We have found 19,445 posts across 4 actor forums:
Should I Join SAG At This Point in my Career? by LaurenceAidekman • last post Aug 23rd
Hi there, I've been living in Los Angeles since January of this year and I've been working consistently as a background performer. I expected a much slower start to my career, but have found myself able to sustain myself fairly well combining this with a few other side-hustles. Yesterday, I got my last SAG Voucher and have become eligible to join SAG. I have enough money to cover the initiation fee and I am leaning towards joining. I've heard mixed things about joining too early in my career which is why I'm reaching out here to hear some varying perspectives. The only real problem I've heard people say is that if I join with a weak resume I won't be able to be compete at the professional level. While I understand the argument that there's more non-union work, I am doubtful that any of it would be worthwhile or look good on my resume. Since graduating film school I've been involved in dozens of non-union sets to gain experience, and for the most part none of these productions have any name recommendations so I question how well a co-star role on a no-named production even looks. I'd say the majority of the low-budget films I've worked on even end-up unreleased to the point that I don't even have any credits for my reel. My main apprehension about non-union work is that pursuing that work seems like a huge gamble. Obviously acting in itself is a gamble, but dedicating years of my life to this kind of work in the hope that I'll be cast in a good role in a production with no name-recognition that somehow goes onto be successful to the point that my involvement seems like a scant possibility. And if that didn't happen, I'd have nothing except a resume listing productions that are unnamable. The benefits of the Union I see is mainly that it's a guarantee I'll be taken care of. It's always bothered me that I've never even had the same length lunch as everybody else because I work in an industry that seems to not value people unless it has to. Joining SAG would guarantee my protection by making myself part of a powerful organization. Furthermore, the networking opportunities this would present to me with industry professionals from actors, to casting directors, etc. seems unprecedented. There even seems to be lots of training resources which could be really valuable to somebody starting out with me. Above all else, something that I don't hear people talk about is that being a member of SAG is a tangible credential in a profession anybody can declare themselves having been in a school play. I may be mistaken in assuming that, but it seems to me like joining the professional organization of actors looks better than lead roles in a bunch of random shows nobody has heard of or watched. My common sense just tells me that credential a casting director would really respond more to. Anyways, I'm just wanting to outline some of my perspectives and hesitations about joining and see what your thoughts may be. I've read several threads already on this subreddit, but felt my concerns were unique enough to warrant my asking. I'd really appreciate to hear your thoughts, and I'd especially like to know if you yourself are union or nonunion. Thanks so much!
Voice (Vocal) Technique for Lack of Volume, Shallow Vocal Tone and Color by cyrusyn • last post Aug 23rd
I have heard of at least 10 or more names of voice or vocal techniques available for actors. I have pretty soft voice along with shallow vocal tone and color and the inability to go high on pitch. What would be the right technique for me? I have tried Lessac and it was a great technique to add nice definition and details to my voice however, for increasing the amount of volume wise it was not enough. Your recommendations are much appreciated.
Why is my Recording skills are inconsistent?? by Extension-Chemical-6 • last post Aug 23rd
I just record for my youtube videos but since i thought it might be something that a voice actor go through i asked here, the thing is some days when i wanna read through the script it's like my mind isn't even working, i can't even read right like i can't even focus on one sentence and that's when i say maybe i'm too dumb but for some unknown reason the next night i read through the same script like eminem or something lol, without any issue, what do you think might cause this? am i just weird or is it different things i eat everyday or maybe sleep problem or something? thanks
Slateshots on Actor’s Access by anti-christ-guy • last post Aug 23rd
I have a reel and headshots. I read in the search bar that you need to have Slateshots to push you towards the top. Do you need slateshots attached to all the headshots you submit with? Do you need new Slateshots when you update your headshots?
Casting by Steve Sacavitch • last post Aug 23rd
I am casting a ten minute POC to be shot in Philadelphia. Looking for actors. If interested you can go to my IBDB page for my email and request a character breakdown. Possible SAG low budget compensation.
Acting Class or go to Acting School by Nats57 • last post Aug 23rd
Hello everyone, this is my first time making a reddit post so I apologize in advance if I do this wrong. My question for all you actors right now did you benefit from going to school for acting and getting a degree or instead take the approach of going to Acting Classes outside of College and go from there. Which as an actor would you find more beneficial.
Opinions on breakdowns with scripts attached for submissions. by CaliforniaStoked • last post Aug 23rd
Would love to hear everyone’s opinion on this. Mostly just curious… When you see a breakdown posted on Casting Networks, and it has the scene attached, and mentions to submit a self tape of you reading the scene for the audition, do you usually submit to these if you fit the type? These are essentially just open calls, since they aren’t selecting actors who submit to audition, and in my opinion it’s lazy casting. But sometimes if I read the script and like it, and if I feel like I fit the type, I submit (mostly for the reel footage), but not ever expecting anything out of it, because I’m sure they get thousands of submissions, especially if it’s paid. Would love to hear from other people!
Fee for taking part in film festival panel..? by lunchwild • last post Aug 23rd
I was asked to take part in a panel discussion at a film festival. I was given details about the festival, the point of the panel, time commitment, and compensation (travel, accommodation etc.) .. but then it ended with asking “what’s your fee?” Uhh I don’t know lol. I legit assumed this would be a volunteer thing all the way up until reading that question. I’m a nobody actor with a handful of guest stars, a couple recurring, a coupe leads on the resume, ranging from indie, to network, to studio — but by no means am I a name, nor would I say I’m recognizable Anyone here have experience with this? I’ve looped the agent in, but I’m curious what the internet says Edit: I guess what I’m asking is: should I treat this as an acting gig and go for my quote? Should I take the budget of the program into account? How about the other panelists? Soooo many questions..
Casting Director, using throwaway so I can be honest. Sometimes actors make me hate my job. by throwawayhamburger79 • last post Aug 23rd
Actors who reach out to casting directly - you are not entitled to a response, ever. As human beings, a principle that everyone understands is that just because another human being wants something from you, it doesn't entitle them to it. Since Covid started and self tapes and online casting have become more prevalent we have seen an increase in disturbing aggressive, hostile behavior from actors in attempts to engage in communication, get our attention, or get auditions via email / social media or other casting platforms. Auditions are job interviews for large corporations. We deal with 1000-5000 people per project, we do not owe anyone any response. If you reach out to casting do not expect to get a response.We have lives and illnesses, divorces, sick children and serious issues that no actor ever hears about, because it is our lives to live. We are not here to serve you 24/7, please understand it is not a fun experience being seen as a one way street to meet thousands of strangers needs, all the time. It's exhausting and harassing us doesn't help you. "Venting" on any casting directors social media posts is a great way to show casting that is how that person will behave on set if given an opportunity to be on one., so we note that and don't give them auditions. If you press us, harass us, keep contacting us, we share it with your agents. All of the other casting directors share this info with each other. We do not put people who cause us grief on sets, ever. This includes social media behavior. These are not spaces for you to work out your emotions and feelings of rejection, or victimization from the Casting Director that will not respond to you or give you an audition, it is highly inappropriate to demand free therapy from casting, (often these messages are downright disturbing) it's a place for business. ​
[Hiring] - $300 for commercial use portrait for voice actor website/socials by Shouganai_Senpai • last post Aug 23rd
I am a voice actor looking to have some art commissioned for commercial use on my website and socials to promote myself and my work. I was looking to have a portrait done of myself in the distinctive style of Yusuke Nakamura. Here are some samples I had in mind: [https://imgur.com/jqOITJ3](https://imgur.com/jqOITJ3) [https://imgur.com/gZOaLQG](https://imgur.com/gZOaLQG) [https://imgur.com/bHEG4Ur](https://imgur.com/bHEG4Ur) Some specifics I have in mind are that it would be a bust portrait of myself from a side view with some extra elements drawn around me, but not nearly as much going on in the provided samples. I can provide photos of myself to work off of, as well as a mock-up of the picture I have in mind. My budget is around $300 and would be handled over PayPal. This would be considered commercial work as it would be included on my Twitter banner and eventual website, but there is no merchandising or reproduction planned and you would still be credited and permitted to promote the work for your own portfolio and services. I have no strict deadline at this time as I am flexible and currently planning other elements for my website. I look forward to seeing everyone's portfolios and any input on my idea. Let me me know if there are any questions. Thanks!
How every beginning actor hopes their first audition goes by Bolteus • last post Aug 23rd
Starting to Feel More Confident/Feeling Like Good Things Are Coming by TheLavenderMenaces • last post Aug 23rd
Honestly this is just a ramble post so. I feel like Los Angeles in general is this BIG mental health tapeworm for newer actors, or maybe that’s just me. But I’ve been off and on depressed for the past year and a half that I’ve lived here and been very discouraged about acting since I majored in BFA theatre instead of film. BUT! I’m finally figuring that out and getting new headshots on Sunday, got cast in another (nonpaid) Backstage gig so I can add another credit and more stuff to my reel, getting back in shape, and have been talking to some of my acting friends about instructors they recommend out here to effectively learn Meisner (since I basically only know Stanislavski). It’s definitely such a slow and back and forth process but at least now I’m not actively getting discouraged about lack of representation and the other things that just take time. TLDR; LA do be a tapeworm for mental health if you’re newer to the film game. But also just happy that I’m finally slowly but surely getting things figured out.
Memorizing Lines - Long Term Memory Techniques by xJoshuaMaye90 • last post Aug 23rd
Hey! I just wanted to assist all actors who use this subreddit for guidance somewhat. It can be difficult to master one's long-term memory when memorizing a piece of material, especially an up to 120 pages screen or stageplay in usually one to two weeks before production or rehearsal. I just wanted to give you all ideas on how I am perfecting my long-term memory with respect to the acting method for which I was taught... Method Acting, from the traditional theatre tradition many years ago. But regardless, to advance this type of memory, read through this small one-page script just once for the overall story, and then another for the actual lines that you would perform, and then do two or three more run-throughs of the actual lines that you would be performing. What I am introducing to you all is a form of BLOCKING instead of memorizing a large wall of text. EXT. RIVER - EVENING A young REDDITER is on their phone teary-eyed at looking at something, something tragic. REDDITER I, I... Then, REDDITER I, I... don't like this post. Then, REDDIT I, I, don't like this post, indeed. Then, REDDIT I, I don't like this post, indeed. I am not amused. \---- If you all have techniques to master one's long-term memory, please share!
Where is a good acting studio for my situation in Los Angeles? by notburneddown • last post Aug 23rd
So I want to practice acting and gain the skills and learn from it but don’t want to be a professional actor. TV/film type of acting scripts would be preferred over theater. Thanks btw.
Aspiring and working actors - how much effort into your appearance do you put in. by PrincessElias • last post Aug 22nd
I'm 36 and new to acting - I'm self-conscious about my skin and my figure and I was wondering if everyone else puts quite a bit of effort in being film/tv friendly, appearance-wise. Do you have a strict regime or just let it slide. I'm not against improving myself, I just want to know how much energy others devote. Thank you.
How do actors have interesting things to share on interviews/talk shows? by ImpressiveFinish0911 • last post Aug 22nd
I'm not sure if this is allowed here as I suppose only questions related to acting itself should be in this sub, but I don't know where else I might get answers,so. Please let me know if there is else where for such question. So, the question: I always observed that all most all actors, everybody has gor something fun/interesting/entertaining stories to share on interviews and talk shows. Now I don't know if they all have unique and peculiar experiences that happened to them, or everybody(not just actors) had such memories and actors just get to share theirs when are in the public eye so get more attention... but really everybody has got something interesting or funny to say. And they have people in their life involved in these stories like their mom or dad or neice or friends or crew members or even strangers in their experiences whi have embarrassed them or something funny happend. So, are they all real life stories? Or is it part of media training? Or the interview strategies of their PR? Or a mix of all? Thanks!
20 tapes and nothing booked by harveyspecter666 • last post Aug 22nd
Hey guys! I signed with my agent about 10 months ago. Had about 20-25 tapes for different things with them. Nothing booked. Been pencilled three times and had one good feedback. I started to hate doing tapes. I don’t know… the worst thing is that people tell me I’m a great actor. I’d rather be shitty and not getting jobs than good and not getting jobs.
UK vs US/Canada for opportunities? by icedlemon787 • last post Aug 22nd
Looking for people from UK and North America to drop their thoughts below: I'm 21yo based in Republic of Ireland and the work and opportunities is very limited here despite american productions shooting here. Most tv shows that shoot here end up hiring British trained actors for main roles anyway. I wanted to ask if anyone would be able to drop their thoughts on the industry in the UK vs canada/us. From my research in the UK, it seems that you HAVE to get on spotlight and the only way to do that is going to a traditional drama school like lamda rada and doing the full 3 years. The reason I mention spotlight is cos its where all the auditions are held in UK for shows and movies. Getting into those schools is pretty damn hard and I think it'd be right only consider doing drama school if I got into the top ones right? What good would be to do 3 years in a mediocre school? Does the North American industry operate similarly to UK? How exactly would I go about getting a good agent and building rapport with cds, etc? Do I have to get into a good drama school? Or can I just hustle the old school way by building up a portfolio of experience reels etc and get an agent from there? Financially wise I'm pretty okay, I have online income so moving abroad isn't a problem for me. My main concerns is trying to establish myself in the market. I'm a poc that hasnt been able to get many auditions here because not enough roles are created that demand a poc person. I've considered London as its right across but I'm.a bit thrown off with the high ass rent, crime everywhere, and I'm not sure how much it would help my career if I graduated from a decent drama school. I've heard cases of people graduating from drama schools in UK and then just moving to US cos they had better work opportunities. On top of that, the whole Hollywood nepotism thing that came to light had me questioning whether I should still stay in the game. If I'm being honest I as an actor do feel out of place in the Industry considering my background and the rumours that you're basically competing against a bunch of wealthy elite upper class white kids with connections lol. I'm 21 and I'm already starting to feel like the adulthood responsibilities are pilling up on me, almost if I'm starting to lose the dream and drive that I had when I was younger. Anyone else been through this phase? Would appreciate your opinions Thanks
Is not going to acting school straight out of High School a good call? by SlightFatass • last post Aug 22nd
I'm (17M) currently a senior in hs and while researching how to get break into acting, I stumbled across someone making a somewhat convincing argument that one shouldn't go to acting school right after college. To sum up what was said, the dude explained that going acting school right when you're 18 is missed opportunity due to the fact that 18-20 year olds have younger looks that would allow them to portray 15-17 year olds. He claims that this something that studios are looking for due to the fact that they can have younger looking actors without worrying about child labor laws. Finally he says that 2 years of acting in those younger roles and then going to school is more beneficial than going to school and missing out on 2 years of experience. I dont if the argument is right or wrong. Personally I have heard more people say that you should go to school first to hone your skill and then breach into acting. Im wondering which is better approach for pursuing a career in acting.