Hello everyone, I need some help; I am not an actor, but I am in the planning phase of a project that will involve actors. I would really appreciate it if some of you could give me feedback on my plans; I am out of my depth when it comes to the possibilities and limitations of acting. This is a long post, so thank you to anyone who reads it! Also, let me know if there is a better subreddit for a post like this. Concerning the concept below, I’m hoping some of you might point out any challenges you can think of, ways to improve it, or whether any part of this is not possible. Maybe it’s even a common job and there’s some existing structure I could use? Forgive my lack of knowledge, I’m sure there are some concepts below which have specific names that I’m not aware of. Here is the basic idea: For this project, I would seek out either amateur or part-time actors. During the audition, I would try to determine any strengths that the actor might have, and give them characters that play into these strengths. Depending on how broad-ranging their strengths are, each actor I hire would be given some number of “character blueprints” (not scripts), that would provide them with information such as: 1. personality type 2. receptiveness to strangers 3. Mood 4. A few specific behaviours 5. Typical reactions to given stimuli The actor would then role-play a character with one of my clients (1-on-1), attempting to create a genuine interaction. The clients would not be acting, but they would be aware that they are talking to an actor. The content/subject matter of the conversation would depend on the individual and the actor, and would change with each new individual the actor talks to. The interactions would be between 10 and 30 minutes. If the actor has multiple “character blueprints” they have learned, they would be given some amount of time (let’s say between 2 and 5 minutes) to get into character between interactions. The actor might also be given additional tweaks to their character in this time; for example, going from a “grumpy” mood to a “hostile” mood. They might also be given situational information that is specific to that interaction, such as: “You are an interviewer hiring for a New York law firm. You may choose to use the following questions, if needed: ….” I’m concerned with being able to provide clients with interactions that they can immerse themselves in (ie. forget that they are talking to an actor). What kind of acting quality might I expect in terms of “% clients immersed”, if I paid $15/hr? $25/hr? $40/hr? Would some character types be more challenging and therefore more expensive? Is there any other information I should provide the actor to help them build a realistic character? Finally, I would really like to enable actors to grow their skillset, if possible. Would this type of position be engaging for actors, especially if they were a part of it for months/years? Is there some way I can make it more interesting/challenging for them? Some rough drafts of potential “character blueprints”: Example A: 1. Nurturer 2. Very receptive, friendly 3. Happy 4. Listening, giving positive feedback if it’s their turn, asking interested questions 5. Laugh at jokes, interpret intent positively Example B: 1. Thinker 2. Unreceptive, closed-off, and standoff-ish 3. Grumpy/Irritable 4. Interrupting or attempting to speak over client, using logic in an attempt to dominate conversation, exhibiting passive-aggressiveness 5. Interprets any argument as a personal attack, misinterprets and falsely summarizes opposing view when cornered in an argument (“so you’re saying…”), begrudgingly receptive to good-natured jokes
What movie in your opinion is a MUST watch for any actor/actress?
I’ve been working as a professional actor for a couple of years and now make a living out of it (when there is no pandemic). I am in both actors unions in my country, have good casting pictures approved by casting directors, good demo approved by casting directors, a resume full of training and experiences, am my own agents (which means I receive all the confidential breakdowns and, personally, it gets me more work than having an agent). I usually get one professional role per month + background work + roles on special events. I have lost everything with the pandemic. And now that everyone is going back to work, I struggle to get something as simple as background work even though I am supposed to have priority with my union. They hire beginners they don’t even have the right to hire instead of me. I don’t get the roles I am perfect for anymore and those I get get cancel with the pandemic. And for years, I have been struggling to get speaking roles. I have mastered the non-speaking roles (I had more than 30) but can’t get to the next level on professional union jobs. I asked many of my acting teachers if I am doing anything wrong and they can’t figure it out. What am I doing wrong? How do I get back what I had and go to the next level?
Hi everyone, I did a quick search through the subreddit looking for an answer to my question, but it seems best to try and put the specifics of my circumstance out there and see if anyone can help. I’m non-union and signed to a reputable agency. I booked and shot my first full commercial last month, and per the details of my compensation I was to be paid $500 for the day (a 12 hour shoot, which they used every possible second of) + a $6000 buyout “if recognizable in final edit”. From what I gather, this simply means that if my face is clearly visible and you can tell it’s me, they have to cut me another check. I expected to be paid the day rate separately and before anything else, and sure enough today I received a check from my agency for the day rate ($750, instead of $500) minus taxes and agency fee. I’m one of two principals, and in fact the only two actors, in the commercial. Based on the shoot, there’s a large number of shots in which my face would be clearly seen unless they completely discard almost the entirety of the spot’s “narrative” and its runtime. Neither principal role has any dialogue, but the other actress and myself were featured heavily—myself probably more so. Has anyone experienced this particular circumstance? What was the approximate turn around on day rate compensation vs. buyout compensation? Is this something I should, or even could, ask my reps about at an appropriate time? I appreciate the help!
The internet has failed me in finding commercial actors that have extensive insight on the industry. Want to hear the perspective of someone that's not a famous tv commercial actor.
Just wondering!
Hello Internet Strangers!! My name is Jo and I am the producer/actor of a new fan series! We are looking for actors to portray several characters for our first episode! We have the script written and we are currently working on the next 5 episodes! We hope to have this out by June of this year. Here’s a quick synopsis of the series. Venus Flint, the adoptive daughter of Jenny And Vastra Flint, meets The Doctor at Demons Run. Being only 18 at the time, she develops a slight crush on him. She spends her days waiting on him to return, though she doesn’t think anything will come of it. She joins up with Torchwood to track him down since her infatuation is getting the best of her. He eventually returns and finds her, now 20, engaged to another man, who is abusive. Long story short, he stops the wedding, they run off, hijinks ensue. So, right now, we are currently looking for these roles. 11th Doctor Jenny Vastra Strax Amy Rory Dorium Maldovar Aaaand that’s it for now! We can discuss payment once you receive the role. Though our budget is pretty slim. I think we can do 25-30 for leads and 10-15 for smaller parts. Though we can discuss this later. I will be listing my email down below for anyone interested. Email me to get your audition script! Can’t wait to work with all of you!
Hello there! I'm an aspiring VA actor, always on the hunt for more work. Lately, I've been wondering if I'm getting turned down for certain roles because the tone and quality of my voice doesn't match the age range the casting director is looking for. If you could give this 15 second clip a quick listen, and let me know what age my voice seems closest to, I'd really appreciate it! [https://drive.google.com/file/d/1bih\_P-MVHbmZ7b1jNpdKCo7KSitKo-D2/view?usp=sharing](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1bih_P-MVHbmZ7b1jNpdKCo7KSitKo-D2/view?usp=sharing) Cheers!
Hi! I am an actor in nyc and am about to cut ties with my manager. I’m a little nervous to do this because I’m not sure if managers or agencies are actively seeking out new clients because of the pandemic. I’m not really happy with where I’m at currently, so I’d rather take this chance but I’m just curious if anyone knows if most are accepting new clients right now or if things are still kind of slow?
So, as you all can see from my history, I’m new to the community. The main reason I started (and decided to pick certain characters I felt came naturally to me) is because I’m an aspiring actor and I felt that doing cosplay shoots displaying my facial expressions and movements would help me to land the type of character I’m looking to play. I’ve been dreaming about this since I was 12... But most of my life I had it embedded in my head that I need to go to college. I need to get a masters degree and a boring ass a job. I need to make ends meet. I need to have “something to offer” my partner. I got a bachelors in accounting (albeit cheated most of my way to it) and got a job that drained me physically and mentally, constantly being bitched at by my boss, only for me and three fourths of my department to be told to fuck off a couple months before the pandemic started. From then on and with the bad working experiences I had before that, I determined that I didn’t want to work for some bullshit company or an asshole boss. I wanted to build my own wealth. By both acting/ cosplay and starting a business. I am collecting unemployment (same amount I made while working) and slowly trying to build my coaching business (soon I want to start a clothing line). I recently moved in with the love of my life and her two beautiful children who are understanding and supportive of my situation. I’ve blown a lot of money on stuff for cosplay and getting ready to do shoots to boost my acting career... The thing is sometimes I feel my body telling me “You’re wasting money. You’re gonna be another crab in the bucket. Your dad is right, you need a job job.” But then there’s that voice... the voice that keeps telling me to keep going. That this is a means to an end and something will come out of this. That I came this far and can’t stop now... Maybe the voice is just schizophrenia. At this point I wouldn’t be surprised. I guess maybe what I need is some encouragement. Guidance. Or just a simple everything will be okay. I dunno.
Hello everyone, as you've read I'm interested in voice acting and have a few questions. My first obvious one is: what microphone should I invest in? I also have some other questions like: Should I worry about sound dampening materials? Where would be the best place/online community to find legitimate work as a voice actor/actress? And what qualifications do I need if any? I would really appreciate your advice, criticism and/or experience. Thank you all and have a good day further!
Hello everyone! Psych Hub is looking for German voice actors, both male and female. We have a large video library about mental health currently only in English and need to dub the animations into German. This would be on ongoing relationship if chosen to join our roster! Just a little about the company, our the goal is to make mental health education free and accessible to consumers. We also make training videos for clinicians. Here's an example of one of our videos: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=\_9j2ozvS5vo](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_9j2ozvS5vo) If you are interested or know someone who might be please respond/message with a demo reel and email. Thanks!
A great 'Pandemic Project' by a Vancouver based actor, checking in with everyone to see how their careers are going. There are other interesting blog posts on this site, too, dealing with - for instance - the Casting Director 'industry', but I was interested on everyone's thoughts on this poll. No matter where you are, how would you answer these questions, and do you agree with the premise given? [https://sarahtolle.com/vancouver-actors-report/](https://sarahtolle.com/vancouver-actors-report/)
It may sound a bit stupid but is there a way to become an actor without doing theatre ? I’m just not so keen of doing theatre and live performances at the moment. And how could I get into film and stuff with no experience ? Sorry if it’s a silly question. Thanks :)
I have a very basic beginner set up right now - Blue Snowball mic with a pop filter, Audacity for Mac, and a closet rigged up with furniture blankets for soundproofing. I’ve been a stage/camera actor for several years, so I’m no stranger to the idea of an audition, but I’m really nervous about my first VO audition. It’s for a few episodes of a scripted podcast; the audition will not be live but the recording, should I get it, will be over Source Connect. I have no idea how to go about this audition! I’m currently in a beginner VO class but we’ve mainly focused on reading commercial copy so far. Any advice for an anxious new kid is welcome.
Pertaining to similar stories like Joss Whedon's alleged [abusive behavior](https://www.thecut.com/2021/02/joss-whedons-controversies-and-alleged-bad-behavior-a-guide.html) on set, have you ever had to deal with a rude or abusive director, if so, how did you handle it and did it have any results or repurcussions? Is it just something you have to endure? I ask this because I hope to start classes eventually and personally, I'm not someone who stays quiet when someone continuously acts unprofessional with me, especially if it's uncalled for or unhelpful. There's a lot I can take but belligerence is not one of them, but at the same time, I'm also thinking it might gain me a "diva" status for standing up for myself. It worries me that very often, you'd see actors early in their career choose to endure it for the sake of keeping their jobs, until the chance that they become more of a household name then to call out the director. People have told me "If you can't handle that kind of pressure, you're in the wrong industry", but I don't see why that should be a standard for this industry at all.
Hello! I hope this is okay to ask here I got super into acting around 12/13 and joined things like sf casting (casting networks) and backstage. The thing is-I’m south Asian and remember feeling so defeated scrolling through “Caucasian, Caucasian, Caucasian...”. The few roles I got were things like they needed a cast of “students” so they didn’t specify. I guess my question is-now, 7-8 year later, how is it on these sites? is there more diversity in the listings? I’m kind of wondering if it would be a better use of my time to try to submit to boutique agencies even though I don’t have a lot of experience? thank you!!
I'm a new actor and I have a self-tape audition but my male reader friend is out of town and I have to use a female reader. This other character I'm supposed to have a conversation within my self-tape is a straight male. I only have 1 more day to send it. Is it acceptable to use a female reader in this case? Would the Casting director mind it or will it make my self-tape weaker by doing this?