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We have found 19,445 posts across 4 actor forums:

What Is A “Local Hire”? by Tammy Hunt  •  last post Aug 15th



Is it worth it? That’s a question you’ll want to ask yourself and your agent. If you have an offer for weekly scale but you have to be a local hire in another state, the cost of airfare, accommodations & rental car/Uber will have you barely come out even (taxes & agency fees are other contributing factors). At the end of the day, it’s important to prioritize what it is that you consider valuable to your career. 
Will this job be your first credit? Will it give you career-changing footage for your reel? If so, it might be worth it.
It’s important to know the facts & rules when it comes to being a local hire.

Just saying you can be a local hire and having some friends/family in that region may not be enough to fully qualify as a “local hire.” Productions are going out of state due to the many tax incentives offered there and lower cost of shooting. However, in order to qualify for these incentives, they must hire a certain percentage of local cast & crew. Many times, for cast, the percentage that can be out-of-state is reserved for the larger, leading roles. 
This means that some states will require either a state ID, or a document proving you are resident within a certain number of miles from the shooting location. (these requirements differ by state)

#actor #localhire 

Actor Website Tips Part Deux by Tom Lapke  •  last post Aug 14th

As requested, here is the follow-up to my first post on things to include on your actor website. Now we will discuss things to exclude.


Your Address - there is not a single scenario where a CD, Director, or Producer would need to see your home mailing address on your resume. They only need that if they hire you, at which point you will provide it via a W4 or 1099. 

Personal info - This includes all sorts of things including your DOB and SS#

Production photos that don't feature you - having a bright beautiful photo of the whole cast doing the can-can at the curtain call is great for memories, but unless they can specifically identify you in the photo, it does nothing to help.

Pictures that don't sell your brand, type, signal, or whatever you want to call it. If it is not part of your cohesive marketing, then save it for the 'Gram

Confusing design - This also goes back to your brand and your UX. Make sure everything on your site is there in the interest of telling the story of what you are selling. And make sure the site is as easy to navigate as possible. It is sometimes easy to not realize that you are sending your site visitors on a "link loop." 

Comic Sans font -Just...don't.

SAG-AFTRA Strikes A.I. Voice Replica Deal by Sam Sokolow  •  last post Aug 14th

I found this fascinating. What are your thoughts? https://variety.com/2024/digital/news/sag-aftra-ai-narrativ-voice-replica-digital-ads-1236106301/

That microscopic swiss dude arriving in the gigantic London by Fabio Ferretti  •  last post Aug 14th

Hello everyone !


I just arrived in London from my hometown Geneva, Switzerland about a month ago.

My goal here is to become an actor. I've participated in a few plays and shorts back in Switzerland, on an amateur level. Now I am planning to move on and do it full-time, step by step.

I am all new to this big city and I am slowly getting to know it better. SLOWLY.

I would love to chat and exchange with you about any projects, tips, and getting to know each other.

All the best to everyone !

Frustrated and Need Acting Jobs - 2 People To Contact – Surprise by Aaron Marcus  •  last post Aug 13th

Have you ever felt isolated, alone and frustrated because you weren't getting enough acting auditions or bookings? If so, then you need to know you aren't alone. Almost all actors, even well-known actors go through down times. 

Watch the video https://youtu.be/EeQOYQJ7CKU
and learn what 2 people can really help and move your career forward.

Actors have 2 choices. Sit and wait for things to happen, or be proactive and help make work happen on your own.

If you ever experienced down times in the industry, share your experience with us. And, tell us what you did to help move your career forward.

BONUS VIDEI

When you watch the video to the end, you will also receive the link to a bonus video:
A Star Acted Unbelievably Unprofessional and Nasty to Me

SUBSCRIBE
If you haven't done this yet, don't forget to subscribe (and click the notification bell) to my channel so you have free access to 400 + educational videos.

Can't wait to talk again soon.
Aaron


Bourdain Biopic In The Works by Sam Sokolow  •  last post Aug 13th

Dominic Sessa would be amazing in this role. Is there anyone else you can think of that could play Bordain? Or any other non-scripted TV stars worthy of a biopic? https://deadline.com/2024/08/a24-anthony-bourdain-biopic-dominic-sessa-1236038429/

Actor Website Tips by Tom Lapke  •  last post Aug 12th

In 2024, every actor needs a website. Not having one would be akin to 20 years ago not having a headshot. It can be tricky to decide what to include on your website. Personally, I have built countless actor websites, so I thought I would offer some tips for you. This is in no way an exhaustive list, but instead, a great place to start that would get everything a CD needs from you in one place.


Things to have

Yourname.com. - if your name is not available, some other variations instead of JohnDoe.com could TheJohnDoe.com or JohnDoeActor.com but for SEO purposes, having your name somewhere in the URL is crucial.

Landing Page - Your initial landing page is super important. It is introducing you to whomever is viewing the site and the design and style should speak to what it is you, as an actor, are selling. Do you play tough guys? Then bright colors and toothy smiles might not be the way to go. Are you a young ingenue who exudes soft femininity? Selling yourself as a badass rocker girl would be a misstep.

Pictures - Headshots are a no-brainer, but make sure they are selling you properly. Other photos you might use could be production stills, modeling shots, and editorial-style shots. Just make sure at each step, you ask yourself, is this photo helping someone cast me in a project? If the answer is no, then it doesn't belong on your actor website.

Reel - You have to have a reel nowadays. It is just expected. I've mentioned this before, but for a clip to belong on your reel it should do one of two things - show what you have done (one line on a major TV show) or what you can do (a great performance in an unheard of student film)

Resume - Not only should this be on the site, but it should be easy to read, formatted for mobile, and easily downloadable. It should also fit on one page.

Contact - I personally hate contact forms, and much prefer the actual contact information. I have heard CDs say the same thing. That said, I am a 45-year-old man who has never gotten by on his looks. If I was an attractive young actress with a bunch of really flattering photos on my website, I might not want to put my direct contact information out there. So this is really going to be an individual choice.

I hope this helps. I would be happy to answer any questions or clarify any of the above.

Ton Cruise Closes The 2024 Olympics In Style by Sam Sokolow  •  last post Aug 12th

Tom Cruise closing out the Olympic games last night and setting the table for Los Angeles '28 was super cool! Is there another movie star that you can think of who could have done that instead of Cruise? I'd love to hear your thoughts. https://deadline.com/2024/08/tom-cruise-paris-olympics-closing-ceremony-1236037540/

IMDb for Actors by Tammy Hunt  •  last post Aug 12th



IMDb is incredibly important as it is your international presence as an actor. 
Not every actor is ready for IMDb, but if you have credits and you are putting yourself out there as a professional actor then you should have a profile. 
There is not too much you can do to optimize a profile, but at least make sure: 

- Your resume is up to date. Get every last screen credit listed on there.
- Bio. Check your bio is current and showcasing you well. (You should be able to customize this with IMDbPro, it’s worth the cost.) 
- Headshots. Have a great headshot as your main profile picture. 

#actor #tv #film #imdb

Theatre Directing Program Online by Inga Ryazanoff  •  last post Aug 11th

Intake - 1.10.2024

Duration - 18 months / 12 months
Professional Qualification - Theatre Director
Semester I: Director's preparation from reading the play until first rehearsal
Semester II: Director’s preparation from the first rehearsal until the premiere
Semester III: Work on the graduation performance / explication book
Modules:
1. The Director and Dramaturgy
2. The Director and Ensemble Building
3. The Director and Method
4. The Director and Form in Performance
5. The Director & Design
6. The Director & Sound
7. Text. Voice. Physical Action
8. Marketing for professionals in the performing arts (only when registering by September 23)
Cody Ganger. Graduate of a distance learning course in theatre directing: https://youtu.be/9vIPjFbMnnQ?si=skwaVIllKYamm2db

3 Tips to Level Up Your Self-Tape Auditions by Maurice Vaughan  •  last post Aug 10th

Lisann Valentin shares three important tips on how you can level up your self-tape auditions. “Paint a Picture With Your Eyes,” “Your Angles Are Everything,” and “Keep Positive Thoughts.” Read more about the tips in today’s blog and feel free to post your thoughts in the blog’s comments.


www.stage32.com/blog/3-tips-to-level-up-your-self-tape-auditions-3821

Never forget your early inspirations by Sam Sokolow  •  last post Aug 9th

Picasso said to always return your early inspirations. I loved this article: https://deadline.com/video/michelle-monaghan-favorite-movies-the-film-that-lit-my-fuse-series-bad-monkey-true-detective/

3 Social Media Truths for Actors by Brent Kado  •  last post Aug 8th

Hi everyone. As we've transitioned into Talent Management, we're trying to put up a few more informational videos for Actors. 


Here's a good one we think: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VI5j0AH6NrQ 
We've been around Stage 32 for a long time. Excited to get to more of you on the acting side! 

Self Tape Wksp Didn't Happen. by Erik McKay  •  last post Aug 7th

Is this common for Stage 32 not to refund for a workshop that didnt take place?? Not asking for a friend!! An email from Stage 32 was sent on July 19 that Kym Jackson was scheduled to teach a self tape workshop on July 30 at 1PM PST which I leave on the East Coast, so of course Live Streamed. I work nights with my little old pay my rent job. So I have adjusted my schedule to take the workshop at 4PM EST even to sign on 5 mins before. I noticed the during the waiting time it noted a class being held August 22, which I won't even be in town, I know what date I signed up for, I keep signing in and out. I checked my email for the date, July 30 CHECK! I looked in my email for the original email Kym Jackson JULY 30, CHECK! I search for any additional emails for date change, NOTHING! i contacted Stage 32. Sent my proof of the email, I hear from Brandy (never met), and this is after looking for phone numbers, even googling the address which is only used as a business address, not an actual place...I am a NYer boogie down and I been in this game long before Stage 32 ever existed, so yeah Spider Senses high alert!! So I hear from Brandy via email, she tells me there are NO REFUNDS!?! So what Stage 32 penalized me for their F'up!?! 4 days later Brandy reachs out after I sent 4 more emails with the screenshot of the original email they sent, this was her request! Then, dead air! I inbox Richard Botto and Stage 32 on social media which I didnt drop a public not until today, for something so minimal to reply and settle. Its only $39. More than the principle of this, i could invest my monies elsewhere. If they think its right to hold my money until August 22, which I didnt sign up for , will be a major mistake on their part. Its simple. They sent out the information. I paid for the workshop. I showed up. They failed to provide the service on July 30. 

Acting Habits to Avoid by Tammy Hunt  •  last post Aug 7th



- Using lines as an excuse 

- “When I know the lines I’ll be able to perform the scene better” - this is an excuse to cover up many things, mainly inhibitions, the fear of trying something or not knowing what to do because you haven’t read the scene/script enough. As Lee Strasberg (The Method guru) once said, learning lines is about memory and acting has nothing to do with memory. My advice is to play and experiment with the scene. You can only do this by reading it and making justified choices. Find a suitable way of training your memory to learn lines effectively because that’s not the job of your acting coach. 

- Not reading the script enough - AKA lazy acting. Some actors go through the script, but only to learn their lines. You need to know the FULL story, not just the story of the scene your character appears in or only the story of your character. To get the full picture you must read the FULL script (more than once). Here are some things to think about when reading the FULL script: Why does your character choose those specific words? What do they really mean? What is really going on? What has lead them to where they are now? In the early stages of character development you’re like a detective; you have to piece the full picture together to be able to connect to the character, then you have to figure out what the motive behind the character’s behavior is so you can make clear choices in each scene you appear in.

- Forcing emotions/trying too hard - this is usually done to impress, and there is logic in that, but acting should feel effortless. When you try too hard or try to force something, it looks fake, feels strange and just doesn’t make the thing you’re trying to make happen appear. The same happens with emotions. Find inner purpose for what your character is going through and demonstrating through gestures and expressions.

The Stage 32 FREE virtual Global Film & Television Production Summit is now availabel on demand! by Sam Sokolow  •  last post Aug 7th

Hey everyone - I'm excited to share that the Stage 32 virtual Global Film & Television Production Summit is now available to watch FREE on-demand! 


The summit provides important insight into the current global production landscape from top producers, film commissioners, and workforce development executives. This is your chance to join speakers from the Emmy-nominated television show GENIUS (Disney/NatGeo), The Costa Rica Film Commission, Film USA, Film Columbus, and Creative Industries Hawaii who give direct feedback to help you on your career path and on any film or TV production you are planning. 

You can download the summit and Q&A for FREE now here: https://www.stage32.com/education/c/education-webinars?h=stage-32-presents-2024-stage-32-certification-virtual-open-house

Warning - Actors Never Want to Hear 3 Words From Casting by Aaron Marcus  •  last post Aug 6th

Warning - Actors Never Want to Hear 3 Words From Casting
https://youtu.be/hCMwqHGvReg

I have learned the need to filter pretty much everything that is said to me.
This is true for nice as well as not so nice comments.

If you ever experienced someone saying something to you that didn't make sense,
please share it with us so we can learn from you.


Digital Marketing for Performing Arts by Inga Ryazanoff  •  last post Aug 5th

Beginning of education:

1st November 2024

The final deadline for submitting applications:
25 October 2024.

Duration:
16 weeks

Form of education:
Online

Final Examination:
Marketing Plan​

Who Should Enroll:
Actors, Dancers, Choreographers, Circus performers, Directors, other artists seeking to promote themselves and their work through marketing

The "Digital Marketing for Performing Arts" program is designed to address these exact challenges. This comprehensive 16-week program equips participants with essential skills and strategies to effectively market performing arts. Covering a wide array of topics, from understanding your audience to mastering social media storytelling, and from crafting compelling video content to leveraging SEO techniques, this course can help you become well-prepared to promote your art in today's digital landscape.

Key areas include Arts and Culture Marketing, Social Media for Performers, Advertising for Theatre Shows, and Developing a Performing Arts Marketing Plan. Additionally, you'll be able to learn specialized strategies for Performing Arts School Advertising, Promoting Theatre Productions, Digital Marketing for Performers, and Social Media Strategies for Artists. The program also delves into Theatre Production Marketing and Digital Marketing for Dance Schools, ensuring a holistic approach to promoting your performances

Learn more and apply now: https://www.nipai.org/programs/digital-marketing-for-arts

Acting Classes by Rose Sanchez  •  last post Aug 4th

Hey everyone! I’ll be a guest on Wednesday the 7th at 6pm EST at David Thompson’s Online acting class. We can meet over there and actually do some fun acting exercises. Check it out! http://www.davidthompsoncoaching.co/ see you on Wednesday!

Tips for Better Headshots by Tammy Hunt  •  last post Aug 4th



1. Go pro. Spend money—it’s worth it. Go to a professional who is trained, understands lighting, and takes headshots for a living, not some friend who happens to have a decent camera who “sorta knows a little about photography.” 

2. Opt for personality over glamour. Make sure it looks like you. Chill with the airbrushing. Casting directors expect you to look just like your headshot and will not be happy when you show up looking totally different or 10 years older. 

3. Remember: It’s all about the eyes. Just like with on-camera acting, it’s all about the eyes and what’s happening behind them. It’s your closeup, your moment. Your eyes should be perfectly in focus, alive, and energized, not dead and glazed over. 

4. Pay attention to framing, lighting, and background. In general, a good headshot is chest up with good lighting on your face, and no strong dramatic shadows, unless you are going in for “The Phantom of the Opera.” Three-quarter shots are good for print, and extreme close-ups are good for, well, nothing. 

5. Consider natural light vs. studio. Some photographers do both, as they offer a different look and feel. Natural light gives a very real, “film” look, which I prefer. Studio lighting tends to be a little more polished, with a more neutral backdrop. Both can be wonderful. If you are more of a sitcom actor, perhaps a well-lit studio headshot is more suited for you. 

6. Don’t go crazy with clothing and props. I once saw a headshot of a guy with a bird on his head. Why? Because he wanted to stand out. Let’s not get crazy here. Keep it simple and classy. Professionalism not desperation gets you noticed. A simple, solid shirt with a little texture that fits you. 

7. Go easy with the makeup. Yes, lots can be done with retouching. There is no need to put on tons of makeup. You want to look like yourself on your best day and not look like you tried too hard. Do your hair the way you would for every audition. 

- Matt Newton is one of the most sought-after on-camera acting coaches. His clients include Tony winners, Emmy award winners, and well-known actors from film and TV.

#headshot #actor