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To Chase/Anyone- How to get an acting part

thedude

Tool-Bearing Hominid
Tool-Bearing Hominid
Joined
Dec 9, 2012
Messages
288
Hello all,

One quick question.


Next semester I am taking my first acting class at the University. Generally when I do things I like to dream big so how exactly could I get a small movie role with the skills I will acquire in the upcoming semester?

Any tips or tricks/ processes?

Cheers,

-CJ
 

trashKENNUT

Cro-Magnon Man
Cro-Magnon Man
Joined
Nov 20, 2012
Messages
6,551
CJ,

CollegeJunior said:
Next semester I am taking my first acting class at the University. Generally when I do things I like to dream big so how exactly could I get a small movie role with the skills I will acquire in the upcoming semester?

I was in the dance industry for awhile in Asia. Although i didn't make it to the top, or nationals (those dance competitions where you see on youtube and all), I was fortunate enough to teach a group of high school students and perform for my President of the country as a opening act. It happen in a great auditorium in town because of my own merit. All this happen with 18 months of hard work.

Here's what i know that you probably face some things that i noted.

Media industry is a whole lot of drama. Politics is a hell lot, especially when you a student starting out. Even after you become somewhat established or an instructor, Politics still a hell lot.

But as you get higher, the people at the top are super fun, and i really mean super fun, cool, laid back.

Tips:

1)Never try to be hero until you have a certain amount of power in the school group. Even then, Use half of your power to cut bullshit only if necessary.
2)People will be talking about stupid things, petty stuff with each other. You don't need to agree a lot or decline it. Listen and ask why, and be neutral.
3)Networking is also highly important if you want to get important roles. You also need substance but network does help you a lot in getting people to refer you to what you want. You do not need to offer value yet. Just work on your craft and network with people. People will help you.

I know it's not related but i hope this helps.

Zac
 
the right date makes getting her back home a piece of cake

thedude

Tool-Bearing Hominid
Tool-Bearing Hominid
Joined
Dec 9, 2012
Messages
288
Thanks Zac,

Any information is helpful!
 

Chase

Chieftan
Staff member
tribal-elder
Joined
Oct 9, 2012
Messages
6,254
CJ-

Acting's a lot of fun, yeah. Really good skill set to get down. ESPECIALLY if you're doing acting for the camera (vs. stage acting); it's a very different skill set that is focused on acting for a small, closeup window. Which, incidentally, is exactly what you're doing with seduction.

If you can make it onto certain talent scouts' radar, they will blast you with casting call notices; I'm not even sure how I ended up on them, but I still get these to this day. "Audition Announcement for CW's 'VAMPIRE DIARIES'" "Roles Being Cast in Al Pacino's Next Movie" and "'HAWAII FIVE-0' is Casting Roles for 5th Season" are some of the things that've made their ways into my inbox over the past few months.

Searching the Craig's List "Talent Gigs" section is an easy source of auditions; here's the one for Los Angeles, for instance. If you're not in LA you will have a much more limited number of local auditions, or you will be doing a lot of commuting back and forth between home and LA.

The easiest way to get roles is through your network, but you have to build it up first. Meet everyone in your acting class and network with your teacher; she probably knows some local directors, as they may come to her for fresh talent for their independent films. These guys usually aren't the next Christopher Nolan or anything, and their movies will tend to be mediocre, but you'll get some IMdb credits and these can help move you toward getting your SAG designation, which can be necessary for many of the better roles (the SAG functions as a trade union monopoly, guarding its members against competition from outsiders - if you're not SAG, it can be tough work getting a lot of bigger roles, so you're not left with much choice but joining).

And of course, get an agent. You'll need to be able to show some decent acting chops / screen tests to get a half decent agent, but these can send you some nice gigs if you get them. On the other hand, an agent is not a magic bullet; I've seen lots of people dissatisfied with their agents because they'd represented them for years and never sent them anything. Think of your agent as a contract negotiator first and a maybe-occasional-perhaps-sometimes job locator and you'll be all right.

Chase
 

thedude

Tool-Bearing Hominid
Tool-Bearing Hominid
Joined
Dec 9, 2012
Messages
288
Thanks Chase!


I will definitely focus on on camera acting and use the tips you've provided in the future.

Cheers,

-CJ
 
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