I’d like some advice on whether or not I’m being taken advantage of. I’m a video editor for a decently large company (300+ employees) and about 6 months ago I started being asked to do temp VO for some corporate commercial spots since I have a full audio setup from having been a producer and audio mixer, as well as former performance experience. Well some people started liking my VO, and asked to keep it as the official VO. “Cool!”, I thought. Then I slowly started to get a few more requests for VO for small commercials, internal videos, and call center machine messages. I now get a request for VO almost every month, and none of them offer any additional compensation. Granted, I did accept the work I’ve done willingly, and at the beginning I even offered my VO since it sounded like a cool one-off, but this is in no way part of my job description. Aside from myself not being compensated for additional work and skills, we have hired outside VO talent less and less since I’m now considered a “free option”. I don’t like that I’m taking away work from full time voice actors, and it feels even worse since instead of them being paid for VO, now no one is! Is it unreasonable for me to feel taken advantage of in this situation? Would it be reasonable to ask my workplace for compensation for this work that is very clearly outside of my duties as a video editor? The main reason I ask is that soon my boss might want me to do a bunch of VO for a huge convention we put on every year, and I’d hope someone would get paid for such big work, even if it’s not me.
I've heard that, to reduce mouth noise, many voice actors eat a green apple. I have a couple of questions about it... 1. Is there a certain type of green apple that works better than others? 2. How long before recording do you eat the apple? Immediately before seems like it would make your mouth noisier. Thanks!
Hello! I just put up a YouTube video about how I remain a holistic Actor, there's so much to explore within this topic and something I'm always trying to improve, would love any and all feedback/discussion! [https://youtu.be/4kSYjsbcidQ](https://youtu.be/4kSYjsbcidQ)
Basically what the title says. Some backstory: 5 years ago my dad was on a flight from LA back home and sat next to a successful English actor who has had a lengthy career and they hit it off. He told him about me as I was in high school at the time doing music and had just done my first musical and was cast in another one. The man kindly offered to give me a chance to be on set/tour a studio if we were ever in LA, and not really being able to afford a random trip we sort of wrote it off. I’m now a senior in college for acting and going to LA with my girlfriend for a week because she’s from Venice, CA. I remembered that meeting and asked my dad about it, so he emailed the guy and he responded literally within 20 minutes that Covid protocol allowing he’d be more than happy to meet me. He seems extremely generous and I couldn’t be more thankful for even the opportunity, regardless of if it happens. If I am cleared to go, what should I observe/ask about? I want to be friendly but professional, and I don’t want to come off as desperate but I’m curious if there is a way to forward my future career from the experience. They say it’s who you know after all, but “networking” feels super artificial and shallow, and I don’t want my presence and “eagerness” to interfere with the actual job they’re all there to do. Thank you for any advice!
Hello! I'm an aspiring voice actor, and I just made my first demo reel! I'm very happy how this turned out. I would like feedback- but more so, advice on how to use this new tool that I have. if anyone has any tips for marketing themselves as a voice actor I'd love to hear! anyways, here's the demo [https://soundcloud.com/hlg-rugs/character-demo-2022?si=8b2f14a87c0d4c27a9cc982c61b51b01&utm\_source=clipboard&utm\_medium=text&utm\_campaign=social\_sharing](https://soundcloud.com/hlg-rugs/character-demo-2022?si=8b2f14a87c0d4c27a9cc982c61b51b01&utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing) (P.S I'm currently having a demo card created)
So I saw a post few days ago and found out actors can collect unemployment between jobs and my mind was blown. I had no idea this was an option. I realize each market might be different, but for those who do it/have done it, I had a few questions. 1. Do you need to be union? I'm SAG-e right now and my agent prefers me to stay there atm. I honestly would have a conversation with them about joining if this was strictly a union thing. 2. Is this perpetual? How long can you not book and still have this as an option and is there a set amount of auditions you need to be going out for? I'm in a smaller market so auditions come through about once a month on average. 3. Is the rate based on the rate of your last job or is it just a flat rate? 4. If you do gig work, do you need to stop doing gig work for a set amount of time to qualify? Don't need to answer them all, but any info on the subject would be appreciated
I've been continuing to self submit after signing on with my agent two years ago. With them, I get maybe three auditions a year, and no communication otherwise. But now I wonder if they've been able to see all my self submissions?
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 really like my agents. I had a awkward situation a few years ago where I accidentally pissed off an casting agent for repeatedly declining their auditions and had to explain to my agency that I really dont like that kind of work. (it doesn't pay well, its doesn't help my demo reel, and its not enjoyable. I had done it in the past and basically felt like that was enough. I've done my time.) They were totally nice and understanding and stopped submitting me to that kind of gig. Over the years I told myself if I was going to be more particular about the auditions I take otherwise I'm going to be burned out by all the stuff that I don't enjoy. I want to have fun with it otherwise its not worth it. And I felt justified with that decision after sitting in on an actors lecture with a great acting professor (that works with the folks in an casting agency I love and have been dying to work with) that said you should consider 1. does it help me build my resume? 2. does it help me financially? 3. does it satisfy me artistically? So I've been going at my pace, which is slower, but much more enjoyable. But... I just got nervous again after declining an audition yesterday from a casting agent that I often decline. Something about this casting agent reminds me of the agent that got upset with me 5 years ago. 1. the guy seems like a prick, so I don't care to get on his radar. just like the lady from before. 2. the auditions are just boring commercials... 3. more importantly he ALWAYS asks to see actors hands.. I once submitted to him because the rate was so good but he quickly sent a mass email back saying "NO WONKY FINGERS OR SUPRISES" I assumed that was directed at me because I have significant scarring on my hands after a bad accident. because his attitude reminds me of the lady from years ago I'm afraid of him aggressively saying something to my agent (rather than just quietly going under the radar of declines amongst the other actors)and looking bad with my agent Do you think I should reach out to my agent and explain my hand situation and all the declines before he might? I've told them about my hand and declining auditions but I wouldn't expect them to necessarily remember given all the other actors they work with. I dont want to make a big deal about it at all... but like I said this guy reminds me of the lady that made a big deal about it a while back.
I was thinking about this at work haha. Alot of early successful actors have all of their training done by high school. They've been taking classes outside of school at a local theater or with a series of coaches. And they have done extra work in tv or shorts or hometown movies. Essentially, they're just ready and feel confident enough in their skill sets and their bodies to just be ready to be seen. And if you can get there when you're 19 or 32,etc...you'll be ready. The rub is that most media is made for the 18-24 crowd.
I have actors access, and it's paid off for me, but I'm wondering if I should invest in Casting Networks. 300$ dollars is a bit much!
Probably an unpopular opinion, but it chaps my ass. It does. And I know that celebs take away VO work and commercial work and well, lotsa work. I’m just talking about “unknown” successful actors on broadcast TV being at a working class actor commercial audition. I’ve never been an on-camera series reg but I just feel like I would opt out of auditioning for commercials for the time that I was…let others have some pie, ya know? Instead of trying to gobble it all up myself. But I don’t have major gambling debts. I do have kids and student loans tho.
Personal Advise on if I should go to LA or NYC for training? So I know there are a lot of posts about LA vs NYC, but I wanted to see if I could get some advise about my specific situation and which would end up being the better option for me. I’m really looking to move out to one of these cities to get training. That’s what I really want to focus on right now, and I’m really interested in doing a 2 year Meisner program. During Covid I did a meisner summer intensive and a 1st year Meisner program all online with a teacher in LA, and I really loved it, and want to do a full 2 year program in person. What I’m having trouble with is deciding if I should do the 2 year Meisner program with that teacher I really loved in LA, or to do it with one of the studios in NYC like Esper studio or Terry Knickerbocker studios. I really loved the teacher I had who’s in LA, and think he’s fantastic, but I’d only really be going out there for his class, as I like NYC as a city much more than LA. I like how close everything is too each other and how I don’t need a car, and how there’s lots of theater and film out there. I also have a lot more actor friends and mentors out there in LA. The thing I’m nervous about with NYC is if I don’t end up loving the teacher I get out there. So I guess to sum it up, would be better to go to a city that I don’t love as much as NYC, but I’m with a teacher who I love and trust, or do I go to NYC which has more of what I want in a city and the people I know, but go there not knowing if I enjoy the teacher I’m getting? Thank you!!!
Does anyone have experience taking online (like virtual live classes, not recorded) acting class/lessons with a teacher or studio in another city? I’m a music teacher and can’t relocate or leave my job at this time. I have never taken acting classes, but have quite a bit of educational and community theatre acting experience, as well as my music degree in voice. I’m looking to branch out to acting on screen and really learn more about the acting process. I feel like my research is pointing to Los Angeles as the hub of TV/Film casting at the moment. Since I can’t move yet, I wanted to try to network virtually in other, bigger markets. I feel like half of the battle of starting out is just getting in the room. I am still submitting myself for things near me to try and get some professional credits on my resume, but knowing other working actors seems helpful for the long run. Might be able to recommend me for better classes, headshots, etc. Would taking class with a studio in LA virtually be beneficial? Anyone have any LA/NYC virtual acting class recommendations?
For anyone who doesn't know, Mary Kay Bergman was a prolific voice actress who was most famous for voicing every female character in South Park, Daphne Blake in the first three Scooby-Doo movies, and Disney's Snow White from 1989 to 1999. She was even the mentor to voice acting legends Tara Strong and Grey DeLisle. Sadly, Mary Kay suffered from severe mental illness, and it led to her committing suicide in 1999. But what if that never happened? What if she managed to get professional help and continued to do voice acting to this day? Who do you think she would've voiced since then?
I haven't taken an acting class in five years and I've been really missing it while doing show after show. I'm opening a show in two days (oh my!) and I've been REALLY struggling with a character whose tendencies are way outside of my range and experience. The director pulled me aside to talk about it and, to my surprise, he did more than just tell me to be better. He offered some strategies, we talked about the character and the scene, and once again to my surprise he *listened to how I work and met me where I'm at*. He seriously listened when I said "Well, to me this character is smoke stains but his situation is velvet" and then incorporated my method into his vision and got me where I needed to be. Received last night's notes: Praise for improvement and encouragement to keep working. I was reminded that great directors work with actors and not just characters. I know that being treated with respect and dignity in a learning environment isn't (or shouldn't be) groundbreaking, but after a while of high pressure low support directing relationships I feel really secure.
I saw “All of us are dead” on netflix, I really enjoyed it. Along with other movies and shows, what do you think makes an actor great. Can you tell when an actor is relaxed?
Hello everyone! Hope you are all well! Saw that there are “no stupid questions” so I figured why not ask: I am going to UBC in Vancouver to study a BFA in Theater & Acting, so happy and excited to go to a new country as well (never seen snow before so that’ll be a first!) For a while I’ve wanted to get my ears pierced, however I fear that this may hinder and or limit the amount of roles I could get. BTW, I already have 2 tattoos lol, however with some makeup those can be hidden.
I just read the variety (?) article about the actress who was going to play Rue in Euphoria before Zendaya was scouted by the casting agent, which is how they cast Angus Cloud. Do they literally just go up to a random person and say "Hi, you look like you could be an actor! Come audition."? And how is that still a thing these days when social media can be used to conduct open calls?
Anybody here have a positive experience using Talent Link through Actors Access/Breakdown Services? Or any negative experiences? I’m wondering if it’s worth coughing up the fee or not — thanks!
I am a Northwest actor with a lot of experience in the business. I have pretty decent materials, and quite a few (regional) credits. I am trying to figure out if it is at all realistic to think that I can find representation in other markets where I don’t live. The local-hire question is a big one, and the research I have done seems to indicate that in many places I would have to prove residency to be considered a local-hire. If anyone has any tips about the “How do I land reps in LA when I don’t live there,” I’m all ears.
A lot of the greatest actors to have ever lived (and lots of other great working actors as well) have and have had a lot of serious personal struggles and problems. Struggles/problems like family and relationship issues, drug/sex/porn addictions, mental illnesses, etc. I’m not insulting or trying to hate on them, or stating that this is fact. I’m also not saying that being a tortured soul is the only way to be a terrific actor. But why does it seem that the most brilliant and talented/skilled artists tend to be the most tortured by their demons?
I really don’t know if anyone cares, but I’m gonna say it anyway. After auditioning and auditioning I got in my dream school. I’m so happy, I know I’ve worked hard for it.
So I know there are a lot of posts about LA vs NYC, but I wanted to see if I could get some advise about my specific situation and which would end up being the better option for me. I’m really looking to move out to one of these cities to get training. That’s what I really want to focus on right now, and I’m really interested in doing a 2 year Meisner program. During Covid I did a meisner summer intensive and a 1st year Meisner program all online with a teacher in LA, and I really loved it, and want to do a full 2 year program in person. What I’m having trouble with is deciding if I should do the 2 year Meisner program with that teacher I really loved in LA, or to do it with one of the studios in NYC like Esper studio or Terry Knickerbocker studios. I really loved the teacher I had who’s in LA, and think he’s fantastic, but I’d only really be going out there for his class, as I like NYC as a city much more than LA. I like how close everything is too each other and how I don’t need a car, and how there’s lots of theater and film out there. I also have a lot more actor friends and mentors out there in LA. The thing I’m nervous about with NYC is if I don’t end up loving the teacher I get out there. So I guess to sum it up, would be better to go to a city that I don’t love as much as NYC, but I’m with a teacher who I love and trust, or do I go to NYC which has more of what I want in a city and the people I know, but go there not knowing if I enjoy the teacher I’m getting? Thank you!!!
I tried to find a post like this but couldn't, but I was wondering how and why some actors are signed to two different agencies in the same city, e.g. LA. And if you are signed to two, how does the working relationship between both agencies develop and work? And is there anyone here who is signed to two wherever they reside?
Does anybody have any positive self-affirmations related to acting that they can share?
I feel the constant, consuming need to be good/great as an actor. I’m trying to shed the need and desire to be a great actor in favor of trying to create as an actor/artist for the love of it and the character that I’m portraying. It’s so damn f\*\*king hard though. I don’t know if it’s working. Not only do I feel like I need to accept, succeed at, and be truly proud of my performances, but that other people love and praise my performances. I constantly worry that I’m a failure as an actor and that I’m not living up to my potential and that my potential is not as great as I want it to be. I’m always second guessing myself and the things I do in acting and I want it to stop. I worry that my personal views and definitions of success and failure are so f\*\*ked that it’s nearly impossible to redefine them and make them more realistic, practical and achievable. I’m constantly worried about the quality and results of my work rather than taking the time to actually practice and take the time to improve and explore my craft/technique and make discoveries. I feel like it’s really hindering me and my progress. I feel like I NEED to shed my ego and my worry about being a good/great actor, otherwise, I’ll spiral down a really dark hole and my acting/performances and mental health will suffer from it. My acting professor/director once said that she isn’t sure if what I want is to be a fully trained and skilled actor or to be considered “the best”. And the truth is, I’m afraid of what it may be. Because I guess I believe one is admirable, the other is disgusting. And I’m afraid the truth might be the disgusting one. Because I’ve come to the conclusion that the disgusting one is a guaranteed route to absolute catastrophic failure. Someone once said “if you want success, acceptance, and praise, this is not the career for you.” (I’m paraphrasing). But honestly, success, acceptance, and praise is what I feel like I need in order to feel good about myself. And acting matters more to me than pretty much ANYTHING. I don’t want to worry about whether I’m a good/great actor or not. Because then I think that will take a huge burden off me and I will be able to live joyfully and fully. I don’t want to derive my self-esteem only from acting, but there’s nothing else that gives me the fulfillment that acting does. Playing guitar, hanging out with friends, painting, doing well in school, spending time with family, none of it gives me the fulfillment acting does. My life revolves around it. My relationships do not feel fulfilling to me, and I don’t know how to fix it. I am afraid at this point that acting is causing me more stress/anxiety and harm than good. But I can’t quit. I will not quit. If I quit, I’ll feel like I’m worth nothing. I don’t know what to do. Does anybody have some helpful advice about any of this for me? Thank you all.
So the other day I did a zoom audition to test my chemistry with the main character (who they have already cast). The actor was dead pan and missed multiple lines each take or said them early etc- I improvised through it. But it was rough. We were meant to be flirting and they gave me nothing. I’m shortlisted and worried that they will take this into account that we didn’t have chemistry but I really did my best and was happy with what I did but sad about the situation. Do you think casting will notice she was deadpan and not punish me for it??? I’m just confused at why she didn’t really try.
Hi, So I just saw a listing for an acting role on actors access as well as in my inbox from a separate company. Is it in good or bad form to submit through both means?
I have wanted to be an actor since I was like…4 years old. I suppressed it because I thought my family would disapprove. Now that I'm 18 I want to take steps towards getting into acting, but I just don't know if I would be any good. I'm not emotionless, but I do struggle with portraying the right emotion a lot of the time, and I know this is a big part of being a GOOD actor. Is this something that going to acting school can teach me? Or should I give up while I'm ahead. The other thing I worry about is that I'm not conventionally attractive. I'm not saying that for attention, I've just accepted the truth. I may be attractive to some people but I'm just not the blonde hair, blue eyed, clear skin beauty that society prefers. I have very masculine features for a woman and I have a very imperfect face. I see a lot of actresses out there that are conventionally attractive and not many at all that are similar to me. I'm not the type of person to blindly jump into something with little proof that it will become a success, so these doubts are the only things preventing me from starting college for acting/drama. I just need advice on if it's worth trying.
hey, i want to be more serious in my training as an actor. I do training and background work at the moment. Extra work has been my income but it doesn’t satisfy me. What should i do? Any tips
I see they are stationed at Warner Bros and have a couple positive reviews, but I can’t find anything about their clients/projects/success online, and they don’t post about their current actors on Instagram like other agencies (which makes me wonder if a lot of their actors are working). I would greatly appreciate if anyone could share anything they know!
I'm just trying to gauge how common this is. In my area (a medium market), it's common for a contract with an agency to include a clause saying they're entitled to their 10-20% *in addition to* the 20% that productions will often tack on. To me, it seems like in adding an "agency fee," the production is trying to allow the actor to get the remainder, but often agents will take that 20% as well as 10-20% from the fee. Does that make sense? Sorry if this is unclear. It's legally accounted for in my contract, so I'm not asking about legality. Just wondering if this is normal elsewhere so I know what kind of bargaining power I have if I try to negotiate it out. Thanks!
Hello there! I have searched the subreddit extensively and haven't really found much of an answer to my question, which was surprising, but alas. So I've been in LA for 4 years pursuing jobs in film/TV. I'm Meisner trained and have gathered a lot of useful resources and knowledge specifically about building a career in film/TV -- podcasts like Audrey helps actors, groups on FB like TMFA, casting director social media profiles, workshops, etc. I've realized that I am really unhappy in LA and that I would much rather pursue stage acting like I originally intended to -- and it's been my goal to live and act in NYC since I was 13. Unfortunately, it's been a bit harder for me to find groups and resources about getting your footing as a stage actor in NYC. I know that the process is similar in some ways (self tapes and having an agent) and different in others (headshot styles and the way the union works), but there doesn't seem to be the same kind of guidance for theatre as there is for film/TV -- or at least I don't know what to trust and what is garbage. I am SAG Eligible and know that I can bunny hop unions if I join SAG and am in good standing for a year. I already have a financial plan in place, so not super worried about that. I don't care about starring on Broadway, I would be happy doing plays anywhere in New York -- I can sing well and can dance if I try really hard, but I prefer plays to musicals. Does anyone have a list of resources for an actor switching from film/tv to stage? Are there any good groups to join, books/articles/guides to read, communities to join, specific people in the theatre industry to follow on social media? Do I just move there and submit to Playbill/Actors Access/Backstage and hope for the best? Thank you for all your help!
I'm making a film, just a casual project, but I want to make it as good as possible. I'm acting in it, as well as another actor. I'm worried that our lack of acting skills will ruin the film. Is there anything I can do, or should I just accept that it might lower the overall quality of the project?
I’d love to hear peoples opinions and experiences with Actors Access. I’m considering renewing my account. Thanks!
Hello! When should actors get a PR team behind them? Does it help up-and-comers get more roles/visibility - especially if they aren't in a current show or movie? I have worked professionally in film, TV, commercials, VO, but I do have solid rep. Auditioning actively for high profile projects and waiting for that series of roles to has propel me into the public eye. Any opinions?
Why do (or don't) you have a loan-out company? Any regrets?
I have so far in my training only done one movie project. It's an amateur movie and I think that the persons who wrote the script have never written a script for a movie before. I was only really given a script and nothing more. It was a small role so I think they thought that nothing more was needed. But I have hear stories of this also happening in professional settings and that smaller roles can be as difficult as bigger roles. Why do we focus on smaller roles (supporting parts) as beginners if they aren't easier? I recently watched tv series about a beginner actor who joined a small traveling theatre company in the late 19th century. He was only given supporting roles but they seem easier than the bigger roles but was told to be very important. What should you be given beside the script when beeing an actor in a movie?
I really have felt a certain way about “Celebrity Voices” for quite some time. But before I dive into my full opinion, I want to say that the reason I feel the way I do is because I feel as if it may or may not limit the availability to those (such as myself) who want to be professional voice actors in the future. Now, my overall opinion is that I really don't like it, and that it's a strange (and a lot of times, not all the time) poor decision. Apparently, it's been a “popular trend“ since “Aladdin” with Robin Williams doing the Genie. Here is the thing, I remember prior to and during 2020, I always said that I wanted to be a ”legit” voice actor. Oddly enough, prior to late 2020, even “I” didn't know what I meant by that, until someone gave clarification. I've recently learned that celebs are pretty much only hired to draw in the audience. Pretty much when a celeb “voices” a character, they're literally either speaking in their normal voice and acting like themselves, or having the character act as a live character they are famous for. There's usually nothing special with the voices. There are only three conditions where I don't mind celebrity voices: A. If it actually works (e.g: Ben Schwartz as Sonic, Idris Elba as Knuckles, Ed Asner as Carl Fredrickson) B. If a celeb is voicing an animated version of them. I mean, because why not? C. If a celeb is voicing an animated version of a character they normally act as, or acted as before (e.g: Matthew Lillard as Shaggy) But other than those three conditions/exceptions, I really think it's poor. I'm also talking about this after recently finding out about recent voice actors of Harley Quinn. While I am sure that Kaley Cuoco and Melissa Rauch have good Harley Quinn voices, why not just hire the voice that people are used to, which is typically from professional voice actress, Tara Strong. Or just generally hire someone who is actually known in the voice acting industry, and let the people who aren't voice actors stick to whatever their speciality is. Stuff like that, just shows that it's gotten to a point where celebrity voices are getting into regular cartoons. But then again, that's been the case since at least the 2000s. Not too mention with “Oh” from “Home”. It's literally just Sheldon talking. Also not too mention, is how whenever a singer is hired to do voice over (typically for an animated film), their character is usually a singer or ends up singing at the climax. But, here's thing, I kind of view it differently with Mark Hamill and J.K Simmons. The reason is because while he has been live acting here and there, Mark Hamill has pretty much switched over to voice acting since the 90s and is also known as a voice actor, and in the industry itself. With J.K Simmons, while he seems to have more live action credits, he also seems like a solid mix of both. Even with all of this said, I don't think Celeb Voices are always bad, but I still do think that it's best to hire professionals and let non-voice actors stick to their speciality. Adding to what I said at the beginning, the reason I am concerned is because I feel as if it will eventually take over and destroy the industry, and basically get rid of the chances of those who want to be voice actors. This also makes me realize that it's no wonder a lot of (not most) people don't know professional voice actors, because they are basically made unknown due to the celebrities and the decision made by (whoever) to cast them. It's like, I don't know if others share this case, but when I hear a voice, I want to hear myself say “I know that voice, who is that? Tara Strong, Phil LaMarr, John DiMaggio?” I don't want to get this feeling, “Oh, I know who that celebrity is”. As good as Schwratz and Elba were in Sonic 2, I am glad they hired Colleen O' Shaugnessey to do Tails. Not only would a celeb Tails voice likely have been lackluster, but it shows that some are at least trying to give real voice actors their due.
I'm a producer, not an actor. I'm working on my second commercial (SAG) project. When it comes to my lead roles, I generally pay above scale to get more experienced actors, usually with a tiny bit of name recognition. I'm considering adding points into my offers on my next project's leads. Since I already have one project released, I have revenue numbers I can share which I would think makes points seem more valuable than if the project was a complete unknown. Have any you worked with points before? I haven't, so I'd appreciate any thoughts, feelings, or experience you might want to share. I'd appreciate a perspective from anyone, whether they're an actor, agent, producer, etc. Thanks.
I want to become a full time actor. I have the opportunity to work as a stand in tomorrow. Would this be a good career move or would it just be a good day’s pay? In other words, would doing this help me to propel my career forward or would it have no effect? Any help/advice would be greatly appreciated!!
Looking for advice on whether or not this org is a scam? Context: I recently got accepted to essentially a mother agency, they produce fashion shows and call themselves a model management company, specifically for their Model and Talent expo this November. Note they are a small business in a southern market that's nowhere near as large as Atlanta. I know people that attended their summer model and talent expo, they said they had to pay ~3k for about 2 months of model and acting classes (believe this also included price for headshots and admission to the expo). Other than this they seem to not charge their models and actors and only take a commission ~10% from anything they book & they've casted people in reputable commercials and modeling shows, think JCP, Academy Sports, Miami Swim week, etc. All you read online is how you shouldn't have to pay for classes at all and these agencies should just train you for free until you start booking jobs, but as someone who paid to go to uni for my degree I also see the value in paying to take classes from a reputable source. I'll be meeting with them later this week with eveyone else who got accepted to the callback to get all the final details about cost, contracting, etc and I'm wondering what you all would think about this opportunity? Legit or not?
Hi! I wanted to hop in and let you all know that I've started a YouTube Channel. [https://youtu.be/VMCuedRVt\_E](https://youtu.be/VMCuedRVt_E) ​ [Actor's Training Pt. 5](https://preview.redd.it/e9us2jbjdjg91.jpg?width=3840&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=c603724aa5ecbdc28259a59d9f9b04c604d7f332) I was feeling a little tired of the expense of acting classes, the lack of continuation in my training, and realizing the parallel between athletics and our craft, and the importance of "putting in the reps." I'd love for you to check it out. I've gone through and finished Ivana Chubbuck's *The Power of the Actor,* and through this short series I delve into a few of the concepts. Also, this is a great format for putting in the reps. ​ * Pull any scene, big or small that you've scene in TV, Film, a Play, or even a Book (write it out) * Script Rescourses * [https://www.scriptslug.com/](https://www.scriptslug.com/) * [http://www.ivanachubbuck.com/studio-vault/couple-scenes/](http://www.ivanachubbuck.com/studio-vault/couple-scenes/) * Choose a character and begin delving into them, through whatever technique you've learned or want to learn (Always good to explore different tools) * Find any reader, I literally asked my family for help, my brother, my mom, my dad, ask a friend, even asking someone to zoom call/facetime. Just get someone to read with you * Film your performance, any device works * Review. Be honest, and also export for notes. Ask your family, even though you know they don't know as much about acting as you, they are consumers of TV and Film just like all of us. Simple questions are; * Did this interest you? * Did this retain your interest? * At any point was there a moment when you were most drawn in? * What do YOU think I could do better * Any notes a gift, interpret/sift through what's useful, apply, and REPEAT! ​ **I did this** little five week program myself, and wanted to share as I felt I really benefited. I'm not going to continue with a bunch of different scenes but I'm currently playing a lead in a new musical, which I'll be focusing this exact work on, and I'll get to see how it's applicable to a professional contract. Much love Ya'll. Keep up the good work!!
I know this sub is for acting rather than people who hold auditions, but I would be interested in hearing tips from actors about auditions. I’m a filmmaker who is about to hold some virtual auditions for a short film, and I’m wondering what your experiences with virtual auditions have been like. It’s my first time doing auditions so I just want to make sure I’m doing things right. My plan is to make a post on a local Facebook acting group page and then ask them to send me auditions based on a short scene I wrote. Does this sound good? Or should I send them a scene from the script? A concern I have is about choosing actors. So should I send them to the full script first and then ask them if they like it before or after they audition? I ask this in the scenario where I choose someone to be in the film but then they don’t like the script or something. Thank you!
So there is a horror film looking for actors for $150 a day for a production company that has put out a dozen movies on major streaming services like Amazon Prime and Tubi. Does that pay seem to low to you? It doesn't mention anything about residuals, does anybody have experience working on something like this? They say their latest feature is currently trending in the top ten on Amazon's horror category. It just seems odd they have distribution deals already set up but are paying background actor rates for the lead characters.
As an actor, I know that it could be very important for us to socialize for these 2 main reasons: 1. To build a bond with your fellow actors 2. To network with the right people But as a person who is literally very very terrified of people, I don't really know what to do to overcome this situation. I do so badly want to make friends in this industry and I do also want to show people my true personality. I so badly want to be remembered by the people that I work with and I do want them to like me enough to want to work with me again. I'm lucky to still be able to get casted by different production companies but I doubt I'll be able to work with the same people again. I think I only truly exist to people during auditions. That existance will slowly fade as the project goes on and will disappear at the end. So yeah, I recognize that networking can be very important especially when it could largely help with your career. But is it really bad if I can't do it? Will just relying on my talent be enough?
To those who need to hear it, There are a million “reasons” your mind will come up with to delay fully committing to the craft: “It’s too expensive. The odds of being a working actor are slim. I’m not talented enough. My headshots are not good enough. I’m not good looking enough. I don’t have a demo reel. My part-time job isn’t flexible enough.” I’ve struggled with the idea that everything has to be in place before taking action. I was convinced I needed to wait to lose a few pounds before I took headshots, get the perfect self tape setup, have the ideal day job. Blah blah blah. I’m here to remind you, there will never be an ideal time to start. This kind of thinking exists to protect you, to keep you in your comfort zone. That perfectionistic defense can be paralyzing, leading to wasted time and opportunities. I want to be clear, it IS fucking hard. Many, many aspects of this industry are out of our control. On top of that, each actor faces their own unique challenges, which makes it even more critical that you shift your focus on to things you can control and take things slow. If you jump in too fast (we’ve all had the idea that we’ll suddenly go from doing nothing to running a side business that will fund our career all while reading 10 plays a week, meditating 1hr every day, working out to look like a marvel character, etc.) you WILL burn out and it will affirm any false beliefs about yourself around failure or inadequacy. Success in any area of life takes time. Take small steps each day, be creative with the resources you have and celebrate your wins. DO NOT berate yourself for perceived failures or imperfections. Each win will stack up and before you know it you will start to see results. EDIT: clarified a few points
As the title suggests I’m about to drop my agent. I haven’t received any roles for films in the past 5 months (since that’s when I first got them) and they told me during the interview that that’s the roles I’ll get. All I got were commercials that gave some very “interesting” breakdowns that made me feel less of an actor. I don’t know if it’s because I’m not in LA or something (which I told them I can commute to) or the fact that I’m auditioning for shows and films myself and have booked something during the time I got my agent and now. It’s just difficult to be productive when it feels like they don’t have your best interest in mind. What would you suggest?
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.
