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Cut the crap, let’s be honest. by stile03  •  last post Dec 24th

Ok cutting all the crap about luck and how anyone can be a famous actor if they are in the right place at the right time( which I’m sure is partly true) but please in your honest opinion what about the famous actors made them so famous? How did brad Pitt go from serving tables to one of the most acclaimed actors In Hollywood? Or how did Johnny Depp pick up an acting twitch at 26 and become a world wide star at 30? I get it, everyone wants to believe their dreams are true and that they can just sit back and wait for an audition to come back as a yes. BUT what did these famous actors do/have to succeed so spectacularly? The best example I can think of is Adam driver, he isn’t particularly attractive nor was he a child star with connections in the biz, yet he is currently one of the biggest names in Hollywood, HOW DID HE DO IT...WHY IS HE SOOO SPECIAL?

Starting a career in the PNW by SaintShaffer  •  last post Dec 24th

Hi everyone, I'm about as new to Reddit as I am to acting: been around it forever but just now taking the plunge. I really want to open up a discussion about starting an acting career in Portland, OR. I grew up in LA, dreamt of a meaningful career as an actor since I was kid, have quite a few friends in the industry, but unfortunately my parents wanted me to be an engineer so now I'm making rotisserie chickens at Costco (don't get me wrong, it's a great job with benefits and opportunities). Cutting to the chase, my wife and I moved up here a few years ago and I still have this unshakable urge to really give acting a shot. I've found a couple good classes that I'm saving up for, but before I drop $400 on a six week intro course I'm curious about your thoughts and experiences. Where did you begin?

Casting question by ChrisPBacon989  •  last post Dec 24th

What actor would you cast in a movie about the life of young guy in their 20s who is a serial killer. I was trying To think of an actor who hasn’t played these crazy characters before but would be great at it.

How am I doing? Good actor or not video by crawlingalien  •  last post Dec 24th

[https://youtu.be/Efod4nFGR\_w](https://youtu.be/Efod4nFGR_w) I just started out, in that video I'm acting out a scene as the jokers character

Is acting for me? by 1CantTh1nk0fAName  •  last post Dec 23rd

I’ve always been a fairly shy kid. I often keep to myself with a few friends close around me, but I was always willing to socialise with people around me. The issue is that the schools I’ve been to have been to have been run down and the vast majority were always getting themselves into trouble (drugs, gangs etc) so I’ve never really had a chance to get myself out there. I’m finishing secondary school in a few months and I plan on going to do 4 a levels. The thing is I don’t really know what to do after that. One thing that has come to my mind was acting. I’m very unsure on it because I’ve often been quite introverted but at the same time I’ve always wanted to do something noteworthy with my life. When I watch a tv serious or a movie, I’ve always thought how good it’d be to be apart of it which is where the idea of being an actor came to me. I’ve never done any proper acting. The most I’ve done is say a few lines in a few school plays. In drama lessons at school, we almost never did performances mainly because like I said, my school just wasn’t good so I didn’t get much of an opportunity then. I do feel like I’ve grown a bit more confident this year, but I don’t know if it’s enough to make acting a career. I’m still very unsure if it’s worth putting a lot of work into it. I’m only 16 so I have a decent amount of time ahead still to think about what I want to do of course. I’ve read that it’s very competitive and only the best do well for themselves, whereas most struggle financially. I am hard working and I hate giving up, I’m just undecided if it’s a route I want to go down. I’d much rather fail then wonder what if.

Looking for Voice Actors for a small indie game I'm developing. by Dommmmmmmmmmmmmmm  •  last post Dec 23rd

Hello All, As said in the title I'm looking for some voice actors for a small game I'm making. Disclaimer, "Voice Actor 1" one has a lot of profanity in the script as of now. Desired Voice Actor 1 - (Male) Has a macho, "douchey", and masculine voice or can replicate it to a tea. In other words, has a very aggressive "Chad" -like voice. Desired Voice Actor 2 - (Female) Normal, simple and clean voice. Preferably similar to that of a receptionist who loves their job. If you are interested please shoot me a dm or comment down below! , Thanks

filmmaker here: why are many actors limited by naturalistic acting? is this a style of acting that is commonly taught? Can we discuss? by pokeoutmyirises  •  last post Dec 23rd

Hi everyone! I am a filmmaker that posted in the past here. I got a lot of interesting comments and insightful ones! My question is as the title says. I often cast for my own projects or cast for other projects of friends (Nothing big, just a short filmmaker who is trying to build a career). * I've noticed that many actor applications will have the same major acting studios on their resume, and many of these actors (with the exception of a few) offer a very naturalistic approach to acting that I and many of my colleagues, find very limiting. * Semantics might be a problem, so let me define what I mean by this. It seems Stanislavsky favored a naturalistic approach to acting. So it seems from here, that acting begun to shift towards this philosophy as we say nowadays. * It seems a lot of actors with this training, approach the script as if they were themselves. The reactions are often muted and unexciting too watch. It's as if they are taught not to feel anything. It's not mechanical or robotic, but rather just very plain delivery , especially taking into consideration the context of the script(I'll expand on this later) * I've had a few discussion with acting colleagues who stated this is because theatrical acting is dead. I didn't understand this because Marlon Brando's and Robert Deniro's performance in Godfather was definitely theatrical. I would also say Shelly and Nicholson's performance in The Shining was theatrical as well. The New Joker was phenomenal performance as well. A few of the younger actors said that these older performances I mentioned were too theatrical, but stopped when I mentioned Joker. The older actors said these performances are classics and worth studying. I do agree that some really old films had terrible acting, but I wonder if there is some kind of generational gap here? I'm not that old lol. * in a recent short film I casted. I had to turn down many applicants. Instead, i ended up casting a few friends who were in a community theatre program and they delivered much more emotional performances needed for my scene. The cast were not formal actors, but just people who did a theatre program and wanted to help out a friend. I'm guessing this is because these friends weren't following a certain philosophy so they felt much more loose? These performances felt much more believable since it seemed they actually cared and felt, rather than being too calm. * I felt during the casting, many of these trained actors had a very limited emotional and character range. I saw their reels and sometimes would see the same actor apply to many of the other projects I've casted. Often, they played themselves or all the characters blended as one. When I asked them for both self-tapes and in-person auditions, I couldn't get them to bring significant changes to their performances. For example, I would tell an actor to do a sad scene the way they did it (usually it was very casual delivery), then I asked them to heighten it as if this person was important to them and you were never gonna see them again. Or for example, deliver it to me again, but as if you are asserting dominance/commanding your entire football team. The changes were barely noticeable, the camera definitely could not pick it up. The degree of difference after me giving them direction was very tiny. I thought it was nerves at first because of in-person auditions, but then I noticed the same thing with video auditions. * I also have a self-tape studio where I help professional actors (not just student) do their tapes for a show or feature film audition. Though many of these actors are quite strong, I would say it's sometimes too natural in contrast to the context of the script. Can we all argue, debate, unravel and talk about this for a second? Is there some kind of overall philosophy that major acting studios teach? Are actors aware that this super natural approach is limiting for a number of roles? Do actors nowadays not appreciate De Niro or Nicholson?

Keeping it Real... by ZacharyGoldman  •  last post Dec 23rd

Naturalism in Acting: How to Guide? Hi Everyone! My name is Zachary and about five minutes ago my sister introduced to me something called Reddit. A further two minutes later; I find myself writing to an acting group. This app is great! I just wanted to created a discussion on Naturalism. What is the key to being a very natural performer? This is something I have struggled with for a few year’s. As an actor I have a very extroverted personality, I enjoy playing complex characters with bold journeys, active impulses. In general, I get feedback to suppress these emotions more. Make them more internal and somewhat more believable? Stanislavski believe in having a jar of YOU and dropping little bits of character in to the concoction. Emma Watson mentions after filming Saving Mr. Banks, that she studies and explores the whole world of the character, makes discoveries and then completely drops it when filming begins. What is your advice, tips and potential exercises to create a performance to and audience where you are completely In YOUR same skin and body and yet transformed into a completely other person?

My company is using my voice... by CrypticQuirk  •  last post Dec 23rd

So I’m a salary employee and I usually volunteer for things outside of my traditional role. We are currently developing a new interactive educational software platform and I was asked to make some sound bites. Single words to a short paragraph. Usually they do this just for “busy work” as they contract VO actors from upwork or similar places. When I asked my supervisor how we’d know if our sound/voice would be chosen, as I was expecting a BS answer/deflection. I was told I was the only one they wanted, and didn’t even bother asking others to contribute. Granted I “created” voices for about 5-6 characters and enjoyed the aspect of it fully. How could I credit this on my resume/work experience as VO acting? It was paid work because I did it during my working hours, but it’s outside of my traditional duties. I was told if they need me to speed up/down my speech pattern they’d have me redo my recording, which is no problem. As long as it’s during working hours. The software/platform will go live in about 3 months to around 10,000 students per week and I’m stoked about doing this. Has anyone else has something like this happen? VO tasks under a different job title?

Could this be a possible thing for me? by ikeeponwondering  •  last post Dec 22nd

Hi all! So i’m not really a voice actor or anything, but I’ve read a few things to a few people and they say I have a nice voice for narrating? I was wondering if this could even be a thing, so would love to see what y’all think. The accent is um...obviously not real lol, but i like a bit of affect haha. I thought it sounded cool. Recording here: bit.ly/2POPNb1 Sorry, i’m not sure how to do it without a video. You may have to download! Also, sorry for the bit of wind interference and stuff, did this on my phone. Thank you for reading, and maybe listening!

How can I know if acting is for me? by Belfalor  •  last post Dec 22nd

Hey all, I apologise for the vague post title. I realise the answer to the title is probably just "give it a try and you'll know." And maybe I should do just that. I guess I'm just really hesitant. I don't wanna waste time and money on something that might not be what I want to do at all. I'm in my last year of school right now, just for some context, and still don't really know what I want to do in terms of studies, and career and stuff. I've got a lot of ideas, most of which don't seem worth trying though. I've always though acting could be fun, always imagined how cool it would be to play a super hero or something, or I don't know. I was watching that movie, Marriage Story, for the second time, earlier on, which I highly recommend btw, great acting. And there was just a scene where one of the actors' performance was so powerful, and it really made me feel what he felt. And for a moment I was like, I want to be able to do that, and deliver these kinds of performances. I've never done any acting in my life. Not official or professional acting anyway. Never done theatre of any kind, and the only time I tried to audition for something was when a younger me sent an email to the casting director for Game of Thrones to try and get an audition. I guess it can't hurt to try, but I'm wondering if how I felt while watching that movie maybe meant I should maybe give this a real try, and might be good at it. I don't know. I suppose I could try theatre once. I can't say it's been a lifelong dream to do acting. It sounds fun, difficult but fun, though, but again I don't know. I suppose what's always put me off of it is that there are already so many big names out there, it's extremely hard to get yourself noticed isn't it? I wouldn't say I'm a person who gives up instantly, but it's true. Nowadays I feel like you'd have to do some amazing acting to get noticed. I realise no one gets put in huge movies instantly. It takes time and effort of course, like most things. I guess what I can ask you all is, how did you know acting was what you wanted to do? Was there something in particular that happened and that made you take the decision? I'm just trying to figure out what I want to do, and maybe acting is just that. Thanks for reading, I hope my post made sense.

Is it worth it to pursue engineering at the same time as theatre? by beryllium92  •  last post Dec 22nd

I’m currently a first year college student and my primary major is engineering. I actually do somewhat enjoy it, but I would much rather pursue a degree in theatre because that’s what I’m passionate about. I’m lucky because I do have advanced standing and I go to a school that is known for being good for pursuing multiple degrees, so would it be worth it to continue engineering while picking up theatre? My main reasoning is that engineering would be a great way to make a living because of how unstable acting is, but my main concerns are that 1) it would distract me from improving myself as an actor 2) most engineering jobs aren’t flexible enough to allow for rehearsals/auditions, so I fear that I would have to choose one or the other.

How do I get over myself while acting? by himymaxu  •  last post Dec 22nd

Never created a post before, so spare with me :) I never planned to be an actress, I mean it was always a childhood dream of mine but I never actually did anything to become an actress. I was planing to have a normal life, not on the stage, not in the spotlight. Especially because while growing up I developed a bit of anxiety and I grew up in a small town with very judgey eyes, it is not easy being different here. Anyway, my favorite TV-show did a call-out and I decided to apply for it, I didn't think much of it. You only had to answer some questions and send a video of you introducing yourself. It was easy and I never thought I would actually get an answer. That was back in May. In October I got a call from an agency, telling me that they had interest in me and would like me to do an online audition, which I did. I was really surprised by that, but I wanted to give it a shot. They called me month later and they want to meet up with me next year for a TV show they have in the making. Now here is the thing: While filming the audition I was by myself because I could've never done it with anyone in the room, because I would cringe so much. Don't get me wrong, there is nothing cringy about acting, I love good actors and I am totally fascinated by them but if I act myself, I literally cannot do it. I feel embarrassed and awkward and I blame my small town mindset for it, but I feel weird doing it. But I really want to act and I really want to meet up with them next year and actually do a good job, but I just can't seem to get over myself while I act. If I am alone, no problem, but as soon as eyes are on me I feel like they are judging me or making fun of me and then my anxiety kicks in and I just know I won't do a good job. Does anyone feel the same way of have felt the same way and knows how to get over this feeling? Would appreciate answers a lot... btw thanks for sticking to the end of the post :)

Could I become A VoiceOver Actor in US while having a foreign accent(Spanish)? by qPec5  •  last post Dec 22nd

Hi guys, How likely (if possible) is for a non-native-english-speaker to enter to this industry while in US? I didn't find any video (in youtube) or any article that clarify that.

Is starting at 23 too late for Hollywood movies? by giraffe2319  •  last post Dec 22nd

Technically I tried acting as a kid up until about 10 years old, didn’t get casted in anything besides be an extra in a Michael Bay movie, but haven’t done anything at all since. Now I’ve graduated college with a business degree and my passion for wanting to act has all a sudden come back full force. I really think it would be cool to either be in a big tv show or a big movie. Is it possible to get to this level with only really starting to learn at the age I’m at now? Yesterday I looked up all the big actors and the majority of them have been doing a bunch of things since they were kids, with getting big roles in their early 20’s. This is why I’m not sure if I’m just too late to really develop good skills (too late to get into a big Hollywood movie I mean) What does everyone think? I live near the DC area so would it be possible to get casted into big movies by living here?

I want to get into acting, but I’m unsure/nervous by Brains43  •  last post Dec 22nd

Hey everyone, Just to start off I wanted to say I’m a big fan of movies, and their actors. Especially big action films like John wick etc and I’ve always wanted to be apart of them in one way or another. As for me everyone has told me I have a very deep voice for a young age, ever since i was around 15. I then started to do impressions of people with deep voices, such as the Allstate guy, or saying the Arby’s signature quote “we have the meats”. Each time it’d make someone light up and laugh at the accuracy of each impression. At one point I was doing a Denzel Washington training day impression, and my First sgt (I’m in the national guard) made everyone quiet down to listen to it. With everyone telling me this I thought it’d be good to get into acting/ voice acting, I’ve thought about it for about a year. I’m 20 years old now and enrolled in college, I’m unhappy with my current major and I’m thinking of changing it to communications, or theatre to further my acting skills. I’m nervous about such a big change since I have no experience outside of my little impressions, or if I could be successful after school. took one acting course 2 semesters ago, which I enjoyed but outside of that there aren’t many opportunities outside of my area ( I live in a quiet area, Philadelphia and new York are about 2 hours away) I know I’ve wanted to do this for a while, but I want to look at it realistically and ask myself if I could even be successful at the field. Thank you for reading the entire thing, this is the longest post I’ve made on reddit. Any advice would be appreciated

To those about to give up on their dreams because of their unfortunate situations, read this before you pull the plug. by dont_track_me_please  •  last post Dec 22nd

I’m a South African. I’m 17. I just realised that acting is what I want to do in life. It’s what I can picture myself doing in 5, 10, 20, even 40 years from now. My acting industry is lacking severely here. The best actors get paid the same as lesser actors would in the States or UK. Making it is near impossible, and those that do make it, often aren’t able to live the extraordinary lives they dreamed of. Because of this, the obvious option is to move to a country with a better industry right? The problem is you’re not a resident, so even if you manage to get a visa, you can’t act - professionally anyway. You can’t make the dream come true because of where you were born, because of your circumstances and you should give up because it’s basically impossible to make it - except it’s not. Where there’s a will, there’s a way. I swear i’m not trying to be preachy, but someone needs to hear this. A lot of times, I needed to here this. The odds in the US or UK of making it in the industry is probably 1 in a billion, for people like us, it’s probably 1 in a trillion. But there’s still that 1. It might be small but there’s still that chance. There’s always a chance, and if you’re serious about this life, then take that chance. For me, I have a plan to make it: study my ass off and get accepted to varsity overseas, get a degree, get a job and get residence - all while going for acting lessons, honing my craft and (hopefully) meeting people in the industry. If I don’t get accepted overseas, it’s merely a setback. My plan still applies but on a local level, building my resume until it’s large enough to apply for an O-1B visa and move to the States. Yes my plan is vague, frail and probably unlikely to even succeed, but it’s a chance. A chance i’m willing to take. Maybe it won’t workout and i’ll waste my days chasing a fruitless dream, or maybe it does work and I attend the premier to my first big role after years of struggling. The thing is, acting is a career of struggling. I truly think that everything in life is a struggle, some things more than others. The people at the top were willing to struggle more than those below them. Getting a 9-5 is easy, but is it worth it? Is it worth doing something you truly don’t want to? I think it isn’t, which is why I’m willing to pursue something so improbable knowing i probably won’t make it. Do you have strict parents that won’t let you act? That’s fine, just pursue acting when you move out, and in the meantime, work on your craft. Do you have a fragile financial situation that requires you to hold a steady job? That’s fine, save up and invest money to chase your dream in a few years down the line. 9 times out of 10, there’s a way. I know what I’m saying sounds preachy, but it’s not meant to be. It’s not meant to be some inspirational speech calling upon everyone in this subreddit to mobilise and chase their dreams. Its simply a message, to those like me with improbable situations: ‘no matter what, there’s a way. And if you’re serious, don’t give up, because if you give up, your chances of achieving your dreams are exactly 0. Even 1 in a trillion odds are better than odds of 0.’ And hey, if that isn’t enough just ask yourself this: on your deathbed, when you have hours left on this planet, would you regret not at least trying? If the answer is no, then don’t try. But if you answer yes, or even hesitate to answer, then this is probably for you. And if it is for you, then why not at least try?

I need help with a stage name? by mariabernal1  •  last post Dec 22nd

Hello I need help with a stage name, My first name is Elle and I want to pay some tribute to filmmakers or actors who've inspired me but I don't want it to be super obvious. My favourite actor is De Niro and Scorsese is my favourite filmmaker. somebody please help me :(