We have found 19,322 posts across 4 actor forums:
Why am I paranoid all of a sudden? by HunterXero • last post Mar 27th
Hey everyone. Paranoid actor question here. I just recently had a self tape for a tv show and turned it in to my manager yesterday. Rewatching it again I just...am not vibing with it... I was after I did it. I even kind of liked it? I wanted to get it finished quick since casting had a quick turnaround but now questioning if I should have let the sides settle in my brain first for at least the next day before jumping into the video right away. I felt so confident when I got my sides. A very “I got this” attitude. But now watching it it’s just...ehhh. I asked my friend who read it with me what he thought after watching it. All he could comment was how great the video lighting and sound was. (Ok thanks...) So, I just asked him directly “did it suck?” He hasn’t responded... I’m not defensive at all with critiques. I WANT people to tell me if I suck when I really do, but I’m just feeling like crap now thinking I sent out a terrible take. How do you guys deal with stuff like this? It’s so weird because I’m not like this all the time. For some reason this audition really got to me. :( Thanks!
Legally Changing Your Name by Katops • last post Mar 27th
Hi all! So many actors and actresses have changed their names throughout history, right? Well I assume it’s because they just felt as if their birth names didn’t have much star quality to them in how they sound. So I’m just curious to know if any of you here have had the same thought in mind, and have already or will eventually do the same if they do or have chosen to pursue acting as a career? I personally wish to do just that once I feel as though I’ve nailed the right first and last name for myself, but while I’ve been thinking of a name for a very long time now, I’m also a little worried about wanting to change my name from there too. What if I don’t like this name after a little while? What then? I don’t want to change my name a million times haha. I’d love to just have a great name that works well with me as a person you know? But nothing that’s too common or whatever. I suppose I should be a little more clear... If any of you have changed your names for this career pathway specifically, do you ever use your old name? Do you keep your new name a secret to people that are unaware of your desire to become an actor or actress? Do your friends or family use your birth name while on jobs you use the new one? Is it hard to go from one name to another after so many years of living? Is it difficult to get used to? Or do you ever get lost in who you are as a person? Because I don’t really feel like I have a real sense of identity anyways, which is why I’m more comfortable in the idea of changing my name... I guess I have a lot of questions about this really. And being tired while typing it surely doesn’t help because I’m just typing what comes to mind I feel. But really, this whole idea of changing your name because of a dream is understandable to me. I just don’t understand the after effects of the struggles of doing it. Or anything else really... Sorry for maybe not making as much sense as I could have. I’m just rambling now. Any stories or comments are well appreciated though! Have a pleasant day!
Autodrama writer's block by _themob13 • last post Mar 27th
Taking a zoom acting class, and first assignment out the gate is your standard "Who Am I?" 5-min any format you'd like just make it theatrical autodrama. I am not one who likes talking about myself. I know, I know- WHAT?? An actor that doesn't want to be the center of attention?! As much as I love performing, and using personal experiences to feed what I do, I'm not one to shaaaarrre. What have y'all done for this assignment in past? I've watched ALL sorts on youtube, and am at a "too many creative possibilities" and "how superficial can this be without looking half-assed" brain block. And 5 days til it's due
Attack On Titan Voice actor is the same character by yysgono • last post Mar 27th
Film school by thatroobitchass • last post Mar 26th
I'm going to Niagara college for a 2 year diploma I live 2 hours from Toronto in Canada so getting connections is difficult for an actor. I'm trying to learn voice over and build relationships in the industry and make some friends with similar interests. I can commute from my parents so it's really inexpensive and ill graduate at 17. I'm wondering if I'm making the right call going into this or if my judgment is terrible.
More questions about a specific job. by TimeDoesNotTell • last post Mar 26th
I want to apply to a job that's non-union. It calls for a person 5'5" to 5'9". I'm 5'3". Can I still apply anyway? If they liked my self-tape, would they still throw me out? The lines on 17 y/o actors are very vague. I want to travel alone. This project would be shooting for 1-2 months, and I definitely don't have anyone that could go with me. There's only 1 person I could think of that might (in my family), 1 person who's like family. Could I go by myself? Could I go with someone who isn't a guardian or parent so long as they have permission? It is based in California. I'd have to travel, but it says those fees would be reimbursed. I've heard there's a test you can take in CA that allows 17 y/o to take on the professional guidelines of 18 y/o so they can travel alone, but thoughts? I don't know if I'd be able to take that test. Any other states that do this? Since the project is NU, does it even matter since these are mostly SAG guidelines? EDIT: it's union and non-union
Random questions related to jobs by TimeDoesNotTell • last post Mar 26th
I want to apply to a job that's non-union. It calls for a person 5'5" to 5'9". I'm 5'3". Can I still apply anyway? If they liked my self-tape, would they still throw me out? The guidelines on 17 y/o actors are very vague. I want to travel alone. This project would be shooting for 1-2 months, and I definitely don't have anyone that could go with me. There's only 1 person I could think of that might (in my family), 1 person who's like family. Could I go by myself? Could I go with someone who isn't a guardian or parent so long as they have permission? It is based in California. I'd have to travel, but it says those fees would be reimbursed. I've heard there's a test you can take in CA that allows 17 y/o to take on the professional guidelines of 18 y/o so they can travel alone, but thoughts? I don't know if I'd be able to take that test. Any other states that do this? Since the project is NU, does it even matter since these are mostly SAG guidelines? EDIT: it's union and non-union ALSO: I've just recently come across another job that says it started rehearsing in February, but the notice doesn't expire until April 1st. Could I still apply? Or do some people just leave notices up past when they plan to cast people?
How to create a demo reel for submissions, when every casting call is looking for actors requires a demo reel?! by Thankyounext07 • last post Mar 26th
I’m a new actress, I’ve taken 2 intro courses through a local performance arts school in my area. I’ve done a lot of background work in film and tv. However no speaking roles and I know they womt care about this. I have headshots and a very small resume. My issue is that every posting I see where they are looking for actors requires a demo reel! Even small student productions are asking for this. So I am struggling to understand how I am supposed to land even a tiny speaking role when everyone wants much more experienced actors.
Why do actors take their psychotic roles so seriously? by secretgirlcc • last post Mar 26th
like Heath Ledger of The Joker, or Evan Peters of Kai Anderson in American Horror Story. They both really suffered after these shows, since they portray psycho characters. But why? Isn’t it’s just acting? i’m genuinely interested how does acting affect your mental health since i never had to do it before
I feel like freakin Meryl Streep. A mini rant inside. Thank you for reading. by TroleOmid • last post Mar 26th
Ok so listen to this guys, I'm feeling incredible at the moment. I've been in the southeast for 2.5 years busting my nuts to get my foot in the door after Uni. I found my favorite of the top 3 agencies in the area early on and sent an audition, to which they responded that "It's a no, but not necessarily because of your audition. Please take local classes and get familiar with the industry here, and resubmit in 9 months." Ok got it. I took workshop after workshop feeling like I was wasting my money because I felt I was learning nothing new, and worse, every intensive with a CD or agent led to almost zero notes, and lots of "who's your agent? You don't have one? Interesting." Then radio silence, and I kept taking intensives until my resubmission day... It was March 25 2020. Damn it. Covid happened, and they said they are NOT considering anybody until 2021. So fine, I said. I'll keep going at it and try to impress them with my dedication. Cue another intensive with a program that is a pay to play "get seen" with agents. You'd have the host, we'll call him J, and the agent, who I'll call P. P was another one the agents I had on my radar but weren't my first choice. Cue auditions happening from my peers. I mean no disrespect, but they were a bit dull, and J and P were very willing to tear into them. My tape went last. I was excited to hopefully make their day with my hard work I put into my audition. They literally did not even watch. I saw J on his laptop and P scrolling on freaking social media the ENTIRE TIME. I paid $110 to be insulted. To which upon both contrasting takes being finish they say without hesitation "those were completely identical. Are you even trying?" - P " y'know what guys this is a prime example of why southeast actors will never be as good as LA actors. If I'm bored watching your tape, that's a bad sign. If you can't improve your audition quality, please save everyone the time and quit. Just quit." - J I was fucking baffled and livid, obviously, and feeling like a complete loser. However, the headshot/resume I sent Jan 1st to my top agency responded with a 24 hour deadline audition 1 week after this horrible intensive. "Fuck this guy, J. I'm gonna prove him wrong." And I gave it my best shot. 2 days later I get an email. "Call me." With a phone number. I called, they answered. And they said they'd love to represent me. My first agent, and my favorite at that! You know what they said? They said of all the auditions they voted on with the entire team present, mine was one of the fastest auditions to go through, with a unanimous YES all around with ZERO debate. She told me to tell my mom (I said I'm calling her pronto lol) that I was the definition of a slam dunk for their agency. After thanking her profusely I bawled my fucking eyes out for a solid hour in a Kroger parking lot and more periodically throughout the day. I still wanna cry now it's such a fucking victory. Fuck J, and P, and anyone who tries to bring you beautiful people down. Win the ones who matter with hard work and never give up on doing your best. Thank you all so much for reading my tale. ❤ Break legs! (For context on the streep comment a CD once said ahe was too ugly to ever be on screen.) Or so I believe.
London Photographers by dove-show • last post Mar 26th
Hey guys! I’m considering either getting new headshots with Phil Sharp, Faye Thomas or Yellowbelly Photography. However Phil Sharp is SO expensive (he quoted me a four figure number. I don’t understand how it’s possible to charge actors this much!!) and yet he’s the most well regarded in the industry. Have you got any other suggestions? Or thoughts?
Slightly OT but for actors in L.A, I have a personal training program for getting into the body by TheStarSwordsman14 • last post Mar 26th
Hey everyone, ​ So, I am an actor and filmmaker in L.A, I have worked on stage, TV and film throughout the years. I am also heavy into fitness and using the body to fuel creativity. I just wanted to offer actors in L.A on the sub my actor's physical training sessions. [The details are here](https://thebestyoucanbepersonaltraining.wordpress.com/actors-and-musicans-physical-training/) but the program is for getting out of your head, into your body and truly using your body as an instrument. I have never liked body movement classes as they seem to airy fairy. My sessions get down to the nitty gritty and for you to get a better performance. Have a great day!
I'm shy. by Electrical-Cat-5108 • last post Mar 26th
Am I just too shy to be an actress? I'm a young girl who has anxiety, more specifically social anxiety. I've always wanted to be an actress, however, I have no experience whatsoever. My race is also against me, I'm Asian. I am aware that acting may be hard, but am I just not suit to do it?
Not Available for the Callback by FurmidableCat • last post Mar 26th
By the time I have booked an audition, I got something else booked for the date planned for the call back. I wanted to tell them at the audition but it went so fast (like three minutes) that I couldn’t fit it in the conversation. It’s a small five line actor role on a low budget short film so I am not even sure that there will be a callback for that or that they will consider me for a call back. I don’t want to cancel my day on set because I will get in trouble if cancel, the five day continuity implied that I had to be there on that day, and a 12 hours day as a background performer already pays more than a small role on this type of low budget production. If I do get a call back, how should I tell them that I am already on another set? Are there any ways I can make this work? Asking to reschedule? Doing it during dinner? Sending them a self-tape? Or just say I can’t make it because I was booked on something else by the time they booked me? Thank you!
Ramblings of a part-time, transitioning to full-time, voice actor by Eddy_Valentine • last post Mar 26th
I've been doing voice work for about four years, but didn't really get serious with it until about two years ago. Have I gotten work on my own? Yep. But it's definitely not consistent. I have two other jobs, working in the restaurant industry and as a mobile DJ to keep me afloat, but my main goal is to do voice work full-time and do my mobile DJ'ing on the side. If you're not wanting to read this entire post (I don't blame you) the TLDR is this shit is hard but that doesn't mean it won't pay off if you keep trying, do the right things, and meet the right people. A little background about myself, I was a broadcast communications major that graduated in 2014. I interned at a local radio station for about two years and was then brought on full-time for about two years until I was laid off (budget cuts). So 2016 was about the time I really kind of discovered the world of VO and started to dig deeper. I made some decisions that I thought would advance my VO career but it really did nothing but make me lose money and hope for myself. For the sake of space I won't go too much in detail but all together I think I was out at least 7-8 grand on coaching from a "Voice Over training company" and from someone in the business that "promises work for you within a few weeks to a month". I was young and new to the game. I didn't realize that coaches don't get you work. YOU DO. Yeah, saying that you've trained with "X" coach can carry a little bit of clout, or that you got your demo produced by "Y" producer can help, but the fact remains, you have to go out and seek the work. I've been on a few P2P sites. I'm still on Voices right now. Should you get on one? Should you not? Look, I'm not gonna sway you one way or the other. I've seen VO's that make their entire living off of P2P sites, VO's that get jobs here and there, and VO's that wouldn't even spit on a P2P if it was on fire. The fact of the matter is it's a numbers game. What I will say is that if you're new to the game it may be a good option for you to join just so you can actually see some scripts from clients and, at the very least, practice. Now whether you stay after that is your call. If you can, learn about their algorithms. See how you can maximize being seen. Forewarning though, with most of those sites you'll have to pay more to be seen more. Some will also take a percentage of the jobs that you do get (to go along with the sign up fee). There's a HUGE talent pool on all of these sites, so just because a client liked your audition doesn't mean you'll get any of those gigs. For example, last month I had three of my auditions, in a row, get shortlisted by clients and got none of those gigs. It is what it is. You'll hear and see a lot of "no's" in this line of work. I think one of the biggest things that a VO overlooks when they're first starting out is marketing. I can tell you I've spent more time emailing, cold calling, and just generally talking to people about my voice acting than I have actually voice acting. I got a gig from a guy that came into the restaurant I work at because I told him about my voice acting and I gave him one of my cards. Just always be on the lookout for an opportunity to showcase your talents. Your marketing should be your second most important thing in your VO career after your demo (if you're just starting out). Speaking of your demo, do not produce it yourself. Even the best of the best go to other people to get help with producing their demos. If you have a good coach, they will tell you when you're ready to get a demo produced. If a coach tells you that if you take "X" number of classes and will then get a demo produced afterwards, run and run fast. If the coach has your best interests in mind they will tell you up front if they think you're ready for that step. To the newbies: there are way more areas of VO than just animation, video games, and your prototypical "character" voice over. I started out wanting to get into animation, but slowly realized I'm better at e-learning, narration, and commercial reads. That doesn't mean that you have to put your animation dreams on the back burner, but you'd be wise to at least look into these other areas. Hell, even telephony and on-hold automated messaging system VO can pay pretty well. The umbrella of VO has many arms. You may find out that you're the shit at medical narration (God bless you if you are). Do NOT sell yourself short. The industry has had a huge surge of people, especially within this last year, and a lot of them are doing and are willing to do projects for pennies on the dollar. I once saw someone post that they were looking for a VO to read the ENTIRE Quran for something like $200. Not $200 per finished hour (which still wouldn't have been enough), $200 total. And there were still people that sent in auditions to that person. If you're not sure what the industry standard rate is, take a look at the GVAA rate guide or the Gravy for the Brain rate guide. I'd really like to conclude this rambling with a whole "If you want to succeed in this business then you have to do A, B, and C" type of speech but success is relative. What I want out of my career and what you want are probably two completely different things. So find out what you like to do and be the best "you" at it that you can and never stop learning your craft. Peace, and keep that noise floor below -60.
Education by happy2behere_ • last post Mar 26th
what kind of college degree should a film actor pursue? there are so many different ones
Insecure about my training by Drive9 • last post Mar 26th
Hey actors, I wonder if anyone can relate to what I'm going through. I've been in a weekly acting class for one year in Los Angeles. I've been learning SO much about the craft of acting, technique, tools, exercises and about myself as an artist and human being. I absolutely love it and have been getting very good feedback from my teacher. She's moved me to her Advanced class on two occasions but just yesterday I asked her to go back to her Intermediate class because I was floundering in the Advanced class atmosphere. Hopefully by the end of this year I may have enough skill and confidence to rejoin her Advanced class. However, lately I've been feeling very insecure about my training and if it'll be enough to support me in the field. I know there are SO many actors out here who have gone to Juilliard, Yale School of Drama and Tisch School of the Arts. There are also European actors here who have trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts. Besides these well-known schools, there are actors who've been extensively trained in two or three year acting conservatories or have gone to a college where they received their BFA or MFA. As you can see, knowing there are powerhouse actors out here who have received this level of training, it's difficult for me not to feel like an unprepared and talentless schmuck. I didn't study at a prestigious acting school. I never attended a conservatory. I didn't study acting in college - I studied Biology. I know that at the end of the day casting directors don't care where you've been trained - they only care if you fit their vision of the role. I also know they are MANY actors who have been successful without this level of training. And to give my teacher some credit, she's been teaching for almost 40 years and has even said "my training will put you guys in the top 10 percentile." Nonetheless, I just wonder if this sense of insecurity is common amongst you guys :/
Should I add this to my empty reel? by Mefarius • last post Mar 26th
Hi, bit of a newer actor here. Recently, I've landed my first paid role: a part for my university's psych lab. I've always wanted to act beyond school productions and self-made youtube videos (mostly rants and old sketches), and I think this is a good first step. Maybe I'm not working with agents yet, but I'm getting my feet wet and getting some footage and material that isn't my own! The question I have is: should I put this on my basically non-existent reel? The role is basically going to be me giving a lecture. Besides that and clips from a 48 hr festival I plan on participating in, I don't have much else I'd put on a reel at the moment. And if I should put this on my reel, my follow up question would be how should I go about asking for clips? My guess is that they're not going to be publishing these videos, so I think I'd have to ask if I want a cut or some clips.
[Hiring] by naniwise • last post Mar 25th
Hello I was interested in hiring a few voice actors for saying a few lines. There would be two boys and two girls. The lines wouldn't be very long. Would anyone be interested? I'll pay