Hi

Guy · 07-15-2008, 03:42 AM

Hello every body I am Guy.
I found this site because I was looking for a place to talk about acting, and I think I found a good place. Anyways the thing is, is that I am 16 currently and I like to make movies with my friends and stuff. I find it quite fun, I was wandering if you guys could give me any advice to get started in becoming an actor. I will read through the post and all, but if someone could post here it would be greatly appreciated.

-Guy

justgroovy · 07-19-2008, 05:22 AM

Welcome Guy =) I am not an actor but maybe you want to think about getting an agent, or perhaps checking out Mandy's Film and TV Production Directory - television - video - broadcast to see if there are any productions going on in your area that may be having open auditions.

Guy · 07-19-2008, 08:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by justgroovy

Welcome Guy =) I am not an actor but maybe you want to think about getting an agent, or perhaps checking out Mandy's Film and TV Production Directory - television - video - broadcast to see if there are any productions going on in your area that may be having open auditions.

Ok, thank you for your advice. I will be sure to check out that link, but how would I go about getting an agent?

Thank you.

SWK78 · 07-19-2008, 11:52 PM

Getting an agent is tough work. It can be much like the run-around with stuff like this. Some want to sign people who have work to show for themselves, but if you're a newbie, then how the hell are you supposed to have a demo reel, right? Well, so you see that it's often a toss up between working first or trying to find an agent who will sign you. I am working more in the publication angle at the moment, but I think it's all much the same. Not many will take a peek at an unpublished author, and it's just as tough to get heads turning. Most actors, as far as I should think, might try getting some gigs on their own. Maybe if you have someone interested in possibly casting you then you might try finding an agent to better represent you, or just go your own way for a while. That's what I would do, I think, honestly. Someone on here may have different advice. All I have to say is that you need to watch out for scammers. They can mess you up. Just check online searches for warning signs of scamming agents. It's all about the audition process, though, in this biz, so just work at your talent, audition, secure an agent, get some jobs, and then you'll be on your way in no time to the top. Don't let anything get you down. It's a tough, tough, tough biz and people will push and shove and bite and spit (though I mean it figuratively, you never know, it could happen literally--you never know what the other guy might do to get the part!).

With that said, just let me know if you want to hear any more of my thoughts. And so I say aideu, and ......... welcome to one hell of a crazy realm of superb and erratic people!

~SWK78

justgroovy · 07-20-2008, 02:16 PM

Dear SWK,

I love your avatar!

Your friend,

justgroovy

justgroovy · 07-20-2008, 02:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Guy

Ok, thank you for your advice. I will be sure to check out that link, but how would I go about getting an agent?

Thank you.

Well I'm not exactly sure how you would get one without anything to show, however if there are independent productions going on locally I'd suggest trying out for them. You won't need an agent for them, and you most likely will only get paid with a peanut butter sandwich and a cup of coffee. However, it will help build a resume, and that's a good thing. Make sure you get a copy of whatever you're in so you can start to build a reel.

Other than that, do you have headshots yet? Once you have got them, I would put together a nice package/letter/resume and send them out to the right people.

SWK78 · 07-20-2008, 08:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by justgroovy

Dear SWK,

I love your avatar!

Your friend,

justgroovy

Thank you very much. I don't have the heart to change it. It seems way too "me" and it's been my avatar for too long.

See you 'round!

SWK78 · 07-20-2008, 08:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by justgroovy

Well I'm not exactly sure how you would get one without anything to show, however if there are independent productions going on locally I'd suggest trying out for them. You won't need an agent for them, and you most likely will only get paid with a peanut butter sandwich and a cup of coffee. However, it will help build a resume, and that's a good thing. Make sure you get a copy of whatever you're in so you can start to build a reel.

Other than that, do you have headshots yet? Once you have got them, I would put together a nice package/letter/resume and send them out to the right people.

Yes, the local or indie films/projects will probably be the best bet for getting your foot into the doors you need. And like justgroovy says, get a copy and get that demo reel started!

A lot depends on it, what it can show. And yeah the P/R (photo/resume) sheet is a must. 8x10 photo, and I would think that black and white is still the top preferred type of photo. I think you can see more of you in those kind. Just be sure that whichever photo you end up choosing is one that really makes your eyes speak. The biggest asset an actor has is their eyes. If there is one hint of disbelief in those sparkles, then all is lost and the believability in what your character says and does is lost. So, your photo should REALLY bring out those eyes!!

Also, don't be afraid to work for free. Working for credit is the best thing for a newcoming actor. If it's something you're drawn to and you know it can help you grow as an actor, well, that would be payment enough, and being credited for it. Money comes later. That's why when people around me mock at how "rich" I'll supposedly be, I get mad and sometimes laugh. Because, in all reality, that's the only thing that people look at. The fame. The money. They (the common public) don't see the real struggle that you have to endure to get to that spot. But keep at it. Press on, and you'll ring true!