I feel like they don’t want to hang out with me because I’m too ugly, or too annoying, or too untalented. When they comment on other people’s pictures and not mine, I feel like the odd man out. Another facet to this is that even though I truly am happy when other people book projects, I feel like I’m falling behind when I see their posts. My family doesn’t really help either. When I feel the slightest bit of pride in what I’m doing, they make sure to knock me down by reminding me that I didn’t actually make any money (because I worked local hire) between my plane flight and Airbnb. They ask when I’m going to start working in TV. The few times I’ve told them about auditions, when they ask about them later and I say I didn't book, they tell me “that’s disappointing”. They really mean no harm but on top of the other stuff, it’s just a little extra salt in the wound. Lastly, I overthink every little mistake that I’ve made and beat myself up over it. For example, I accidentally posted a reel with unreleased clips on my IMDb and got a stern email by production on one of my films and on another project, I made another stupid mistake that might have lost me the ability to work with that director again too. Those are literally the only two things I can think of where I have blatantly messed up but they still haunt me to this day. I just want to stress that overall, I am content with my life as an actor. I have a great support system consisting of family, friends outside the industry, and other actors. I love my acting classes and self-taping. Like I said, being on set is like heaven for me and I can’t see a life where I don’t pursue acting until the day I die. I just wanted to vent about this part of my time in the industry. I feel like I've accomplished too much to feel this way when other people wish they could do some of the stuff that I've done but at the same time, I wish I could do stuff that other people have done. I feel like I can't even have the feelings I'm having. I guess I would just love to know if anyone else gets these feeling so I don’t feel so alienated in my experiences and if anyone has any coping techniques for when these feelings start to creep in.
I've been a long time lurker and have been acting since 2012 down in Australia. This board has been one of the few place that has kept my head in the game. Australia is a very, very small market, with large barriers to auditioning for a tiny amount of roles across the states. It's super competitive. I've really wanted to make the move to UK / US / Canada and last year was supposed to be the year yet it didn't happen for obvious reasons. ​ The last few years have been exceptionally rough as I've struggled with bouncing around from not having agency to having agents who have treated me like a number, to dealing with COVID, to losing my abillity to work as a full time film maker (which pushed me into my fall back career to pay the bills). The final hardship was rejected by an Academy Award winning director from a shortlist of actors after the writer pushed me for the role as hard as he could - but still I didn't land it. I really thought this was my break out role and spent over $3k preping for the audition, and spending 20 hours a week over 6 months working on that character and script, only for the role to go to someone who spent 2 weeks working on it. The demoralising part of it really messed me up harder as I had nothing else to look forward to. No other big auditions coming my way. Despite that, I decided to create my own shot, riding off the momentum of being shortlisted, even with the heartache of rejection to keep pushing onwards for a decent agent. I probably received over 80 rejections email out of the 120+ emails I sent looking for representation. I ended up getting interest from an agent who was unavailable and asked me to contact them back in a few weeks time. After a long and rough few weeks of mental stress, dealing with life & bills, I ended up having that chat with them, which went exceptionally well and gratiously accepted them as my agent. After 1 day of joining on their books, I've received my first TV audition for an actual supporting part. This has been over 9 years in the making. At 31, I feel excited and grateful to finally be able to work hard at a serious acting opportunity for a large and important audition, after years of working on my craft. I do not care if I get this role as I've won already. It's validated a lot of my insecurities, heartache and pain that I've had to go through, with numerous times where I've contemplated quitting due to the sacrifices not being worth it. Now the final place I want to work on more is my mentality & mental health. Having the security of proper representation really takes a lot of the sting of rejection out, as I know that if I continue to work hard on the auditions, I'll be sure to continue to find opportunities. If anyone is doubting themselves right now, it's natural to feel that way. Just keep continuing. Even if you have to take a break, you're still an actor, and the work you've put it in along the way isn't going anywhere (just like when Daniel Day-Lewis takes years off acting) all your talent & instrument is there, waiting for you to come back to it.
So, the first thing I should clarify, is that I'm not a professional voice actor. [I just saw this video, and thought it would be fun to voice the characters.](https://youtu.be/rHu15tk8RJI) For reference, this is an animation of a fight in the manga/webcomic One Punch Man. If you want to look up the characters, look up Garou, Darkshine, Gyro-Gyro, and Puri Puri Prisoner. Since I don't speak Japanese, I tried to emulate their English Dub voices. [This is how it came out.](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eitcc4ujeN0) What do you guys think?
A mom approached me and asked about a lesson or two for her daughter to prepare for an audition but I don't know what to charge. I have a degree in Theatre and am a professional working actor, and 25 if that makes a difference. I'm thinking of charging $40 for an hour? Is that reasonable or am I lowballing myself? I live in the Washington DC area and am in an affluent county as many people make a lot of money due to their government work, thanks!
I have never gone to film school. The only education I have received in acting was way back in high school in drama class which pretty much consisted of goofing off. I have always wanted to see what it's like on a real movie set and lucked out as a major movie started filming few months ago. With much perseverance, I successfully landed a background actor spot on a film directed by Martin Scorsese, starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Brendan Fraser and some others. Was very hard work but I would have done it for free or might have even paid to do it as the experience was extremely valuable and one I'll never forget. The biggest surprise was how hard actors/film crew work. I will never, ever make fun of Hollywood or Hollywood types again! The biggest lesson I learned from the experience was something along the lines of... if you want results in life put an incredible amount of detail into whatever you are doing. Whether it's a hot dog stand, a YouTube channel, a book or whatever. Don't get lazy/sloppy. The amount of detail with the set design and lengths the cast/crew went to for each scene was incredible. Scorsese doesn't fool around... no detail is too small. Do the same with whatever you are doing and you will eventually succeed.
Okay so this is not going to be a usual post like “I just got a role in a movie” so prepare yourself. so I am a 13 year old boy who is going into eighth grade in two weeks and then five months after that I’ll need to write an entrance exam to a school, and because I wanna become an actor I want to go to a school that has acting classes, but I recently realized I know nothing about acting. That is because when I was like 7 I loved watching movies and so i decided that I want to become an actor and since then I’ve never actually thought it through. Im also not American, so even if I do get into this school, I’ll have to act in Hungarian. so my questions are: 1. Should I go to the acting school or just choose a regular one and think more about it? Although, I don’t really wanna do that because when I go to university, I’ll have to pay a bunch of money and I don’t want to do that if I’m not sure about acting. 2. Should I take acting lessons on YouTube and see where I get? I don’t know if these lessons even work, but I definitely don’t want to take real life acting classes because one, my parents prolly wouldn’t want to pay for it (I mean they would pay it if I asked them but I don’t want to waste their money if yt lessons are good) and two, I’m probably too shy to act alone in front of a teacher, which leads us to question number three: 3. what do I do about stage fright? this one isn’t urgent, but I’m sure once I’ll end up having to act alone at an audition or even on an actual movie set. I could probably overcome it if i stopped panicking and actually did something, so give me tips if you know some. and last, question number 4. is acting different in different languages? so as I said in middle school I’ll have to act in Hungarian, which is probably harder, because my brain can process the things I say much faster, and I’ll start panicking about how it’s not real and im just acting and my acting will be bad. But that’s not the important part. So if I “master” acting in Hungarian will i have to do it differently in English? I know this seems like a stupid question, but I feel like it’s going to be like that. Thanks for reading! (And please don’t answer like I’m a two year old because that’s what most people do)
Hello! I had an eco cast audition that was due today (Monday) @5pm PDT. I live in New York so I converted to deadline to be 8pm my time, but when I went to upload my video at around 7:30pm EST, the eco cast said that my deadline passed. It’s pretty disheartening after going through the process of recording and editing my video just for an audition to close early like that. Does this happen often with Actors Access? Should I just follow the timing that’s given on the page despite time zones?
Since I heard that shooting lasts like 12 hours or more. What do you do to pass the time? I doubt your character would have too many lines to rehearse
I found a role in a short film near me that I find very interesting, and fitting to my type. The casting director requested a self-tape in the breakdown. I have a self-tape from a past audition that has received excellent feedback, but I am not sure if I should use dialogue from the script when I respond to this casting on casting networks. They linked a pdf with the script along with payment details, and then said: **Requested Media** Audio, Video, Photo please send a self tape I would normally just take the time to make a tape, but the problem is that the script they sent only has about 4 lines in it (mostly silent film). It is not something I can really make a tape for, as I am acting out stabbing another actor and saying these 4 lines. I suppose I could get creative and try to make a tape for this solo, but I am not sure if that is necessary as they did not specify whether or not this tape must be from the script they attached to the breakdown. I am new to acting, so this may seem like an obvious answer to some, but please bare with me. **Is it okay for me to use an old tape in this instance?**
Hello, I am curious if there is a pay bump for non-union actors who are asked to drive a vehicle on set. I drove on set which required driving around talent, camera, and essentially through the shot for several hours. Is that considered a stunt on set? Thank you!
Hey all -- I'm an L.A. actor trying to decide between LA Casting, Backstage, Actors Access, or something else. My primary goal will be getting local and equity theatre auditions for plays and musicals. Does anyone know the best way to go about finding these auditions?
I'm not in the business myself, but I've often wondered why a reasonably well-known actor A reaches a certain respectable level of fame, but doesn't get to the point of starring in big-budget movies. I often wonder why Actor A never gets cast in those spots. Sarah Chalke (cast member of 'Roseanne', recurring character on 'How I Met Your Mother', voice actor on 'Rick and Morty' and 'Paradise PD', co-star of recent successful Netflix show 'Firefly Lane') is someone that really comes to mind for this one. I looked around on Wikipedia to find someone that had a similar start to their career as Sarah Chalke, and Amber Heard came to mind. Ms. Heard went from being a moderately successful TV actress to being cast as the seventh bill in the very successful 'Magic Mike XXL' (2015) and also in 'The Danish Girl' (2015), to being cast as friggin' Mera in multiple DC Comics' movies. So when you look at their two careers, is there any reason that you think that Amber Heard has achieved way more at the box office than someone like Sarah Chalke? In the opinion of everyone here, what do you think are the differences between having a solid working career versus being a leading cinema star?
what’s the difference between acting classes and acting workshops? and what’s the best option for a beginner actor with no experience (besides a few fundamentals classes)?
We at Linguistix Tank Inc. seek American natives (males & females) to join a short term project ​ Here are the main details: \- The task is to read and record short sentences (5-7 words each sentence) \- You will record 480 utterances. \- The task can be done in 30-45 minutes \- The task is done using an online system that we will provide and explain how to use \- The deadline for this project is the 19th of Aug, 2021 \- The pay rate for the task is 15$, paid after delivering 100% of the task with the quality required ​ Requirements: \- You must use any Android device (iOS and iPhone are not accepted) \- You must have an Upwork profile in order to process the payments \- Users must be adults (18 years of age or older) ​ \- You can refer your friends, colleagues or family (There is a $2 bonus for each accepted referral) \- The referrals don't need to have their own Upwork account, we will process their payment on your account \- More than one user can use the same device ​ \*Payment will be processed after your delivery immediately with no delay! ​ \*You will be required to record on voice sample first and then proceed after it gets accepted. ​ Please fill out this form if you are interested: [https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd4UdKAnWUuS0MbW1-MpePlIRaftl\_O\_557\_3BRo6woxWIT\_Q/viewform](https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd4UdKAnWUuS0MbW1-MpePlIRaftl_O_557_3BRo6woxWIT_Q/viewform)
it was my first day ever on a movie set today. i got the position to shadow the director, and also be an extra in some scenes. i originally auditioned for a main role, but didn’t hear back. in the presence of the set, i felt almost sick to my stomach. all the other background actors were talking about how they didn’t have much to do today, so they signed up as backgrounds. in the middle of scenes, the directer would ask us to talk casually. however, my scene partner would smile and nod awkwardly as i was talking to her, have absolutely zero engagement. then after the scene she would just leave. at lunch time, i got to eat with the main characters (all my age, 17), and absolutely none of them want any future in acting. the character i tried out for, and the person who did get the role is almost a complete opposite to me (which i find rather comforting as opposed to upset for not being cast). however, it was just so difficult to feel such a burning passion to be an actress, and be ready to commit to it for life, and pursue film school. but when i’m in these environments, i can’t help but feel less than ordinary, and out of my mind. i guess what im trying to say is that i’m terrified that these experiences of feeling invisible will discourage from believing there’s a chance for me to make it in the acting world. and when i’ve put so much energy into believing this path is the one i should pursue, not having things work out is scary. it’s so disheartening to know how prevalent a hierarchy exists on set. being an extra basically made me non-existent.
As of now, I am focused on internalizing my choices so they show throw my eyes/facial expressions. But what’s with the bold choices?
Hello! Hello! Given lockdown and the time spent cooped up indoors, it's enkindled my inner creativity on several fronts! Which, sadly, life and its business tends to quash. But, I'm looking to get back into doing some projects! What I'm trying to focus on, is an idea I had many many moons back of using video/recording - where natural expression is to be seen - and to take from them still shots, as opposed to sole photography where everything is 'set up'. If you're a Brit (Hello!) you are more than likely familiar (to a degree) with the old Thunderbirds show, and of one of its chief characters, Lady Penelope. I would like to look to re-envision a re-enactment of her scenes using the style mentioned above. If one is interested, please feel free to message! \^\_\^ But, if simply reading, I am grateful for your doing so too! =\]
The vast majority aren't screenwriters so why would they need a literary agent? Just curious.
I am a beginner actor. I only started to pursue it within the last couple years and have been in class training on and off. Prior to COVID, it was with relative consistency. I’m in Toronto and its still kind of a shitshow. I haven’t been able to find any in person classes for like eight months. I tried online but its just not worth the money and I really struggle to take much from the classes. Right now, the only thing I can really do is look for short/student/independant films on Backstage, Castcaller, Facebook groups, etc but the opportunities are limited. I am also a writer, working on a short script that I would act in, but I want to build my skills as an actor a little more. If Im putting time and money into making a short, I want to be a good enough actor to do it justice and I worry that I’m not. I’m not sure how much of that fear is realistic and how much is just self doubt. One of my main goals is to build a strong reel. I don’t really have any scenes from previous acting classes or shorts that I’m super happy with, that I think are a good enough representation of my skills. I have one self tape that I think is good. Should I add another self taped monologue or does that look too unprofessional? I am also currently looking at PA jobs—I know its not acting, but I want to be more immersed in the industry and I felt like it would be a good way to make connections and have some experience working on a set. I also thought working a job, any job, in the industry with help me stay motivated and excited to keep acting and writing. Is this a bad idea? I’m just really lost right now. I am 23 so going back to school is a possibility, although it would be difficult. I have a lot of admiration for trained actors, I know the best way to learn is just to act, but I worry that I’ll miss out on valuable/essential skills and/or knowledge that could be gained through classical training. What was your path to becoming an actor like? Am I taking the right steps? Where else can I look for acting and training opportunities? What else can I do to build my reel? Should I look for an agent to help me find jobs or is it too early? Workshops? I know this is a tough industry but Im a very driven person, I love film, and honestly, I don’t think I could do anything else. Any advice, knowledge, whatever you have to offer is appreciated. Thanks.
Was thinking of signing up for the online class, it's twice a week for 2 hours, and supposedly actors work for majority of the class. Has anyone taken their scene study class? If so, anyone know how it is? I couldn't really find much info about this place.
Recently, our original server was expanded to become the Creatives Community. We have since branched off everything acting and recreated the Actors Network. Come and join us in the new server! https://www.discord.gg/YFtpZtzaCc
Hey all. Just wondering which actors now a days you all are inspired by and who by watching or following makes you a better or more in tune actor? For this, I must go with Jeremy Strong who plays Kendall on Succession. I feel confident in saying he is the best actor on TV right now. He is also a very interesting and smart person and actor as seen and heard in his interviews. I really like him and he inspires me. I hope to work w him some day. Who working now gives you positive acting feelings?
Ever since Idris Elba got casted as knuckles I've seen people have a pretty mix reaction to it, some saying he'll be great and other saying he only got casted because of his celebrity status. Personally I never really cared along as the actor in question does the job well and who's to say they weren't casted because they did the job well? Only have a problem when a preexisting cast is replaced with celebrities (ie the Lego Ninjago movie and scoob) for the sake of money or when the VA is exploited (the Robin Williams genie situation). And I've noticed that after the scoob, space jam 2, VA race debate of summer 2020 that alot of consumers, voice actors, and what have you are tired of this practice and that they should move away from (slowly seemingly they are) from this practice since apparently the age of celebrities is over. But what are your guys thoughts on this?
There is a list of agencies for Chicago talent agencies. I’ve had a fair amount of experience working on set. Most of the time as a background extra, I know that doesn’t always translate to acting experience, but I have to imagine that the jump would involve signing up with one of the agencies. I’m not with SAG, but if I get enough regular work I would be willing to join. Anyway there are a bunch of agencies in Chicago listed that do film/tv, I just want to know if anyone know which one is best, or if I should just apply for all of them. I don’t mind admitting that I’m new to this, so I’m willing to learn all I can. Also what kind of things should I expect to have for applying to an agency, apart from the headshot and work experience?
Super Mario and Sam and Max? yes please
How can i know if i can be an actor and what are the ways that i can improve my acting skills Thank u already
This got marked as spam before so hopefully this time it goes through. Using a throwaway just in case "By joining SAG-AFTRA, members also agree to abide by Rule 9, which states that members of one of the affiliated performers' unions (Actors Equity (AEA), American Guild of Musical Artists (AGMA), American Guild of Variety Artists (AGVA), (Alliance of Canadian Cinema, Television and Radio Artists (ACTRA) ) will not accept non-union work in another union's jurisdiction." This is something most of my actor friends had no idea about. If I'm in SAG, technically I cant do any non union theater work. and if I'm in AEA i can't do any non union film work. I personally think it's bullshit, whats the point of having separate unions? What are your thoughts? [View Poll](https://www.reddit.com/poll/p3of65)
Just some info about myself, I am 23, I can't drive due to my bad left eye. Have you guys ever left home due to family that don't think you can do voice acting or whatever, or left your family behind and cut ties with them to make it big?
Throwaway account just because Hey all you beautiful people. So I need some advice about this film shoot I am on. It’s not what I expected at all. They have kept pushing back the shoot dates for 5 months, and I was super excited to start filming. So they flew me out a few days ago, arrived late a night and had to sleep on a producers couch, ok. Then they obviously had to get me (m) a place to stay and the actress, so they got us a hotel room (motel basically), just one, where again, I am sleeping on the couch. We have to shoot for 1 month. Also, no one mentioned this but we have weekends free now so idk what I am supposed to do in the middle of no where, right now all I can do is sit on the couch of this hotel room. They also promised us 3 meals a day but are barely getting us 1 meal. Also, found out we will be getting paid 30 days+ after the film is ‘sold’. Was told about a $100/day per deim which wasn’t real. I could go on and on about little things like that. They also just gave us the contracts, which I obviously haven’t signed yet, we are just doing out rehearsals now, will start filming in a couple days. Idk, maybe I am just being too spoiled or something? Had too high expectations? False promises? I’m not seeing it being worth it yet, who knows once we actually start filming? They’ve told me all these plans for the film they have, like festivals/streaming services/awards etc. but I’m not sure. Don’t want to waste my time, but also don’t want to miss out on a potential opportunity that will be worth it later on. What do you guys think? Sorry for ranting lol
Known SAG members traveling from LA to a smaller market to work on a non-union film taking work from the local actors in the area. Said union members have done this 3 times in the last calendar year. Is there anything that can be done? Should be done? The producer knows but he HATES the union and this doesn’t really hurt him at all.
Not sure if this has been asked before but is it true that atlanta offers many roles but the big and lead roles can be done only from LA? Did your agent ever gave you an audition not from atlanta?
I work as a casting director who mostly does commercials but I'm dipping my feet into film casting recently. An indie film I recently cast is shooting at the moment. The director recently came to me because they were disturbed by the onset behavior of the film's two leads (a close to middle aged man and a young woman who is college aged). The dude is married with kids but the two leads are behaving in ways that might indicate a more than professional relationship. I'm curious to hear whether this sounds like normal touchy actor behavior to you or something more? Since I'm not really part of the film world, I don't have a clear sense of what's normal. The two leads are in a romantic relationship in the film, but the director says that whenever there's a scene that doesn't have kissing written in the script, they still end up making out, even when they are told not to. Additionally, apparently the costume person has noticed that when they say goodbye on set, they kiss on the lips. Not sure if it's a peck or something more but the costumer person is weirded out. The director also finds them "cuddling" in the costume room between takes. The director says they are inseparable on set. Finally, the male actor is constantly telling the director how special he thinks the actress is, how she's a future star and even called her "the one" at some point - he seems semi obsessed with her. By all indications this actor is in a happy marriage with kids, which is why this is so disturbing to me and I'm hoping it's nothing nefarious. For what it's worth he's a generally flirtatious/affectionate person. Thoughts?
So I'm trying to give voice acting a try. I've always loved making weird goofy voices and I thought this might be a great way to use my playfulness as a career (or at least a side job). Can some one suggest a good starting microphone that's not to expensive?
I'm a big fan of the Yakuza (Ryu Ga Gotoku) series, and RGG (the studio) uses many voice actors who recur in the series, as well as a few one-offs or celebrities. How much might such voice actors, like Takaya Kuroda (who does Kazama Kiryu), Kazuhiro Nakaya (Akira Nishikiyama & Ichiban Kasuga), or Hidenari Ugaki (Goro Majima) get paid or have gotten paid?
Use this thread to post your headshots for feedback, get info on your age range/type, find good headshot photographers, ask any questions you may have about headshots. If you are posting a DIY headshot for feedback, and not just a snapshot in order to get feedback on your age range/type/etc, it is advised that you do at least some basic research on what actor headshots look like--composition, framing, lighting. You will find a Google Image search for "actor headshots" to be very helpful for this. Non-professional shots are fine for age/typecasting; please keep in mind that one picture is a difficult way to go about this. Video of you moving and speaking would be ideal, but understandably more difficult to post. For what it's worth, the branding workshop at SAG-AFTRA recommends a five-year age range. That's inclusive, so for example 19-23, 25-29, 34-38, etc.
hello I just wanted to talk bring up a discussion and I thought this would be the perfect place to do so, pardon me if I'm using reddit wrongly, this is my first time posting a post / thread (whatever it's called) okay anyways, before I get into the topic I want to briefly introduce myself and provide some context I guess. I come from a asian family and I currently reside in asia as well and do not plan to move away in the future. I've always loved performing and I have been dancing on my own since I was little and whenever my school had skits, emceeing opportunities, story telling competitions and etc. (be it in pre-school or now) I would always be the first one to sign up or join because I truly love the stage and I've also loved being in front of audiences/camera since I was very young. I started filming skit videos on my own at 3 (with the help of my mum of course), started editing and filming on my own when I was 7 and posting it onto youtube and I still do that till now (of course there is content difference and etc.) but you should know what I mean. (For context, I'm 14 this year) I've always thought of becoming a actor/idol in the future but this dream is always "looked down" on which is why I dare not say it out loud because the entertainment industry is so far away from my sight. I know many idols / actors start from a very young age and to be honest, I wouldn't mind joining the entertainment industry right now but I have so many worries. Firstly, I really want to complete my studies because I truly believe that the entertainment industry is a difficult place to survive in and we must always have a backup plan because well, as pretty as dreams may sound what if I don't make it. Then again, my age is literally the age where people go overseas and start training... I've thought of maybe getting a degree at one of the countries with big entertainment industries so I could do both, but who is to say that I would be financially stable enough to even go overseas? My cousin once told me that opportunities are for those who are prepared, and though I am sure I want to embark on this tough journey, I still want a backup plan to lean back to if anything goes wrong. Afterall, I am from a very asian family where studies are still priority right now. Just want to hear some advice and peoples' story / worries? Sorry for the lengthy paragraph, I was one of those people who always wrote these things in my notes app and now that I found a website to write on, I just want to spill everything... okay have a good day/night to everybody who's reading this :)
I interviewed [Wade Williams](https://open.spotify.com/episode/2WEWpxUmc2fmNHU8N6lMpv) who has been in films like Erin Brockovich, The Dark Knight Rises, Collateral. He is most well known for his recurring role in Prison Break but if you have watched television in the last 20 years you've seen him do a guest role on most shows. The podcast is "The Deep Dive w/Nick Babel" and we talk about his career as an actor, how he got into it, what his process is. Then we Deep Dive into his television career. It is a must listen for any person interested in acting. He tells a lot of stories about character acting and theater work.
Does anyone know how this works? You know, the article and headline we all so pine after as actors, haha. I just booked the lead in an independent with a few name/recognizable actors attached (I myself am not), so curious if their publicists would get it to deadline or how that all works. I personally do not have a publicist. Thanks!
I got a self-tape request from a project on AA that I self-submitted for, but I think the sides may be for the wrong character. Normally I’d say maybe the CD wants to see me for another role or just wants to use different sides than the actual script. But the sides they sent me are for another character in a totally different age range and gender. I tried to see if I could message the CD to confirm the sides, but I don’t see a way to do that on AA. Should I just do my best with the sides they sent? This is a NU project and I don’t have an agent/manager. Thanks!
I am considering these days. I want to work in English countries as an actor and have some lists of drama schools where I wanna study in. It depands on where I hope to work in the future. (I heard a location is very important.)
Hello! We are here to announce that our latest casting call has been posted to our website for our next play in the production of *The Quarantine Plays*, called *Simple Warning* by Matt Mellema! If you are interested in auditioning or would like more information, please check out this here link: [https://themerrybeggars.com/simple-warning-auditions](https://themerrybeggars.com/simple-warning-auditions). Actors are offered $30.00 per hour! We pray you are all doing well! Sincerely, Michaela Production Manager
So after a long day of recording. Start packing up my RODE NT USB Mic and BOOM! I drop it. It snapped off the thing you screw on the legs for and there is a crack in the wind guard. It works after a 15 minute panic of screaming at my computer to turn back on to test if my baby worked . its fine. Im not.
Hello everyone, Since I am a teenager I always had a passion for cinema, music(I've been playing guitar for 12 years) and acting but due to the place where I lived and life I couldnt do much about it. I just did a work in high school, it was a small movie and It was amazing, we were just 4 but I loved playing my character, memorizing the script, laughing when we did mistakes and had to record all again. Now I am 24 years old, I finished my college, I have a degree in computer science. Now that I finished my studies, I am thinking about going for this, going for this passion, finally try to have something more in my life, something that I really really want. I dont want to spend my life behind a computer without know what could have been If I had tried. My fear is: I am 24 years old and I dont have experience in acting besides in front of a mirror, am I too old? Should I go for it? What should I do? Theres some models and acting agencies that usually are recruting people, once I got messeged by one of them but for model not acting. They work with models, actors for commercials, movies, web series. Is that a good place to start and pursuit this passion? Or theres better places to do? Where should I begin? Going for auditions by myself without experience could be risk right? Just want an advice from anyone that knows about this and can give me something to follow. Just don't want to wait a few years, look back and regret not have trying it. Thank you and sorry for the long text!
So I’m a new voice actor that can do multiple impressions and I can change my voices pitch on cue, I am looking for someone to animate videos while I’m gonna be the one voicing over, me and you will come up with the ideas and editing, and the rest I can do.
I've done a little background acting but no principal acting. For background roles, we usually have to get a Covid test two days before our shoot. Larger studios sometimes have testing on site, but we're usually sent to some dedicated testing facility somewhere. How is this being handled for those of you who do regular acting? Are you tested on site 2 days before you start? Rapid tested the day of your shoots? How often do you retest when you're working for a full week or more?
Can you refuse some auditions your agent sends you? for example you don't like the role or you prefer a face to face audition and if you can , do you have to tell your agent everytime?
I tried looking for ideas on how casting works, but literally the only thing that comes up that isn't a blatant scam is Backstage. Even then I'm kinda weary. I've loved movies since I was a kid. To make it brief, they make me feel like I can fly. I took two years of Drama in school but wasn't a "Drama kid" type. That's as far as my formal training goes. Growing up, I used to never take my eyes off the TV. If I was watching alone I'd rewind and rewind studying the actors faces and movements. Then I'd recreate them in the mirror. Then I started watching real people. When I was angry I'd look in the mirror to know what I looked like when I was angry. When I was sad, happy, neutral, anything. I'd do the same. Same with tone of voice. I'm talking down to how an actors eyes twitched. I would stare in the mirror and try to convey emotions without moving my face. I've always wanted to audition for something, but I don't know where to start. I'm around Seattle and Portland, I don't know if there are any opportunities around there. Bout a two day drive to LA. Maybe I could try some voice acting? That could be online so... I don't know. What do you guys think I should do? Should I go with backstage? Is there a better way?
Hi! So I recently got a message from a post in a Facebook group from Patty Chen about the Image Powerhouse Agency and Prestigious Models and Talent. I looked them up and they seem to have mixed reviews on Yelp. They ARE SAG-Franchised, but I don’t see any major or even decently large success stories. They have and IMDb account and are ranked in the one thousands. They are also located in California, and on the Better Business Bureau, they have a pretty clean score. Patty who reached out said that they do have success stories, and they mainly represent Asian American Actors. How should I go about this? They seem sketchy, but also seem fine in other aspects. Does anyone see any red flags with their agency? And if so, can someone please tell me if this is a scam? I’m usually good at determining it, but this is very difficult to determine. I have not applied yet btw.
Graduated from an American college May 2018 as an aspiring actor and even got to audition for 2 speaking roles on the last season of ‘House of Cards’ on the merit of my potential.. was an amazing experience for me as a broke college student despite not booking either role. Thereafter, I was invited to audition for a local feature film shooting in Virginia, so the casting office was clearly interested in me. Sadly, I had to return to Singapore to serve 2 years of mandatory military service. Suffice it to say, this put a stopper on things. Haha. Does anyone have advice for next steps so I can get back in the field? Itching to act professionally and make this my career! EDIT: I am a non-US citizen, so would love to hear any advice regarding visa choices to get me back to the States. Was thinking of applying to graduate programs, but perhaps you all have better recommendations!
Weeee, you found me!
I'm your buddy Bottie, I was hiding behind the scenes, but now that you've found me I'd be happy to tell you what I'm doing.
I just wrote a few fun facts about Web For Actors
Would you like to take a look?
Click here to check them out. I hope it will cause involuntary audible response.
