Hello everyone, I am currently finishing my last year of university, studying Drama and Performance, right now I'm trying to build up my showreel but the truth is because of my lack of showreel I can't find jobs- the good old " we need you to have experience to gain experience", currently I'm looking for any student films or anything that I can get my hands on, on Backstage and Mandy actors. I am kinda worried that my uni is not giving me any opportunities or overall tips on how I should build up my CV and I'm in my last year of study with barely 1 credit and that of a student film. I do understand that the acting job is one big grind and I can't expect to have anything of a career right now but I feel really let down by not even being given the chance to prove myself. Anyway, I am considering getting Spotlight subscription because it seems like it's one of the most used sites for professional realisations in hope of building my CV. But I would really want to know what do y'all think or give an advise. P.S thank you for taking of your time reading this!
I’m 17 years old from the North east of Scotland and have wanted to become an actor since i was 14. I’ve been trying to look online for open auditions in my country, but there is either none, or they are in places such as London or abroad (i.e. The USA). How do i find auditions? Am i looking in the wrong place? I don’t trust websites such as Starnow, Famestreet or Backstage as i feel that they are just wanting your money and will give little in return. I’ve tried Theatre, and it was not for me. I want to try and prove myself in a TV series or even a film, no matter how big the role is in it. I know that this can sound a bit ignorant and stupid because it’s very unlikely that this will happen. Is there any tips that people on this subreddit can give me? Thanks.
I'm an actor and screenwriter who is originally from LA but out near Vegas as of 4 years now. However, now I have to relocate back to LA no later than January. Any moving tips for moving to LA? Like are you staying with roommates? If so, how did you find these roommates? And are you working a day job while acting? Where did you find your day job? Please excuse the questions. Just trying to get some ideas so I can be smart about my move back to LA since LA is so expensive.
Hi, I am a (currently) non-union actress who recently worked a number of days on a feature film in a rural area as a background actor. For context, I was given one Taft-Hartley to fill out and told that I was taft'd for my last day as well. On my last day of filming I was bumped to stand-in and then finally, instructed by the director to stay in the scene with the principal actors and given specific instructions (by the Director) to interact with one of the principal performers for a few moments before leaving the scene. I have been given some mixed info by friends in the industry as to whether or not to submit the claim inquiry. A sag friend who worked the project with me says I should submit. I attempted to attain a call sheet to contact someone in production before submitting the claim as I thought that was a better way to go. I have not received anything since, and it has been eating me alive. I don't want to be thought of as ungrateful but at the same time would love to be paid for my work. Any and all advice would be so helpful! And apologies for any useless info, as I said I am very new. Thank you!
As the title says, I've been hired for a very weird job. There's a party coming up, and a company hired me to pretend to be a fortune teller. I agreed, but it turns out that a.) there's not even an outline of what I'm meant to say, and b.) I'm meant to be the main attraction. So basically, I have like 12 hours to figure out how to convince people I'm a fortune teller at a party. Apparently I'll have a crystal ball. This is all totally out of my depth, as I've only ever worked in roles with scripts or at least outlines in the past. This is basically 4 hours of improv, and they want people to think that I'm a fortune teller, not an actor playing a fortune teller. Any tips are welcomed! Thanks in advance!
My name is Marco, I am a 20-year-old young actor who is now studying acting at Gaiety School of Acting in Dublin, for one year (part-time course). Meanwhile, I am working full-time to support my studies and life in general. I studied acting in Portugal (secondary school) for three years and I started acting in a few Portuguese short films. While I'm studying and working here, I want to start my career in a place with more opportunities than in my country. I would love to hear some recommendations of websites for auditions, Facebook groups, or in general, any tips that you might have for a very passionate person for acting. Thanks <3
I’ve been seeing a few posts lately about agencies or directors wanting actors to cut their hair. Is that something you’re allowed to say no to? Would it go against you if you were to say no to changing up your hair? I love my hair so much and put a lot of care into it, I’ve never dyed it or used any bleaches/highlights in it. The most I do is trim it every few months. I just wanted to know if changing my hair is something I could say no to without it giving me a bad rep?
Hey all! I run a podcast about short films and I'd love to interview you about your experience acting in a short film project! I've been running the podcast, Cheat the Camera, for a few months, and I thought it wouldbe great to get the perspective of actors who have worked on short films, particularly if you were also involved in a producing or directing capacity as well! So, if you have a short film you'd like to talk about with me, email me at cheat.the.camera@gmail.com! Please include a few details about the project. The podcast is available at: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cheat-the-camera/id1584877381
I don’t know if this is possible, but there are no stupid questions, right? Does anyone know of any techniques to make one’s face beet red for furious rage? Or conversely whiter as if one saw a ghost? This is for a theater play in which the actor is onstage and in view the whole time. So no make up changes or other artificial solutions will work. Thanks for any ideas you can offer.
Its kinda driving me crazy. I just have a great yearning to be on a set on feel that sense of purpose, but there's nothing going on around me. I'm 19, and have had to make my own films with some buddies for most of my life. Now most have moved away. Feeling very unfulfilled at the moment. I'm maybe looking for a place I can send virtual auditions to? Thanks.
Hi everyone! Not a voice actor here, but rather an amateur director and an amateur sound engineer. I've been listening to this recording for so long while mastering it that I already can't hear if it sounds bad or not. Previously I had a bad experience that our game came out as "The Room of indie horror games", and although it was hilarious in a way, I'd rather not repeat it and want it to sound well-directed, lol. So at first, I thought this recording sounded bad, but now I don't know... Can you guys please tell me, do you think the emotional outbursts of the female character sound a bit out of place to you or do they sound alright? Do I need to adjust the dialogues in the script a little bit? [https://drive.google.com/file/d/1lfkn0kqACeu\_BzlYgRDX4guKYFACDCa\_/view?usp=sharing](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1lfkn0kqACeu_BzlYgRDX4guKYFACDCa_/view?usp=sharing)
I got back into acting at the beginning of the pandemic and have been in a few short films (only one with substantial scene work), a recurring in a tv/web series where I’ve only been in two episodes, one web commercial and an industrial. I’m still building up my resume and now considering enrolling at the Meisner Technique Studio in SF which you have to interview for to even get in. The teacher is Jim Jarrett who is one of the last people who learned from and worked with Sanford Meisner and he seems to have many amazing reviews and testimonials. In order to graduate from this studio, you have to study with the teacher for 2 years and tuition is $1200 for 3 months with 2 classes per week and each class is 3 hours long. And after the first session, you have to be invited back to the remaining sessions. I don’t know whether I want/should make this commitment because I was wanting to move to LA end of 2022/early 2023. Their first available session starts in April. I have headshots that I’m not completely content with that I’m planning on retaking sometime in the near future. I don’t have a demo reel nor any of the footage from the work I listed above. And I recently signed with an agency that sends me auditions maybe 1-3 times a month. I know I need to get all of these things to the next level on top of raising money, getting in shape emotionally, physically and spiritually BUT are there other things I’m missing or that you all would recommend? Oh and I have a car. Thank you and good luck / break a leg to you all.
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. Non-professional shots are fine for age/typecasting; please keep in mind that one picture is a difficult way to go about this. Video of you moving and speaking would be ideal, but understandably more difficult to post. 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.
So I've just started my first job, and I was wondering if the fact that I can now make my own money will get me any closer to my goal as film actor
I don’t want to say that amateurs don’t deserve to work or that they shouldn’t have been hired and I am not trying to insult them either… I am just sincerely asking why they hire less skilled actors over more skilled actors. I have been on professional projects where actors didn’t know their lines, didn’t know when to start acting, stopped in the middle of the scene, couldn’t speak loud enough to be understandable, never took the directions they were given, needed tons of rehearsals, just froze in the middle of the scene because they didn’t know what to do, just canceled the project last minute after rehearsals or the costume was made for them, etc. I have taken class with people who made the same mistakes but ended up having lead roles in projects. I had a friend who had an important role in a short film while I had a smaller one and I had to teach her how to do some things because she didn’t have the special skill that I had and that was required for the scene. I really do not want to be mean and say that they don’t deserve to work or are untalented or anything. But why are they casted over more skilled actors who almost never make those mistakes? I have tons of very talented friends who never get work but see others acting unprofessionally still getting lead roles. What I really want to say is that it seems unfair for more skilled people to get less work opportunities than them. It seems like skills doesn’t matter, they only care about the looks or vibe or anything like that. Why is it like that? And what can we do about it?
I'm planning to go on to do a STEM PhD after undergrad, but I'd also like to pursue acting. I have the experience and grades to probably get into NYU or UCLA and maybe Columbia and Cal Tech (near LA, in Pasadena). I'm also considering some schools in Chicago. I don't expect to become a famous actor. I'd just like the opportunity to audition for some projects for fun and see where things go. Has anyone here done a PhD/grad school/ a science-based job while pursing acting? How was it? Should I plan to go to school in NY or LA in order to pursue acting while I'm working on a PhD? Would other big cities give me this opportunity? Thanks so much! Edit: should add that I'm taking as many acting classes as I can right now. My school doesn't have an acting minor, but has a strong/well known theatre department
My wife is against it and we're having discussions about it. I have zero experience and have just started to explore acting and taking classes but she's already told me she can't deal with anything that would require me to be intimate with another actor. Wondering if anyone else has had similar problems and how you dealt with it.
I'd like to hear stories of any well known actors/actresses who came from nothing and who grew up without privilege.
I’m a bit too eager to start building my reel so I’ve been self submitting for everything I’m interested in on actors access. But I live in WA and recently got asked to self tape for a non paying student film in California… I then started thinking whether that is worth flying for… I guess my eagerness is overshadowing logic because that doesn’t seem like a bad idea….but is it a bad idea?
This sounds dumb at first, so let me elaborate and hopefully it will sound less dumb. I know a lot of VA's use various techniques to create a voice or make their voice sound different. i.e. various cartilages in their throat, pitching up and down, nasality, fry, etc. But sometimes I see voice actors go into a voice that just seemingly sounds like a completely different person's voice, without any obvious usage of these other things. It's like they're strictly changing the timbre of their voice without even changing the pitch much or anything. Let me know if you would like some examples, I recently noticed it heavily when watching the newest episode of Critical Role, with Liam O'Brien's character, then I looked into him and seems to be able to do this a lot.
While the goal of many voiceover newbies is to get a professional demo produced (it's a very exciting thing!), please stop rushing into getting one. **If you think you're ready for a demo, first ask your coach if you're ready, then ask a professional, successful full time voice actor if you're ready**. If you do not have a coach, you are likely not ready for a professional demo. If you do not know a voice actor you can get confirmation from, feel free to message me and I can give you my honest opinion. Remember, many coaches financially gain from your demo, whether they produce it or get a kickback from a referral to a demo producer. That's why it's important to get a second opinion from a successful voiceover artist. If you're going to be doing any real marketing with your demo or applying for jobs, **you need to use a** ***reputable*** **demo producer**. Reputable demo producers will write scripts for you based on your voice, they will make sure your demo fits the current voiceover climate, they will coach you through your demo production, they will make it sound perfect, and *good* demo producers will also tell you you're not ready for a demo. If you're told "no", it's probably for a reason. I've seen so many people get their demos made by someone who has no business producing demos because it was cheap or because they bought their voiceover courses online and this was the next step. Demos are expensive. They are an investment. Do not get your demo made without knowing absolutely-for-certain that you are ready for a demo, and without doing your researach. The only thing worst than a crappy demo is a crappy demo that you paid hard earned dollars for. If you want to find a reputable demo producer, ask successful voiceover artists who made their demo, or look which producers have won SOVAS awards. Reputable demo producers will charge around $1,500 for a demo. Note: DIY demos are an entirely separate matter.
I live in NYC and I believe I’m SAG eligible with 3 Union vouchers but I’m waiting until I’m a must join so I can take some classes then build up a reel and resume. I know background work is a different thing from principal work but I was wondering if anybody has been able to do both? I get booked as a lot of different races with a lot of different looks because of my ancestry and the different hairstyles I go between (afro, braids, ponytail) and I’m just trying to maximize the amount of work I’d get if I’m ever a must join. I’d even be cool with being a stunt driver after I’ve had some classes for that as well. I’ve got a license but still saving up for a car Sorry if it’s a dumb question to ask but I’ve got nobody else to ask and idk how I’d look this up on google
I’m a young actor in Chicago and I’m just starting my career. I want to apply to things on Actors Access but they always ask for a reel which I don’t have. My question is, can I use self tapes I’ve recorded in the past for a “reel”? Or should I avoid it in general and just apply without a reel?
Ive only been in five acting classes so far, did an actors showcase for my city’s film summit, have no reel, and only recently managed to get one audition this Sunday for a student film (which I’m extremely grateful for) but had no luck self submitting on actors access (makes sense because I don’t have any media or enough on my resume). An acting teacher of mine was willing to introduce me to her agent, but should I take it up when I’m so inexperienced? Or should I wait till I have more on my resume but I’m struggling to get anything so will an agent help when I’m such a beginner?
I’m a background actor who has gotten a few roles that have granted me TH waivers. I have 3 TH waivers currently, which I understand makes me SAG eligible. I’ve just been offered another role which would be my 4th waiver. Would this 4th waiver make me a must join? Looking at the SAG eligibility checker, it says I’m still not eligible. I assume it takes a while to update, and my 3rd waivered role was only a few weeks ago. Any advice would be appreciated!
Question for you all! I live in LA and am rep'd here with both a theatrical agent and manager. While I've had a handful of auditions, work has been slow for me and I know a big part of that is that as an actor with so few credits and studios currently seeming to be unwilling to take risks on no-name actors, I've turned my sights to other markets where it might be a little less competitive. I'm wondering if it's worth it to seek an agent in another market like Atlanta or New Mexico? Is it normal to have multiple theatrical agents? Seems like some people do but I also don't want to cross my current reps by seeking it out if it's not commonplace. Also it's easy for me to travel for callbacks, etc. so not being near the market isn't really an issue for me in terms of accessibility.
I've been studying acting and improv for over a year and have just freed up time to audition for some simple roles. I was approached on backstage by The Dinner Detective for an audition. The teacher, cop, detective is one of my main archetypes so thought this might be a good opportunity to start developing the character and get paid for it. But, I've never heard of the production. Apparently they have live shows all over the southeast U.S. Just curious if this group is good to work for and if this live improv format is going to be productive or will it be counter-productive for development as a screen actor.
Im Looking to make a move towards the end of 2022/early 2023 ... I figured its very hard to get a O-1 for the states (I have solid regional and European touring credits in and a few Short films but after attending a load of seminars I realised its a little far off) and would love to work a little more in film, however I really fancy a change of scene (fed up of Brexit Island), new adventure and I would like to try my luck in the Canadian market as I can do a solid to native standard GenAm as well as my native RP/London - I also love the people, scenery and general vibe. If I am sensible at the end of the summer I will have a nice solid chunk of money to use to support me/pay for rent upfront/pay for classes etcAny advice or thoughts on programmes? And indeed what visa you went for? I am 27/will be 28 so might consider the exchange scheme or entry as a professional actor! Would love any tips, tricks, suggestions and experiences of markets in Toronto and Vancouver! (or even elsewhere, im very open) Thanks!
Is there a consensus of what websites are best for an actor to use, is there a lowdown of differences between actors access vs casting frontier, vs, backstage, vs. ??
Looking through imdb and noticed some speaking/principle roles that certain actors have played were labeled as “uncredited” in parenthesis…when they clearly had a role and lines. Why is this ?
Recently my school has wanted us to really think about our careers, and something I love more than anything is acting. I’ve played in a dozen musicals or plays, drama club member since the 7th grade, never feel anything more amazing then performing on stage. My parents have always been supportive of all my acting stuff, so I thought I would be fine to tell them I could pursue a career in acting. I was shut down immediately. Don’t get me wrong, becoming an actor is HARD and I know it’s not the easiest path. I’m practicing, learning, putting so much effort into acting, it’s something I really want to do. But my mom saying I would need a different job and acting to always be some side thing I do on weekends… it’s hard to hear. There’s always a chance another career I like will pop up, but I’ve never enjoyed anything like I do acting. If I power through, put the effort, get training keep on working and working towards this, will it actually work? Or will I just have to accept that I can never become a person who acts full time. (Sincerely a distressed teenager who’s want to make sure her goals are realistic enough that she can actually pursue them)
My against is also an actor He said he will help with making a demo reel and find scripts for me to join his commercial division. Every so often I'd ask him about the scripts and I know they are busy so I tend not to spam or prod a lot. So my question is do agents like to see persistence? He said he liked my persostamce but is it the right thing? I took it upon myself to find a few short scripts to show him and he can help pick out the right one for me. Is this a good thing? I don't want to be pushy but I am so excited.
So, I’ve been in a couple of different acting schools during my years in LA, one of which I did 2 year full conservatory program. But since I always wanted to learn the Meisner technique, I started taking classes at a Meisner school a while ago. The beginning classes was really fun. Learning a new technique was sooo exciting and I was looking forward to class every time. But now that I advanced to intermediate…not as fun. I don’t know what it is? I don’t feel challenged at all. This may sound stupid, but a lot of the intermediate and the advanced students (we had class together with advanced for a couple of weeks) are to be frank pretty bad actors. Basically all of them aside from maybe one or two. And not only does it worry me that they’d advance just like that even if they don’t seem they’re ready to do so, but what bothers me even more is that the teachers say to everyone that they’re great after every performance. And tbh 90% of the performances are NOT even near great or good. I can’t have teachers that I don’t trust will tell me the truth if I’m doing good or bad. But I soooo wanna learn Meisner and feel like I should continue taking the classes because this is what I want. And that maybe it’ll get better. I would really appreciate some advice!
​ Some of the invites I get for projects turn out to be porn. But before I hit decline, just opening the app is interpreted as acceptance. I can't find a way to go back and decline. Also I resent having to login after it's already emailed me and taken me to the web page. I should automatically be logged in and stayed logged in. But it never lets me stay logged in. Even when I click on Update Application there is no option to decline. And what is up with seeing " Need to request payment from the owner of this project? Get started › " at the top? Backstage is starting to feel more like Onlyfans but less user friendly. Actors Access is way easier to use.
I have seen a lot of English dubs in anime, and I kinda wanna get myself involved with voice acting in dubs. Do any of you have advice or any tips on what I have to do before I can attempt to be an actor at Funimation or something like that.
So I'm trying to work up the nerve to record my voice so I can start doing storytime animations. I have everything set up, but I've been having a lot of anxieties about recording my voice I know that this is something that a lot of people deal with when they first start out, but in my case, it's a bit more complicated. The problem comes from my voice itself which I have a few insecurities about. Despite being a 22 adult male, I don't have a deep voice. At all. I mean I know a lot of men complain about having a non deep voice but mine is REALLY baby I've been told that I have a great vocal range and I'm not a bad actor, but hearing how high my voice gets when I have a lot of energy in my performance (which is 90% of the time) just feels really embarrassing. I sound like a kid no matter what the situation. One person said that I would be a great fit for the nerd, funny friend, scientist or young hero. And while I understand that there's just as much a need for those characters as any low ranged, badass action hero, I'm still not sure how I feel about the idea of only being suited for those roles Is there any way I can start to appreciate this voice of mine more?
Anyone know of any good companies out there that can help out with my demo reel. Or better yet are there any pro voice actors here that could help me out with it? I have one put together but would like some professional opinions. Thanks y'all!
I'm directing my first short soon. After watching a few videos, and reading a few directing books, I'm seeing that it's a good idea to pull an actor aside to give them notes, instead of in front of the other cast and crew. I’ve seen many posts, videos, essays, etc. on using the right words, and speaking the actors’ language, but I'm trying to figure out the actual mechanics of it. It feels like pulling someone aside between **every** take draws as much attention as just giving quick direction from where I am; especially if there isn't a lot of resetting for the rest of the crew to do. Can someone go into the nuts and bolts of how they’ve been given notes from directors they’ve enjoyed working with? I’m looking for things like: Are you and/or your scene partner(s) pulled aside after every take? If you're the only one getting notes for that scene, are you separated from your scene partners? Or are you given the notes together? What are the words used? Is it something like: “Cut! Good, thank you. Everyone take a minute. John/Jane can I get a second over here?” > Walks to side area to give notes. Basically, what does giving notes "look like" after saying ”Cut”? Thanks!
https://www.famestreet.com/cgi-bin/members/pm.cgi?action=display&login=id-fantastic-ww&session= Hi, so sorry if this is a very stupid question, but I’m a teenage boy and would really like to be an actor someday. I found this listing in class to be an extra in the new fantastic beasts (sorry if that’s wrong, I’ve never seen or read any Harry Potter but I would like to try out anyway). I haven’t got any acting experience (hence why I’m looking to be an extra) but think I’m decent as I’ve done some training by myself. Just wondering if the website and listing is real!
To give some backstory, I am in Uni for theatre acting, we are a few weeks away from performing our play, and it's clear that one of our ensemble mates is in a really bad headspace, obviously I'm not a therapist, and depsite majority of us in the cast being pretty close with one another, I dont know everything about their life. The issue is (despite of course someone I consider a friend clearly suffering) is that, they are now inflicting that suffering onto the rest of the cast. The negativety has gotten real toxic. The director is aware and has tried talking one on one with said actor but there's been no change. They're just...mad about every single aspect of the play, and it's probably exasperating whatever other outside factors that's going on. Idk what to do at this point, I did try to talk to them (I thought we were close enough friends to do that) but I got stonewalled. They are a rather great actor imo but a good chunk of us can't get excited about the work because we know that its just gonna be a wave of negativity once we're on break. Idk what to do, ignoring the problem seems like the only way to go, and I know that we are a cast/coworkers before we are friends, but it's just a shit situation. Any tips on how to deal with this?
Yes, it is the same story as everyone else’s. I’m from a small town that’s an hour away from any cities. Even the bigger ones have little to no market outside of local commercials (which are EXTREMELY competitive- no agent, no audition). There are five reputable theatres within thirty miles of me and they rarely cast minors (I am a student, very important). In two years of looking I’ve gotten one audition. Didn’t get it btw. When I put in the appropriate filters to Backstage’s search, 0 jobs with 0 productions were found. I haven’t tried Actors Access because I couldn’t travel for any roles even if I wanted to. I’ve done classes, group and private. I’ve looked for summer programs out of state— they are all veeerrrryyy expensive. I WANT to do theatre. I want to start there and build a strong foundation in my performance style. I could try to get an agent for tv and film now, but I feel like I wouldn’t be prepared. I’m drawing a blank and it is exhausting. I have decent connections. Great ones, actually. A guy I know has been in several shows and movies with Oscar winning actors, a girl I did class with is starring in a show, my uncle is a producer. But I don’t want to milk those relationships. I feel as though I can’t go to them and ask for something they are not prepared to give to an unexperienced actor! Y’all please help me. I’ve read the FAQ and the sidebar and everything else. I am tired and a little heartbroken. I will gladly accept any advice or ideas, just please take a minute and think about my situation.
I’m curious because my fuel for acting is something that’s changed so dramatically since starting college, graduating 2 yrs ago and then again during covid lockdown. What’s beyond “I just love it :)” like why though? Or “I love storytelling”, again why? I’ve been investigating. Right now I see acting, especially doing theatre, as taking life on. Fully! Creating a living creature and breathing life into them. Having the joy of experiencing and sharing an adventure of this human experience. Having the ability to channel and be a vessel for something larger than myself that still exists within myself. Acting allows me to expand and understand myself and this world a bit better. Am I making sense hahahaha TLDR: I would ~love to hear everyone’s relationship to their craft! (Also bonus question: do you identify as an artist? Cause I surely do though I feel lacking in comparison to my other artist friends, such as musicians and poets, since I haven’t fully started creating my own content…yet! Anyone relate?)
I'm interested in getting into voice acting, but my birth name is just so plain sounding. I know that other actors have stage names and writers have pen names. Is there anything like that for voice actors? If so, how could I be paid under it instead of my birth name? Would I have to make a whole new bank account for it?
I remember trying to see a film with Toby Maguire in it after the Spider-Man trilogy and it felt like I couldn’t let go of the fact that that’s Spider-Man and not the character Maguire was playing. For some reason I feel like the same phenomenon is happening through social media accounts with actors. You don’t truly know them but you’re still able to get to know this “character” all too well. Almost like they’ve been Spider-Man for a few years and now every movie I see them in reminds me of the person they project as through social media. Certain actors understand the importance of staying out of the lime-light in order to have a greater acting range, such as Daniel Day-Lewis and Joaquin Phoenix. However, new actors seem to have to rely on social media in order to sustain a longer lasting career in film. Almost like becoming heartthrobs with the younger audiences, but on a much more intrusive scale than actors such as Leonardo DiCaprio ever experienced. Is this the future of acting? Or am I looking too deep into this?
Hey guys, I hope everyone is doing well so far! I’m looking for some advice regarding acting in the UK. I shall be staying in Newcastle Upon Tyne in Northumberland from January until May. I’m very excited about my trip and my goal is to get into acting for British film and tv during my stay. I was wondering does anyone have experience and particular advice breaking into the British entertainment industry, specifically in the Newcastle region. What are the main differences between their work and the work in NYC? Are there any particular communities/networks/ online groups for actors I can join? P.S. I already found a local talent management and acting school I can apply to and I am wondering is there anything in particular I should be aware of before applying?
I'm new to all this, and I received the following message from casting after a small audition for a really small, 1-5 line role, in an Indie film (non-union, with established indie actors confirmed). This was sent to me after my audition, on 10/19 (6 days ago). Filming is for late November. "At this moment our Director is making final decisions. The Director really liked your look and is asking to place you on 1st refusal/ strong hold for shoot dates. Once final decisions are made we will notify you." I'm wondering what the normal amount of time to wait to hear back might be, and how long I should wait before checking in. There's no easy contact info for the production, but a quick google pointed me to contact info for casting. I'm hesitant to get in touch incase this is a normal amount of time (given the weekend and all). Or is it wishful thinking to believe that they'll bother getting in touch? Was that a canned message I received? Looking forward to any thoughts! Thanks!
One of my regrets after booking a marvel series was I had no publicity when it came out. (I was a no name) / I just got my first major part in a film (you’d know the company) and I’m hoping to get some kind of publicity when it comes out - I know I can’t go to the big dogs when it does come out Bc I ain’t no A lister but it certainly is another strong credit and I’d like to make the most of this opportunity. Any advice for a non CAA/WME person?
I think this is probably the best place to ask for help so here it goes. I am an actor from the UK and (as the title of the post says) I am looking for a change. I would love to move to the US and become something I can be proud of. I’ll get to the point now and ask my question. Are there any agents that I can contact in and around the Texas area? Like Arkansas, Oklahoma, New Mexico and the like. Thank you for any help in advance.
So in a nutshell I have a decent boutique/mid-level agent but I'm not getting self tape requests/auditions for scripted TV/film. Each day it gets to 6pm when the offices close, I check my emails and there's nothing. It makes me feel so low and like I have no future in this job if I can't even get auditions, and makes me ashamed of the stuff I've done that's out there eg) showreel as it probably puts people off. On the rare occasion I DO get a tape-request which isn't for a commercial or more than just a 2-liner, A) the writing is pretty much always lousy so it's harder to do good work, and most importantly B) I get so anxious that I cannot focus on preparing properly, like my energy is just all over the place and I get overwhelmed and cannot delve deep into the scene prep - just skimming the surface or procrastinating, and then when it gets round to filming I completely tense up to the extent that my whole body is actually in pain and I cannot breathe and all my mouth and throat muscles clench up so I can't talk properly, or I'll over-act because I'm trying to make the most of the opportunity and myself stand out, or I'll just be emotionally numb and skim the surface of the scenes which usually happens in person. I also often film countless takes and editing takes hours so on a few occasions my tapes have been an hour or so after deadline. So the very few tapes I do get are always crap, and probably put the casting director off ever having me tape for them again. I also don't really have many friends and I live alone, quite far from the few actors I know, so for tapes I usually record the other person's lines and leave gaps for my lines.. so I'm doing these tapes just alone with myself which is never enjoyable that's crap too. I'm getting so paranoid that casting directors or casting assistants are sort of gossiping about actors and telling eachother not to see certain people because they are crap. So I'm just stuck in this horrible limbo where I can't get opportunities but when they come, they are so rare that I freak out and do a crap job. I have severe ADHD, depression and anxiety, also undiagnosed body-dysmorphia but cannot afford to have therapy. I don't really have anyone I can talk to. I just don't feel like I'm a good actor anymore... I've become so self aware, tense and wooden. Will give you some info about myself as an actor to put this into context: I'm a represented actor in London, UK. I'm female, white, straight and in my late 20s but my casting is more 20-25 (genuinely-I look unusually young for my age and have young skin). I did not go to an accredited drama school but have done a lot of classes. I started in the industry in 2015 and went on a career break in late 2018 before starting again in March/April this year. I intended to take just a year out but covid happened so the break was more like 2.5 years. Before I went on my break, I had reached a point where I was auditioning and taping well and I had confidence, felt comfortable in my skin and was emotionally available. I won't delve too deeply into why I took a break but it was due to the agent I was with being incredibly bitchy and a bully, not being able to secure new rep afterwards, having additional personal problems... I was mentally unwell and completely lost my ability to trust myself. From 2015-2018 I gained professional experience (legit, with casting director) playing small speaking roles & some larger guest roles on TV/film. None of the roles were that great though, and my performances are pretty shit... and I look awful in everything... so I kind of feel that those jobs have done me more harm than good in the long run. I have never done nudity/sex scenes and do not audition for those roles. I have never really had opportunities to work professionally in theatre or radio due to my lack of formal training. So I guess this limits the amount of auditions I can get. I'm kind of pretty but not pretty enough to play the pretty roles; kind of quirky/edgy looking but not unusual looking enough to play the weird/misfit roles. But then I also don't really look "average-looking" either... like I don't have a "corporate" vibe. I'm not sexy or don't really have sex appeal but then I'm also not like innocent-looking or sex-less. I often get seen for gay roles but I'm not actually gay or even bi, although I guess I have that vibe? I'm not athletic/like an action hero, I'm not plus size but I'm also not like underweight so that also makes me hard to place. And in terms of "class" I'm also kind of inbetween. I'm sort of lower-middle-class from suburban London and have a pretty basic accent... so I'm not really posh enough to play posh roles but I'm not working class enough to play working class. In the UK they also like to cast true to the setting so unless you're famous they don't really consider - for example - non-Scottish/Irish actors for a Scottish/Irish character etc. They sometimes scrape the bottom of the barrel and cast people who have eg) a Jewish grandparent or an Irish mum for respective projects but I have no interesting sort of family history... I'm just very standard/boring lower-middle-class-suburban/homecounties......where nothing ever seems to be made (in the UK). But maybe there aren't many roles for people with playing age in their 20s? I have spoken to my agent a few times raising my concerns but I'm always told not to worry and there's never any transparency as to why I'm not getting seen. They say they are pushing me and I guess I have to trust them, but I guess casting directors just think I'm shit or not good enough for decent roles. Or maybe my agency is pushing me but like in a half-hearted way / or they think I'm ok but not worth investing loads of time/attention on, like they don't think I'm amazing or a future star. I don't necessarily aspire to be a huge leading star actor, but sometimes I feel like your agent has to believe that you have that in you so that they can get you frequently seen for good roles. And by "good" role i don't just mean leads or even series regular etc, I just mean something that is more than 3 lines without any nudity/sex. I don't know if I'm just being spoilt or entitled about this? Maybe this is how it is for everyone after covid, or maybe I should expect less after taking so much time out of the industry. It's been seven months since i got my agent and there's only been about 5 decent opportunities...none of which were even really that great tbh.
I already live in LA so I don’t see any reason to leave. What benefits are there to being based in LA as an actor? Most actors I know are from New York so I know a lot more about that world. Are there any specific things in LA to take advantage of that other areas can’t offer?
Weeee, you found me!
I'm your buddy Bottie, I was hiding behind the scenes, but now that you've found me I'd be happy to tell you what I'm doing.
I just wrote a few fun facts about Web For Actors
Would you like to take a look?
Click here to check them out. I hope it will cause involuntary audible response.
