We have found 19,295 posts across 4 actor forums:
Question about Casting Directors by Polartec239 • last post Apr 25th
I always see publications and lists of agents and managers for actors, and that makes sense to me, as an actor needs that information in one place to help find representation. But why would an actor need to know/reach out to casting directors? I see lists of CD's as well and I wonder how that could be used as a resource for an actor?
Interview with Background Actor Tim Blewitt by thechasepod • last post Apr 25th
Hi all, I run a podcast entitled "The Chase with Daniel Ocho" where I sit down and talk to people chasing their dream jobs in fields where success is highly elusive. This week I was joined by Tim Blewitt, an LA Actor who has worked as a background actor in dozens of movies and television shows. We talk about how one gets into Background work, the relationship between background work and principal acting work in terms of getting representation, as well as the interesting experiences that come along with "holding" process when working as Background on set. I think our convo is really relevant to a lot of the discussions here. You guys can listen at any of the links below. Thanks! Apple Podcasts: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/the-chase-with-daniel-ocho/id1458511473 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2X7MrLObwuoqp2UGI9D8Wz Castbox: https://castbox.fm/channel/The-Chase-with-Daniel-Ocho-id2072214?utm_source=website&utm_medium=dlink&utm_campaign=web_share&utm_content=The%20Chase%20with%20Daniel%20Ocho-CastBox_FM
The headshot posts I'd like to see here by thisisnotarealperson • last post Apr 24th
Imagine a world where actors post headshot feedback requests here, and they have professional photos and they knew exactly what their casting is when they went in for that professional session. Then they post a handful of pics for each type and say "hey, I'm going for girl next door/cold-hearted corporate overlord/eccentric neighbor/etc., which shots work best for that?" Because if you didn't have that intention going into your session, you just wasted your money. Be better than this, y'all.
LA or New York by lostserena • last post Apr 24th
So i've been wondering.. i'll be moving to the US (we're talking about film acting) but i have no idea which city is better in terms of opportunities. Is NY being too expensive the reason why every aspiring actor goes to LA or it's simply because the chances of succeeding are better in LA (in terms of more opportunities and etc.)? I personally have no problems financially so take the money aside. Where is it better?
i Need Voice Actors (Again) by KevinBennettVA • last post Apr 24th
SAG-AFTRA just announced a 20% member discount for Actor's Access Plus by thisisnotarealperson • last post Apr 24th
Just need to provide your membership number when you sign up, or renew. Unfortunately the discount is not retroactive so hopefully this stays in place for a while.
Taking agencies outside of major cities—yay or nay? by FunneyBonez • last post Apr 24th
I’ve been steady working as an actor by myself for about 5 years, supplementing my income so to speak. Resume is bulked, filled the entire back page of my headshot, the time has come for me to seek representation. Now I’ve applied to maybe less than 15 or so agencies in NYC, I could absolutely be doing more for representation yet I’m just so bad at going out and trying to do that. I’m old school...I do the work and that’s it. Business side of me definitely lacks. I’m aware representation will get me to the next level. With that out of the way I’ve stumbled upon the opportunity to be represented by a smaller agency in a neighboring state. 2 agents, open less than 10 years, but great reviews. They get people in the room, a friend of mine is repped by them and they’ve had auditions for OITNB, blue bloods, law and order, anything an agent in NYC would be pitching someone for. My qualms with this is its...outside of NYC. I’m not sure if this is getting star struck with the idea of a major agency representing me but it just *feels* wrong to take something outside of New York! Yet at the same time this smaller, almost unknown agency still gets people into major castings. I know bigger isn’t always better, everything that’s shining isn’t gold; I just can’t tell if this is a move that could benefit my career or not really do anything for it. Has anyone else experienced this? What’s our take?
Website for casting calls? by djinsins • last post Apr 24th
I'm trying to get more experience to become an actor and a lot of these sites want you to pay Should I use the site that need you to pay or are there any other sites I could use? I'm 6ft1.
[PAID] Seeking Voice Lines for Tiny Animation by timothylobster • last post Apr 24th
​ I'm looking for two voice actors to do just a voice line or two for my characters (male and female). The male has a slightly nasally voice and I relate his voice somewhat to Gerard Way or BedBananas on YouTube. Here's what those two sound like. I imagine my character sounding similar to them-- if it helps, he is a very large fellow too and super optimistic/energetic. Example 1 (Gerard Way) [https://youtu.be/z-pmKExhI0c](https://youtu.be/z-pmKExhI0c) Example 2 (BedBananas) [https://youtu.be/F5Gh01YUFlM](https://youtu.be/F5Gh01YUFlM) As for the female, she is petite, angry and French. My perfect ideal voice for her is Creepy Susie from The Oblongs, so if you could mimic or do a voice like hers, perfect :). Example (Creepy Susie) [https://youtu.be/PZJu25GSyJs](https://youtu.be/PZJu25GSyJs) If you're interested let me know. I want the voice lines for a small animation for YouTube. I can pay you via PayPal, but it depends on your prices. ​ Here's the male (Jubi) https://i.redd.it/irueulcjpau21.jpg Here's the female (Cheri) https://i.redd.it/fus1m5gbpau21.png bonus https://i.redd.it/nkeuj3dapau21.png
Do you put current projects on your resume? by JSRambo • last post Apr 24th
This is something I've had discussions with my colleagues about often, and I've heard many different opinions on it even from very seasoned actors. Do you include a project that's currently filming or in the rehearsal process on your resume, when you're submitting for shows or films that will occur after your current project is done? I generally do include them, as long as the show I'm currently working on (I do mostly theatre and other live performance) will end by the time rehearsals begin for the project you're submitting for. What's your take on this and why?
Actors have become too accessible nowadays! by JasonRedux • last post Apr 23rd
Just watching some old interviews from the 70s and 80s and I'm astounded by how articulate and respectable actors were back then, I'm talking about those one on one interviews without an audience, very quiet and mild mannered, really letting the actors breathe and express themselves, even some talk shows allowed celebrities to come across in an intelligent and positive way and you always had this distance between actors being the artists and the viewer being the audience, it's this distance that is nowhere these days, everyone and their dog knows what people in the media are doing at every minute of the day, the whole dignity and gravitas of a performer now is almost non existent. I also think that actors give away too much these days, they're always willing to play the fool or say platitudes just because it's the popular things to do instead of them just being themselves, not every actor is loud and obnoxious, not every actor should fit into a mould but they should respect their industry as an art form and their responsibilities as an artist, not to use their platform to espouse their political, religious or social justice agendas but to know their place, they're hired faces to tell stories and these things should be taught in film school, I don't want to know what privileged actors are up to on social media and I certainly don't give a toss what they do for public validation, just turn up, learn your lines, be professional and courteous to fellow artists and give us great stories etcetera That distance from the public makes them more special, more mysterious and more about the film star, we don't have many film stars anymore and movie magic seemingly died years ago so what left is there to surprise and mesmerise these days?
Would a picture like this be considered a headshot? by lily_jxx • last post Apr 23rd
This is not me, she's a model from Instagram but I was wondering if a picture like this (taken on an iPhone with flash in front of a white wall) would be good enough to be considered headshot. I was just wondering because I'm a beginner actress and I don't have anyone to take headshots nor can I afford them, and obviously if I take a picture like this I'd wear something nicer and do my hair/makeup nicer but I was just wondering if I can use a picture like this as my headshot or if it is unprofessional. https://i.redd.it/i62lqt8864u21.jpg
What direction to take for university by worriedkiddddd • last post Apr 23rd
If you ever have the time to read all this, I would LOVE some opinions because I am so absolutely torn on what to do for university. I’m a canadian who wants to be a working actor basically trying to pick between 2 programs, creative industries at Ryerson (about more of the business side of film, fashion, theatre, etc) and theatre & drama studies at UofT (Mississauga campus). So first - ryerson. -The program really interests me, I can learn all about the business side of industries like theatre and film and fashion, and I think I’d still be happy with another type of job within these industries. -I get to do an internship in the third year within one of the industries I’m interested in (film, theatre, etc.), which would be a great experience, great to put on a resume, helpful for finding a job after graduation. -The program is more practical, if acting does not work out, I would be better prepared to find work and a career (still within the industries I love and am interested in), and it’s less risky. -I have read about actors taking this program before. -Being downtown Toronto (location of campus) is an amazing opportunity as I would be at the heart of these creative industries, this means that while I am going to school I could be trying to get an agent, going to open calls for commercials, for being an extra, for shows, etc., I can be trying to get my foot into the industry while learning practical sides on the side. The years that you are in university are sometimes said to be some of the most marketable years for new faces in the industry, and I am also kind of absolutely itching to get started really being a part of professional acting and being on film/tv sets and trying to make it happen - but am I ready? -Being downtown Toronto would also mean I could take acting classes outside of school because many are offered in Toronto, so this way I could be improving my acting and working on it without needing to be in an acting program. -Also I would just love to live in the city, so much to do and so many places to go and people to meet, if not now, when will I get the chance to live right at the centre of downtown. And things like parts of TIFF and fashion shows happen on rye campus, which would be v cool to be immersed in. -Being in this program does not mean I cannot pursue acting, I won’t be immersed in it and developing my acting in class, but I can be pursuing it on my own, while studying. I would need to try to find my own way though, no roadmap when pursuing on my own. Would I be missing out on fundamental training? -This program gives me more free time to be pursuing things on the side and trying to get actual acting work. This was a competitive program to get into and seems promising for employability. Now onto UTM. -This has been my dream program for years, the day I found out about it I could not stop smiling, I was amazed by it, thought it would be the ultimate achievement to get into it. -Acting is what I love, it’s been my raison d’etre for most of high school, what makes me happy, and life is so short, we could die anytime, I think the most important thing is working towards a life that makes you happy, + I don’t see the point in a life of mediocrity, tediousness or monotony, 100 years may be the longest thing I’ll ever experience but what was the point of those years if I’m not pursuing my passions and doing something that means something to me. -It only accepts 24 people out of ALL the applicants and they wanted me, this is kinda validating, hopefully means I have something good, maybe I have some kind of a chance in this business. From the phone call I received it seemed like they really want me. -This is an amazing opportunity that a lot of people don’t get, would be kinda heart-breaking to turn down. -It is a conservatory acting program so I get to be fully immersed in acting, which is what I love, and improving my craft, making connections in the business, getting experience in productions. -They have successful alumni. -I would get to learn about film + tv acting, stage acting, auditioning, the business of acting, everything I’ll need. -Get to do a showcase in front of agents, definitely will learn a lot about getting into the business and have an easier (?) time understanding how to get started. -I get a university degree + college diploma. U of T is an amazing school, one of the top in Canada, so it is pretty great to have a degree from there, plus it’s joint with Sheridan college, well-known for theatre, so a great place to have a diploma from. -I would have no free time because of how intense this program is, can’t get a job. Because of time and location restraints I would likely not be able to work toward getting actual industry work for my 4 years there, i.e. no looking for an agent, going to casting calls, so I couldn’t get started till AFTER I graduate (or summer?). but maybe I need those years of personal development. -Have to live kind of in isolation in the forest (could be good or bad), I don’t like the location, while there is less to do I would also have less time to do things anyway though. -Since its 24 people in the program with so much of your time together, you gain a little family of friends (who all share interests + aspirations with you). -Do I need drama school? Some say no. I would be taking some courses unrelated to acting (ex. I don’t rlly care as much about history of english/theatre, etc), and I could be spending these years actively trying to make it in the business without the whole theatre education, just taking acting classes downtown and grinding to audition, but could it be a disservice to myself to not undergo full training? Lots of actors don’t get degrees, but lots do. Is it worth it? I don’t know. These are all my thoughts and I really don’t know which to pick. My mom and sister think UTM is the obvious choice because of how few people get in and if I really wanna act I should do it, but I don’t think thats the only route to acting. And my dad likes the sound of ryerson better. And I just can’t pick because I can see myself in both? really clearly. And I don’t wanna make the wrong choice. I’m like on a teeter totter right now because I keep flipping back and forth on what I want. I had kinda settled into thinking I was going to ryerson and got pretty pumped abt being in the city, then the UTM offer came in and now I have to consider everything and I’m stuck.
Beginner one on one voice acting coach recommendations? by zacmwilson • last post Apr 23rd
I’ve never had any training nor done any work as a voice actor but I’m eager to start! I’d like to find a one on one coach to help me get my career started. Classrooms haven’t ever been my thing, I learn well in personal coaching environments. I’m hoping my classroom issues/fears will get better as I get more comfortable with an instructor. Eventually I would like to do video games, animated shows and/or commercials. But at this point in my “career” I’m willing to try anything to see what I’m actually good at! Any recommendations for private coaches are much appreciated. I live in Los Angeles, San Fernando valley to be more specific.
Any alternative to Actors Access that has auditions in Georgia (U.S state)? by Big_Interaction • last post Apr 23rd
AA does not have Georgia listed, or maybe it does and I don't see it.
Voice acting advice by metallaugh666 • last post Apr 23rd
Basically to keep it simple. I want to be a voice actor(or at least theatre). Its something ive been wanting to do since i was young but im in my 20s now and stuck at a job i hate. I figured that now i should try to finally get off my ass and do something about it. Basically im here needing advice. Where should i start? What can i do? Anything will help at this point. Also to clarify i live in the US if that helps any
Self-tape basics by tomrichards8464 • last post Apr 23rd
I've worn a lot of hats over the years. I've acted on stage (a lot) and in movies (a few). I've produced, directed, written, production managed and stage managed plays, and I do script development for film. Now, for the first time, I am helping to cast a feature. I have seen a lot of self-tapes. And some of the simple ways actors and their agents (and their parents, in the case of child actors) shoot themselves in the foot have been eye-opening. So, for those who need them, here are some simple ways to not screw up and hurt your chances. 1. Casting is often happening under severe time pressure. If a CD says they need tapes by Saturday lunchtime, sending them at 8pm on Saturday is probably not a good idea. Sending them on Tuesday morning is definitely not a good idea. Turning things around quickly so that you can get the tape in well before the nominal deadline is likely to help your chances of being seen by the people who ultimately make the decisions. 2. Send tapes in a downloadable format, not just a viewable one. There is every chance the CD wants to - for example - create a Vimeo album of shortlisted tapes to share with the director and producers. Having to send a separate link and a separate password for each video is a total pain, and this sort of friction can make the difference between a marginal case being included in the shortlist and not. 3. Start the filename with your/your client's/your child's name. 3835735723487.MOV is not easy to keep track of in the morass of downloaded tapes. 4. If the sides you have been given include passages where the character you are reading for is not speaking, don't skip over them unless the CD has explicitly asked you to. Your reaction to what other people say and do is an important part of what we're looking for. 5. Don't have your scene partner read out character names or stage directions. The CD knows what's happening and so should you. If there's action you can act out, great. Otherwise, leave it. 6. If it's true, there is no harm saying that you're on standby to reshoot if the CD has any notes. You never know - they might take you up on it, which could be another chance to impress.
Best private coaches both in person for NYC/DC area and online? by westrideforward • last post Apr 23rd
Hello all, I am looking for some private coaching and would prefer to travel on weekends if necessary in person to NYC, or DC areas but if there is some good coaches online in LA that actually are developing actors then please mention all you know. Thank you.
Looking for actors for NYC-based short documentary series re-enactments (true crime style). by moviemakr • last post Apr 23rd
I'm looking for actors to perform a few re-enactments for a 3-part documentary series about an ex-roommate with a personality disorder and a criminal past. It's a personal project, so there's pay involved although not very high and it's non-union. On the bright side, the series will be uploaded to a YouTube channel with 70k+ subscribers, so at least it has a guaranteed audience and will be sharing it with my 200k+ Twitter followers. After a few weeks on YouTube, it will be available on Amazon Prime Video. Each episode clocks in around 20 minutes. The style will be cinematic/true crime, sort of a hybrid between a podcast and a documentary. Think Wormwood or The Imposter, with a bit of The Disappearance of Madeleine McCann. A voiceover will be narrating the action, so all roles are non-speaking except for one. Lots of slow-mo. Planning to film the first week of May, but exact date TBD. If you want an idea of the aesthetic, [this is a doc-style video I shot a few months ago.](https://vimeo.com/295847991) Roles: - Female (speaking role/voiceover) for a 2-minute 911 call recreation. American accent. Can be recorded remotely on your own phone. - Male. Middle eastern-looking or mixed race. Must have a beard. Age: 30-45. - Male. Hispanic. Age: 23-30. - Male. White/Caucasian. Age: 30+ - Female. Any race. Age: 25-40. If you're interested, please PM me with your reel and anything else you consider relevant.