We have found 19,243 posts across 4 actor forums:
Should I join SAG-AFTRA? by EffectivePineapple • last post Jun 20th
I have the opportunity to join SAG through a principal role in a SAG-AFTRA short film (honestly not sure if the film would make me SAG-E or must join), but I'm not sure if I should join right now as I have no acting experience besides commercials/modeling work. My reel right now consists of a short beauty film/commercial with a famous brand, but other than that it is empty. I will be living in San Francisco for the next 4 years for university, but am planning to go to LA to audition every break. Would it be wise to wait on joining the union? I'm an asian american actor and trying to find non-union films to work on is pretty difficult and usually are no pay. What are your thoughts?
How To Get A Talent Manager or Agent's Attention (From a Manager's Perspective) by Brian_Medavoy • last post Jun 20th
Here's one of the best examples I've ever seen of how an actor can get a manager or agent's attention with an email - it certainly got mine! http://brianmedavoy.com/how-to-get-a-talent-agent-manager/
Money Train Scene by mork0324 • last post Jun 20th
Hey guys! Not really a question but I just started acting about a month ago and I have my first showcase in about 2 months in LA. Anyway, the scene I wanted to perform for the showcase was one from White Men Can’t Jump starring Woody Harrelson and Wesley Snipes (one of my favorite movies) but I was hesitant to choose my own scene due to me being brand new to all of this and not wanting to choose a shitty one. Fast forward to today.. I didn’t choose my own scene therefore, I was sent one and guess what? The script my partner and I received is from Money Train, which ironically as hell stars Woody Harrelson and Wesley snipes as well!
Full time jobs in Los Angeles by Ganomio • last post Jun 20th
Hey, Is their any actors in Los Angeles working full time jobs while pursuing an acting career? If so what do you do? I am just curious because I know many actors work a bunch of part time jobs to make time for classes or auditions and wanted to see if juggling the two is possible since I am moving down there soon. ​ Thanks!
Hyphenated names by lemoeg • last post Jun 20th
Voice actors with hyphenated and/or long last names-- do you go by a shortened version of your name to make it easier for clients to find you? Is it a pain to deal with financial/legal stuff if your stage name is different from your legal name?
Do film actors need to learn movement? by AmazingChickenX • last post Jun 20th
If I am a film actor, do I need to take movement classes or is that only used for stage acting? In general, are there any times that stage and film acting overlap?
Advice for Auditioning for a Young Character (8-17 yrs old) when I'm An Adult (22 F) by thedazeddaisy • last post Jun 20th
Hi y'all. I think I can audition for a young character despite my age because my face looks like it hasn't changed since my high school days and I kinda have a youthful appearance. So, I was wondering if there's any advice y'all can offer for me to keep in mind before and during my audition. I know there are actors on Disney Channel, Nickeloden, etc. that play as characters who're much younger than them. Should I study how those actors portray their characters, or are their acting styles too cheesy? Are there any other actors you can think of who are good at portraying young characters? ​ https://i.redd.it/qay9tiktte531.jpg
Reading before class? by ranforrr • last post Jun 20th
Is it a good idea to read acting books before taking a class or is it best to go into the class blind? Some of the books that I was thinking of reading are “An Actor Prepares”, and “Audition”.
Help me develop a roadmap by sand90 • last post Jun 20th
Foreigner based in LA, 28, male looking to pursue acting. My goal is to quit corporate job next year around this time (can't right now due to immigration status). Aiming for July 1st 2020, more specifically. What is the best path for someone with no experience to start, assuming you don't have to work to support yourself, and you'd have enough finances for 2-3 years? I'm thinking I could do a full time 2 years acting program, but I don't want to get caught in the mindset that I'm not ready, and waste another 2 years. I was looking into the Stela Adler conservatory in LA but am reconsidering to more flexible training options. I only did a 12 week class at Speiser studios (the intro / improv one), read several books, and I'm familiar with the acting process, but no real world experience. ​ I want to develop some sort of roadmap for myself that I can visualize and meditate on and refine until the time comes to make the jump. How would you spend your time to make the most of it? I need activities to fill the 40h-50h a week I would have spent at work. Some that i think are: \- practice speech / accent reduction (this could be done daily, 1h day or so) \- take acting classes at a studio (that's 3h a week); could maybe invest in 1 on 1 with private coaches to get more out of; \- do short / intensive acting courses (ie 4 - 6 weeks boot camps) \- get / pay a manager / mentor to which can understand my vision and guide me through; how would you find the right person? \- do other sort of classes to keep myself busy (ie on camera acting, auditioning techniques, etc); anything that's complementary; would not consider multiple acting classes at different studios same time, to not create conflicts/confusion in my head ​ To summarize, I'm looking for advises on how to maximize my time and best self manage and my learning with the goal of becoming the best actor I can be (don't tell me I won't make it big in two years, that's not what I'm asking). I'm not scared of putting in the work :). Thank you!
Headshot-Age Range-Character Type Post - Jun 20 by AutoModerator • last post Jun 20th
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. 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.
The Voiceover Genres + Skills Child Actors Can Learn Over the Summer by PureGainsborough • last post Jun 20th
Your Future as a Video Game Voice Actor: An Interview with Sean Chiplock by PureGainsborough • last post Jun 20th
Shaping Your Career as a Video Game Voice Actor by PureGainsborough • last post Jun 20th
IDEAL REELS 12: JULIAN BACHLOW by beingpotential • last post Jun 19th
Hey everyone, I participated in a contest with a custom scene provided showing my Acting chops, check it out, let me know what you think! Give it a like if you can and check out the other Actors reels. [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iZpUd8AnkY4&feature=youtu.be&fbclid=IwAR2yLaAVj3uFhPZu2mxjkvksK2pAsV7xjfOmvDRbVzIqpNGry-mhX9TiIvs](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iZpUd8AnkY4&feature=youtu.be&fbclid=IwAR2yLaAVj3uFhPZu2mxjkvksK2pAsV7xjfOmvDRbVzIqpNGry-mhX9TiIvs)
What are some must-watch movies/shows for the performances? by rawrshallavenge • last post Jun 19th
Curious what pieces of media people would recommend for the actors' work in them - I recently saw Call Me By Your Name and I was super into it for that reason. ALSO I'm curious if anyone has any comedies that fit the ticket, since I feel like performances in them are often overlooked.
EPA walk-In appointments for Equity actors (nyc) by thetendy • last post Jun 19th
Hi all, new to equity and am planning to go to my first EPA tomorrow that I don’t have an appointment for - I know there are walk-in slots, but how likely is it that I’ll get one? Those of you who’ve walked in before, did you have to wait all day as if you were non union, or was it pretty straightforward? I know it’s case by case, but I’m curious about all of your individual experiences.
BIG LITTLE LIES: MERYL STREEP'S PERFORMANCE by CuspChaser111 • last post Jun 19th
So I am obsessing over her work on this show. I was so curious to see what she would bring, and if her game would up the game of the other ladies. I believe her presence has - but as an actress I'm curious what you think the specific reasons are that makes her so.....GOOD? Every little thing from playing with the cross necklace around her neck to how she performs like 3 different beats in one small passive-aggressive look to Reese - she knows how to channel - GAH! Anyway I would love to discuss her work and what makes her so freaking watchable. Would love to hear your insights.
My last post on this subreddit by MisterELight • last post Jun 18th
So I realized so many things about the voice over industry. I will just shoot them off really quick and then end with the BIG realization that you guys may not know. Regardless, I want to leave here with some honest thoughts, even though acting is all about lying to yourself and others... ​ So here goes. ​ \- Many people here think they know everything and they don't. \- Many people here think they are good coaches and have the right to make money off others and they don't. \- Many people here THINK they are helping aspiring voice actors by telling them to get coaching as a FIX ALL. \- Many people here like to stick in groups and bully people that do not follow the pack. \- Many people here THINK they can ACT when in fact they are merely speaking with a particular cadence. \- Many people here ATTACK others without even realizing that they do it. \- Many people here are bitter because they have not gotten where they wanted to be in their careers yet. \- Many people here are spending so MUCH money on coaching/workshops/training/gear/etc and NOT seeing a return. \- Many people here do not SEE and realize that this "career" is basically like throwing coins in a slot machine. \- Many people here DO NOT KNOW the true love of acting, they only want fame and money/career out of all this. \- Many people here are arrogant, they just do not realize it because NO ONE CALLS them out. \- Many people here THINK they KNOW what real acting IS and that there is ONLY ONE way to get it. \- Many people here stretch information to suite their own means. ​ 1. So what is ACTING? Do you NEED a coach? Honestly... Does one NEED a coach? 2. What does it mean if someone can ACT characters and dramatic roles, yet struggles on OTHER reads? 3. What defines a BAD actor or someone that cannot ACT? 4. Why are people so quick to give HARD/HARSH feedback with VAGUE ideas of how to improve? 5. Why is voice acting so confusing now? ​ ​ 1 - Acting is emoting with control. If you can command these emotions, then YOU can act. NO coaching needed. If you can convey REAL emotions that YOU have personally known and experienced, then you are all set. You will never be more authentic than that. It is the pinnacle of acting. Ironically it requires HONESTY the one thing most actors are NOT known for. ​ 2 - If you can do character acting and send emotional responses to your audience, if you can transform into characters and show emotions with ease, YET you oddly enough have really tough problems with other "reads" like the modern "manipulative" NATURAL/CONVERSATIONAL reads... These are based on the psychology of getting into the mind of the consumer in order to manipulate them into buying products or services. Having issues acting these things just means that you are bored/opposed to and not emotionally connected to weaker types of copy/reads. In order to ACT these sorts of reads/copy, you actually have to use YOUR real voice and talk normal while emphasizing key words and phrases that stick and attempt to convince/sell the consumer into trusting you as the actual product/service. So, if you suck at these FAKE type of "friendly" reads, it just means you don't like manipulation and "marketing". It does NOT make you a BAD actor. If you are not connected to something emotionally, you will not act it well at all. Remember that. ​ 3 - BAD acting could be ONE or TWO things... The person is either bored and not connected emotionally to the script/copy OR the person is just not able to be HONEST with themselves when they TRY too hard to convey sincere ideas. ACTING is about being HONEST with yourself and letting go of YOU, and replacing that YOU with another person entirely. ​ 4 - People are selfish and they ultimately think about themselves, they will never tell you, but the truth is you are alone in most of everything that you do out there in the world. Sometimes people put others down because they themselves are lacking in areas they want to improve in. They could have concern of other talents entering the arena too. They will never show you their cards though. They play them close to the chest and rarely tell you how they honestly feel. Some people think harsh feedback is good and pushes someone with tough love, this depends on the person though. Some people will shut down and not improve, other people will use it as fuel and burn their fire brighter each time they improve. The truth is simple. Harsh feedback is negative feedback and that can never lead to a positive experience when you want encouragement and "support". This sort of feedback is non-supportive at it's core. ​ 5 - Voice acting is confusing because EVERYONE is trying to TELL you what to DO, and WHEN to do it. They are going off of their own experiences and fail to understand that others out there MAY NOT be in the positions they were in. This is the big problem. It is very hard to take advice from someone that says "YOU cannot act" yet, they offer paid coaching? This is not a place built on walls of trust. This is a place of competition and rights of passage, dues are expected to be paid and many people stick together. This place is far from a democracy. Voice acting is just as ugly as real acting now. The olden days are gone. They never were perfect, but now more than ever... Things are harder, things are flooded, and people are jealous/jaded/stressed/exhausted/confused and not always in the "mood" to offer YOU valuable support to those first entering this very self based/ego driven arena/career. ​ ​ Voice acting is a wonderful art form. Just be sure you DEFINE what it means to you. Never let others try to mold your definition of it and what "success" is. Unless you are willing to be honest, let go, and embrace the freedom of acting, YOU are just talking with the crowd, traveling with the herd, walking in a line, NOT forging your own path to what YOU want. If you cannot let go of YOU and embrace emotions/characters/ideas as your acting style, then you are missing out on what REAL ACTING is... The ultimate escape from yourself and all limitation and boundaries. ​ ​ \*Characters/Dramatic roles/Energetic roles = REAL ACTING / "Requires most skill and ability" & "LOSING YOURSELF" \*Promos/Announcer/Radio Imaging = STRONG TALKING / "Needs stronger voices" & "Commands people to buy things" \*Emotional/Natural Read Commercials = TALKING / "Trying to manipulate people to buy things" & "FAKING YOURSELF" \*Narration/E-Training = TALKING / "Just talking" & "Informing people about normal things" ​ ​ NOW YOU KNOW what REAL acting is. You have to understand that the other forms of "ACTING" are really not tied to the sacred art of drama/story telling and conveying REAL emotions. ACTING is about being REAL not being fake and trying to weasel your voice/ideas into unsuspecting people's heads. I find that practice quite deplorable. Every time I watch a TV show and have to stomach those damn adverts, I hate that VOICE ACTING is a part of that series of "talents". ​ \*Those of you that said I could not act... Were DEAD wrong. My character reels and dramatic reads were spot on and I have asked many voice over coaches about them too. They all said my character/drama/game/interactive reels were quite amazing. It is the COMMERCIAL ones that felt "disconnected". What does that tell you? Maybe you all should go listen to your reels now and tell me how HONEST your character/drama reads are! Tell me how connected you are to those reads hmmm? Until you can show the angst and powerful emotions I bring to the acting table... Your advice really meant nothing. I just wonder how many people you will mislead and take for a ride with needless voice coaching and bad/biased advice only meant to serve your own means and businesses. ​ This was my last post. You guys have no idea what you are talking about. I do not care if you make thousands. YOU still lack the things that MAKE a great actor. Conviction, honesty, and an unbridled enthusiasm for the art of the HONESTY itself. When I truly ACT I am naked and fully exposed, ready to feel all the emotions that come to me. I do not manipulate and I do not PRETEND to be anything I am not! I become these ideas, and lose myself with the honesty of the moment. ​ Tell me what do you do when you act? Talk? Talk in cadence? Talk as if you are doing work? Where did your imagination and genuine enthusiasm go? Was it ever even there? I doubt it. ​ I say these things with all of my heart and the honesty within my soul. If you cannot bare to accept them, so be it. I am glad I finally told you how I feel about this whole place and the way I was treated here. Deep down, you know what I say here is true, unless of course you lie to yourself continually. Maybe just maybe you can read this and LEARN something, still I doubt you will. You always bury your heads in the sand.
I'm not an actor but I need advice! How do I control my smile! by BlackTurtleTea • last post Jun 18th
I have noticed that when I get really uncomfortable, like a friend telling me about the passing of a loved one or something else horrendous, all I can do is smile. I hate myself for it, but I cant control it. I mentioned it to my therapist and she said it was a defence mechanism (I was beaten by my dad growing up) and she said its normal. But she didnt know how to fix it. I really need to learn how to control this, any tips?