INDUSTRYINSIDER
SO YOU WANT TO BE AN ACTOR
By: Debbie Jennings So you got the acting bug. And, now your wondering... how do I get more work? How do I get noticed? How do I become famous?!! Want to be successful in acting? A few simple steps: compelling case for yourself. Stop complaining that your not getting hired and start taking positive action with your life and your career. with my family, but occasionally I will take on a good paid role. I just don't have the luxury of time. What is your situation? What is your goal?
Be Realistic:
I will give you some steps, but the truth of the matter is, only approximately 1% of all actors make it "big" and become a household name. Don't let that discourage you. Becoming famous usually is not the end game, doing something you enjoy and being good at it is usually all we ever want. Oh, and to get a little positive recognition every now and again. To tell you the truth, I would rather never become famous - that's not even on my goal list. Who wants to constantly dodge paparazzi, have to go out in public in disguise, and have all their personal dirty laundry aired every time you do something? Not me! I have already been occasionally recognized in public for commercial work (hey, wasn't that you in that _____ commercial I just saw?) Luckily, not too many stalkers or paparazzi from that. My People Magazine appearance... different story!
Pay or not to pay, that is the question:
When I started, I did some short films, student films and such, to build my resume. After all, an agent won't sign you until you have experience, and volunteering is the best way to get that experience. Help out your local school or indie filmmaker. I still do when I have the time, and if the role is something that speaks to me. After almost 3 years, I have an extensive resume and I know what I like to do, so 99% of the time, I get paid for what I do. This is not a hobby for me, its a parttime job. If you don't care about getting paid and just want to have fun and meet people, without the worry of memorizing lines, that's OK! Background extras are needed in almost every production; (and if your lucky, you will get paid every now and again for that too!). Just decide whats best for you.
Attitude:
Success in any business comes from being driven to succeed. You are action oriented. You get things done, you meet people, you train, you dig, you DO, you... don't sit around. Smile and go!
Action:
I see a lot of people sit around hoping to get hired. They post on Facebook "here I am, I am available". Well, that's OK as an introduction, but from a marketing perspective, that's not a call to action. If that's all you ever do, and then complain that you don't get any work, its because you haven't made a
Assess your Personal Situation:
What would YOU like to do with this acting bug? Full-time job, Part-time job, hobby, something to do when you retire? Are you interested in film, commercials, modeling, promotional work, voice-over, theater? You need to know what works for you. I have a full-time job. A very demanding 50-70 hour a week job, but I work from home. That gives me the flexibility to do commercial and voice-over work whenever I want to pop out and do it, but I have a lot of responsibility and expectations during the week. Theater? No time! Modeling or promo work? Most of the time, I am too old or too short (I am a realist). Film? I like weekends
Skills and Education:
Do you have a college degree, play an instrument, have a bl??ack belt in Karate, or ride a horse? Producers are always looking for people with your knowledge and skills for their productions. List everything on your resume!
Be Professional:
I spoke about this in a blog post last week. You can refer to that for greater detail, but here it is in a nutshell. Professionals want to hire professionals. Pretend your in an office, in a suit, this is real. You are working with your supervisors (producer/director/other crew) and peers (actors) in a professional manner. Grooming, wardrobe, demeanor, arriving on time and