We have found 19,413 posts across 4 actor forums:
Experiences of cast members sucking up and networking on set? by mirrorsarereflective • last post Aug 7th
What is the difference between sucking up and networking on set? I had a paid short a few weeks ago. Basically, though nobody there is famous, I felt some of the actors were trying hard to "talk to impress" rather than to build connection. When two more experienced actors with great agencies started talking of their bookings or agency, the others who were new, would aggressively try to start or dominate the group conversation to get the experienced actor's attention. I felt like the way they were doing it was aggressive... they tried talking to them and aggressively asking them questions and talking nonstop. At first, I thought it was typical conversation. But I realized it was more when I tried to hop on the conversation and was somewhat dismissed (they would quickly answer my question and instead of incorporating me into the convo, they kept going)'. Like the new actors would talk in a way where nobody could interject, add or comment excpet between themselves and Sam or John. I noticed too that they didnt seem interested in talking to me nor other new actors, but would go crazy to talk to these more experienced actors. Like they didnt really continue the conversation with me or were quite dismissive. Then it got stranger on set. Basically, the lead was also a writer of the project. The new actors were silent on camera and in a corner. I was paired with the lead. I noticed the new actors kept yelling comments In hopes of coming off as clever or funny. Or they kept laughing or try tossing in puns and funny jokes when the lead said something. It was weird because the lead was not even listening. Also, rather than talking to each other they kept trying to get the directors attention. Another actor was paired up with the new actors, and they left him there sitting quietly and awkardly while they tried to get the lead's attention. I felt it was clear they were getting the attn of the lead and experienced actors because even on set, they spoke to no one except the higher ups. They didnt chit chat with the AD nor with the sound guy nor with anybody else. . I just felt weird after the shooting finished. It felt desperate. I also felt isolated. It was the weirdest thing I experiences and I dont know if im misinterpreting this. This is just for fun and my own knowledge and it really serves no other purpose other than to hear what others experiences are.
What are some good acting tips? by KaleidoscopicKait • last post Aug 7th
I saw someone in the comments of a post the other day giving advice to an actor that often gets nervous while performing. They said "Your nervousness while performing comes out of your own feel of failure. Is this what your character is thinking about?" I'm finding this really useful in helping me with my own nervousness. Their advice accentuates how important it is to really *be* your character, not just imitate them. Do you guys have any other good tips? Not necessarily about nerves while performing. Thanks.
Scam heads-up by thisisnotarealperson • last post Aug 7th
I just wanted to keep this info in circulation because the people behind this scam keep changing company names and reaching out to actors on casting sites, often Backstage, who to their credit is doing what they can to play whack-a-mole with the scammers. --- The way the scam works is you'll get a cold contact from a production company telling you they've seen your profile and they want to use you in a commercial. They'll throw a bunch of words at you (see below) that essentially give you no details on the actual project, other than the fact that they'll be sending you a check for several thousand dollars to buy your own wardrobe for the project. This is not how legitimate productions operate. The check is fraudulent and if you deposit it and spend money, they'll ask you to send some money back. By the time you find out their check was worthless you've already sent them your own good money. This is an [advance-fee scam.](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Advance-fee_scam) Here's an example of the message you may receive from these people: >We have acknowledged the receipt of your information and application form via email, and have properly examined it. After going through your profile, Our highly esteemed Team Of Professionals have been able to access your credibility and potential. Based on this fact, the Board of Fillmore Films have decided to grant you an opportunity to partake in this shoot. On the above subject matter, the Fillmore Films hereby congratulates you on your successful emergence. It is a great honor to have you in our team. Congratulations and welcome! We hope you will have an amazing time working with us, we are looking forward for the company’s success with you. We believe in your skills, talents and knowledge that you can use for our clients and company’s improvement. Further details are as follows: REMUNERATION : $5,000 USD [ (You will be paid an Upfront of $500) (Balance : $4,500 to be paid immediately after the shoot) RETAINER, PRE-NEGOTIATIONS & WARDROBE EXPENSES : You’ll receive An All-In-One Check for $4,990 to cover for your upfront payment ($500) and that of your wardrobe. You’ll be using the difference ($4,490) for your wardrobe as soon as the funds clears your bank, further instructions on how to obtain your wardrobe will be provided to you. Please confirm that you understand and agree. LOCATION OF THE SHOOT : We have to make sure everything is in place before we confirm our location booking. We are currently looking between studios because we need to pick the one available at the time you receive your wardrobe and everything is ready to go. So I'll let you know the details ahead of time as soon as you have your wardrobe in place. OTHER REQUIREMENTS : You must be able to take directions and easy to work with. Good working relationship can mean long term working relationship with the company. MEASUREMENT & STATS: Kindly provide us with the information below where applicable AgeHeightEyesBustWaistHipsDressShoes BILLING INFORMATION Name on Check :Address and apartment number (If any) :City, State and Zip code :Cell phone number : RELEASE & CONTRACT LETTER : The release and agreement letter has been attached below, kindly download it, sign it and revert via email. You can also sign it electronically. Please be kind to send the measurement & stats and contract letter as soon as possible as we cannot proceed without it. If you don’t have a print or cannot sign the model release, you can sign the attestation below : ATTESTATION : I, the undersigned, do hereby attest that I have read, understood and agree to the terms and condition of the model release form attached to this email. …………………………………… Name and Date Thanks in anticipation --- There are a few ways to tell these companies are not legitimate, other than the terrible grammar in that message and the knowledge that no one pays upfront like that or makes you buy your own wardrobe with their money. Spend a moment to look at their website, if they reach out to you. Here's an example of the latest, which may be defunct by the time you read this message: http://amormediaprod.com. It says they were formed in 2011, yet the WHOIS info for the domain shows a site creation of 7/25/18. The site is never more than a few months old. Check out the "Contact" page and do some image searches of the people listed there. It turns out that Brad Alonso and Kimberly O'Brien are actually Andrew Thompson and Lucy Bailey of Explore Films. The others listed there are directors for an American company also called Explore Media. Also there's no footage whatsoever on the website, just pictures most likely culled from other legitimate companies' sites. If you're in this business, the first thing you want to do is show people your work. --- Here is a post on the Backstage forums on the topic: https://www.backstage.com/forums/working-actor/beware-scam-884/ --- Here's a list of companies that have been fabricated for the scam: Choice Digital Media Springview Films MVM Inc. Fresno CA Bryanston Productions Benmore Productions Sasol Media Smartcraft Production Fillmore Films Amor Media
Finished filming my first role, how should I put it on my resume? by sbenthuggin • last post Aug 7th
And should even I do it now, or wait the like 6 months until it's actually out so casting can actually look me up? If I should wait then the rest of my questions don't need to be read. As well, should I go ahead and start an imdb or something to make it legit? The role was a killer in a low budget tv series documentary, but the show is still filming the first season, so it is an actual show. I'm also unsure what to call it. Between me and the woman playing the victim, we had the most scenes. What does that count as? A star, even though it's not an ongoing thing and just one episode? I'm scared that'll be misleading, and can't find any more specific terminology. Maybe guest star? I'm going off the resume template of Actors Access btw. Also, since the show isn't out, how should I fill in what is usually the network? I can't find out what network it'll be put on. Should I just put the director's name, instead? Thanks if anyone can help. I can't seem to find these specific questions anywhere.
How to find local actors? by ReflexOrigins • last post Aug 7th
I getting into make short films and music videos. I live in the DC area, but there are ZERO actors or talented people here. Whats a good resource/tip to find actors and set up auditions? Thanks!
Recommend a photographer by Johanna Marshall • last post Aug 6th
Hi everyone.yes, I know that they are readily available in droves, but I am seeking someone who can capture CHARACTER!!!!I see so many pix , so many smiles, so many looks even without smiles, but their essence isn't visible. IF you understand what I am asking for I would appreciate a referral and please to all other photographers I mean no disrespect. Thank you for understanding and acknowledging my request..........JM
Should I not audition more until I finished my training? by StrobeRogers • last post Aug 6th
Guys, I have been off and on acting in some form since 2002. I only really got some kind of definite real training starting in 2014..I'm in my late 30s now. I have taken acting classes in community college, some in workshops, some in high school but nothing to really form me until recently. I'm finally taking my dance classes now..finishing a summer ballet class this week. I want to take jazz and contemporary workshops that my school is offering soon. I don't audition because I never see myself in anything.. (I've been described as a tall Latin clerk Kent) I don't know what to do besides take more dance class and voice classes because that's what I h avent really focused on. After I get those done, I keep wanting to find a conservatory but I think I should just audition and let that decide for me. Any help would be great. Thank you.
Male theater actors under 5'10 do you find it hard to land leading roles? by Entershakira • last post Aug 6th
The minute I am at call backs for any show and I see someone who is at least 5'10 I know for damn sure they're probably getting the leading role. The only times I've ever landed a leading role is when we were all roughly the same height or I was about an inch taller than everyone else. Is height really that big a factor in theater?
Headshots for LA actors (4 looks for $200) for episodic season by stanislavskian2 • last post Aug 6th
Hey fellow actors! I'm also a photographer, and I'm offering headshots for any actors in LA. I know headshots can break the bank, so I'm offering 4 looks for $200 for my fellow actors before episodic season ramps up. [https://www.robertleeheadshots.com/](https://www.robertleeheadshots.com/) I don't want to come off Craigslist-y on this subreddit, but I figured it could be a win-win by helping some fellow actors looking for a good deal on shots. Thanks!
Afraid someone might take my stage name by depressedtortoise • last post Aug 6th
I'm thinking of using a stage name but I'm afraid someone might take it if they enter SAG before I do. Do you think I should just use my real name until I enter SAG which is when I can change it?
Do you know of any MFA Programs that specialize in Michael Chekhov's acting technique? by infinitypool291 • last post Aug 6th
In the US if possible.
If you haven’t yet, pick up An Actor’s Life by Jenna Fischer by SirCleanPants • last post Aug 6th
I’m nowhere near close to finishing this book (I just picked it up today), but it’s a very amazing guide which shows the steps Jenna took in her acting journey as well as tips as we blaze our own trails. Keep on auditioning and happy reading!
Why do major A-list actors or rising stars work in film rather than tv? by actingstarterpack • last post Aug 6th
I've noticed many a-listers or rising stars work mostly in film rather than tv. Why is that? I'm thinking it is because the characters are more fleshed out in a movie and also the scenes are more focused on a small group of actors, which gives more attention to them? Another I can think of is that the actors are more immersed in the roles of a film character (unless they are reoccuring on a tv series). They may have started in tv, but usually it mostly film.
What Are You Working On? - Aug 6 by AutoModerator • last post Aug 6th
Let everyone know what you're working on right now. Post links to webseries, plays, clips, anything you want. Promote your own work and see what everyone else is doing. Even if you just had a great audition, let us know about it.
Non-actor with a casting interview today by actingthrow123 • last post Aug 6th
Hello r/acting! I wanted to just pop in here with a throwaway. I am a business owner that got approached by a very large tech company for their next national TV ad campaign. They found me online and I fit the type of person they are looking for for this campaign and how I would use their products in my day to day life. If selected I'd head to LA in 2 weeks to film the campaign. I have a skype interview today with the casting company for the campaign. What should I expect them to ask? What should I be prepared to do/say? Any overall tips of how to present myself? Seems like a cool opportunity and have never had this sort of interview before. Thanks!! EDIT: Also they mentioned that it will pay the SAG-AFTRA Union Commercial Rate. What exactly does that mean?
Question about moving to London from US to get experience by ragutierrez • last post Aug 6th
Hey all, been lurking here for a while, and have loved all the advice I've read! I've got an interesting situation, and wanted to see what you all thought. It's a long post, so I appreciate your patience if you take the time to read it! I recently started acting and it's something I want to take on seriously. I'm 25 y.o. and I'm currently living in the US under a work visa. The work visa is tied to my current employer (not acting related - it's a medical device company), and it basically means I can only get paid through my company. That means I have been limited to only doing unpaid roles (student films, independent projects, etc.) and developing my skills through classes/coaching. To get to the green card status, in which I would have the liberty to do paid roles, could take a few years. I do have an EU passport, so I have considered transferring to the UK with my current company. There I would have a solid day job to support myself, and I could take on professional, paid roles and truly develop my skill set. Moving back to the US would be not be easy though because I'd basically have to restart the immigration process. My concern with staying here is not about the money. I have a good salary with my current job. Don't get me wrong, I have absolutely loved acting in student films and other small projects. However, I feel that after having done those for a few months, I have hit an experience ceiling. I haven't been pushed to really apply the lessons I've been learning in class. Everyone keeps saying that the best learning is on-the-job learning, and I feel I am missing out on that. To give some more context, culturally, I consider myself pretty American, but I have lived in Europe (never in the UK though). I have lived in a few different countries throughout my life so I'm not worried about the moving-my-life-to-a-new-country aspect. I'm more concerned about not being able to do English accents. I'd love to see what more experienced actors think: Should I tough it out with classes + unpaid roles for a few years and stay in the US knowing that eventually I'd have access to the US market **or** should I consider moving to the UK and building my skill set and resume (and potentially struggle with not being a UK native) but making it harder to move back in the US down the line? Any Americans on this sub that have found success in the UK?
Education by swelly627 • last post Aug 6th
Being 25 years old now. Filtering through career options and passions is something everyone goes through. Having experience in various fields, I’ve always wanted to be an entertainer. I use to be a damn good DJ after all. I have a passion for acting, being on set and creating magic moments. One obviously needs training to be an actor along side with natural talent. For those who have been there, at my stage, is it better to invest in a 2-4 year acting school? Or take weekly classes and get practical training through trial and error, failures and booking roles on your own? I’d like to hear all experience stories and advice.
BEING AN ACTOR - DREAMS VS REALITY by Winniehiller • last post Aug 6th
“I’ve always dreamed of being an actor, but I have zero experience.” Boy do I see this a lot on this sub. It tells me that these people need a little education into what it actually means to be an actor. If someone has always dreamed of being a fireman but has never stood next to a burning building, how can they possibly know fighting fires is what they want to do with their life? I am a big proponent of following your dreams. Dreams give us vision and spur us to take chances...step out of the mundane and into something greater. But if you have NEVER acted, then your dream is not to be an actor...your dream is to be a rich, famous celebrity. There is a very big difference. And who wouldn’t find that kinda dreamy? But it’s kind of like saying you want to have your artwork exhibited at a famous art museum when you have never even done a crayon drawing. Acting is a craft and requires very specific skills. An actor must be able to appear believably involved in imaginary situations, in the midst of all kinds of pressure and distraction. They must be able to convincingly portray other characters that are intriguing. They must be creative enough to create their unique interpretations of these characters. They must be able to utilize their imagination, emotions and memories to perform a credible enactment of reality under completely unrealistic circumstances. They must be able to memorize quickly and analyze spontaneously. It is a fascinating and exciting art form. Once you have actually become immersed in the fantasy of a story and lost in your character’s desires and pursuits, you very well may begin to dream of being an actor. It is magical. It is addicting. But it takes training and diligence to do it well. And doing so, even though an amazing accomplishment, is only the beginning. Now you must face the reality of entering one of the most competitive professions in the world. So not only do you need to understand the skill, but you must be the very best at it. And you must also be a business person...understand that you are both the salesman and the product...know what you have to sell and how to market it. You must have great people/social skills. You need to develop a tough skin in order to deal with disappointment. And no matter how successful you are, you will never have job security. You will always need to be seeking your next job. In the beginning, you need to have other skills in order to support yourself while being available for auditions and continuing your studies. Becoming a better actor is a lifelong pursuit, no matter how talented you are. There is so much to learn that you must be hungry for. You must think of yourself as being in the Olympics of acting. If you were the greatest ice skater or gymnast ever, getting ready to compete, you would be practicing most of everyday. Actors are no different. Certainly your natural ability carries with it an obligation to hone your skill to its greatest heights. Without that kind of ambition and dedication your talent is meaningless. If you want to win in this profession you must be incessant in your pursuit of excellence. Often you will need to perform for free in order to get experience and exposure. You may begin to feel taken advantage of, that everyone wants to take your money and that everyone in the business is selfish and superficial. This is because it is an exhausting process and so many people are struggling to make it work. Egos are fragile...both those of others and your own. But if you want to make it, you must be able to maintain a positive attitude, have faith in your abilities and optimism about the future. You must avoid resentment, jealousy and bitterness. To attempt carrying these along on your journey is like trying to swim across the ocean with weights strapped to your back. You will surely sink. I know this post may appear as though I’m trying to discourage you. But if acting is truly your dream, nothing will discourage you. Once you have more than “zero experience” you can know if this crazy, magnificent quest is for you. Maybe you think you want to be an actor because you want more than what you have now. You don’t want to settle for what people around you have settled for. You feel you are destined for greater things. Just know there are many paths you can take. Acting is only one. You just need to follow your heart. The main requirement is Love. I am a big believer in the saying “Love Conquers All”. If we follow what we truly Love...what brings us joy and fulfillment, this is our true path and we cannot fail. In the end it is not what we do, but how we do it. If we do it with Love, we will be happy. When we find ourselves in a situation that we cannot Love, it means we have taken a wrong turn for our own journey. There is no shame in changing directions. If we only have this one opportunity to play the role of ourselves, we might as well let our objective be joy. If acting gives you that, then you have found your path. If you are suffering, make a turn and go find your joy. That is not to say you won’t need to hang on and make it through the rough times. But the journey must be enjoyable and fulfilling. It is a rollercoaster ride with ups and downs and unexpected whips and turns. But the whole purpose of it is to bring you joy. Sure it’s scary and hard. But those are the things that make accomplishment thrilling and victory so sweet. That’s what life is all about....the adventure, the struggle...overcoming the odds...finding your joy!!!! Wishing you all the best on your journey, Winnie Hiller
Subscription-based actor services by MaverickEX • last post Aug 6th
I've seen people on Reddit bag on [Voices.com](https://Voices.com), claiming it's a ripoff. But what of some of the other services out there, like [Backstage.com](https://Backstage.com), or [WeRehearse.com/WeAudition.com](https://WeRehearse.com/WeAudition.com)? Are there any services out there that're actually worthwhile? As someone who doesn't live in NYC or LA, I could use all the connectivity I can get.