We have found 19,242 posts across 4 actor forums:
Freelancing on facebook rather than using an agent by web_head91 • last post Apr 10th
Hi everyone. I'm a stage actor and would like to do film as well. I was talking to a fellow actor friend who recommended that I don't get an agent. His reasoning was this: we live in a city that is a smaller market than New York, LA, or Chicago. He said he's got an agent, but often books auditions and gigs by himself through various acting groups on facebook. He said the agencies in our area all get the same tips and auditions offered, and that he's met people on sets of gigs he's booked on facebook by himself, who have said they got booked through their agent. With this information, I would like to ask what people think of this. I'm sure it differs from market to market. But it really made me rethink the idea if getting an agent if they basically just use facebook to book gigs for clients anyway. I'd rather keep all my payment if an agent is not needed in my market.
Barry is so good by kaylatengo310 • last post Apr 10th
All the bits about actors and the crap we go through. Oh man. Barry is perfect. That is so us.
Looking for some tips for the audition room? by ActorPlaybook • last post Apr 10th
1. First and foremost, KNOW THE MATERIAL. Being off-book or as close to it as possible frees up your mind for emotion and channeling your energy more efficiently in the moment. It is near impossible to be living a role while you are grasping to recall dialogue. 2. BE ON TIME. Plan ahead for travel, parking and time to run the scene in your head or out loud before your audition slot. 3. DO NOT COMPARE yourself to other actors. Some might be staring into a corner quietly speaking aloud their scene. Others might be mouthing their dialogue animatedly in their seat and others might be quietly reading through their sides. There are multiple possibilities to prepare and the key is to find one which best suits YOU. 4. Dress your absolute BEST while keeping the role in mind. 5. Bring your marketing materials. These include multiple copies of your headshot and resume. Yes, your headshot should look like YOU on one of your best days. Up-to-date contact information, experience and skills need to be listed on your resume. Resumes should be printed directly on the back of your headshot or stapled to the back on ALL FOUR CORNERS. 6. Pay attention to where you are told your mark is for camera and what to include in your slate. A standard slate includes name and union status. 7. Know your frame. If you are unsure of it, ASK. 8. Don’t use pretend props. For example, smoking a pretend cigarette or sipping an imaginary coffee. There are ways to incorporate “props” out of frame. 9. Prepare the scene and role in MULTIPLE ways. Directors want to know you are malleable to their vision for the character and if you only have one angle prepared you are limiting your potential as an actor. 10. Embrace the opportunity with POSITIVE energy and embrace the butterflies if you have them. You have been given an opportunity to do what you love and to meet casting directors and members of production. Take a deep breath and TRUST that you have prepared in ways that will bring you success!
[QUESTION] Would an actor/actress agree to act in this for free? by zabre12333 • last post Apr 9th
Hi everyone, I need advice. So I'm an aspiring filmmaker and I would like to shoot a short film and am trying to get an actor and an actress to be in it only for copy, credits, meal. Whenever I told the project about some actors who were interested I didn't hear from them since. I would like to tell you want I 'm asking from the actors and please tell me if you think these are a little excessive for an unpaid gig and if you would personnally like to be in it. So the story happens at night and I'm planning to shoot it in Paris over two nights, which means that all of the cast and crew would have to stay awake during these two nights. The short film also includes one intimate scene without any nudity (Which I don't think I mentioned to them). The logline is "A couple wanders in the streets of Paris, slowly waiting for the inevitable to happen." I don't really think that they are not responding because the short looks bad, since they almost don't know anything about it, that's why I'm guessing that they either have not seen it, or they don't want to stay awake for two nights without getting paid. What do you think? Also, if you are an actor in early 20's living in Paris and happen to be interested, do let me know.
Podcast with actor/director Alan Mandell (collab'd w/ Samuel Beckett, 7+ decade career, Hedwig, Shortbus) by theworkingactors • last post Apr 9th
My director doesn't direct. Huge rant here. by Throwawaywts • last post Apr 9th
I'm playing a lead role in a feature length film directed by a high-schooler (unpaid). I was apprehensive about accepting the part, but I deferred to optimism and gave the kid the benefit of the doubt. Now, I'm afraid that I was totally wrong. The director has no idea what they are doing. The biggest problem is they have not offered a SINGLE piece of direction to myself, or (as far as I can tell) the other actors. Not a piece of blocking, not an adjustment, not even a "look over here on that line." I mean zero, zip, nada. Hell, on the first day of shooting, my scene partner and I decided to run lines. While we were doing this, the director and A.D. were watching us from the other side of the room giggling at us. They showed no interest in observing the rehearsal and offering adjustments. Then, on my very first shot of the film, 2 separate crew members were texting on their phones... ON LOUD! Their phones were dinging before I could say my line. I paused, assuming they would regulate themselves, or the director would call cut, but their phones just kept going! I had to stop and say "I'm sorry, but those have to be off." The director said "Yeah, I was gonna say..." I wanted to grab them and tell them "YOU'RE THE F#$&ING DIRECTOR! SHUT THAT SHIT DOWN!" For the rest of the shoot, the director continued to just breeze along, offering zero feedback, adjustments, or direction. Basic and necessary props, which were called for in the script, were not provided (I had to dig through my bag to find a CD ROM which I happened to have with me). The only other adult on set was a middle aged audio tech, who was teaching the cinematographer about the 180 degree rule. This man was not on set on the second day of shooting (nor was the director). Instead, the head honcho on set was the kid who just found out what the 180 degree rule is two days prior. There was no audio person, so the only mic was the ill-equipped DSLR camera mic. In fact, multiple cast and crew members didn't show up, and there seemed to be no consequences for this. I know for a fact that we did not get the necessary coverage for the one scene we shot. It was a wasted day. I don't know how to proceed. I feel that this is a complete waste of my time. I don't know how to explain to this high-schooler, without pontificating unto them, that the director's role is the most important on a film set. We, as actors, don't know what story it is you're trying to tell. All we can do is go out there and make choices that we know are probably not right, and trust you will be there to support us. When the director is basically in absentia, the actors are put in a horrible position. I could really use some advice here.
What do actors that don't smoke do when their character needs to? by Soulgiver831 • last post Apr 9th
Like say that someone's play a Vietnam soldier and for this role they need to smoke but in real life they are against smoking. I found fake gag toy cigarettes, for pranks and stuff, but I don't believe they actually emit smoke. Same thing for cigars and blunts. What would actors use in these situations? Is there a special kind of fake smokable cigarette (and other smokable items) not available to the public or do they just bear through it for that scene and use a real one?
Actor here, looking into beginning Voice Acting. Several novice questions. by TheRadHatter9 • last post Apr 9th
I'm a regular ol' Film/Stage actor and always looking for different gigs to make ends meet that don't involve food service or manual labor. I've been thinking about voice acting for a while since I'll see casting calls for VO work alongside my regular casting calls. Got a few questions before diving in though. 1. Do you usually need all your own equipment? Are there VO studios (in L.A.) specifically or do people use music studios regularly too? Any ideas on rates for those types of places? 2. I know there are many branches, but what are the broad, main "areas" of work that things fall under? Things like - Characters (video games, animated film/tv), Commercials (tv/radio promos and trailers), Audiobooks.....what else would be considered a main area that has branches underneath it? 3. Do you have separate reels for each of the main areas (a "Character" reel, a "Commercial" reel, e.t.c....)? How long are reels usually? They're generally 2min or less in the Acting world and you try to show your range between Drama to Comedy (unless you're going specifically for one thing) so I'm curious how reels work in the VO industry. Thanks!
Which acting class do I continue? They meet at the same time. by janonoymous • last post Apr 9th
I'm new to the world of acting. I live in a mid-western city of over 500,000 people, so we're pretty sizeable, but not huge by any means. When searching for acting classes, I found two organizations that seemed legitimate. ​ I had signed up for one of the classes from agency A, but they dropped the class when not enough people signed up. I really wanted to take a class from Agency A because they seem a bit more professional. I signed up for a class from Agency A, & Agency B, just in case Agency A dropped the class again. ​ Agency B's classes started a few weeks before Agency A's, and I've been to two classes thus far for Agency B. Apparently my instructor is an actor, but was previously a major talent agent in the area. He's stressed how important the classes are, and how important it is to make a good impression on him. ​ Agency A's classes start this weekend, at the same time as Agency B's. They meet at the same time so I can't do both. I really want to do the Agency A classes, but I'm worried it'll make it hard for me to get started if I drop Agency B's classes.
Concentration exercises? by lazooooo • last post Apr 8th
Do you guys have any links or some good concentration exercises for actors? For focus and shutting off the noise around you...
Do I have any talent as a voice actor? by PokefanGuy99 • last post Apr 8th
Honest criticism is welcome [https://vocaroo.com/i/s1la3SnjGLYO](https://vocaroo.com/i/s1la3SnjGLYO)
Any actors in ATL want to go to coffee this week and talk about making movies? by dtwild2 • last post Apr 8th
Hi. I make short and feature films. My website is: [https://wilderfilm.com](https://wilderfilm.com) I've got a full time editing gig and my creative side is slowly dying. Anyone in ATL want to meet up and talk about things we could shoot on the weekends? DM me.
I want to do acting but my parents aren’t supportive by stella_star851 • last post Apr 8th
Guys I really need some advice, I’m 15 and I want to do acting like for short films, movies,and tv but I haven’t done any of that before meaning I don’t have a resume and I don’t have any headshots. My parents only want me to focus on learning but I don’t want to. I always wanted to be an actor but my parents won’t take me to auditions or casting calls and they won’t even bother trying to get me to an acting agency. I want to start but idk where? Should I go onto a casting website (backstage, actors access) and go to casting calls or should I go to a casting agency what should I do?
When you read dialogue, what’s the most common change you make? by LancasterDodd777 • last post Apr 8th
Let’s say you’re in the audition process or maybe even rehearsals, what’s a recurring thing that writers fail to get right when it comes to writing dialogue that you as an actor like to change in order to improve it?
What's Next by Derrick Shaw • last post Apr 8th
New short documentary from Ghetto Rising Entertainment https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eLV7l3ZiyKU&t=7s
how do you even know if you're good? by banananuttt • last post Apr 7th
I definitely know I dont suck. even after some good bookings I'm now in a dry spell and I'm losing grip on what is good. I can recognize when other actors are great, but how can I tell if I'm actually doing the right work? or if its believable? how do I know if I'm doing good professional quality work? My barometer of acting well is all messed up after 2 years of no's.. how do you know if you're good?
Drama School Graduates of Reddit. Was going to drama school a mistake? by HirdyGirdy • last post Apr 7th
Current UK Drama School student here, loving my course and meeting some wonderful people. ​ I'm keen to hear from other graduates (not just from the UK) about their time in Drama School and what they felt about their training after they left. Are you still a working actor? Did you struggle to find work? Did you leave the industry after training? Are you happy you went the Drama School route or, on reflection, do you think it wasn't right for you. ​ All perspectives are welcome, really interested to hear what you guys think.
The Casting Process From Hell (Is This Normal?) by versamess • last post Apr 7th
I am really upset, and feel numb, and don't really know what to do. I am hoping you guys can give me some insight into what the hell happened. ​ DISCLAIMER: I am NOT a seasoned actress. I'm just starting out, and have had a few bit parts in a few commercials for local businesses and one big national commercial. I've been going on auditions for the last six months after getting an agent back in October of last year. ​ So everything changed when I got a call from my agent back in January. A movie director from another country (I'm in the USA) was requesting to meet with me after my agent sent her my portfolio (including acting reel and YouTube videos). Apparently, I was perfect for the leading role in her movie, and she needed to know if I can swim. I CAN swim, and pretty well, too! I was super excited. I googled her, found out she had won directing awards for movies and actually had a movie nominated once for an Academy Award for Best foreign film, along with many other movies directed in her country. Things moved fast, or at least they seemed to. She asked to speak with me over Skype. I did that, and she was really nice and seemed to be super excited about me. Filming would be in her country in June, and she'd get back to me with details. But she really, really needed me to start swimming lessons, as the movie was about a professional swimmer. She needed me to look realistic in the water or whatever. Anyway, to make a long story short, I took the swimming lessons--paid for them out of my own pocket, too. She then took three months to get back to me, letting my agent know they were fixing some logistical issues on their end. Last week, she finally told me she was flying in to meet me and wanted to see me swimming at the pool. I arranged everything with the pool and we met at a studio so we could practice lines. I was so happy to meet with her. She had her team with her, including a sour-faced producer lady, a production assistant or something, and a camera guy. The producer lady seemed upset from the beginning, while the director was super nice and friendly. She seemed to love working with me, and I loved working with her. We went over lines and then drove to the pool, where I got in and showed my swim skills. The camera guy filmed the entire time. All was good, everyone seemed happy. I got out of the pool and went to get dressed. When I came out, the director was sitting at the table and talking to her team about locations. I waited patiently for them to stop talking, and when it got quiet, I broke the silence and straight out asked "So, is this a sure thing? Did I get the part?" She nodded and said yes, and like BEAMED at me. She got up, hugged me, and said "You did! Thank you, you don't know how happy you've made me." And then she said thank you again, everyone got up to leave. No word about a contract, or anything else... no details about filming dates, nothing. They just left. The director said she'd get in contact with me, I was like okay great! That was three days ago. I just got a text from my agent forwarding a message from the director. She says sorry, but they decided to pass on me, because I lack experience. They thought I did great, but aren't sure if I can handle the lead role after all. But thanks anyway. I have never felt so crushed and played in my entire life. I'm new to the industry, but wtf? Is this normal? Couldn't they have just told me from the beginning that this was a casting call, not a meeting to meet with their new lead? Why did they tell me I needed to start swimming lessons ASAP? Why did I ask them to pay for them? What happened? I mean, they flew in from an entirely different country just to meet with me. WTF? ​ If you've made it this far, thank you for reading. I guess I am just wanting to vent, but I also want to hear anyone's thoughts on WTF just happened. TL;DR: I was led on for three months by a director who claimed I was the best thing since sliced bread, had me take professional swim classes, and then changed her mind after flying to LA to meet with me ​
Instagram or twitter for social media exposure? by Idobjj • last post Apr 7th
What is the best to use? Insta or twitter for actors. Some agents and people look at that. Thank you