Transitioning from theatre to film... HELP!

eccentric21 · 01-09-2009, 02:35 PM

hey guys! Im 21, from MPLS, MN and have been involved theatre for a while now with 2 big college productions under my belt and acting classes.. I am building my resume and shopping around for some agencies (I've been rejected for one already but they weren't professional photos which I'm sure does matter). I wanted to know how I go about making the big transition from theatre acting to commercial and film? can I be doing anymore aside from the agencies? (hopefully one will pick me up)

eccentric21 · 01-10-2009, 04:04 PM

wow this forum is DEAD as hell

canwill35 · 01-17-2009, 08:54 PM

I know this forum is so-so. Here's my advice for you. Keep working as much as you can so you can network with people. If you are going to approach agencies make sure it is the best! You only have one shot typically why do it an half-arsed manner. Find the best photographer in town and tell him you'll model for him for free in exchange for good pics. you set the rules.

Find improv groups to join also excellent way to network. As far as getting into commercials the agencies are the only entrance really cause they field the calls from the ad agencies & production companies.

M1chae1 · 08-04-2011, 02:47 PM

Hello! Well, you've already got a great foundation if you've worked in theater for a while. It's a very strong backbone, and as long as you can pull it in and work with the camera, you're off to a great start.

I suggest getting your feet wet by doing student and independent films. Learn the ropes and get your hands dirty this way before making a full transition. I can't tell you to take commercial or film acting classes because I don't know you and each person is different. I also haven't seen you act so I can't make any assumptions. Some people 'get it' right away, while others need training.

If you find yourself with a good call back and book ratio, then I'd say use the actual student and indie films AS your training, and get comfortable (but never too) with a film set and all the hoopla that goes along with it.

Once you've gathered confidence and experience, you can cut a reel and start shopping around for larger projects or agents.

Good luck.

Renee @ ECCG · 09-02-2011, 11:42 AM

I agree with M1chae1. You look quite lovely, and there ARE professional people who will work with you, if you attract that into your life. The thing is, you want to be "schooled" by the time you meet with top professionals. The last thing you want to do is meet your ideal agent, or work on a main-streamed industry film, and make a wimpy impression. Think about it, if you take a sample test before taking the actual test, your familiarity on test-day is part of what enables you to perform.

Renee@ECCG
entertainmentcareerconsultation.weebly.com

Matt Adams · 09-16-2011, 10:34 AM

Hey there Essentric21, that's awesome that you already have some experience.

There is a LOT MORE that you can be doing, and it's on the business and promotion side. As probably already know there are a ton of other actors out there that have a good look and have talent...that's just a reality we have to deal with.

All these actors are going about their careers in the same brute force sort of way, mailing a ton of headshots and hoping for the opportunity that someone is going to call. And when everyone is doing the same thing, there's a good chance you can get lost in the sea of people.

What you want to do is stand out from the crowd...you want promotional strategies that get you noticed. This is the BUSINESS side of show business, and it's something that is very often overlooked.

These promotional strategies are also what can give you the advantage over everyone else. While other actors are relying on brute force you're working with a strategy and a very clearly defined goal.

Some of these promotional strategies are having a website that is designed for one purpose. (Most websites are packed with info and we're expecting them to do more than they should...we're also asking a lot of our visitors which if they can't understand what's going on right off the bat there's a good chance we'll lose them.

Another is developing a strong campaign that grabs Casting Director's attention and makes you the obvious choice for an audition (Opportunity is everything)

And the last one I'll leave you with is you've got to start building your fan base now. Most actor's make the mistake of thinking that when they're famous people will know them, you want to do the opposite...you become famous because people know you. This is a completely different strategy and it works because your fame is a valuable asset that separates you from everyone else.

If you've got any questions you can message me and I'll be happy to help.

Matt