ADVICE FOR ACTORS
Index of Questions:
Q: How do I build my résumé?
KM: In addition to securing bookings through your agency, you should seek other opportunities in your local market. You should submit yourself for student, independent, and short films. You can find out about these projects through your local film commission, as well as through various actor sites. You should also do extra work, theatre, and freebies as time permits. And don't forget to TRAIN, TRAIN, TRAIN. Actors must realize that casting directors look for training on the résumé, and this makes a big difference as to whether they get called in for auditions.
Q: How do I break into independent film?
KM: There are many websites that post audition notices for independent, short, and student film projects for the Texas market. Check out Calliope's link page to gather more information. If you are in Los Angeles, you can utilize Backstage West (published weekly) or Breakdown Service's Actors Access page to find out about current castings. You'll want to submit yourself using your headshot, résumé, and an appropriate - but brief - cover letter. If you are booked for one of these projects, you may receive a contract or deal memo outlining points or deferred payments. Always have your agency review these agreements. Some indie projects are extremely well produced and organized, and others are not. Sometimes you'll find yourself getting involved in a project in which the producers do not have their stuff together. This is called "paying your dues." You can still learn a lot by working on these productions. I strongly recommend that actors participate in is many indie projects as time permits. You get a film credit on your résumé (which casters always look for), and great experience from working on a set.
Q: Should I go to college or go into acting full time?
KM: I am an enthusiastic advocate of education and academics. Young adults often make the mistake of forgoing college. Show business is very difficult, and you must be willing to look at the long term. Don't think that you can wait tables for a couple of years until you "make it." You don't want to wake up in five or ten years and realize you haven't "made it," and you have no foundation or financial base to carry you into the future. You must prepare for the long term by developing a trade or career that will support you while you pursue your acting career. Actors who suffer from financial instability will inevitably have problems giving the necessary attention to their craft. When you are stressing about the rent, you cannot give 100% to your acting career. You must find something that you love to do in addition to acting so that you can be happy during the years in which you are paying dues.
Q: Should I major in theatre?
KM: I don't recommend that college students major in theatre, but this is only my professional opinion and not an absolute. Most actors who major in theatre will most likely go into teaching at a junior high or high school. The problem with teaching is that you will not always have the flexibility to audition during the day, and on short notice. I've experienced this concern with many actors. And your goal as an actor is to have the flexibility to audition! Also, while a theatre degree will provide wonderful training, it will be stage training only. This is great if you plan to go to New York. But if you intend to work in film, television, and commercials, you'll want to broaden your training efforts beyond theatre classes. Some theatre programs do not allow students to secure agency representation, and forbid actors to do any professional work while in school. I recommend a communications degree for those who do not wish to study anything other than show biz. Students can learn producing, directing, writing, production, advertising, graphic design, journalism, public relations, etc. Skills learned through a communications degree will help an actor find a job they will enjoy for the long term.
Q: How should I prepare for an audition?
KM: It is important to find out as much information as possible before you go. Is it a commercial? Film? Episodic? Movie of the week? Industrial video? Print ad? Who is the casting director or client? Are sides (film/TV script pages) or copy (commercial script) available before the audition, or do you need to get there early to prepare? Does the audition consist of improvisation? What is the wardrobe? What is your character like? What is the product or service you are promoting? Ask your agent questions until you have the information you need. It is ultimately your responsibility to have all the audition details. Synthesize the information you receive and do your homework. Study your lines. Develop a character. Know whom you're talking to. What is the subtext of the scene? What is your objective? I recommend that actors purchase Mona Lee's BIZ Directory. This highly informative resource has interviews with casting directors all over Texas. It's a good idea to read up on the casters before you audition for them, in order to find out their likes and dislikes. Make sure you do relaxation exercises before the audition. On your drive to the audition location, try to stay as relaxed as you can. Give yourself plenty of time to get there. And when you're done... let it go.
Q: How do I improve my booking ratio and get more work?
KM: Other than sheer persistence, the keys to success in show business are training, marketing, and showcasing. Actors must continually tune their instruments and hone their crafts. They must always work toward getting stronger in their skill level. Competition is fierce in show business, and actors who are not as competitive will not book over those who are constantly striving to be the best. Ongoing and intensive training is essential for actors who want to build their résumés and take their careers to the next level. As I always tell actors, "If you want to be a doctor, go to medical school; if you want to be a lawyer, go to law school; and if you want to be an actor, go to acting school." You cannot take a class or two and justify being "ready," or your competition will trounce you. Marketing is a missing link for most actors. Sending your headshots and other clever marketing tools (such as postcards, calendars, notepads, etc.) to casting directors and clients will make them look at you like a true professional. Ongoing marketing campaigns will help you heighten your profile with clients. If marketing wasn't a necessary component to the success of a business, there would be no need for commercials and music videos! Showcasing is another missing link. Actors should make every effort to train with casting directors and agents on a consistent basis. Showcases allow actors to spend quality time with industry professionals outside of the typical audition setting - away from phones, deadlines, and other distractions.
Q: How can I get copies of my work?
KM: It is essential that actors make every effort to collect VHS or DVD copies of their footage. As you grow in your career, you (and your talent reps) will eventually want to utilize a demo reel containing excerpts of your performances. Doing student films, short films, and independent films can provide great footage. Make sure you arrange to get a copy of the project before you commit to doing it. Then be a squeaky wheel and make as many phone calls as needed to get the footage. Before producing a demo reel, check out companies who do exceptional work. Be creative with graphics, music, and editing. Do not add footage that you shot yourself, or video from live performances such as plays. It's a good idea to consult with your representation before determining which scenes to include in your reel.
Q: How can I find a good photographer?
KM: Your agent can provide you with solid recommendations of photographers whose work is reflective of industry standards. You don't want to cut corners and shoot with a friend of a friend who doesn't know the proper techniques and current trends for shooting headshots, even if they give you a good deal. Typically, you get what you pay for when shooting headshots. You'll want to do it right the first time. If you don't have representation to guide you, you can refer to industry publications (such as The Biz Directory) for recommendations. It is not necessary to spend hundreds of dollars putting together a portfolio, especially for actors in the Texas market. Ask to see samples of the photographers' work. Make appointments for consultations. And wait to select and mass reproduce your photos until you secure agency representation. Your agent should have a pulse on current trends, and can choose the best marketing materials to promote you.