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Cold Emails: Tips from the Other, Angry, Side

Cold Emails: Tips from the Other, Angry, Side

Posted on Jan 7th

Hello! I’m a producer at a production company. My email is easy to deduce, I’m sure most folks get it by cruising LinkedIn. Multiple times a week I get a cold email from a voice actor offering their services. 100% of the time I read the first few sentences. 100% of the time I block the sender. When I was starting out as a production assistant, I got my first gigs cold emailing, so I have an incredibly soft spot for folks who put themselves out there like that. So I give every email a chance. So why do I do what nearly everyone else does when they get a cold email— why do I forever send them to the trash? Because every cold email wants ME TO DO THE WORK. Every email is the same cookie cutter garbage, with no research as to who I am or what I do, that tasks me with figuring out why I need you. My career is the product of cold emailing and I these emails make me want to pull my hair out, so PLEASE take this advice as gospel: 1. Do your research. Start with knowing my name and the name of the company I work for. Know what type of work we DO (you’d quickly learn I rarely need voice actors and save yourself some trouble, but I digress) and figure out why I would ever need to hire a voice actor. This is the most important. 2. Make a good case. This is not “I’m a good voice actor, you’d be stupid not to hire me”. This is “In the last month you’ve made a dozen videos about football for TikTok and I used to be the stadium announcer at UCLA who hyped up our fans during the game. I think your videos could not only benefit from voiceover, but I could bring a whole new level of excitement that should turn into new levels of engagement”. You can’t make a case without research, you can’t convince someone without making a strong argument. And your case should be about ADDED value. You’re experienced in this department. 3. Don’t make me do ANY WORK. If you’ve done 1 and 2, you have just saved me so much time and effort. I don’t have to do any thinking about why I need you, you have told me. I don’t have to search for any info about your relevant experience, you have just told me the ONLY thing I need to know about you. You have already proven why you’re a pro— you are being additive. The only work I need to do is listen to the sample (if you can’t guess what this sample is, good luck to you) and respond. As you write this email have in your mind constantly: “who is being asked to do the work?” If you do all 3 of these things, you are attempting to do something for me. If you don’t do ALL of these you are asking me to do something for you. If the example in #2 was the actual situation, I would save your contact at the very least. Maybe there isn’t a job right now, but if I ever needed VA, your case would be top of mind. But isn’t this a lot of work? Multiplied by 1000 emails, wouldn’t this take forever?! Anybody who wants to hire you from a cold email that sucks and is clearly cut and paste— AND doesn’t know any other voice actors in Los Angeles— isn’t someone you want to work for anyway. They aren’t going to help you get the next job that makes you never have to cold email again. You only get good clients from good emails. And lastly, as a twist, to prove why research is paramount: if you looked me up at all, you’d find out that not only am I a producer at this company… but I also do all their in-house VO. Is there still a case to be made for you?

How to not over-act when stakes are high

How to not over-act when stakes are high

Posted on Jan 7th

I am really stumped over stakes in acting. I've always been. I always hear / read that actors should make the stakes over what they're fighting for in each and every scene as high as they can; "life or death". I know that doesn't actually mean that if their character doesn't get what they want, they're going to die. It seems like high stakes would give way to over-the-top acting. Yet they never seem to. It seems like a huge contradictory paradox. My question is, how do I refrain from acting over-the-top when the stakes are high for my character in a scene?

Some food for thought about voice-over rates for "beginners"

Some food for thought about voice-over rates for "beginners"

Posted on Jan 7th

My grandfather often said, "The art of selling by cutting price is not 'Salesmanship', but 'SalesmanSH\*T'. Sell your service, not your price". Voice acting requires a high level of skill and training. It takes time and practice to develop the ability to effectively convey emotion and meaning through the voice, as well as the technical skills necessary to produce clear and consistent audio recordings. Additionally, voice-over work requires a significant amount of time and effort to prepare and record. This includes researching the project, rehearsing lines, and potentially multiple takes to get the perfect recording. It is important for beginners to set fair and reasonable rates for your work, based on the time and effort required to complete a project. This helps to establish your value as a professional and ensures that you are fairly compensated for your work. By discounting your rates, beginners may not be accurately reflecting the value of their skills and the time and effort you put into your work. This can lead to undervaluing your work and potentially being taken advantage of by clients. And when you build your business on a foundation of lower paying clients, you create TWICE as much work for yourself, having to REBUILD your business with clients who pay industry standard rates. Those bottom dwellers aren't going to raise the rates they've been paying you simply because you've had a change of heart. The key is NOT to begin your voice-over business until you can compete with professionally trained voice actors who have professional quality equipment. Your impatience to get started you will only make it TWICE as hard on yourself in the long run. In other words, don't start until you're ready. Good luck!

Actor wanting to move to LA

Actor wanting to move to LA

Posted on Jan 7th

I am a 24 year old male who wants to move to LA to pursue acting, is there anyone in this subreddit that wants to move there with me? If so, DM me here and we can talk further. Thanks!

Do I have a shot? How to get a professional position?

Do I have a shot? How to get a professional position?

Posted on Jan 7th

Hello! My name is Sarah. I am 16 years old. My ultimate dream is to become a voice actress, it's what I truly want to do in the future. I'm in plenty of projects (which I am SO grateful for btw!!), but none of them are professional, most are volunteer. I am ALWAYS trying to improve my work. I really desperately want to do this. I dream all the time about voice acting for cartoons, animes, and video games. Do you guys think I have a shot? How can I improve? How can I get into the professional field?? I also sometimes fear that I am inconsistent with my skill level. Help pls! Latest Work: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bI\_f5eDBnAI](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bI_f5eDBnAI) All Work: [https://msha.ke/moshimacaroon/#top-picks-1](https://msha.ke/moshimacaroon/#top-picks-1)

Just need a little help

Just need a little help

Posted on Jan 7th

so i'm starting to work on becoming a voice actor, and i need a bit of help figuring out my setup so i live with my parents and my sister, and it gets kinda noisy, but i should still be able to work around that but my computer is a pretty hefty gaming desktop, but it so far isn't bad for recording audio, especially since my mic is pretty nice and i do all my work from my decently sized bedroom, and i would do work in my closet, but it's almost too small, full of clothes and clutter, and i don't have a laptop and i obviously can't lug my giant pc in there i also am broke as a rock and can't afford too much fancy equipment (yet) so my current setup is just my desk in an open room, a mic with a pop filter, a hefty pc desktop, and thats all. so i could use some advice for just some devices i could get in the near future to aid in audio quality, and where i should do my work efficiently the laptop thing is my biggest barrier, because i do have places i can do my work if my computer was portable i also have an ipad with a keyboard and trackpad set up if thats helpful at all i appreciate any advice, i am starting from the bottom in terms of the career part, i have acting/ theatre experience that definitely aids in my favor, that i'm not too worried about, but its just my concerning setup that i'm hung up on, if a photo is needed i can add one thanks for listening :)

Want to act and direct, but I don’t know if I’m on the right path

Want to act and direct, but I don’t know if I’m on the right path

Posted on Jan 7th

I’m M18. Always loved movies my whole life. I am currently going to a community college in San Francisco majoring in Film,tv, and broadcasting. I don’t actually start my film classes till next month so Im hoping for the best. I have little to none acting experience. In my high school we had a video production class, I happened to be in it, and even got in the honors program. It was coolio I loved it, and we made little skits and segments for the school and I would always play a character and be in front of the camera. It was mostly improv, but there were few occasions I had to memorize tiny lines. I did in fact narrated a school assembly, i missed my queue for the last scene but it was overall good. I don’t know I just want to create and help create and maybe act as a superhero one day. I currently have actors access but I haven’t paid for the version I can submit. I’m not even sure if actors access is the right site to look. I know for me to “make it on the big screens” i need a agent. Where do I find one? Is there any other acting sites that can help me find calls or agents near me?

Voice actors for 2D animation short film from Gobelins School (Paris)

Voice actors for 2D animation short film from Gobelins School (Paris)

Posted on Jan 6th

Hello all ! ☺️ We are a team of 5 final year students* from the school "Gobelins, l'école de l'image", one of top school for animation filmaking. Gobelins graduation movies are published on Youtube (https://youtube.com/@gobelins) every year. We are currently directing our graduation movie, a 5min action/drama movie. It takes place in a fantasy world inspired by Uganda and features a group of rowdy kids. We are looking for several volunteering voice actors for kids voice as well as one adult male voice. Due to our movie taking place in Uganda, we are looking in priority for voice actors with Ugandan or East Africa background. The dialogues will be english. We have a studio for sound recording at Gobelins school if you reside in Paris, otherwise if you have the appropriate setup for clean voice recording, you could do it from home :) Due to NDA we can't post too much on the movie but can send an animatic and more info/concept art to applicant. The school does not give us any budget for voice acting so unfortunatly we are looking for volunteers. But you will be free to use the movie for your voice demoreel afterward. Contact us at : clemence.drion@edu.gobelins.fr Feel free to send a voice demo if you already have one otherwise we will provide you with some test lines ;) Thank you very very much! Have a nice day and thanks for reading *our team consist of three african students and two europeans :) sorry english is not my native language!!

Voice actors needed for 2D animation short film from Gobelins School (Paris)

Voice actors needed for 2D animation short film from Gobelins School (Paris)

Posted on Jan 6th

Hello all ! ☺️ We are a team of 5 final year students* from the school "Gobelins, l'école de l'image", one of top school for animation filmaking. Gobelins graduation movies are published on Youtube (https://youtube.com/@gobelins) every year. We are currently directing our graduation movie, a 5min action/drama movie. It takes place in a fantasy world inspired by Uganda and features a group of rowdy kids. We are looking for several volunteering voice actors for kids voice as well as one adult male voice. Due to our movie taking place in Uganda, we are looking in priority for voice actors with Ugandan or East Africa background. The dialogues will be english. We have a studio for sound recording at Gobelins school if you reside in Paris, otherwise if you have the appropriate setup for clean voice recording, you could do it from home :) Due to NDA we can't post too much on the movie but can send an animatic and more info/concept art to applicant. The school does not give us any budget for voice acting so unfortunatly we are looking for volunteers. But you will be free to use the movie for your voice demoreel afterward. Contact us at : clemence.drion@edu.gobelins.fr Feel free to send a voice demo if you already have one otherwise we will provide you with some test lines ;) Thank you very very much! Have a nice day and thanks for reading *our team consist of three african students and two europeans :) sorry english is not my native language!!

In-depth Shakespeare training for actors

In-depth Shakespeare training for actors

Posted on Jan 6th

Is there anywhere to learn in-depth Shakespeare training for actors?

Tips for nailing Actors Connection/One on One Showcases?

Tips for nailing Actors Connection/One on One Showcases?

Posted on Jan 6th

Hello! I did my first Actors Connection showcase yesterday for agents. I did the last page of a 6-page comedic scene, which I have been working on in my acting program. The scene has typically had the whole class laughing. I started the scene at the climax, right when I tell the guy I hooked up with that he got me pregnant. Now skip to the showcase: The agents didn't seem to get that the scene was comedic because the reader I was working off of didn't seem to get it, and the context of the scene is depressing (particularly the fact that the guy vehemently denies that he is the one who got me pregnant). Everyone I coached with said to pick up the pace because it's a back-and-forth (duh, comedy!) and also because the showcase only gives you 2 minutes per scene. The agents told me that I should have shortened the scene and raised the stakes because it didn't seem like I had enough time to really take in the gravity of the news I received in the scene and they wanted me to be even more impacted. I get it, but this was really frustrating to hear because 1) I already chopped the scene down so much 2) without the context of the whole play and a comedic reader to work off of, they seemed to have thought I should have been sobbing my eyes out by the end of the scene because of "how devastating it is that this guy won't admit he's the father." From knowing the whole play, this is not how she feels. She's more irritated and disgusted than anything and it's supposed to be funny because he's such a dumbass as a character, and 3) I WANTED to take the time to "behave" more and show the news affecting me but I had TWO MINUTES, so I didn't want to waste time pausing. The other thing is, I know that I could have gotten there emotionally if I wanted to, but I was making a choice that the character ended the scene by feeling defeated and resigned rather than irate or devastated based on the context of the play. I guess maybe I should have gone for the stronger choice because out of context it doesn't matter? I also didn't want to play the same note the entire time. I got angry in the middle of the scene, and then ended with resignation. Anyway, I am just confused about how I am supposed to really live out a fully fleshed scene in such a short amount of time. How short are the scenes you usually pick? Do you go for extremely strong emotions in a showcase? I am used to doing short sides for auditions, but at least the person watching the audition has some context and they aren't sticking a clock in my face. Maybe I need to pick a better scene that doesn't require any context? Or maybe I need to pick a really short scene so that I have time to live it out emotionally? **What strategies have worked for you?** I don't want to come off as bitter, but it's hard when you feel like you could have delivered what they wanted if you just understood what was expected of you in the first place. I am sure I also need to take some responsibility for my choices not landing. Either way, how can I prevent this from happening again?

my scenes are SUPER boring

my scenes are SUPER boring

Posted on Jan 6th

hello! so i am a theatre actor and we have a play in 8 days. my acting partners told me that one scene we have is pretty boring and it's not ready yet. but the reason that it is boring is because of the other actress i am playing with. they are supposed to be playing a very active and funny character but because they have anxiety it's hard for them to get into that character. so my worry is that i play a very bland character that is either sad or angry. they are not enogh to lighten up those scenes in my opinion. and my question is, if they can't get into character when we are in the scene what can i do so viewers don't get bored. i am open for any help and advice. thanks in advance!

Is This Realistic

Is This Realistic

Posted on Jan 6th

I plan on starting my professional career as an actress and screenwriter after college (so around 22 years old). I'm aware that acting is an unpredictable career and I'm fine with that, I've never been a huge fan of strict routines anyways. But I'm hoping my career can be at least 35 years, definitely would like a bit more than that, but is this realistic to hope for? I have a lot of creative goals I want to achieve and I need time, this is not a short term thing for me, it's a career. I've seen lots of non-famous actors achieve it. I'm not looking for fame or money, I love my craft and I don't even have to make a living off of acting the whole time, but I do hope to someday, but even if I have to have a day job most of the time I don't mind. I also worked on developing thick skin for all the rejection over the past few years and have gotten really good, and have learned to love auditioning and self-taping and I treat it as a chance to act and put on a mini show/film, and the idea of doing more auditions than gigs in my lifetime doesn't even bother me (although of course I hope for many gigs), on the contrary I am excited because I think of how many scripts, material and roles I will get exposed to. Same for screenwriting, I learned that not everyone will like my screenplays, but there will be many actors and producers out there who would love to bring them to life.

Is there such a thing as a good agent contract? Please tell me there is.

Is there such a thing as a good agent contract? Please tell me there is.

Posted on Jan 6th

Long story short, I got offered my first ever agent contract. Upon review, it was very one-sided and maybe even a bit exploitative. There were definitely parts that made me nervous from a legal, financial, and career standpoint. Discussion with a lawyer friend confirmed my concerns, as well as brought up new ones. I made edits to the contract and sent them back to the agency for review. The agency came back to me and said that they would not consider any edits. Period. My questions are: Is this common? As an actor, do you just kind of have to accept that you have to eat shit and take on legal and financial risk from an agency so you can get signed? Or is this agency in particular just not great, and I have to keep looking? I'm trying to figure out how to proceed. Thanks.

Virtual casting call etiquette questions from a first time director

Virtual casting call etiquette questions from a first time director

Posted on Jan 6th

I'm going to be shooting my first feature length film this summer and will be posting a virtual casting call in local Facebook groups and also sending to local university theatre programs + acting schools. I want to make sure I don't do anything considered rude or unprofessional. Here are my questions: 1. Is it frowned upon to ask for an audition tape right off the bat? I have heard several people say you should ask for headshots first. I personally don't see why it would be harmful to ask for an audition right off the bat to get the ball rolling, but if this is considered rude in some way I won't. EDIT: Also how long is too long to request an audition for? I.e. is it acceptable to ask for two different scenes across five pages? Or what is a good guideline? . 2. How descriptions is too descriptive in character descriptions? What should be my sentence limit? I have character descriptions written out but they're all very long - as long as 11 sentences for one of the leads. I feel like this may be too much. . 3. Is it unprofessional to give examples of similar movie characters in the character description? For example, this isn't related to my film but if I said this character most closely resembles Rob Riggle's, specifically in the Hangover and We're The Millers. Is this bad? . 4. It's an R rated film and I want to be as up front as possible. There are two characters that are seen post-sex, would writing something along the lines of "must be comfortable laying in bed with character x, no sex scene/stimulated sex, but there is implied after sex" be acceptable? There are also a couple of characters that smoke in the film, and so I was going to put in their description "must be comfortable smoking fake joints," does this seem fine? Lastly, there is one character that has simulated sex in a comedic way - would it be fine to write something like "has a simulated sex scene, but no nudity is required; however must be comfortable shirtless and with the scene"? . 5. I'm looking to have two virtual rehearsals and one on person rehearsal before filming. Every role besides background actors will be paid. Would it be unprofessional to ask for these two virtual rehearsals to be uncompensated and that the in person one gas will be reimbursed and there will be dinner, but no further compensation? I don't feel great about it, but I'm very limited from a budget perspective. . 6. Is there anything else you think I should know? Thanks so much in advance, I really appreciate your time!

How do I know if my 4/5 year old is a natural actress?

How do I know if my 4/5 year old is a natural actress?

Posted on Jan 6th

My daughter is almost 5 and I have a hunch I should get her into acting. She has a very vivid imagination always going on for 10 minutes of directing/writing a detailed script before we play pretend/scene. I don’t have much to compare to, but she seems good at memorizing lines and when we play pretend her acting skills are pretty convincing. She absolutely loves attention, dress up, and playing pretend. She does (and loves) ballet and singing classes but I can’t say if she’s especially good or not. I don’t know anything about acting or the industry, but I would guess that it would be easier to get a shoe in the door when she is younger and might have less competition. So my questions to you are how do I know if she has some natural talent or if all kids are like this? Am I wrong to think that time is of the essence because the older she gets, the more competition she’ll have? Thanks in advance, I hope this post isn’t annoying!

Casting Director Classes

Casting Director Classes

Posted on Jan 6th

I’ve been considering taking a class from like actors connection, ACE studios, etc that is taught by a casting director or casting associate. I was just wondering if anyone has personal experience or has heard of anyone who has taken one of these types of classes and had it benefit them in some way. Like getting an audition from that casting office, booking a role with them, being referred to an agent/manager, or something along those lines. I would probably do one of the classes that is multiple sessions over 2-3 weeks rather than just the one day workshop type situations.

Visiting family for the holidays, and feeing blue

Visiting family for the holidays, and feeing blue

Posted on Jan 6th

Just to be safe, adding a TW re parents/family and visiting/holidays. Many actors can relate to moving away from your hometown to a major market to pursue your career and visiting for the holidays. For me, the distance is nearly clear across the country. I had to skip some years when I was oftentimes broke, but for most of the past 15 years I’ve made the annual week-or-so visit in the winter. I also added the TW since I’m keeping in mind (and heart) those who have lost parents/family and would love to be able to visit them even one more time, but I’ve been struggling with these feelings of sorrow and darkness when I’m approaching or at the end of the trip/visit instead of enjoying the vacation. I’m glad their health is still decent, but the thoughts of aging and death, and their house and stuff, has just become stressful versus who I was as the young woman who moved to LA with so much ambition and focus. Moving back isn’t really sensible right now since I recently started a great job that’s unique to its location, and I’m finally happy with what I do for a living and that’s huge for me and my wellness. (Plus my friends who became like family since moving to LA for acting.) Sorry that this is getting long, but this sub has always been pretty supportive as a lot of us can relate on so many things here. Has anyone else noticed a shift in your perception of visiting home year after year? Sent with love to all who experience difficult feelings during the holidays or any time.

Help! I have to turn down a role. Even if I lose my agent

Help! I have to turn down a role. Even if I lose my agent

Posted on Jan 6th

Hey all. Like most other actors, particularly those of us who went to college or conservatory, It has been drilled into me to NEVER turn down a role. Despite this being my career, my face, and my life I’ve gone with the flow of my agent or others and been admonished for opinions or desires of my own. I have now been offered a film that I must turn down. There is no convincing me otherwise. The people making it may have the money/resources to be SAG and give everyone a nice check but their work is offensively bad and if I were to be involved in their product I would legitimately hate myself. Turning this project down means pretty good money lost for my agent. I respect my agent as a human being, I want to be professional in my conversation with them and need help approaching this respectfully. I understand my agent could drop me. I am willing to make that sacrifice. Does anyone have any advice to how to start this conversation? And please don’t encourage me to take the part, it would be like purposefully signing on to do The Room without any of the cult status. Has anyone hear had experience with turning down a bad offer?

Any advice on getting my first movie/TV role

Any advice on getting my first movie/TV role

Posted on Jan 6th

I've been acting since i was 10 and i really want to become a professional actor. I have always wanted to be an actor ever since i was little. I don't have an agent or a manager, so I'm on my own when it comes to finding roles. I live near DC so any advice or tips to finding casting calls and landing my first gig would be very appreciated. i am an 18 year old white guy, (with braces uggghhh) I am moving to Philadelphia in august so if anyone knows of auditions in Philadelphia that starts filling in august that would also be helpful. THANK YOU for taking the time to read this and thank you even more if you decide to respond with helpful advice!

Is starting my career after community college an ok plan?

Is starting my career after community college an ok plan?

Posted on Jan 6th

I’m currently a freshman at my local CC. I’m 19 and I’ve always known I wanted to be an actor. Did theatre camps when I was little and did drama all through middle school and high school. I’m currently working towards an Associate of Fine Arts with a concentration in theatre. I’m starting to get the feeling that I’m missing out. While I enjoy my actual acting classes, I feel like I’m waisting my time taking all these gen Ed’s. They’re not going to do anything for me when it comes to my career. Part of the reason I chose to go to college was because it was a safer plan and I got to live with my parents a little longer. But I’m starting to think that I just need to move on with my life. I know moving out to LA is scary and I’ll need to do a lot to prepare. Trust me I’ve done a lot of research. I know I’ll need a place to live. I know I’ll need a steady but flexible job. And I know I’ll probably need to enroll in more acting classes and obviously get an agent. But I’m ready to do it all. Since my parents have already paid for classes, I’m going to stick it out no matter what until I get my Associates. It would be incredibly unfair for their money to just go down the drain for nothing. But afterwards am I really missing out on anything by not getting Bachelors in Arts? Because at the end of the day we all know these arts degrees are basically worthless. But nobody studies acting for the degree. We do it to get the experience and improve our craft. And I’m starting to feel like I have enough experience and just want to go out and do the real thing. Since I’m still a freshman, I have over a year to prepare for this if it’s what I decide to do. But I want to hear your guys’ thoughts.

episodic and feature films

episodic and feature films

Posted on Jan 6th

Dumb question but are all projects listed as feature films on actors accses movies, and are all episodic projects tv shows?

Cost of Actors Access?

Cost of Actors Access?

Posted on Jan 6th

If you have an agent that submits you through breakdown express do you still have to pay for each submission if you’re doing the “free” account

What is Los Angeles really like for job-searching actors?

What is Los Angeles really like for job-searching actors?

Posted on Jan 6th

What is LA really like? I may want to try out casting down there is it ok or is it ruthless? I am sixty and I was thinking of going down there to live and try out for older-man and character roles and I am 6'7" tall and British (accent) so I have some distinguishing factors meaning the pool of people going up for parts I would be up for would be way smaller. I have a modest monthly income and my daytimes are completely free and flexible (for auditions) Or am I talking donkey-doo? lol :) PS an I do LA auditions by video now?

Headshot-Age Range-Character Type Feedback

Headshot-Age Range-Character Type Feedback

Posted on Jan 5th

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.

Crooked face

Crooked face

Posted on Jan 5th

I have a noticeably crooked face. And it’s not just me saying that, like my upper and bottom lip don’t line up straight with each other. Can I still become an actor? This might be a dumb question but I want to know.

Being cancelled

Being cancelled

Posted on Jan 5th

My career hasn’t even started yet and after introspection, it seems I’ve behaved liked an toxic unhinged harasser (purely platonic, nothing sexual) towards an actress friend. I can’t apologize to her since she’s blocked me. So, I know I’m being a navel-gazing selfish and self-centered person by saying this but ; should I give up on acting ? Cuz now I fear getting cancelled if I ever make it.

Following Agencies on Instagram

Following Agencies on Instagram

Posted on Jan 5th

There are certain agencies (on my wish list) that I follow on Instagram to see what their clients are up to. They post a lot of "booked it" stories and posts on behalf of their clients. I like them because it makes me happy to see fellow actors booking. But I wanted to ask: will it affect my chances of signing with any of these agencies if I like their posts? I always thought that they'd want people to like their posts, and it's useful for me because if I want to get back to the post and research the show or the actor, it's easy to find.

What is the best school or place to become a film actor?

What is the best school or place to become a film actor?

Posted on Jan 5th

Not huge on stage performances. I know a lot of these MFAs are for more stage acting. I'm planning to take an intro acting class at my local community college. I already have an undergraduate degree in an unrelated field.

Did a little digging; should I reach out directly?

Did a little digging; should I reach out directly?

Posted on Jan 5th

So I found a role on Actors Access on a local film that is perfect for me! I submitted the day it was posted (today). I’m just starting out so I have no substantial reel so I did not submit any video, just a photo and description under “notes”. I did some research and found both the Casting Director and Casting Associate’s email. They’re names were listed on the posting. I know that hundreds of people are submitting for the same role, so would it be beneficial to email them today just reiterating my interest in the role? Is that generally favorable or looked down upon?

Any advice of good acting studios in LA?

Any advice of good acting studios in LA?

Posted on Jan 5th

Ive been wanting to try out an acting studio to really push me and create a good connection with coaches, is there anywhere anyone can point me to? Ive been looking at The Young Actor's studio, The Ruskin School of acting, and Playhouse West.

Doubt about the rules

Doubt about the rules

Posted on Jan 5th

Hello, I am new I've been reading the rules and, could I make a post announcing that I'm looking for voice actors to dub a clip? The job will be paid without any problem

How to be a part of projects in the US as an acting student, and how to stay after the end of my training/education?

How to be a part of projects in the US as an acting student, and how to stay after the end of my training/education?

Posted on Jan 5th

Hello everyone!! New to the sub and looking for help. I'm from South America, work in the tech industry, and for 2 years now, everytime i've had time to reflect on my life my thoughts gravitate towards acting. In that time, i revisited this sub a thousand times, and i understand that i'm a beginner and if i want to enter the us market as a foreigner i must excel at the craft, get training, enough experience, apply for an 01 visa... That being said, i can work remotely, so moving out of my home country to pursue this urge aligns with other aspects of my life too, and since i have to get training anyway, might as well go to a place where i have more options/oportunities. So, i've been looking for places where i can get good training and experience, and the US is the first o the list (feel free to give me other suggestions). Now for the questions: Can i "work" on projects as a student/actor and get credits? Is there a way of staying in the US to further pursue acting after my training ends? And does that apply for non degree training programs (Stella Adler, NYCDA...)?

Portraying vs. Feeling

Portraying vs. Feeling

Posted on Jan 5th

Let's take sadness. Most acting coaches tell you that the audience can see through fake tears and will know if you're not truly sad but merely faking sadness. But I think you can totally get away with just portraying an emotion. I've seen it happen. Actors just simply going through the motions of a certain emotion instead of actually feeling it. So basically all their work is external and focused on making certain movements, tonal inflections, facial expressions... But they're never actually in the state of mind of their character. I mean, there's this one famous actress who even openly admitted she doesn't produce her tears naturally. She just jawns without opening her mouth. So maybe you don't actually have to be connected to your character and can just fake it?

Help

Help

Posted on Jan 5th

What to do as a high schooler Hello I am a 16M high schooler, I learned about a lot about acting. I am going to take acting clas in spring. I got 3 acting books, but if I wanna be a actor I wanna know where to go or to do because sitting and reading at doing much. Acting is a skill to practice, but how does some act or pretend

Actors needed for survey!

Actors needed for survey!

Posted on Jan 5th

Hello fellow actors. I am currently a theater actor and in AP Research, this is my senior year of high school. My paper is regarding Discrimination in the Theater Industry, and through my literature review, I found a gap regarding the effects it has on mental health. I am conducting a survey to answer that gap. If you guys would like to fill out this 5-minute survey regarding how discrimination in theater has affected your mental health, it would be greatly appreciated! [https://forms.gle/QUtV6MgzhTzBcWiN8](https://forms.gle/QUtV6MgzhTzBcWiN8) Disclaimer: While this data will be anonymous, it will be used in my paper, and your taking the survey gives me your consent to use your data.

Present for an upcoming actress

Present for an upcoming actress

Posted on Jan 4th

Hey everyone! My sister is starting her journey as an actress by getting into drama school, and I would like to support her with some present, buy I don’t know where to start. Are ideas? Maybe a very influential book on the field? Thank youu ✨

What is the benefit of working in a closet

What is the benefit of working in a closet

Posted on Jan 4th

I hear that a lot of voice actors set up in a walk-in closet and while I do have one it would definitely be a pain to set up in, are the benefits worth it to do or is just working in my room fine or are there any alternatives.

Foreign Taxes: have any American actors here worked overseas on American shows?

Foreign Taxes: have any American actors here worked overseas on American shows?

Posted on Jan 4th

Recently I've gotten some American network auditions for shows that shoot overseas. Has anyone done this in the last few years? Asking because a few years back I got slammed with foreign taxes for a role in a commercial that shot in Canada. It was an American spot but run by a Canadian production company. I'm guessing that a network show that shot overseas would still be run and therefore paid by the American production company, but I have in the past had to pay local state income taxes on income I made out of my home state. If I have a tax liability in the host country where the location is, I'd like to be prepared beforehand in case I'm faced with a contract to sign.

AMA Announcement with the lead actors of Solid Rock Trust, Friday 6 @ 1pm pst/4pm est

AMA Announcement with the lead actors of Solid Rock Trust, Friday 6 @ 1pm pst/4pm est

Posted on Jan 4th

Hi r/acting!  My name is Rick Ives, I have a 10 year history in post production with Marvel Studios, and am the writer/director of a new indie feature called [Solid Rock Trust.](https://i.imgur.com/653YK0i.jpg) With permission from the mods, we're going to be holding an AMA with the two lead actors of our film so you can ask them all the juicy questions you want about their work as artists in the film industry.  If you'd like to see the film ahead of time, it's [free on Tubi](https://tubitv.com/movies/701273/solid-rock-trust) and available to [buy/rent on Amazon.](https://www.primevideo.com/detail/Solid-Rock-Trust/0K72Y2DFL4975L09YXQ8BL5976) The plot revolves around a single location bank heist, where our lead character played by Koko Marshall is pulling the strings of everything happening inside the bank from a remote location. You should really check out her performance, it's a real one-woman show to remember. It's big, it's small, she goes through an entire list of accents, languages, and emotions.  I'll have a thread up that morning so you can ask anything you like and the three of us will be on in the afternoon for a few hours to answer as much as we can.  [Trailer and more info on the film](https://linktr.ee/flashbulbfilms) [Koko Marshall IMDB.](https://www.imdb.com/name/nm3726570/) Koko has starred in a number of indie features including Solid Rock Trust, The One You're With, A Perfect Host, and many more. [Alexander Hearth IMDB.](https://www.imdb.com/name/nm6582959/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1) Alexander has appeared in a handful of features, shorts, and TV series, and he most recently helped establish an acting school in New York. [Rick Ives IMDB.](https://www.imdb.com/name/nm3546744/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1) Rick has been working in Post production for over a decade on films such as Avengers Infinity War, Endgame, Guardians of the Galaxy Volume 3, and ongoing work on many Disney+ Marvel Series. Hot Tip: This is not the AMA thread. But you can comment here with "RemindMe! 2 Days" and this post will send you a reminder to check back on this sub so you can ask a question when the thread is live. 

Acting?

Acting?

Posted on Jan 4th

Is it possible as an actor to act a real job? That sounds possible to me.

side gig benefits

side gig benefits

Posted on Jan 4th

hello, fellow actors! after a few months of unemployment, i was hired for a remote copywriting position at a nonprofit. i really like the gig, and am wondering how viable it is to stay at a steady remote job while in the early stage of my acting career (i'm 23 and have been signed with management for 1 year) i have 4 weeks of PTO. how have others managed to make acting work with regular jobs? i'm tentatively anxious about being without income and benefits should i start booking (lmao) and wondering how others manage that aspect of the business

Lady Macbeth Brainstorm - How to look like a psychopath?

Lady Macbeth Brainstorm - How to look like a psychopath?

Posted on Jan 4th

Hello Hello! I [17f] will be playing Lady Macbeth at my community theatre. (For the record most of the cast is between 25 and 45 years old, so this isn’t a teen adaptation. Just raw Shakespeare in all his glory) I am playing the Lady from the perspective that she was crazy from the start of the show. Being alone all the time in a cold dark fortress drove her off the deep end and the desperation to be around people motivates her to manipulate macbeth. My director wants to see two sides of crazy. She wants the delusional believes they are right and perfect as well as the psychotic freak out for when she sleepwalks. I was hoping the veteran actors here could give me some tips on behaviors to help bring that intention out. I’ve never played anything but young men before so this is new territory for me. Thanks in advance for your help!

I am a designer in tech. How do I become an actor after I've graduated?

I am a designer in tech. How do I become an actor after I've graduated?

Posted on Jan 4th

Did lots of acting in middle and high school but stopped because of reasons. Now I want to get back into it. Definitely rusty but where would I start? Community college class is an option. like intro to acting. I am looking for more acting in dramatic stuff. Like stuff that makes you cry kinda stuff. Movies or whatever. I'm a tall Asian if that matters and I can sort of sing. ​ Any tips for someone in my situation?

Do actors need to be part of some kind of organisation to go to auditions in the USA?

Do actors need to be part of some kind of organisation to go to auditions in the USA?

Posted on Jan 4th

Where I live (Canada), actors need to be part of a union, which is tough to get in, to get access to certain auditions. Is it the case in the States?

What is the real reason why dubs of anime can’t get voice actors like Tom Kenny or Grey Delisle?

What is the real reason why dubs of anime can’t get voice actors like Tom Kenny or Grey Delisle?

Posted on Jan 4th

I don’t watch anime but my friend does, and I notice did research on IMDB that dubs use mostly different actors than western animation and games (Even if they are recorded in LA studios), what is the reason why we don’t see voice actors like Billy West, or Tara Strong doing anime series? Some people say “They’re not interested”, or “Busy”, but I feel like it’s saving face.

How to handle sneaky "age" questions in auditions?

How to handle sneaky "age" questions in auditions?

Posted on Jan 4th

Hi folks! I've never posted here, but I've had something that's been nagging at me for a few months and I wondered if anyone else has encountered this/has advice! Several months ago, in an audition that was going really well, the CD asked me "How many years have you lived in NY," which I instantly recognized as a sneaky attempt to figure out my age. Though I realized that's what this was, I couldn't think of a good work around on the spot, and answered honestly; at which point the CD's face visibly fell. I spoke with another actor friend who auditioned with this CD years ago, and got the same question, and also wasn't sure how to handle it. It seems like this person knows they can't ask people's ages outright, and so has made this a habit to ask. So: any thoughts? Would you lie or obfuscate? If so, how? Have you experienced this?

"Whys"

"Whys"

Posted on Jan 4th

Every actor has their list of whys. Why we pursue this amazing but extremely difficult career. I made a whole list, but I realized I haven't been reading it lately, so I decided to post it both for review and to share my reasons. Feel free to post your whys too! I love hearing other people's motivations. My whys: * I love portraying characters and experiencing different personalities. * I love telling stories and playing pretend * I love getting paid to express myself when anywhere other than a set or a stage I could be stared at and judged. * I love collaborating with other artists, not just actors, but filmmakers as well * I want to be a strong representation for women (especially older women when i get older; as the average lifespan gets longer, there will be more older folks who want to see themselves on screen, and I would love to help contribute to that, especially since the characters for women over 40 nowadays are very complex, and there are more opportunities than ever for women over 40 with each passing year; I'm not close to over 40 years old but this is my dream to contribute to these roles when I reach over 40) * I love getting to live tons of lives that aren't actually mine, and I love to get to experience events that might never happen in real life (sci-fi or fantasy for example) These are honestly just a few main points. If these aren't good reasons to get into acting, then I don't know what is, so I hope I'm doing the right thing. I love acting, despite the rejection, and I feel I couldn't live without it Also I hope this list inspires some of you out there in case any of you are feeling discouraged or haven't booked lately.

Maybe a dumb question about sex scenes in acting

Maybe a dumb question about sex scenes in acting

Posted on Jan 4th

Not sure if right thread, but in movies where there are sex scenes, do the actors and actresses ever perform actual intercourse (just obviously isn't fully shown in the show or movie)? Or are there some policies against that or idk how does all of that work? I can only imagine how awkward that would be with a bunch of people in the background, but I guess no different than porn if it's two consenting adults.

Is TikTok a worthy avenue to gain more popularity the attention of agencies and CD’s? Or is there another way to market yourself and your acting work?

Is TikTok a worthy avenue to gain more popularity the attention of agencies and CD’s? Or is there another way to market yourself and your acting work?

Posted on Jan 3rd

I’ve had a lot of my family breathing down my back about starting to do TikTok after seeing some of my friends get like 110K followers doing extremely cringe impressions and mimicries of famous celebrities. The entire app comes across as very vain and annoying to me, but I’ve also only just started drama school after studying something else for 2 years in college, and I’m at the total beginning of my acting journey (trying to gain experience to build a show reel, finding good photographers for headshots, actually trying to learn a proper technique and break all my beginner acting habits, purchasing self tape equipment and apply on backstage and stuff, etc). There’s gotta be another way to market yourself and build credibility in a sea of thousands of actors. All the main stuff I see are create a website and put your acting work and auditions on YouTube, but I have so many friends who rarely get views.

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