I had this happen (I’m the lead in a low budget indie) today and it was very disorienting to say the least
I asked this question on the no dumb questions post but no one answered so i decided to make this a post (and maybe it could help other people with the same question) basically i might drop out of high school for a number of reasons but i still want to pursue acting as a career. i was looking at the requirements for the toronto academy of acting for film and television and i saw that s secondary school diploma wasn’t required and that you can join the academy if you 18 or older and pass the wonderlic test (i did some research and it seemd really similar to the CAT tests i’ve done in school) so i know that i am able to study acting without a high school diploma however i’m scared that a high school diploma might be necessary for getting a job as an actor. thoughts?
So I am just at the beginning of my acting career, and I have always been a highly empathetic person which I thought was a great thing, especially for this job. But a few bad things happened to people close to me recently, and I am the one people turn to with their problems so I've seen it all play out and I've seen how it affected them. And because of my empathy it's really taken a toll on me too; I am emotionally completely drained and exhausted and just sad. So if I can't even handle real pressures, I am asking myself if it's good to be an actor like this or if it would prove too much? There are very demanding roles on heavy topics and right now I don't know how people play that and then snap out of it and go home. I don't want to go insane or have my mental health deteriorate. Has anyone else had this issue? And if so, what helps you distance yourself from the horrible stuff in your life or acting? Or does it sound like I'm just too sensitive to act?!
Hey everyone, I'm an actor who's been living in LA for a little over a year. I've been constantly training in class and auditioning heavily while building my resume and reel. One thing my career is severely lacking is a list of valuable industry contacts. I know, I know - many people say the best way to network is to do it with the intention of making friends rather than creating a list of people who can help you achieve your goals. Now, this may be true, and when the pandemic is over I hope to meet lots of industry people in person and develop many meaningful friendships that help both parties. However, I think I would be doing myself a great disservice by not reaching out to casting directors, directors, producers, writers and other industry people who I likely will never have a chance to mingle with somewhere and become "friends" with. How should I reach out to these people? How do I choose who to target? Once I do establish a connection with them, how often do I check in with them? Is there ever a point where I finally ask them if they have anything I can audition for? Thanks!
I've got doctors and lawyers in my family & friends circle as a 'model minority' actor and it unfortunately seems to have resulted in a God-complex for many of them. I don't tell them how to practice medicine, so you can see why I'm confused by why they often tell me all about acting and what I should or shouldn't do. How I should or how I shouldn't deliver a line (thank you dear roommate that has never taken an acting class that walked in on me practicing.) Most recently one friend pointed out I should stop calling myself an actor and call myself an actress instead. That it would be 'better' for me. I wanted to tell her to stop calling herself a doctor and call herself a doctress. I've had a few recurrings as guest stars and a series regular as well so I feel if I was struggling it would be one thing...but I don't know why I keep getting unwanted advice. I know blowing up at people will result in friendships and relationships harmed, and I am trying to breathe through the anger and not let it get to me. Any advice on how you respond? ​ Thanks!!
I am new to the world of acting. I have always wanted to do it, among other things, and usually when I set my mind to something, I don't give up. I need advice however, and any you can provide would be greatly helpful. I am a Navy veteran (26M), 6'5" black hair blue eyes, and my girlfriend is really supportive of my desire to learn more about acting, and to start the process of looking into positions. I am blessed and thankful to have been able to save enough money to have a good amount of savings. I have also been blessed in that i am relatively good looking, and i believe I am intelligent and really charismatic (im also really blunt and honest to a fault, im genuinely being sincere here). Im nervous about the career field and unwavering in my morals as a good, clean person. I know who I am, and I know my shortcomings. I just think this could be a fun, amazing experience over time if I try. My first question is, as a new hopeful, where do I start? My ultimate goal, like so many others, is to be in films, and it would be my crowning acheivement to become a supporting actor in a movie. I live in Orange County, and would like to know some good places that teach acting (film, movement) classes, and what steps should I take to learn more before I get a professional headshot done? Where should I get a headshot done ( reputable places) Should I be using Backstage.com, or simply looking on other job hunting sites that are free? How do I build a resume if i have no experience in acting? Should I reach out to an agency, and if so, do you recommend any to speak to, or to avoid? I go to school full time and I am applying to internships in the real estate field for the summer. I worry i may not have the time needed to be on set throughout weeks, when needed (assuming i were to even get a part in the first place in the next few years). How do other people navigate working full time and acting at the same time? Is there a possibility of there being a weekend-type position when starting out? Lastly, thank you all for your help. I really appreciate your advice, and will take it to heart.
Having a monologue on Actors’ Access- good idea or bad idea? Is it better than having nothing at all on video? Thanks
I've always dreamed of acting, of being an actor. However, I know that mentally I wouldn't be able to handle everything that goes into this acting business. I know I've made the right choice in not pursuing it but I still can't fully accept it. Those of you who love acting but deciding against this career, how are you feeling with it? Have you regretted your decision?
So there have been a few posts within the last couple of weeks regarding nepotism in the industry, some of which have been taken down. I just wanted to chime in and say I think a lot of comments on posts about it have been unnecessarily condescending to the people pointing out nepotism, especially to people who might be younger or newer to the industry. I think it's totally valid for someone to feel frustrated about nepotism in Hollywood/media. Yes nepotism exists in many industries, but nepotism in the entertainment industry is simply the most visible, and it's understandable that someone would get upset at realizing how deep it runs. A son can be granted a position in his father's business and it will probably just annoying to other people working at said business, whereas thousands, if not millions of people are going to notice Maya Hawke being the daughter of Ethan Hawke and Uma Thurman when they stream Stranger Things. It actually makes sense to be upset in both cases- here you are working your butt off, and then someone waltzes along and because of their genetics they automatically get a leg up, whether it's access to their parent's advice or resources, or simply being blessed with the privilege of getting to devote time to a career without stress because they are well off. That being said, it's unfortunately something we cannot control. It's a tale as old as time in Hollywood, and despite it being annoying that the child of a movie star or producer chooses to act when they can literally do anything else, at the end of the day they are people too, and their interests or passions are just as valid as anyone else's. Just as the child of a doctor might want to be like their mom, it's not farfetched to believe the daughter of an actor or actress would want to do the same. So don't feel bad about pointing it out or even being a bit bitter or jealous. Feel free to steam a little. But also remember that it won't affect or change your own position. While there are a lot of nepotism cases, there are just as many if not more, of people working their way up, and who come from families not connected to the industry. They put in the time and work to get to where they are, and you can totally do the same. When I see stories like this, I sideeye, but I continue on, because I know that my journey is only mine. I hope some of you feel the same, because I always love seeing new and fresh talent in tv and film, and hope accessibility into the industry continues to widen.
I'm attending an online workshop at Actor's Comedy Studio called "Working In TV Comedy." Is this considered training?
Suppose you were a background actor living in LA. You had absolutely no interest whatsoever in traditional acting, you just want to be a background actor. Also suppose that you're SAG-Eligible (and Must Join). Would you join the Union purely as a background actor or stay non-union? Traditional logic for actors is to stay SAG-eligible for as long as possible so you can do both union and non-union jobs. For background actors, jobs come with almost no notice. It doesn't seem like you can realistically get a union background job without already being a member. Additionally, many background gigs hire both union and non-union actors so you'd be hired as a non-union for a lower wage when possible. It seems to me like the choices are: 1) Stay non-union and get twice as many jobs for less pay each. 2) Join the union and get half (or less) as many jobs for more pay and potentially benefits. I would choose option #2. Do you disagree? Is my logic flawed somewhere? I'd love to hear your opinions.
Hi everyone! I'm a student working on a startup project that is looking to change the traditional credit system. We are looking for what people think of the current payment system and for what people like to use, and we would love some input from actors. The survey should take around 10 minutes to fill out. As cheesy as it sounds, 5 participants will be entered to win $500. And at the end, there's an opportunity to sign up for a 30 minute paid consumer interview (and in doing so, you'll be entered in to win $1000). [Here is the link!](https://usc.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_eVwv09X8UqVePdQ) Thanks in advance everyone.
Hello! I’ve been thinking about what it takes to become an actor and the necessary education you need. I’m currently doing High School Theatre and plan to do Local theatre soon too, but I don’t know how to continue after High School (College). I’ve been looking at my options and seeing there are schools dedicated to the performance arts and colleges/universities that offer drama courses. So what do I choose? Is there major difference in terms of the courses in the different schools?
What up people? I'm happy to announce I've just signed with my very first agent! They're my theatrical agent but they have a commercial and print division so I'm signed across the board. I'm so proud of myself! However, I'm strangely much less excited than I expected I'd be because I know many actors who aren't thrilled with their agents and agencies for the following reasons: 1. They feel they're not sending them out to enough auditions. 2. They feel they don't push and pull enough for them. 3. They're very hard to reach. 4. They're rude. 5. The agency is so big and has so many clients that they simply feel lost in the shuffle or like cattle. Now, it's important to state I'm extremely grateful someone in the industry noticed me and believes in my talent and what I have to offer. However, I really want to make the most of my 365 day contract and take my career as far as I can take it. What can I do to make sure my agency takes notice of me, finds every opportunity possible for me and does everything in their power to strengthen my career? Of course, I'll be working 10x harder than them, but they have some responsibilities too! Thanks!
I want to be famous. My biggest acting goal is fame. 99.9% of people here say that "real actors" don't chase after fame, they just hone their craft and hope for the best. But, I consider myself a real actor because a person can wish for fame *and* still be committed to the craft. People shouldn't have to choose one or the other because goals don't contribute to making someone a better or worse actor. At the end of the day, it's all about the natural talent you hone.
*"People who have fame as their end goal aren't real actors."* \- 99.9% of actors here. Why do people always say that fame shouldn't be your end goal for acting? Is wanting fame *that* bad? A person can desire fame *and* still study acting so they can be respected in the industry. You don't have to choose one or the other to be an actor and it doesn't make you a better one if you are "only doing this for the craft." I think a lot of people on here have a skewed idea of "wannabe famous" actors. It doesn't immediately mean that the user is lazy, entitled and thinks that this career is easy. You can have a good head on your shoulders, do your research and still have fame as a goal. Non-famous actors are still actors. Actors without representation are still actors. So, why can't people who have fame as their end goal (after training, auditioning, getting signed etc) be considered one too? Anybody can be a real actor, right? To simplify what everyone says here, an actor is just someone who trains in the craft so they (potentially) participate in playing a role. Goals don't contribute to making someone a better or worse actor. An actor who is "only committed to the skill" could still end up becoming a bad actor. An actor who "has starry eyes" could push themselves to greatness. It's all about the natural talent that you hone.
I was requested to do a self tape for a non speaking role on actors access. My agent sent it to me today. Is this still considered an extra role?
Hello! I’m a 22 Toronto actor with over 5 years of film and television experience. I’ve had supporting leads, series regulars, guest stars and principal roles on networks such as Hulu, family Channel, shudder, feature films and more. I’m about to guest star on a major show about boys ;) on Amazon prime and after I do so I’m looking to secure rep out in NY (preferably) or LA. Anyone have any recommendations in terms of agencies? Looking for someone with not many clients as I’m hoping to build a close relationship with the next person/people I bring on board! Thanks :)
Hello everyone. I am an aspiring actor with some training under my belt. I am able to work in Canada or the UK so getting a visa isn't a concern thankfully. I have been looking into which country would be the best in terms of opportunities for film & tv but would like some additional opinions. If you have worked in both countries or are familiar with their respective market somehow please share your thoughts :) Thanks!
Hi everyone! I'm a newish actor and was asked to be a day player for a short film (unpaid role). We're two days out from the shoot date and I haven't received script sides, location, or even a call sheet. Does this seem fishy for anyone or am I just overthinking it because I'm a bit new to this industry?
Hello! I am moving to NYC by the end of the year. My goal is obviously to save up to move but also to invest in a good networking workshop. My dream is to be an Actor. I came to realize that this journey is me and a million other people. I always knew this but I feel like recently I just had this urge to plan out these things. Its me and millions of people and I need to make myself known even to one casting director that's a start. I know these workshops are really good even to just put yourself out there. I am new to acting and when I move I will finally be able to just act. I am currently working on doing student films. Has anybody been to one in NYC? do you guys know any that are good? What do you typically do in these? My mom never let me act so I've only admired them from afar. Do you put up plays? I heard one that you show your audition for agents. Are there Do's and Don'ts? Do you go up to the CD's and Agents or do you let them go up to you? How much are these typically? The first one I saw was about $800. Any Advice would be great thank you!
Hey Reddit so I’m an actor but I’m also looking to get into voice acting specifically mocap and video game acting. Any advice on where to find work I use backstage but I’m barely booking and these jobs just don’t interest me half the time. Just need some tips.
So, I'm fully prepared for the answer to this to be "go to therapy", I just wanted to see if anyone here had any advice first. I went to do my acting degree in Sept 2016. I started off the year as probably one of the bottom of the class in terms of skill, but I worked hard and learned so much that by the end of the year I had won a monologue competition, had interest from an agent, got top grades. I still had a long, long way to go, for SURE, but I had come on in leaps and bounds - a shock to me as I've always been an average at best sort of person haha! Sadly, in 2017, my big sister passed away. We were very close and it was completely out of the blue, a massive shock, basically. The next performance I did was 3 weeks later - a Shakespeare monologue to my class. It...wasn't good. I just couldn't connect emotionally . It was upsetting but relatively understandable, I thought, as I was still in shock at that point. However, it's been 3 and a half years now and I still can't connect emotionally to the characters I play, not the way I did before. I'm not suffering from complex grief. I still miss her and think about her all the time, obviously, but I feel that I have reached a stage of relative acceptance and I'm able to be happy and focus on other things now. The only part of my life that is still enormously and directly impacted is my emotional connection in my acting work. It's just not there and it's strange because that was the thing I always found easiest before this happened, and it's not like I have a limited range of emotions in my current day to day life. At all. The thing is that now, I'm so hung up on the fear that I won't feel anything that I end up 1. enormously anxious and 2. pushing for emotion - recipe for disaster, right? I know people say don't focus on the emotion, if you do the preperation then the emotion will come, just relax. But it doesn't. And you can't go through a break up scene or something just completely numb, can you? Long explanation, but I wanted to convey the situation properly. I was just wondering if anyone had any advice, any way to work on this. I'm worried a therapist won't be able to understand the acting stuff, and an acting teacher won't be able to understand the grief stuff - my teachers on my degree certainly didn't! Honestly any advice so I can start improving again instead of going backwards would mean the world! Thank you!
I need a voice actor that can do a convincing Gordan Ramsay impression or close to it. I'm willing to pay $30 for 3 short rants that go on for 10 secs. This part does not have a script, so you can improvise the lines. You can send your audition using the info below. Email: [theosavageart@gmail.com](mailto:theosavageart@gmail.com) Discord: Theo Sav#6314
It’s damn near impossible to ignore the fact that the offspring of the wealthy dominate this industry, nowadays. I’ve worked my whole fucking life to get an education, put money towards getting out of a state with next to no professional opportunities/ career path for actors and artists, move to NYC, keep working so I can afford drama school, and continue working after so I can keep myself fed, housed, and taking CD/agent/networking classes with OoO. The one constant throughout all of this, in any place I’ve been: the majority of my colleagues come from well-off or highly affluent backgrounds. These people have literally never had to worry about having food on the table or anything material, and it comes out in their work. Shallow, unable to convincingly play any character with a social class beyond what they’ve grown up with, looking down their nose at any part or expression them deem beneath them, and generally being harder to work with and quick to dick over anyone that doesn’t immediately let them have their way. The peers I’ve seen drop out of school or be kicked out were usually because they couldn’t keep up with the conservatory payments, didn’t understand the financial part of it, or literally WORKED 24/7 and would come to class after pulling a damn near all-nighter at their job. Meanwhile, the wealthy lemmings were allowed to still plug along, despite missing multiple classes, sexually harassing peers, or putting forth half-assed work on a consistent basis. Is this just so prevalent now that we ignore it and stick to the archaic, rags-to-riches overdone tale of “exceptionalism,” when it comes to lower/working class actors that made it, and use that to weaponize against poor people that don’t get to pursue this dream, or are we going to fucking challenge it, people?! We are storytellers that are supposed to tell the truth of ALL walks of life!! That’s the beauty of this art! We can’t have wholesome truth if it’s obscured by a class of people that only want their own to tell it to them. The story of the lower class actor is dying, and we must bring it back to life.
Welcome to **The Voice Box Showcase!** Every so often, we will be making posts titled **SHOWCASE** for voice actors to promote their work. Remember to interact with other actors on this thread as well. Let's help, encourage, and meet our voice acting peers! One post per member please with a limit of 3 links. *You may share any of the following via links:* * VO Demos * Actor Website * Link to Recent Work * Social Media Handles Be sure to also tell us a little about you and your voiceover journey!
Hey y’all! Aside from finishing the movie just now, I saw a sneak peak of behind the scenes with the actors/crew yesterday and I heard (I think the director said this? I don’t remember) that this was the young girl’s first film (she plays Jia, her name is Kaylee Hottle) which I thought was SUPER awesome because she played her role extremely well!! But I also couldn’t help to wonder how did she land a role with a massive production like this so quickly? (Or maybe it wasn’t quickly at all!) I went on IMDB to see if she played any TV roles or plays, anything really, and nothing was listed. I do believe she has some type of acting experience, but do people really just get that lucky?
Cameron Lee Price, an up and coming actor, gives advice to people seeking to do well in the industry. Listen to more advice from Cameron [here](https://anchor.fm/muse-unseen/episodes/Cameron-Lee-Price-Becoming-a-more-sought-), and learn how he manages having get eight agents! [Cameron Lee Price gives advice to viewers on how to start acting. ](https://reddit.com/link/mhj1fh/video/crhf30i4cgq61/player)
Hi if you are looking for one, do dm me \^\_\^ My discord is Myra#0457 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9LSDqHSVtss&ab\_channel=Myra](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9LSDqHSVtss&ab_channel=Myra) Also do subscribe if you like it \^\_\^ Thanks Best Wishes
I'm a super new actor but I was cast in a community theater production recently which is very exciting! The play leans more comedic and as we've started rehearsals my director has been talking about taking a very slapstick route with one of my characters. I'm excited to stretch and try something new but physical comedy is definitely not a comfort zone for me in acting (comedy isn't in general, to be honest). In my mind, the most important thing is committing fully - there's nothing worse than watching a performer who's half-performing because you can sense their discomfort. But I don't know how else to approach this. Anyone have any other tips/reads/watches on how to do well in this kind of acting? Thanks!
I was told in film school that, as a director you ought to give the actor direction between every take. Do you find this helpful or just irritating? Is this what you usually get when dealing with directors or are they more laid back? I'd love to hear anyone's perspective because, as someone who tends to over direct, I find giving direction too frequently can actually be more harmful than helpful. But that may just be because my direction isn't very good.
I am an actor and my Pilot just got picked up to series for a big television network. It stars a known actress, not A-list but known and beloved by her fans. The other actors are unknown like me. It will be part of the fall lineup for CBS. This is my first Pilot and also my first series pick up. Is it very likely I will become famous now? What is the likelihood?
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.
I heard that many actors that are successful have agents, what are agents and what do they do, also how do you get one?
I got an audition for a series regular role. I submitted yesterday through my agent. It is shooting this April. If I got a callback when should I expect one? Does this mean the pool of actors asked to audition is likely smaller than usual? I read a great article here about Casting Steps for a Series Reg https://www.brainsofminerva.com/2010/02/02/acting/emmy-winning-cd-holly-powell-on-the-4-steps-to-casting-a-series-regular/ But with COVID how, if at all, has this been modified aside from doing everything through Zoom?
In my personal opinion I consider RDJ, Tom Hanks, Meryl Streep, and Sally Field as some of the first that come to mind. Who else and who are your inspirations?
Do that first audition. Get the microphone you've been looking at for a while. Take action. You can't get anywhere if you don't attempt to put yourself out there. You got this and you've got a whole community here to support you when you need it. It may be scary or nerve-wracking, but in the end it will be so worth it. Keep up the hard work!
So I heard there's a purge today. And what a coincidence that we're also launching our latest AI Voice and Text AI tool here: [https://www.producthunt.com/posts/gpt-3-custom-ai-voices](https://www.producthunt.com/posts/gpt-3-custom-ai-voices) (YAY SELF PROMO, Thanks Mods) We're also looking to add some amazing voiceover artists so if anyone is interested, please fill out the form here: [https://www.resemble.ai/talent](https://www.resemble.ai/talent) We have some amazing voice actors like Steve from Kurzgesagt – In a Nutshell, and are looking forward to helping small creators access professional voice acting while making it as easy as possible for the voice actors.
Hi everyone, I want to get back into pursuing acting after taking a (too long) break and looking for some acting classes. I was initially just wanting to do night classes and amature theatre because I work full time atm but after going to The Actors Hub to trial their night classes, they are trying to convince me to sign up to their full time 3 year course. It's pretty expensive at $12,000 a year and I would need to drop to part time or quit and get a more flexible job so it's a big commitment. They say that they are cheaper and better than WAAPA because they use some of the same lecturers but more supportive environment. They say they have strong relationships with well known agents like Morrisey Management who apparently won't look at you if you don't study for 3 years and that you get an opportunity to be represented by the end. I didn't have the intention of signing up to a full time course originally, but I do feel very lost in terms of direction and support and being represented by a good agent is the goal for me, but I'm also wary about being taken advantage of. Has anyone done this course and can give me an honest opinion? How much is the WAAPA course in comparison? What other acting workshops and night classes can you recommend? Can you get a good agent and professional work by doing amature theatre, night classes and student films or is full time study neccesary? Thanks!
I'm looking for something to watch that will give me a little insight into the world of acting. I've already watched the following and they were good. Can you recommend anything else? * That Guy Who Was in That Thing * That Gal Who Was in That Thing * Strictly Background * Barry Seasons 1-2. * A few long SAG-AFTRA panels on Youtube. It doesn't need to be some super informative video. As you can tell by my inclusion of Barry on this list, I just want something acting related enough to be entertaining. If it provides some insight that's a big bonus. Edit: I'm more interested in the world of beginning or working actors. Not so much the megastars. I'm also not looking to do in-depth research, so the SAG panels I watched were a bit much. Something aimed more at non-actors (which is what I am) would be ideal. I figured I'd post it here since this community is full of people who'd know of anything that might exist.
Hey guys I'm trying to get some clarification on the differences/similarities of some major casting websites and also would love some feedback from you all on what your favorite casting sights are! (Especially those of you in the southeast). I'm an actor based in the southeast and when I signed with my current agent I was required sign up for Actors Access, Casting Networks, & Cast It Talent. Personally I've never used Cast It Talent to look for breakdowns. I don't self submit on Casting Networks because it's expensive IMO for the unlimited access yearly subscription so I only pay the $7 a month to host media on my profile. I do this because I gear myself more towards the theatrical side of acting (film/TV) and find breakdowns to self submit to more often on AA than I ever see on Casting Networks so I paid the annual fee for the premium version of AA. My agent submits me for work on all 3 casting sights of course but I still like to do as much as I can on my end and self submit whenever possible. I also pay for Backstage and self submit there as well. So for you actors out there that gear themselves more towards film/tv what casting sights do you use? (On top of what your agent may use to submit you). From the research that I've done I've ran across various casting websites and (correct me if I'm wrong) but I believe Breakdown Services and Actors Access are essentially the same thing. Like how Casting Frontier, LA Casting and Casting Networks are, correct? If this is true is it beneficial at all to be on the different versions of these casting sights? Any sights that I didn't mention that you guys would recommend? Anyone ever used Casting Depot? Thanks for any insight, tips, and feedback guys, break a leg!
Hi. Thank you so much for reading the post! I’m a cybersecurity major student done with my first year of college. However I’ve been debating, I’ve always wanted to be an actor and been thinking of applying to other colleges (acting schools). I know I will be considered a transfer and most deadlines are March 1st for fall transfers, am I too late? I’m in Virginia should I look for in-state schools or it doesn’t matter. Lastly, I’m an introvert is acting even a good idea, will I come out of my comfort-zone or is this a far-reach for me. Again. Thank you!
As a starting actor, it's still a little blury on what to include on a resume. I know how to do it, but I simply don't know what to put on it, should i put YouTube credits under the web series section? How many training courses should i participate in, in order to be seen as a serious actor about his career? Any tips would be appreciated. Thank you!
For the past year, I (26F) have been saving up to move to Los Angeles through my remote government contractor position. The job is honestly terrible and more than a little soul-crushing. The only reason I haven't quit already is because I have been pushing towards the bigger goal - to be an actress in LA and work in the film industry. I am well aware of how difficult it is to make a living out of acting and really, I just want to work on a film set. I have been networking with people on Linkedin (I even got to speak with someone who has worked on the Mandalorian as a 1st AD) about entry level set work, attended a CSA seminar for people wanting to work in casting etc. If I never got cast in anything, I would still be happy if I could go watch a movie and say "I helped make this." Most people have told me that they have no doubt I will be able to achieve this but I need to be in LA to make it happen so I'm moving to make it happen. I have also been taking a variety of classes through studios near me as well as vocal lessons. I am getting my headshots done in two weeks (was supposed to be sooner but the photographer had COVID). Once I get those, I am going to be signing up for Actors Access and Backstage. I'm trying to do what I can to make myself marketable and to build/develop skills. I'm determined to get cast in at least one thing (really aiming high here, folks). I have also been active in play reading groups and even ran one myself for most of 2020. It's definitely been a privilege to spend money on acting classes when so many others are struggling to pay rent and I acknowledge that completely. I also recognize that I wouldn't have been able to do this at all if I didn't have a remote job so I acknowledge that privilege as well. I've just been trying to utilize my time effectively. So, with all that being said, when I move, I will have about $30,000. My current job has benefits, including healthcare and a 401k. It is a standard 8-4 office job (I don't take a lunch so I can end earlier) with exactly 0 flexibility. For example (I can go on and on): If my supervisor sees my status as yellow on Teams, they will assume I'm not working and then I don't get paid. It times out after 5 minutes so I can't even pee without playing Russian Roulette. I have been open with my parents (live with them currently) about my intentions and they are less than supportive. Not so much about acting but about the fact that I am giving up a job with health benefits. They are extremely worried and think I'm not being realistic at all. They want me to keep the job, at least until I am 100% settled. My mother has said she is worried I am going to turn to "less savory" activities to pay rent. My feelings are that I have to force myself out of bed every morning and have physically held myself back from metaphorically flipping a digital table and quitting on the spot and the idea of working past my mental finish line feels impossible. I can understand their argument and maybe they are right in that I should keep it just until I get that first on-set gig or my first role but I would like to hear what more experienced members of this subreddit think. Should I keep this job just for the benefits until I'm more established?
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Any tips or ideas on how to correct habitual actions? I'm not an actor, but I do perform. As I watch my performances back, I notice small annoyances that likely distract from my performance. The way my lips move while saying certain words. They shifts I make from one foot to the other. Etc. I'm looking for tactics to help correct these during practice and performance. Any help is appreciated.
Quick question, is it okay if i put solo scenes? Or do I have to put scenes that include other actors, so casting directors see how i perform with other people in a scene?
Just got done from a long background acting gig in a movie, let me tell you my experience so you can gain a little bit of wisdom. I firmly believe if you are interested in acting or filmmaking in general you should absolutely pick up a job as an extra just to see what a film set is like, that being said, one short gig is enough! There are ample wannabe filmmakers and aspiring actors doing the full time extra circuit. They do it full time and multiple films in a row. Let me tell you why they do it and why you shouldn't. Their arguments: \- "**I'll work my way up**". No you won't shut up. I mean really? We are literal props behind the main actors. There is no way you are going to be discovered from walking in the distance of 5 seconds of footage. You can't even really network, I myself am an aspiring screenwriter and wanted to see if I could maybe at least talk a bit to the script supervisor on set. After days of waiting and asking I got nothing, why, because it's a bustling high budget set and people got shit better to do than to chat it up with the lowly extras. I totally understand their busy schedule but we should realize being an extra isn't a good way to network. ​ \- "**The work is easy**". No. Working at a grocery store was easier at times. As an extra you are either chronically underworked and bored, or overworked and hungry. A day can consist of you sitting in holding all day on your phone and never being used or could be you being marched around all day in the sun just for one shot, and oh yeah if the director is on a work kick you'll work through lunch. Again, literally any grocery store or warehouse stocking job is easier. \- "**The pay is good**". Is $150 a day nice? Yeah! But that is 150 for 12 hours making the hourly rate about 12.50 almost no different than a low level job at Whole Foods. Sure the pay is better than McDonalds but honestly you can find that level of pay at a lot of places that give you more free time and less stress. ​ \- "**I get to act, which is my passion**". Stop tricking yourself. We literally stand/walk in the background and never even look at the camera. Production assistants will actively remind you not to act, because it isn't necessary. ​ TLDR: Working at a common grocery store as a produce stocker gets you similar pay, with less stress and more free time. Do it once to experience a film set then move on. If you're an aspiring actor or filmmaker please find something other than full-time background acting, it will always be a better choice.
Hi! I am an 18 yr (M) and I am planning on moving in a few months to L.A to pursue acting. I should have about $13k saved up by the time I plan on making the move and I have someone that may be moving with me, but she is still unsure. I was originally going to go to AADA but it was far too expensive with little to no financial aid (even in a low-income household) and they haven't even released their enrollment packets for the upcoming school year. I plan on getting my headshots done right before I leave or when I get there. When I move, I'm going to sign up on centralcasting immediately and probably Backstage as well. I'm not sure what parts of L.A are necessarily good parts to be in for an actor (the only thing I've heard is Studio City is a safer neighborhood and somewhat affordable). I was wondering if I could get some advice on a few things: what I should be doing for the first few months there, where are good areas to live, what is a good job to have besides restaurants, and what's a good and safest way to find roommates just in case my friend changes her mind? I also was wondering if studios also post open casting calls on their websites?
How do you find a partner for self-taping? Is there any acting app where actors can find scene partners using something like zoom or skype? cheers
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.
