We have found 19,364 posts across 4 actor forums:
Leveling Up by BigShowa • last post Sep 30th
Hello everyone! This question is for the people who’ve gotten to the point of booking guest star / co star roles and above.. I am an actor in LA that’s been doing the student film/ ultra low budget indie short grind for the last couple years and signed with a boutique agency a few months ago. I was wondering what things you felt you were doing to get you to that next level in your career, where you were getting more auditions and eventually bookings for bigger jobs? Whether that was networking techniques, investments in headshots or certain classes, different mindsets, ect. Please let me know, thanks!
N/U Commercial Actors: Don't Make the Same Mistakes I Did by seanny333 • last post Sep 30th
If you're a working non-union actor at the beginning of your career, this experience might be worth the read, especially if you do/plan on doing commercial work. They're expectant, deceitful, untimely, and predatory. Their casting calls are vague and omit most of their intended usage, strategically offer less than you're worth for their unfair terms so that they can bribe you with more to make it seem like a deal if you try to negotiate, then get back to you so late that you're pressured into letting them exploit you. To top it off, if they decide to dump you for fighting for what you deserve, don't expect that response until the midnight before the shoot, after you've already packed your bag with the suitcase full of clothes they asked you to bring BEFORE they ever even sent you the contract. More often than not, contracts with unfair terms are either copied and pasted from templates online or just offer as little as they can for as much as they can get away with because it's less of a headache and more money for them; typically, if asked for limits on usage and or better pay, they oblige because they didn't really *need* the original terms to begin with. This producer, however, knew exactly what they were doing from the moment they told me to hold the shoot date, all the way up to the disrespectfully late moment they rejected my negotiated terms. I canceled my attendance to a wedding, took off of work, and spent hours putting together/taking pictures of wardrobe options, only to spend more hours trying to renegotiate this unfair contract that I (should not have) assumed I'd have no problem changing if I needed to. I'm still fairly new, but have enough experience to know that this seemed really fishy. I called my ex (a casting director for many years) and he wasn't surprised, but agreed they were especially predatory. I asked him what I should do and I couldn't believe how much I learned about the business side of things from him. So grateful. If enough actors started rejecting contracts claiming usage rights in perpetuity, negotiating pay, educating other actors, and calling out predators, we'd set a different standard. Maybe Backstage would force usage terms to be listed on calls. I'd love a more effective platform for actors to share information and put unethical industry companies out of business. We shouldn't have to learn through career-risking experiences with manipulative producers what we deserve. I knew enough going into this career to protect myself fairly well, but I still wasted so much time and put life on hold for nothing this week. I hope some influencer-actor starts a series where they turn stories like this into viral videos, or some tech-savy actor makes a website for N/U actors to publicly call out this kind of thing (with names). Until then, I know it was my responsibility to know not to invest so much time into a project before asking for usage details, a contract, etc. and I learned my lesson. P.S. Are we allowed to use company names on here if we wanna publicly drag them?
Actors Access mistake by SafePizza1719 • last post Sep 30th
I submitted for a call back but forgot to save the changed name of "scene1_Name" so now the name of the vids are just random numbers. Is this fine or did i just screw my chances. Should i contact aa??
Backround / Actor Doubling in Film by TitaniteHydra • last post Sep 29th
Hey, folks. I'm not exactly the most experienced when it comes to in-person acting, primarily doing most of my work in Voice Work. However, I took a gig as a backround actor in an upcoming film. As it happens, I've also been selected to double an actor. Since I'm inexperienced, I'm trying to make sure things are on the up-and-up. Naturally, since I'm just a backround, it's not like I can make arguments one way or another, but I'd like to know one way or another- Is it normal for them to pay me the same backround rate as a double? I assume it won't include stunt work, but I won't know until I'm on set.
Headshot-Age Range-Character Type Feedback by AutoModerator • last post Sep 29th
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.
Where can I find casting calls/auditions without paying? by Micahxfranco • last post Sep 29th
I don’t want to pay for Backstage but want to find casting calls/auditions in California. Can anyone help me with this? I’m a new 23 year old actor and have been in one local film and am looking for new opportunities. Here’s a clip of my acting: https://youtube.com/shorts/QW0CkaZkSAg?feature=share . How do I get in contact with casting directors?
Actors' Equity EPA Auditions by FiremanTodd • last post Sep 29th
Can anyone tell me how EPA auditions are currently being run in New York? I stopped auditioning this way when the pandemic hit, but I assume the EPAs have resumed. No one answers the phone at the union office, so getting info from someone there is difficult.
How often does your commercial agent get you auditions? by SarcasmSandwhich • last post Sep 29th
My manager connected me with and I signed with an agent commercially in early august and I haven't yet received any auditions from them. The agency is in the top 150 on IMDbPro and the agent only Reps about 77 people themself. So I thought I'd ask other actors. How often does your commercial Rep get you commercial auditions? I'm female, black/white/native - ethnically ambiguous, 16-25 age range.
[FREE] Forgotten Crusaders And The Race Against Time - Episode 8 - Lightseeker Heir; 5 Male VA. by ZephyrFH • last post Sep 29th
\-------CASTING CALL-------- ​ Project Title: Forgotten Crusaders And The Race Against Time - Episode 8 - Lightseeker Heir; ​ Project Type: Machinima, Animation; ​ Compensation: Non-Paying; ​ Vocals Needed: 5 Male VA. ​ Audition Due Date: 4 October 2022; ​ Warnings: Safe for all ages; ​ Project Summary: This is a story inside of the World of Warcraft project a friend of mine has been writing. The story's about the destiny of a boy that with time will discover dark secrets from his ancestors. I wish to bring all of it to animation and post it on Youtube; ​ Audition Material: Giving material to the ones who show interest; ​ Recording Days: As soon as the actor's able to record; ​ Submission Details: Able to send the files through Wetransfer or Myairbridge. Will give more info over discord - Zephyr#4215; ​ Requirements: ​ \- Must have decent home recording setup with no back ground noise; \- Please record in mono and save in .wav or .mp3 format; \- Must be available during this week of recording; \- Must have my discord so we are able to talk;
Is this a scam? by Coolcatfox • last post Sep 29th
Director/Actor dynamic. by EmbarrassedYogurt993 • last post Sep 29th
What’s good Y’all, I’m a filmmaker/cinematographer leaning into directing. I noticed when I’m on sets, directors don’t not understand how to work with actors or their process. It’s simply, here are the lines…now say it. There’s no letting the actor explore the character with the help/critique from a director. I’m curious, what are qualities/techniques you like to see in a director in rehearsals and on set.
Help/Question/Training by ActorWriter24 • last post Sep 28th
Evening everyone! I just need some solid advice from fellow VO actors. I feel like I'm sorta in a weird bubble and stand still. I have studied with Crispin Freeman, Mick Wingert, Paul Liberti, Ned Lott, Richard Horvitz, and currently Nancy Wolfson. I have a somewhat "okay" commercial demo that was made back in 2018/2019 before covid. I audition pretty frequently and my commercial agent sends me some great VO auditions. I'm not sure what the disconnect is but I haven't booked a single VO job EVER. I know the competition is rough so don't need a lecture on that but I'm not sure where there is a disconnect. I can't even seem to get cast in non-paid projects either. I have the gear and training. I'm starting to think it's really my voice that is holding me back. I have uniquely different sound quality to me. I wear two hearing aids so, that already affects my speech a bit. It's just a different sound. My current teachers and past teachers seem to love my voice because of how different it is. They did stress that my voice might make it hard to book stuff - not impossible JUST HARDER. I'm curious if anyone has been in the same type of situation as me - training, auditioning, etc but no luck booking. At what point do I toss the towel in because training gets expensive ha. Any advice?
Agent Wants Me to Join Union, I’m Unsure by leopardlimo • last post Sep 28th
Hi! I am based in Vancouver for context. I got my agent in April and have booked three things with them since then (a principal role, actor role and lead role, all union). After booking my third role they called me, nudging me in the direction of joining the union UBCP/ACTRA as now that I have 3 credits (I have enough credits to join), that the union will start penalizing my pay cheques. I’ve always been told to hold off joining the union as long as possible, for non-union commercials and other great non-union projects that may come up. However I’ve only done one non-union commercial in this time vs 3 union film roles. I’m anxious about potentially joining as it feels very soon (considering I’ve only been signed 6 months) and I hear of actors who join too soon then regret it because the union work dries up and they’re unable to do non-union. I do however want to be a professional actor long term. Could I get some opinions or another viewpoint? Im just afraid of making a choice I end up regretting.
Am I being unfair to my reps? by thederbysrolling • last post Sep 28th
I’m a non-union actor based in Los Angeles. I’ve had my manager for 5 months now. At first things were pretty great, I was getting a good number of auditions that fit my casting and my goals fairly well. They’d also be pretty responsive within at least a couple days. I’ve booked once with them and gotten a few callbacks. As time has gone on, I’ve stopped getting auditions as often, and the ones I do get are…not great fits (most recently got one for a commercial for women 40+, and I actually discovered I could have self submitted for it). I’ve communicated my dissatisfaction with them indirectly (how is my reel working? Anything I can add to my looks?) and they won’t respond at all, or they’ll respond to another part of the email without addressing my question. I’m starting to get really frustrated. Communication started getting spotty and confusing back in June. I asked for a submission report back in June and I’ve been using that to target CDs, attending workshops, and I’ve been self submitting, self-analyzing my reel and adding self tapes to the gaps - so I’m not doing nothing, but it doesn’t feel right to be to be doing it without any input or reply from my managers. What do you guys think?
Why always the same Actors? by Off-Mountain • last post Sep 28th
I feel We as society do the same thing over and over, that very little is new and innovative nowadays. It’s widespread acknowledged in my circle that most programming has taken a major turn for the worse. So nowadays people are blaming actors because it’s an easy target they are in the spotlight. Maybe it’s not the actors fault,Maybe we need to let Actors be Great Again. I feel Hollywood is scared to let people on the spectrum or anyone with True intense emotions become an actor. There is a lot of division nowadays between who is on spectrum and who is not, who is mentally healthy and who is not. When in reality it is we are all One on Earth together. I feel when your Acting things are very complex in terms of mental health how do you determine if someone fits the bill in terms of being currently being “crazy”or just being very unique and intense actor? Its seems like in a lot of cases Hollywood only lets People become “actors” when they fit a certain bill in real life. So you have to Be and Act a certain way in life to even be accepted as an actor. My concern is that Hollywood really only accepts people from a certain crowd. You see nowadays they can just call an intense actor “autistic” or that the person is “crazy”. So my question is what do others think? It’s like what are the pre-requisites for being an Actor? Do you need a diploma and have to spend a lot of money to be given knowledge? Is it socially and morally acceptable? that a lot of actors have blood lines, family connections in the industry and that it seems the reason some actors, how they become almost sure thing super stars is they are born famous. Ultimately the real issue is the question over if a person is on the autism spectrum does that make the actor less than, or more of an actor? You see do you need to be a certain way in life to be considered an actor? With My life story alone and the energy that I hold is immense, I believe that as an actor I hold the power to make people feel however I want to in life. I can make people scared. I can make people feel however I want to In My life. Through work and immense pain and suffering. From Losing those closest to me. I have attained a truly glorious level of nirvana. I know I sound weird and crazy that’s the thing and I don’t care, at all, what people think or say about me. As I have broken on through to the other side of life. I have Reached total enlightenment. Im a loving down to earth person and I see now that I can be anything and anyone I want to in this world. That I truly AM anybody and I truly Am Nobody. I float through life like a butterfly and I can sting like a bee. Im an unstoppable force of Love. A sailor always sailing with the wind.
Models Inc? Talent Agency by Coolcatfox • last post Sep 28th
So has anyone worked with Models Inc. SoCal Bay area / LA. I know they are pretty legit as I was referred to them by a fellow actor who was an extra in one of Christopher Nolan's films. I'm just nervous going over the contract and signing since it's my first time being represented by an agency. They take 20% commission which seems fairly standard now for non union. Thank you in advance. Can't wait for the auditions to come in.
Anyone have experience being a single parent actor in LA with no family support? Is it possible? by IAMMYONLYHOPE • last post Sep 28th
I’m just curious because I’m going through a divorce. Is it possible to be a single parent actor in LA?
Have you ever booked a role off Actors Access? by Blueeyesindisguise • last post Sep 28th
Have you ever booked a role off Actors Access? [View Poll](https://www.reddit.com/poll/xqf9te)
Advice on being an extra? by SpicyLunaDog99 • last post Sep 28th
I’m thinking of trying to be an extra in a movie but have no prior acting experience and no ambition to be an actor later in life. It’s something on my bucket list and I think it will be neat to look back on. Any advice for my situation? (I’m 14)
Need 6-7 voices for 2-minute read of listener letters for podcast, a quick $10 by elaine_dickinson • last post Sep 28th
Hello! I need 6-7 people to record and email me an audio file (m4a, wav, or mp3) of them reading the text of a written letter, for a podcast a few weeks away from launch. Scripts vary in length but are all less than 500 words-- some less than 30 seconds. I need both female and male-sounding voices, also open to gender-ambiguous ones, and **do NOT need overly professional delivery, or a very high level of production value**. It should sound like an everyday person talking into a voicemail. **So you MUST be able to sound natural, like you are talking in your own words, rather than reading a script.** The scripts are all clean and safe for work, created from emails sent to the host's advice column. They all involve mental health quandaries. I will need a pretty quick turnaround on these, by Friday. I will pay $10 per recording instantly once the email is received and approved. (Each person can do only one script.) I'll pay by Venmo or PayPal, your choice. **REQUIREMENTS:** Message me with a description of your voice's vibe and, if possible, a link to what it sounds like, so I can be sure to cast a variety of voices **Ability to sound natural when reading a script (most important! You need not be an esteemed actor, but you need to sound like you're talking, rather than reading.)** Native/extremely fluent English speaker (open to various types of voices but need mostly American accents) Typical, natural, adult-sounding speaking voice Ability to complete in the next 48 hours Being okay with your voice being used in a podcast trailer and episode without being credited (sorry!) Ability to email an m4a, wav, or mp3 file to an email address **PROCEDURE:** If I message you back that you are chosen, in that same message I will cut and paste the script and the email address the recording needs to be sent to You will record the script as soon as you can, in m4a, wav, or mp3 format You will email me that recording at the address provided, along with your preferred Venmo or PayPal information I will give the recording a quick listen to make sure it meets our requirements, and then Venmo/Paypal you $10 and our eternal thanks, along with the name of the podcast if you want to hear yourself! Thanks for considering!