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.
As a starting actor, it's still a little blury on what to include on a resume. I know how to do it, but I simply don't know what to put on it, should i put YouTube credits under the web series section? How many training courses should i participate in, in order to be seen as a serious actor about his career? Any tips would be appreciated. Thank you!
For the past year, I (26F) have been saving up to move to Los Angeles through my remote government contractor position. The job is honestly terrible and more than a little soul-crushing. The only reason I haven't quit already is because I have been pushing towards the bigger goal - to be an actress in LA and work in the film industry. I am well aware of how difficult it is to make a living out of acting and really, I just want to work on a film set. I have been networking with people on Linkedin (I even got to speak with someone who has worked on the Mandalorian as a 1st AD) about entry level set work, attended a CSA seminar for people wanting to work in casting etc. If I never got cast in anything, I would still be happy if I could go watch a movie and say "I helped make this." Most people have told me that they have no doubt I will be able to achieve this but I need to be in LA to make it happen so I'm moving to make it happen. I have also been taking a variety of classes through studios near me as well as vocal lessons. I am getting my headshots done in two weeks (was supposed to be sooner but the photographer had COVID). Once I get those, I am going to be signing up for Actors Access and Backstage. I'm trying to do what I can to make myself marketable and to build/develop skills. I'm determined to get cast in at least one thing (really aiming high here, folks). I have also been active in play reading groups and even ran one myself for most of 2020. It's definitely been a privilege to spend money on acting classes when so many others are struggling to pay rent and I acknowledge that completely. I also recognize that I wouldn't have been able to do this at all if I didn't have a remote job so I acknowledge that privilege as well. I've just been trying to utilize my time effectively. So, with all that being said, when I move, I will have about $30,000. My current job has benefits, including healthcare and a 401k. It is a standard 8-4 office job (I don't take a lunch so I can end earlier) with exactly 0 flexibility. For example (I can go on and on): If my supervisor sees my status as yellow on Teams, they will assume I'm not working and then I don't get paid. It times out after 5 minutes so I can't even pee without playing Russian Roulette. I have been open with my parents (live with them currently) about my intentions and they are less than supportive. Not so much about acting but about the fact that I am giving up a job with health benefits. They are extremely worried and think I'm not being realistic at all. They want me to keep the job, at least until I am 100% settled. My mother has said she is worried I am going to turn to "less savory" activities to pay rent. My feelings are that I have to force myself out of bed every morning and have physically held myself back from metaphorically flipping a digital table and quitting on the spot and the idea of working past my mental finish line feels impossible. I can understand their argument and maybe they are right in that I should keep it just until I get that first on-set gig or my first role but I would like to hear what more experienced members of this subreddit think. Should I keep this job just for the benefits until I'm more established?
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Any tips or ideas on how to correct habitual actions? I'm not an actor, but I do perform. As I watch my performances back, I notice small annoyances that likely distract from my performance. The way my lips move while saying certain words. They shifts I make from one foot to the other. Etc. I'm looking for tactics to help correct these during practice and performance. Any help is appreciated.
Quick question, is it okay if i put solo scenes? Or do I have to put scenes that include other actors, so casting directors see how i perform with other people in a scene?
Just got done from a long background acting gig in a movie, let me tell you my experience so you can gain a little bit of wisdom. I firmly believe if you are interested in acting or filmmaking in general you should absolutely pick up a job as an extra just to see what a film set is like, that being said, one short gig is enough! There are ample wannabe filmmakers and aspiring actors doing the full time extra circuit. They do it full time and multiple films in a row. Let me tell you why they do it and why you shouldn't. Their arguments: \- "**I'll work my way up**". No you won't shut up. I mean really? We are literal props behind the main actors. There is no way you are going to be discovered from walking in the distance of 5 seconds of footage. You can't even really network, I myself am an aspiring screenwriter and wanted to see if I could maybe at least talk a bit to the script supervisor on set. After days of waiting and asking I got nothing, why, because it's a bustling high budget set and people got shit better to do than to chat it up with the lowly extras. I totally understand their busy schedule but we should realize being an extra isn't a good way to network. ​ \- "**The work is easy**". No. Working at a grocery store was easier at times. As an extra you are either chronically underworked and bored, or overworked and hungry. A day can consist of you sitting in holding all day on your phone and never being used or could be you being marched around all day in the sun just for one shot, and oh yeah if the director is on a work kick you'll work through lunch. Again, literally any grocery store or warehouse stocking job is easier. \- "**The pay is good**". Is $150 a day nice? Yeah! But that is 150 for 12 hours making the hourly rate about 12.50 almost no different than a low level job at Whole Foods. Sure the pay is better than McDonalds but honestly you can find that level of pay at a lot of places that give you more free time and less stress. ​ \- "**I get to act, which is my passion**". Stop tricking yourself. We literally stand/walk in the background and never even look at the camera. Production assistants will actively remind you not to act, because it isn't necessary. ​ TLDR: Working at a common grocery store as a produce stocker gets you similar pay, with less stress and more free time. Do it once to experience a film set then move on. If you're an aspiring actor or filmmaker please find something other than full-time background acting, it will always be a better choice.
Hi! I am an 18 yr (M) and I am planning on moving in a few months to L.A to pursue acting. I should have about $13k saved up by the time I plan on making the move and I have someone that may be moving with me, but she is still unsure. I was originally going to go to AADA but it was far too expensive with little to no financial aid (even in a low-income household) and they haven't even released their enrollment packets for the upcoming school year. I plan on getting my headshots done right before I leave or when I get there. When I move, I'm going to sign up on centralcasting immediately and probably Backstage as well. I'm not sure what parts of L.A are necessarily good parts to be in for an actor (the only thing I've heard is Studio City is a safer neighborhood and somewhat affordable). I was wondering if I could get some advice on a few things: what I should be doing for the first few months there, where are good areas to live, what is a good job to have besides restaurants, and what's a good and safest way to find roommates just in case my friend changes her mind? I also was wondering if studios also post open casting calls on their websites?
How do you find a partner for self-taping? Is there any acting app where actors can find scene partners using something like zoom or skype? cheers
Hi everyone, I want to get back into pursuing acting after taking a (too long) break and looking for some acting classes. I was initially just wanting to do night classes and amature theatre because I work full time atm but after going to The Actors Hub to trial their night classes, they are trying to convince me to sign up to their full time 3 year course. It's pretty expensive at $12,000 a year and I would need to drop to part time or quit and get a more flexible job so it's a big commitment. They say that they are cheaper and better than WAAPA because they use some of the same lecturers but more supportive environment. They say they have strong relationships with well known agents like Morrisey Management who apparently won't look at you if you don't study for 3 years and that you get an opportunity to be represented by the end. I didn't have the intention of signing up to a full time course originally, but I do feel very lost in terms of direction and support and being represented by a good agent is the goal for me, but I'm also wary about being taken advantage of. Has anyone done this course and can give me an honest opinion? How much is the WAAPA course in comparison? What other acting workshops and night classes can you recommend? Can you get a good agent and professional work by doing amature theatre, night classes and student films or is full time study neccesary? Thanks!
I'm looking for something to watch that will give me a little insight into the world of acting. I've already watched the following and they were good. Can you recommend anything else? * That Guy Who Was in That Thing * That Gal Who Was in That Thing * Strictly Background * Barry Seasons 1-2. * A few long SAG-AFTRA panels on Youtube. It doesn't need to be some super informative video. As you can tell by my inclusion of Barry on this list, I just want something acting related enough to be entertaining. If it provides some insight that's a big bonus. Edit: I'm more interested in the world of beginning or working actors. Not so much the megastars. I'm also not looking to do in-depth research, so the SAG panels I watched were a bit much. Something aimed more at non-actors (which is what I am) would be ideal. I figured I'd post it here since this community is full of people who'd know of anything that might exist.
Hey guys I'm trying to get some clarification on the differences/similarities of some major casting websites and also would love some feedback from you all on what your favorite casting sights are! (Especially those of you in the southeast). I'm an actor based in the southeast and when I signed with my current agent I was required sign up for Actors Access, Casting Networks, & Cast It Talent. Personally I've never used Cast It Talent to look for breakdowns. I don't self submit on Casting Networks because it's expensive IMO for the unlimited access yearly subscription so I only pay the $7 a month to host media on my profile. I do this because I gear myself more towards the theatrical side of acting (film/TV) and find breakdowns to self submit to more often on AA than I ever see on Casting Networks so I paid the annual fee for the premium version of AA. My agent submits me for work on all 3 casting sights of course but I still like to do as much as I can on my end and self submit whenever possible. I also pay for Backstage and self submit there as well. So for you actors out there that gear themselves more towards film/tv what casting sights do you use? (On top of what your agent may use to submit you). From the research that I've done I've ran across various casting websites and (correct me if I'm wrong) but I believe Breakdown Services and Actors Access are essentially the same thing. Like how Casting Frontier, LA Casting and Casting Networks are, correct? If this is true is it beneficial at all to be on the different versions of these casting sights? Any sights that I didn't mention that you guys would recommend? Anyone ever used Casting Depot? Thanks for any insight, tips, and feedback guys, break a leg!
Hi. Thank you so much for reading the post! I’m a cybersecurity major student done with my first year of college. However I’ve been debating, I’ve always wanted to be an actor and been thinking of applying to other colleges (acting schools). I know I will be considered a transfer and most deadlines are March 1st for fall transfers, am I too late? I’m in Virginia should I look for in-state schools or it doesn’t matter. Lastly, I’m an introvert is acting even a good idea, will I come out of my comfort-zone or is this a far-reach for me. Again. Thank you!
i'm a fifteen year old girl from england acting has always been what i wanted to do. even if i try to convince myself that i want to do this job or that job when i'm older, it is just simply what i want to do. it sounds cheesy but it is a genuine passion. and i'm naturally pretty okay aha. in regards to careers, i'm incredibly realistic. i know that i probably won't ever make it and be a big name in the acting industry. obviously that is fine, i'm not fussed with being famous or anything, but i would want to make a good amount of money. i've always had a real fear of suffering financially when i am older. however, i don't want to (for example) go to an acting school, only to end up nowhere. it's expensive to go to acting schools, obviously, and while i know it is not a necessity, i don't imagine it hurts to meet people with connections aha. recently, an actor joined my school. i'm not naming him, but he's been in some pretty good shows and films. and i just want to do what he did. idk why he got into acting but he's doing it, and i just wish i could. i doubt my parents would want me to look into acting now, and i understand why lol. should i play it safe and just go into entertainment as a whole? or should i focus on acting, something i really love, despite everything that comes with that risk?
I’m looking to become a more serious actor, and my film acting teacher recommended me to start improv! This improv class has a bunch of kids who know what they’re doing, and I’m afraid I’m going to make a fool of myself. Improv is technically just having good timing and always knowing what to say....but I’m a bit slow just in general
remembered seeing a post on this sub talking about how easy it is for kids of actors to waltz right into the business whether they have talent or not. then i read [this](https://amp.cinemablend.com/news/2565011/tom-holland-reveals-how-brother-landed-role-sony-spider-man-no-way-home-marvel). ​ https://preview.redd.it/cb30mzwy46q61.jpg?width=1080&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=83d7fad2655f887a76fd6b434a1ab2cf888fce25
I only recently found out actors are listed on RT, not just titles. Just saw that two of my credits are randomly attached to my name, both from TV. Do people add these details, or is it just AI? And why some credits and not others? Does it actually matter to anyone in casting?