We have found 19,293 posts across 4 actor forums:
Entering the wilderness, any advice? by Looking2Progress • last post Jun 5th
Alright guys, I’m doing this, like really doing this. I’ve been to drama school, I’ve gotten myself a very reputable agent, and came off my first professional job a month and a half ago. I’m regularly going to classes, every now and then I’m emailing my CV to CDs, I’m trying to write a play and also make a couple shorts with my cohort of actor/director/writer friends. But... I haven’t had an audition since I’ve come off my first gig; which I totally understand to be normal in this business, plus I’ve just turned 21 so I know competition is fierce. I’m just wondering if there is anything else you guys would recommend to fill my time until I’m in the casting room again? I’m still extremely fresh to this so forgive me if I sound naïve here, I’m getting my bearings and strapping in for the long-run. My whole life I’ve privately dreamed about doing this and now I’m finally allowing myself to go for it, full-speed. Any advice would be amazing, been lurking here for years and I’ve absorbed a lot of info but none directed purely to me :)
Acting Career Advice from Bill Oberst Jr. by kamenpb • last post Jun 5th
[Here's a link](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aaegnd3xaVI&t=2913s) to the full video. The bullet points: 1. Realize that you’re going to be rejected a lot, and it’s going to take a lot longer than you thought. Cut all ties with other careers. Don't have a plan B. 2. There’s a lot of noise (lots of people also trying to do this). It’s not so much one project as it is the accumulation of projects. 3. LA isn’t one city, it’s a collection of smaller cities. Your ability to work is largely dictated by traffic. You have to make yourself totally available, prioritizing your career above anything else. 4. If you have to get a side job, try something that doesn’t lock you into set hours so you don’t miss random audition times throughout the week. That’s why a lot of people are servers, bartenders, or freelance. 5. "Before I moved here, I wish someone had told me not to come. It’s a cruel business, no one cares, and you have to do it yourself. I still would’ve come, but I would’ve been more aware of just how difficult this business is." 6. Emotional outlets (hobbies, relationships, etc) are very important. 7. Don’t fall into the trap of not thinking about acting outside of auditions. You’re a small business person. When you wake up in the morning, you should be going to work. If you’re an actor, YOU are your business. Throughout the days and weeks you should be constantly thinking about ways to further your business. 7. Try to live centrally. Hollywood is great because it’s easy to get everywhere. Studio City, etc. Look at the map and try to be right in the center. Talk to people in the business and try to find out where the auditions are and move closest to there. You have to plan around traffic. 8. “Think like a wolf.” Circles of producers, directors, etc, many times rarely intersect. You have to be able to go to each of these circles as needed. Not really a good idea to be tied down to one group of friends, partners, etc. Be always on the prowl...always on the hunt...looking for a relationship that is likely to benefit you and that person. 9. No one can hook you up. Don’t ever think you can solely rely on friends to get you a job. It’s every person for themselves. It’s a mercenary business. 10. You have to find a niche. Bill’s “niche” is that he’s a middle aged man with bad skin, making him more marketable as a villain/antagonist/etc. 11. Work for free in the beginning, but realize you'll reach a point where you surrender financial control to your agent. Over time it’s more relationships, more offers, less auditions. 12. Think of yourself as a commodity; a set of skills that you can bring to a production. That determines your value in the business. People should realize there is an actual financial value associated with the casting of an actor. Producers will ask, “What projects has the actor done recently and what value will they bring to this production? How many more people will watch this if this talent is cast?” 13. You have to accumulate a body of work before an agency will become interested in you. Say you accumulate 50 IMDB credits and an agency offers to take you on, be willing to turn it down to wait for a better offer even though you’re excited. 14. People love to be stroked. Do homework on people you’re going to be working with and compliment them on their previous achievements. It's a good way to build relationships. 15. Actors who have reached higher levels of success are very business minding, marketing minded, and strategic minded. It’s essential. 16. Before getting a job, weeks have been spent marketing, submitting, stroking relationships, looking for projects, reading scripts, etc. Marketing and business is 99.9% of the time. You have to be completely focused. 17. Never wait till the last minute to memorize lines and prepare choices. Spend the days and weeks before a shoot experimenting with unique and interesting choices so that if you show up and the director wants something different, you have something in your back pocket. 18. Try to always repay favors. 19. Think of IMDB as your resume. People are going to go there to see if you’ve been busy, what you’ve been doing, etc. 20. Make your bio as concise with your top accomplishments listed IN THE BEGINNING so even if people don't click on your page they can still see them from google. 21. Perception is reality in this business. What you want to be known for, say you’re already known for it. It helps people categorize you (particularly casting agents). People want to be able to quickly identify what type of character you play so they can cast you. 22. If you don’t know how to identify yourself then you don’t know your brand, and if you don’t know your brand then you won’t work. Create a brand. Best way to do it is to take jobs and talk to the DP, Director, etc, and try to find out what they react best to when you’re acting. What does the camera best see you do? Find that “thing." Don’t try to rely on being versatile. Pick the few things you can do best on camera and promote the hell out of them. 23. Directors and casting agents are trying to fill the roles as quickly as possible, that’s why you want to jump out as a particular brand. The casting directors have to say, “I want the guy that can ___. Get me that guy.” They don’t have time for anything else. You have to be the solution to their problem. 24. Never turn down a role when you’re starting. Audition, make cold calls, build relationships, network, and promote your work. Most important part is promoting your work. Whenever you’ve done something, promote it. People want you if you’re wanted by other people (like dating, for example.) Make a social post tagging the production (“I’m very happy to have worked with…”). People will say, “Bill’s working, I want him too.” 25. Be concise via emails and/or calls. Clearly define what you want and what you’re calling about. “I’ll write an email to a producer asking them if I can call. Once we've arranged time for the call, I'll cut right to the chase. “Hi, how you doing? Great. Did you get a chance to look at…” 26. On taking random jobs: Sometimes you do something that doesn’t have an immediate benefit but years down the line you’ll get a call from someone you met on that set and they'll offer you a project. 27. If you’re in a project that gets into a festival, go to that festival. Again, people will see pictures of you there on social media, etc. It strengthens the perception of you as a busy person in the industry. If you can’t afford it, put it on a credit card. Find a cheap Airbnb. Don’t miss those opportunities. When you're there, ask people about their work. Don’t talk about yourself, talk about them. Listen, nod, ask follow up questions. Never start sentences with “I” 29. Try to put yourself in the shoes of agents and casting directors. Know that they only want you if they can make money off you. Why are you marketable? If you’re trying to get their representation, describe what skills make you marketable. “I would like to be associated with your agency because of…” 30. Always be early. Never be rushed. Before you have a conference call or meeting, PREPARE. Go over the conversation in your head. Prepare talking points. 31. Offer to market the movie even after you’ve wrapped. Post on social media about the movie. Doing that will show people that you offer value past your involvement on set. It enhances your status beyond the production. 32. Don’t waste money on acting classes/gurus/etc. Try to learn on set. Might be dangerous for some, but if you don’t have the money, try to go to work. Might not be paid, but go to work. There’s SOME project out there that you can get involved with. 33. Your reel is huge. Make it short and concise. Also have additional clips on your Youtube Channel; individual scenes with specific labels of you doing specific things that relate to your brand. On your IMDB Page… Pictures, Reel, Clips. Reinforce your brand. Utilize the trademarks section. 34. It’s important to have a manager and/or agent as someone to look from the outside at the overall scope of your career and make strategic decisions accordingly. Keep in mind you’re paying them 15% of your income to do this. Self branding before you get representation is super important because when you approach them it allows them to categorize you and it makes their job easier to say yes or no to taking you on. You'll get 98% of the jobs on your own and the deals are negotiated through your representation. Send them leads so that they can also be researching, etc. Keep an open dialogue. Bring them directors, producers, and projects you're interested in working on.
Robert Mandan Dead: The Stage Actor And ‘Soap’ Star Was 86 by _OH_YEAH_ • last post Jun 4th
Advice for moving to a new city to pursue acting. by Album_Capsicum • last post Jun 4th
Hey guys! I'm planning on moving to Cape Town, South Africa in January. I'll be 20 y/o and honestly I'm terrified. I'm working full time and studying acting at the moment \(part time\) and really need to just get out there so i'm moving to get closer to where all the acting action is. My biggest concern is getting a job that will allow me to go to auditions and let me go to rehearsals or filming. What job would you guys suggest? I'm also planning on starting my own online business but it'll be a while before that get's ANYWHERE and i doubt it will get big enough to support me fully. I know that this isn't a sure fire way to become a successful actor but i need to try. Thanks guys :\)
Why do some actors never get big breaks while others do? Eg Meghan Markle by FluffyWof • last post Jun 4th
Meghan has been on the successful TV show 'Suits', but she was stuck doing Hallmark TV movies too. That's still way better than not working, but you have to wonder what her agents and managers were doing. Why couldn't she levy her successful role on Suits into bigger and better roles elsewhere?
What if you don’t have connections in the film industry? by n_reedus • last post Jun 4th
Obviously knowing the right people gets you step ahead. But if you don’t know anyone are you absolutely doomed. Because I’m pretty sure many actors knew people and had a lot of luck which is how they got to where they are now.
Should I go to Private Coaching for a callback? I need advice! by totallytubular11 • last post Jun 4th
Hi everyone. So I sent in a tape for a feature film a few weeks ago and just received a callback from the tape for an in\-person session with the directors, producers, etc. It's a highly emotional scene with crying/fear involved. I know that since it's a callback they basically want me to go in and do the same thing I did in the tape\- so I'm wondering if private coaching will be all that beneficial since I already know what they want. My agent said it might be beneficial, but I'm afraid it'll change my perspective of the scene or simply not add anything at all and have me dropping $$$. On the other hand, I can see how it could help to have a reader and practice \(at the moment my actor friends are busy and the only person I can read with would be kinda awkward with\), and additionally might help with the emotional aspect of it \(even though I already did that??\) I hope this makes some sense, I'm having difficulty articulating my dilemma. I usually do private coaching for big tv shows and movies for the initial audition.... I've never gotten this far with a project this big so I'm at a lost on what to do.
Chris Pratt Acting Technique by tittiemcvitie • last post Jun 4th
I read an article recently about Chris Pratt's unique acting techniques and I'm a bit confused as to whether or not he's a method actor. The article spoke about how he creates playlists for his characters and imagines what animal his character would be, but it didn't actually explain if he was a method actor or simply used these techniques to build his onscreen persona. I only ask because I'm an aspiring actor myself and find Chris Pratt to be a huge inspiration, so am interested in studying his style.
Has anyone been to The Actor’s Greenroom? Any reviews or experiences? by mockmejay • last post Jun 4th
Also I’m I need to find a scene to do, did you just stick to the website and get a scene or did you find one on your own? What do most people do?
Interview Request: Have You Performed Nude? by bohnchild • last post Jun 4th
Hello! I’m a freelance writer in Toronto, and I’m looking to interview female actors who have performed nude as part of a story for a fashion & beauty publication. If you’re willing to be interviewed, or you’d like to know more details about me/who I’m writing for, feel free to send me a message :) I’d really appreciate it!
Which actors have annoying voices in your opinion and why? I’m not talking about character voices, just voices in general. And they can be good actors as well, not just bad actors. by mcdanielstudent2021 • last post Jun 3rd
Saw a watchmojo video talking about actors with annoying voices, and this subject popped up in my head. Not discriminating against anyone, just saying.
Table read for: After You've Gone by Mm2k • last post Jun 3rd
We are doing a table read for the feature film **After You've Gone**. We need a few actors to come in and help out by reading some of the characters. This isn't a paid position, but we will feed you. It's next Wednesday June 13th at 6:30pm in Tustin, CA. As well, only one role is cast in the film, so there is opportunity. PM me if interested.
Help me find this actor! by stopfeedingplz • last post Jun 2nd
He appeared on "Joking Bad" - Jimmy Fallon at the beginning of the video, this is what he looks like https://gyazo.com/3f219f9366ec6eea6b9d956356d04b55
Careers that could conflict by Seanj1987 • last post Jun 2nd
I’ve been thinking of pitching articles about film, and film criticisms. And possibly doing video reviews or essays. I was wondering if you thought this could conflict with a career trying to be an actor, or writer?
Actors in St. Augustine FL. Are there any here? by James Scott • last post Jun 1st
Trying to put together a film club so we can shoot short films for festivals. Anyone local?
Are acting schools (3 year degree) worth it by Kurt1717 • last post Jun 1st
I asked earlier the best way to become an actor for an 18 year old, and was wondering if going 1 step further than weekly classes, to actually study a degree would be beneficial and worth the cost (roughly $45,000 for the 3 years). I'm thinking I might do casual classes for a year and see if I enjoy it/are any good then maybe undertake this degree of considered worthwhile. Any suggestions would be appreciated.
Good theatre photographer in NYC? by prettylovers • last post Jun 1st
I've been scouring the internet for someone with a real theatre style. I see a lot of UK actors with great head shots. But NYC head shots seem to have a 'pop' style that I don't want. Open to recommendations.any...even your pals who shoot photography! Thank you!!
When you watch other actors acting, how do you critique their performances? by stanislavskian2 • last post Jun 1st
What separates a great performance from a good one, a good one from a mediocre one, a mediocre one from a bad one, and a bad one from an awful one?
Non-union National Commercial help? by Chris_Ramirez • last post Jun 1st
Hey everyone! I recently booked my first commercial and it was a national commercial for Pizza Hut (yay!) and it started airing yesterday and I've already seen it all over the place. I'm a stage actor moving in to the film world and its DRASTICALLY different so I'm a little lost. My question is how does payment work? I have an e-mail that tells me that as a OCP I get my session rate and then some $$$ for usage. It says that its for one year of usage. Will this be the only payment I receive? As a non-union commercial does it disqualify me from getting residuals? Any information about this process would help, thanks!
What are some things I can be doing daily to become a better actor? by whaleforce9 • last post Jun 1st
I'm looking for daily routines people do on a daily basis to improve their acting skills or prepare for a role. I don't mind if they're directly or indirectly related to acting, but I want to fill more of my free time with healthy routines to push me further to my goal.