my online journal

The Realities of an Acting Career

Thousands of people come to Los Angeles or New York with the hopes of becoming a star. The reality is that only a select few succeed but this hasn’t stopped many from trying. If you are considering this, you should ask yourself if you have what it takes to have a successful acting career.

If you don’t get the part in a television show, try to get a part on stage, on the radio or on motion picture productions. You may not be given yet the starring role but only be given a supporting one which isn’t that bad when you are just starting out.

While waiting for someone to call, you should also find work in independent films, in commercials, night clubs and theme parks. There are also ads for requiring some actors to do some voiceovers in animated features, audio books and other electronic media like computer games.

For those who have been in the industry for quite a while and have not yet received any new projects, you should see if you can land a teaching position in a high school or university drama department or a job in an acting conservatory.

Since television shows are shot on a seasonal basis and movies are finished in a matter of months, the job of an actor is short term ranging from a day to a several months.  One of the things that you have to deal with sometimes is the undesirable and unpleasant working conditions as well as stress that go with the territory.

This may include working long and irregular hours, traveling across the country and shooting a scene under adverse weather conditions. You won’t always get the chance to sleep in a hotel so most of the time you will have to bunk in a trailer. If there is a break, you can go back there or just wait in the dressing room until its time to perform the scene.

If you happen to have a part in a television show, you have to be able to memorize your lines quickly because this may change within minutes. This is more challenging when you are performing this live in front of a studio audience.

If the scene you are shooting is done out of town or out of the country, don’t expect to see your family often or have a social life. You will just have to make up for this when everything is finished.

Aside from wearing make up and putting on costumes, you should always be in good physical condition to be able to perform a part so you will be able to take cues and work around complex technical sets and still be able to project your voice audibly.

Before the director or producer can say cut and print, you will have to do a lot of rehearsals and a lot of takes so everyone will get it right. If you are worried that they will work you like a dog, don’t bother because there will always be breaks in between so you avoid experiencing dehydration or heat exhaustion.

The reality of an acting career is that it will take a lot of blood, sweat and tears for you to succeed in this business.  You may not always be nominated for an Oscar or Academy award for everything you have done but at least you have a job.

No Comments »

If you think it only takes beauty to get into Hollywood, think again! Just look at the rising stars nowadays and most of them are not what you will call classic beauties. In fact, some of them even have “defective” features by society’s standards before but because of their popularity have managed to turn them into coveted features or if not more or less accepted in society.

One classic example is the relatively full lips of Angelina Jolie who before have been criticized for her big lips. The same goes with the freckles of Lindsay Lohan or the chin of actress Reese Witherspoon.

When it comes to career, beauty is not the only basis. There are a lot of things that you need to put into an acting career to make a successful mix. Here are some of the ingredients for success that you need to have with you.

1. Talent
The most beautiful of them may rise to superstardom but without a substantial talent to back them up, they will end up fading into the background. Only those who really have the talent will stay on to make more and more movies. In fact, even if you are not as beautiful or as sexy, if you have the talent you can excel and even outshone others.

One example is America Ferreira who plays Ugly Betty or Jennifer Hudson who outshone Beyonce in the movie Dream Girls. They are proof that even with a not so covetous body, they can go head to head with the best in Hollywood and even win the race!

2. Luck
Some people may discount it but luck plays an important role too. Sometimes when auditioning in some low budgeted film or tv series, you will not expect anything but if it turns out to be such a hit, your name will be recognized all over the world. A lot of today’s actors and actresses were given lucky breaks.

Just look at Emma Watson and Daniel Radcliff who are not enjoying superstardom all over the world. They were not even stars when they were chosen to play the iconic role of Hermione and Harry Potter for the onscreen adaptation of a bestselling book.

3. Agent and stylists
Another must have in Hollywood is a good agent, someone with the connections. This is the person who will gain you entry to the hottest party so that you can get noticed or maybe secure a slot for you in an audition. Having someone do the marketing for you helps a lot in opening up opportunities. Another must have is a stylist who will help you become presentable in every function. Remember that Hollywood right now is all about fashion and you need to be properly dressed in order to get noticed.

4. Connections.
Let’s face it. If you have connections, it will be easier for you to go out there and meet people. This is the reason why a lot of the children of former actresses and actors are now enjoying stardom, they have backers who have opened the doors for them. This is not to say though that they do not have the talent or the discipline.

They also worked hard but it was easier for them to get where they are because they know people who held the key.

1 Comment »

How to Establish a Good Acting Career

How can one establish a good acting career?

It is more than just knowing how to act and portray a character- it is a challenge at how to please other and make people appreciate about how good an art acting can be.

This is one of the most challenging concept about acting that, once mastered, can effectively catapult one to stardom and fame.

But before one begins to take on this challenge, take note of the following considerations which are common obstacles or pitfalls to an acting career that can discourage many to pursue it.

Here is a common checklist for actors;

- if you are new to show business and do not know where to go to for professional help, try to look around for reputable casting firms who could provide you with expert advice on how to evaluate your acting skill and what good roles may be suited for you.

- Make the most out of audition calls, since this is where you may be able to test yourself for roles that are available in the market.

- Sometimes it helps to work freelance, however, having an agent gives you more opportunities in landing opportunities for audition and casting calls. Take note that agents are the first ones to know of any available roles that are being cast for movies or shows.

- Choosing a good casting or agent can indeed be a good help, especially for amateur actors who still do not have much idea about how to scout for good acting roles, unlike when working freelance, you often tend to decide on what roles that are readily available, regardless of your personal preferences, whewreas if you employ an agent to represent you, producers usually call on agents to help them provide the most suitable talent for the roles they hope to be portrayed.

- There is always the risk of devoting too much time to balance between work and the demands of an acting career, especially when juggling a professional career and an acting venture.

- Always be sure to keep your word and always maintain a decent and professional demeanor. It does not matter whther you are an artist or not, you are still expected to maintain a professional air.

- Always make sure to prepare materials that you may need to promote yourself like audition tapes, resumes, headshots, portfolios, etc. Keep it handy all the time, you’ll never know when a good opportunity comes up.

- Always keep yourself updated and headstrong by joining acting workshops and advanced acting programs or projects that will help you continue to polish your acting skills, preparing you for better chances of landing good roles in the future.

- Make it a point to always put your best foot forward and always make sure that you are always ready to take on a variety of roles and characters, which is a good sign of your acting versatility and dynamic personality.

- Not everybody can make it successfully in an acting career, regardless of how hard one should try. Be ready to take on criticism and even skepticism, but taking it more of a constructive feedback rather than a disappointing twist.

- Always focus on things that you think that will always let you propel your acting career.

These are but may not be all available tips to establish a good acting career, but one that will surely help you get on your way to stardom and celebrity status.

1 Comment »

How to Keep Your Acting Career

Your first job as an actor or actress was great but it shouldn’t stop there. Some of the greatest celebrities have been in it for decades and you too can also have a successful acting career.

One of the things you have to do is continue to take up acting classes. There are many around and this will give you the chance to explore more of what you can do is an actor. This will prevent people from giving you the same role every time which shows that you are very versatile.

Although your manager is the one helping you look for more projects, you can do your share also by sending out your resume and photos to producers and directors. You have to remember that the entertainment industry is a tough business and there are upcoming actors and actresses like yourself fighting for the same spot. Ever wondered what happened to those who had a good movie a few years back and where they are now?

Most of the films and television shows have actors and actresses that are physically fit so if you want to be considered for a part, do your share by working out regularly. You may not afford a physical trainer but you can surely sign up for a gym membership.

You should also accept invitations to scene nights where you get the chance to put a 2 minute monologue. This event is usually attended by people in the industry who are looking for talents for a new show or as a guest in an ongoing show.

Don’t forget to bring a press kit so you can distribute a few to the people there. This will make it easy for them to get in touch with you or your agent.

It wouldn’t hurt to also take part in a small movie made by film student or an independent film. You won’t get that much money from them but at least you can add this project to your resume so people will know you are doing something to better improve who you are as an actor.

The sad truth about being an actor is that you won’t know when you will have another acting gig. This is why you have to take steps to improve your craft and believe it or not find other ways to supplement your income by perhaps getting a regular job because after all, we need to pay bills and other expenses.

Keeping your acting career is tough and you won’t hear celebrities saying that in front of a live camera when all they will say is how good things are and smile.

But just think about it, when was the last time did you see Mr. or Mrs. X on a television show or on the big screen? It may have been awhile and in order for them to continue living in a big house, they must have done something to stay afloat.

To find out how, it is best that you talk with your fellow actors and actresses so you will know exactly what to do when it hits you in the face. Remember that the success of your acting career greatly depends on your patience and persistence because without it, you don’t have a chance of staying long in this industry.

No Comments »

How to Jumpstart Your Acting Career

Almost everybody dreams of becoming an actor, but one the best way to becoming one is knowing how to jumpstart your acting career.

Knowing how to jumpstart you acting career is as equally important as sustaining it, not just limited to the fact that an acumen or impressive acting talent is enough to bring one to celebrity status or even to simply just promoting an art and build a name in the acting scene.

If you are just starting your acting career, it is but normal to invest time, effort and a lot of determination in order for you to establish a name, as well as creating a bankable reputation that can catapult one to achieve success in an acting career, better yet, fame and stardom.

But for starters, it is important to know the ins and outs of the acting industry, since it a major consideration to know the basics of the acting scene, in order for one to master the trade.

Acting is more than just a skill, it is an art. It is the art of character portrayal, be it in theater, television, film or through any other storytelling medium, be it in a dialogue or a singing or musical presentation.

It is the actor who usually manipulates his acting posture, voice and expression to communicate or portray the character he plays.

The actor ‘assumes the role’ of another, presents it before an audience in an artistic fashion.

Historically, the first person to assume the role of an actor was believed to be a man named Thespis, from Icaria of ancient Greece.

Plays during his time, which were then called choric dithyrambs, is a chorus made up of 50 singers or portrayers who narrates the story through song.

Thespis was one of those composing the chorus and sang together with the group until one fateful event, as was told through time, when he stepped out of the chorus during one narrative song and spoke to the audience as a separate character in the story.

This led to the beginning of how acting is associated with character portrayal.

From his name was derived the term thespian, which has come to mean any sort of performer, mainly an actor.

Actors ideally should possess a number of skills like good vocal projection, clarity of speech, physical expressiveness, good sense of perspective, emotional versatility, creative imagination, situational analysis and ability to immerse an portray a number of emotional and physical conditions.

Well-rounded actors, moreover, are also skilled in singing, dancing, imitate dialects and accents, improvisation, observation and stage combat.

There are also special programs that are also being offered to help boost one’s acting skill and talent, which is always geared toward better enhancing an individual’s acting ability.

Now that you have an idea about the basic information you need to know about acting, there are a few things to consider which could help you a lot in jumpstarting your acting career.

But with the thousands of would-be actors out there, one has to be mindful that the acting industry is a demanding sector, considering the fact that there are only a limited number of casts – from the lead down to all the supporting roles – for every movie, play or television show.

One has to be innovative and creative enough to allow one’s self to be seen or heard, since not everybody is suited to a role that the character demands or requires for a particular play.

All the same, just make sure to be conscious about how to effectively jumpstart your acting career.

No Comments »

Hundreds or even thousands of people audition just to play a part in a movie or show. One good example is American Idol that went across the country just to choose 24 finalists that will begin their season’s show. Talent and experience played a part for those who made it and this is the same for those who decide to pursue an acting career.

Everyone knows that your big break in the entertainment industry begins with the audition. There are many held in different parts of the country and if you are a beginner with no training, you won’t do that well and chances are, you will just make a big fool of yourself.

Just think, how many times did you laugh when someone who tried to be the next American Idol wore a hideous costume or sang out of tune?  It may not be funny if you were the one in front of the camera but then again, that is what happens when you go in unprepared.

This is why people who want to become aspiring actors and actresses must enroll in acting classes. They also get themselves involve in school plays or small productions because the experience they get here will be very useful when they decide to break out and let the world know who they are.

After attending a few classes and workshops, this is the time you need to take a few headshots and prepare your portfolio. When you go to an audition, this is what the casting director will be looking at as well as judging your performance.

If you don’t get the part, try to find work as an extra as this will give you a better understanding of how shows and movies are made. You may even get the chance to talk to the actors and actresses present so they can give you a few tips and pointers which you can use.

When you are ready, find out when there is an audition or casting call taking place. You can also get this through the web. Some of these charge people a fee just to look at the listings so before you pay a dime, find out if this site is really worth value for your money.

Part of being an actor is joining the union. This depends of course on which media you are specializing in so you could sign up with the Screen Actor’s Guild or the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists.

Being a member will help you land a job whenever there is an opening and make sure you are paid correctly for the skills that you have provided.

Talent alone will not always guarantee that you get the part when you go for an audition. This is because most casting directors also look at your work experience.

If you want to a successful acting career, don’t jump in with your head first and expect to be a star overnight. You have to be patient just like an infant learning to walk for the first time. Be open minded and be willing to learn because being successful in this craft never ends.

You may not get this from reading books but by playing different roles and talking to those in the business.

No Comments »

Starting your child’s acting career is not that different compared to an adult. The only difference is that as a parent, you are the one encouraging your child to attend auditions, classes and other events so an agent or someone from the entertainment industry will take notice and give them a chance to be on television or the movies.

The best way to get your foot in the door is to hire an agent. This individual must be licensed so you are sure that if your child is accepted, they can legally negotiate deals for you. A licensed talent agent will never ask money up front since they only get paid whenever you land a part.

If you want, you can also have manager to look after your child’s interest although this is not required. Those who want to have one are usually represented by the parents themselves perhaps to balance school and other things that happen as they go through life.

Should the parents be unable to act as the child’s manger, then they can hire one. All they have to do is take some photos and then send this through the mail. If you do not receive anything within a 3 month period, take some new photos and send it out again which is the same thing you have to do when you are looking for an agent.

While waiting for the phone to ring, your child’s acting career can be further developed by getting projects in student films. You can visit the nearby college or university’s film department to see if there are any ads. It won’t pay much but at least your child will get the experience and add another project to their existing resume.

It will also be a good idea to find an acting coach as this will help your child build his ability and confidence.

In time, someone will your child for an appointment. Before you go to the interview, do some research about the company so you know that this is not a scam. If everything looks legitimate, prepare your child by asking him or her some questions that the agent will likely ask as this will help a lot when they are speaking face to face with that individual. One thing that parents will have to do during the interview is just sit there, keep quiet and listen.

There is no guarantee that when you are called in for an interview that your child will already be accepted.  If things go well, then you have taken your first steps towards an acting career. This means attending auditions right after school and getting ready to attend bookings if a deal has been made.

If the agent says otherwise, don’t feel bad and keep looking. Maybe your child is not ready yet to shine in the limelight but as long as you are both patient and persistent, it will happen.

An agent normally gets 10% to 30% for every project that your child will make during their acting career. If you and your child are happy with the efforts being done by the agent, then you can stick with them for the long haul. Should things go sour, perhaps it is time to talk to them one last time and then decide to get rid of them and hire someone else.

No Comments »

How To Develop An Acting Career

We all want to be movie stars and develop an acting career. If the glamorous parties and the invites are not enough enticements, just look at how much each of the Hollywood hotties are earning every time they have a movie. Some star’s annual income can actually feed a state and maybe even a nation.

But becoming one is not as easy as it looks. Some people feel that you only have to have the looks in order to break into the movie scene but sometimes, this is not true. In fact, there are a lot of really classic beauties out there who have not made a name for themselves and have only remained as supporting actresses. The same goes with pretty boy actors who have to contend with two-bit roles.

There are however actresses who do not have the classically-accepted features but have become for themselves instant stars like Reese Witherspoon and Angelina Jolie. Comedy actors Jim Carrey and Ben Stillers are not actually classically handsome but their bankability in the box office make them handsome. SO what’s the secret to having a great acting career? How do you develop one and how do you break into the scene?

1. Exposure
Nobody will know you if you are constantly hiding behind the scenes. If you want to be an actor or an actress, you have to go out there and make sure that you get people’s attention. As much as you can, star in as many quality projects as you can. Even if the role is not so long and the dialogue is not that much, at least you are there in the film. Some movie stars have started with doing films that are low budgeted. If you are lucky, the movie will become critically-acclaimed and will become your ticket to stardom. This is also why you should choose your roles and movies well. Becoming part of an art film with a great script beats being constantly on camera in lackluster movies.

2. Try and Try
A lot of the Hollywood greats right now have themselves suffered from rejection. Before they were stars, they also had to go through casting calls, which necessitated them to endure all the nitpicking of directors and casting manager. The secret is to try and try until you find the role that will fit your personality, the role that will launch you to stardom. After all, nobody became famous in an instant. All had to go through the same route.

3. take care of your appearance
Vain or not, appearance is pretty important to a movie star. This is one area where you will need to work on especially if you want to stand out in the crowd. This does not however refer only to the beauty of your features. When you say appearance, it represents your overall look especially when attending functions and events where photographers are everywhere. If you have the budget, hire a good stylist who can tell you what you can and cannot wear. This is a good way to catch people’s attention. Lindsay Lohan became a fashion trendsetter first before she really rose to stardom.

Developing an acting career is actually pretty easy. All you need to do is persevere, try and work on what you’ve got. After all, each one of us is already a star on our own rights.

No Comments »

How to Start Your Acting Career

Most celebrities started playing small roles on television and in the movies before they got their big break. So if you plan to start your acting career, chances are you will have to endure the same thing until a director or executive producer sees that you are ready for a major role.

The first thing you have to ask yourself is whether or not you want to be a professional actor. This simply means that you have to be committed to it. This may mean sacrificing a bit and doing some things along the way just to move a step ahead. You might feel bad about doing it but it is a reality that happens.

Once you have psyched yourself up, it is time to pack up your bags and move to a major city. You can either travel to New York or Los Angeles since most of the shows and box office hits are planned there.

Before a show or movie is made, hundreds of people come out for an audition. You might get lucky the moment you arrive but given that you don’t have any credentials yet, don’t count your eggs till they hatch. The best way to harness your acting skills will be to enrol in an acting class.

There are many places that host acting classes both in New York and Los Angeles. So you don’t waste your time, don’t be afraid to ask around or ask questions when you go around looking for one by talking to the speakers and most especially the students.

When you are ready, it is time to tell the world who you are by sending out resumes and pictures of yourself.

Since there are so many producers and directors, it pays to read trade papers regularly like Variety or Backstage so you will know what movies are being made and where the casting is taking place. Since you are already there, try to request for an audition even if it is just a small part. Again, this is part of building your resume.

If there are special events in the industry or parties, make it a point to accept the invitation. This will also give you the opportunity to meet directors, producers and even the actors themselves.

It is not easy to jumpstart your acting career especially when you are just starting out in the business. One thing you should be cautious about are scam artists that will tell you they can make you famous when all they will really do is steal your money or exploit you.

Some of these individuals may pretend to be talent agents and if they tell you to pay a certain amount upfront, run because they only get paid when they land you a job and not before.

Being cast part of a show is like applying for a job. Sometimes you get it and sometimes you don’t. If someone else is chosen, don’t feel bad because there will be other opportunities in the future.

While waiting, try to improve your skills some more by enrolling again in another class or looking for better opportunities elsewhere. You have to remember that people do not watch actors or actresses only on television or the big screen when there is also Broadway.

Proper training, persistence and patience are some of the virtues that you need in order for you to have a successful acting career.

No Comments »