When you're first starting out in acting, the most important element to your career is not what school you graduated from, or who coached you..it's EXPERIENCE. Do everything. If you were going to acting class, you would be paying THEM for the experince. By doing as many projects as you can, getting in front of a camera as often as you can, you're gaining experience that you couldn't put a price tag on.
As an actor starting out, you have to do free work to get material for your reel. (Unless you're gorgeous and twenty-something and... Watch out.) After a few (3-5) quality productions... A 'seasoned professional?' No. Unless you're getting back into the business after a period of time out (like several of my friends). Only then.
I liked both comments but let me ask this: Should you continue to pursue it even after you have age or gained weight and still would like to be chosen for a part?
I wrote a book for actors just like you to help them see the way without getting ripped off. If your interested it is called "To be an actor-What it takes." It is sold on smashwords.com. for $3.99. I wish you all the luck with your work.
Producers will continue to try to get actors to work for free, as long as there are actors willing to work for free. I say don't work for free. The director is probably not working for free, DP, soundperson, or the rest of the crew. However, there is nothing wrong with auditioning. I say audition for absolutely everything you can. If they like you enough to want to book you, who's to say you can't negotiate for some expense pay and a copy. I started like most actors do, non-union extra work. It only paid $50 - $75 a day but I learned a lot being on the set. The I did some children's theatre. It only paid $75 a performance, but it built my confidence, I learned how to memorize large amounts of material, and valuble stage experience. After a year of this, I had enough to get some headshots and shopped around to local agents. That's where you have to do your research, because tthere are a lot of non-union agents more than happy to charge you a "registration" fee to be a client. In the 80's we didn't have Google. Now you can research things. Looking back on my career, I think I learned the most from auditioning a lot, low paying theatre, and improv classes. Audition experience is the best training. Later on I was able to afford acting coaches and classes, but learned that if they wouldn't let me audit a class first, to avoid it. The only times I worked for free, was student films for big universities like UCLA a few times. The other time was when I moved to LA interning for a casting director for a few months. I wanted to know what I was really up against. Answer: The best in the world for every role. Ouf all the classes I took, interning for a CD was the best experience. I was able to sit in on casting sessions and see what actors did right and worng. The feedback from the CD was invaluble. I hope some of this helps you. Shannon
Speaking as someone from the other side of the aisle, pro bono work is all beginning, poor producers/directors/cinematographers have to offer, due to their simply being too poor to pay. No one ever wants to work for free, but the eternal hope is that the product is of such a high quality that someone will buy it, and that your skills will be honed because of it.
As Greg said, I come from both sides and we have both asked people to work for free and worked for free for those people in return. Sometimes it's a "trade of services". Honestly though, I usually only end up doing it for friends, but it is not out of the question that I would take on a role that I really wanted with out pay. It's done pretty often especially if you are just starting out. But, I'm in Nashville so things are a little different.
I respect that. Just offering my opinion. I think asking for a little expense money is reasonable. As an actor, it builds confidence. Down the road there will be lots of times negotiating is involved. As to the other question, "Should you continue to pursue acting even after you have aged or gained weight and still would like to be chosen for a part?" Sure why not. Anything tht makes you a little different gives you an edge especially in Hollywood. There are millions of pretty faces & perfect bodies. I was teased a lot as kid for being different, and those "offbeat" looks put me in the character actor catagory. Sure I wanted to be the hero guy with the Crest toothpase, but it just wasn't going to happen. I worked a lot because I was different. My suggestion would be to update your headshots if the weight gain is significant. Casting directors tend to get pissed off if you walk in for an audition & don't look like your headshot. I know lots of actors who started acting careers at the age of 40, & even 50, so it's never too late to follow a dream in your heart. You get knocked down a lot, usually never know why, but learn to get back up.
I go by the rule that every experience must simply benefit me in some way. This could mean money, but it could also mean a great learning opportunity, truly great connections, helping a friend (who would do the same for you!), a project that feeds your soul, great exposure, amazing scene for a reel, etc. I wouldn't do background for free, I don't see what you gain from it. I do think if other people on the project are making money (and often they are not), then the actor should always be paid as well. Being in the union answers a lot of those questions for me now, which I appreciate also. :)
It is very rare that you are going to start out in a feature film getting paid thousands/millions? So you will have to lend your time for film and use that footage for showreels which in turn can be used to get you paid work but most importantly experience. I hate being on set with others whom are new to the acting scene or have no idea about etiquette but I cope as I was once in their shoes. Just my two cents.
Working in the entertainment industry, sometimes you will work for free. This is like any other job where you do on the job training with no pay. The pay is what you learn for your trade. The more you learn about the art the more jobs you will get.. Good luck..
Yes, I agree with both Greg and Becky. I still have no money to pay people, and even when I get $20-30k together to shoot my first feature, Talent and Crew will still be working for less than scale in order to get it 'in the can.' It's a different story altogether if the budget is in the $5mill+ range and they're still asking you to work for free. Even Background get minimum wage for any level beyond this No Budget realm. If the Talent that I hired twenty years ago hadn't gotten their ego's stuck up their professional posteriors (I had been upfront that it was 100% deferred), you might have been hearing my name on ET and in/on other publicity venues for a while. When you're building your rep/reel, I'm sorry, but you have to consider pro-bono work. Personally, I'd work for free anytime to be on a set with Bono. (joke)
Funny, as I am reading all of these comments (over several days now) I am struggling to get a copy of a film I shot, for free, in November 2011 from a student at a local film/art school. I have only been acting in films for about 3 years. I am 62 and I do it as a hobby, so I have done a lot of free projects. Most of them have been very rewarding - even though most of the story lines are fairly weak. However, after doing "TwainTime" for this particular student, I began getting offers from people I had either meet, because of projects I had worked on, or because others had recommended me. ALL of these projects have been paid positions. My suggestion is, if the project looks like fun, if it fits your schedule and if the role is a role you would like, do the project. The worst is, you'll will have to fight someone later one just to see the film.
Robin, I agree sometimes there is no money only a hope and a dream. If it is a good product the money will come and hopefully it will be shared with us little people. :D
It's real simple the more you want the less you will work until your branding justifies others investing in your acting. I said "branding" not talent. Talent you must have but branding is what makes the money. There are lots of talented actors but very few branded ones. I always live by the rule never stop working no matter how little I get paid. If I can get high paying jobs I take them, if not I work in the best productions I can find. It does no good to challenge the system. Challenge yourself and build branding they can not say no to.
Hi Jacob, I agree completely. I noticed that during the 90's there was a need for generic looking maintenance men, mechanics, & workmen, so I branded myself as that. New headshots, etc. It ended up being very effective in getting me auditions for those types of roles in commercials, TV, & films. I became typecast, but I worked a lot, & it all pays the same - glamour, or not. Something to consider for other actors, is looking for areas where they can find a niche in the casting field. All I can say, is re-branding worked for me. My biggest learning over the years was often, it's not about the actor, it's about the product. Especially in commercials. In TV for a character role, it’s helping to move the story along.
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When you're first starting out in acting, the most important element to your career is not what school you graduated from, or who coached you..it's EXPERIENCE. Do everything. If you were going to acting class, you would be paying THEM for the experince. By doing as many projects as you can, getting in front of a camera as often as you can, you're gaining experience that you couldn't put a price tag on.
1 person likes this
As an actor starting out, you have to do free work to get material for your reel. (Unless you're gorgeous and twenty-something and... Watch out.) After a few (3-5) quality productions... A 'seasoned professional?' No. Unless you're getting back into the business after a period of time out (like several of my friends). Only then.
1 person likes this
I liked both comments but let me ask this: Should you continue to pursue it even after you have age or gained weight and still would like to be chosen for a part?
2 people like this
Lina - HELL YES!
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I wrote a book for actors just like you to help them see the way without getting ripped off. If your interested it is called "To be an actor-What it takes." It is sold on smashwords.com. for $3.99. I wish you all the luck with your work.
Producers will continue to try to get actors to work for free, as long as there are actors willing to work for free. I say don't work for free. The director is probably not working for free, DP, soundperson, or the rest of the crew. However, there is nothing wrong with auditioning. I say audition for absolutely everything you can. If they like you enough to want to book you, who's to say you can't negotiate for some expense pay and a copy. I started like most actors do, non-union extra work. It only paid $50 - $75 a day but I learned a lot being on the set. The I did some children's theatre. It only paid $75 a performance, but it built my confidence, I learned how to memorize large amounts of material, and valuble stage experience. After a year of this, I had enough to get some headshots and shopped around to local agents. That's where you have to do your research, because tthere are a lot of non-union agents more than happy to charge you a "registration" fee to be a client. In the 80's we didn't have Google. Now you can research things. Looking back on my career, I think I learned the most from auditioning a lot, low paying theatre, and improv classes. Audition experience is the best training. Later on I was able to afford acting coaches and classes, but learned that if they wouldn't let me audit a class first, to avoid it. The only times I worked for free, was student films for big universities like UCLA a few times. The other time was when I moved to LA interning for a casting director for a few months. I wanted to know what I was really up against. Answer: The best in the world for every role. Ouf all the classes I took, interning for a CD was the best experience. I was able to sit in on casting sessions and see what actors did right and worng. The feedback from the CD was invaluble. I hope some of this helps you. Shannon
1 person likes this
Speaking as someone from the other side of the aisle, pro bono work is all beginning, poor producers/directors/cinematographers have to offer, due to their simply being too poor to pay. No one ever wants to work for free, but the eternal hope is that the product is of such a high quality that someone will buy it, and that your skills will be honed because of it.
1 person likes this
As Greg said, I come from both sides and we have both asked people to work for free and worked for free for those people in return. Sometimes it's a "trade of services". Honestly though, I usually only end up doing it for friends, but it is not out of the question that I would take on a role that I really wanted with out pay. It's done pretty often especially if you are just starting out. But, I'm in Nashville so things are a little different.
1 person likes this
I respect that. Just offering my opinion. I think asking for a little expense money is reasonable. As an actor, it builds confidence. Down the road there will be lots of times negotiating is involved. As to the other question, "Should you continue to pursue acting even after you have aged or gained weight and still would like to be chosen for a part?" Sure why not. Anything tht makes you a little different gives you an edge especially in Hollywood. There are millions of pretty faces & perfect bodies. I was teased a lot as kid for being different, and those "offbeat" looks put me in the character actor catagory. Sure I wanted to be the hero guy with the Crest toothpase, but it just wasn't going to happen. I worked a lot because I was different. My suggestion would be to update your headshots if the weight gain is significant. Casting directors tend to get pissed off if you walk in for an audition & don't look like your headshot. I know lots of actors who started acting careers at the age of 40, & even 50, so it's never too late to follow a dream in your heart. You get knocked down a lot, usually never know why, but learn to get back up.
1 person likes this
I go by the rule that every experience must simply benefit me in some way. This could mean money, but it could also mean a great learning opportunity, truly great connections, helping a friend (who would do the same for you!), a project that feeds your soul, great exposure, amazing scene for a reel, etc. I wouldn't do background for free, I don't see what you gain from it. I do think if other people on the project are making money (and often they are not), then the actor should always be paid as well. Being in the union answers a lot of those questions for me now, which I appreciate also. :)
It is very rare that you are going to start out in a feature film getting paid thousands/millions? So you will have to lend your time for film and use that footage for showreels which in turn can be used to get you paid work but most importantly experience. I hate being on set with others whom are new to the acting scene or have no idea about etiquette but I cope as I was once in their shoes. Just my two cents.
Working in the entertainment industry, sometimes you will work for free. This is like any other job where you do on the job training with no pay. The pay is what you learn for your trade. The more you learn about the art the more jobs you will get.. Good luck..
Yes, I agree with both Greg and Becky. I still have no money to pay people, and even when I get $20-30k together to shoot my first feature, Talent and Crew will still be working for less than scale in order to get it 'in the can.' It's a different story altogether if the budget is in the $5mill+ range and they're still asking you to work for free. Even Background get minimum wage for any level beyond this No Budget realm. If the Talent that I hired twenty years ago hadn't gotten their ego's stuck up their professional posteriors (I had been upfront that it was 100% deferred), you might have been hearing my name on ET and in/on other publicity venues for a while. When you're building your rep/reel, I'm sorry, but you have to consider pro-bono work. Personally, I'd work for free anytime to be on a set with Bono. (joke)
1 person likes this
Funny, as I am reading all of these comments (over several days now) I am struggling to get a copy of a film I shot, for free, in November 2011 from a student at a local film/art school. I have only been acting in films for about 3 years. I am 62 and I do it as a hobby, so I have done a lot of free projects. Most of them have been very rewarding - even though most of the story lines are fairly weak. However, after doing "TwainTime" for this particular student, I began getting offers from people I had either meet, because of projects I had worked on, or because others had recommended me. ALL of these projects have been paid positions. My suggestion is, if the project looks like fun, if it fits your schedule and if the role is a role you would like, do the project. The worst is, you'll will have to fight someone later one just to see the film.
Larry, Thanks for the advice I will put the link to your book on my website for others who might be interested. Thank you for posting :D
Robin, I agree sometimes there is no money only a hope and a dream. If it is a good product the money will come and hopefully it will be shared with us little people. :D
Greg & Becky, I agreee its true nobody wants to work for free but sometimes you got to help your self when you can.
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Learn the ropes kids...the money with come.
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It's real simple the more you want the less you will work until your branding justifies others investing in your acting. I said "branding" not talent. Talent you must have but branding is what makes the money. There are lots of talented actors but very few branded ones. I always live by the rule never stop working no matter how little I get paid. If I can get high paying jobs I take them, if not I work in the best productions I can find. It does no good to challenge the system. Challenge yourself and build branding they can not say no to.
Hi Jacob, I agree completely. I noticed that during the 90's there was a need for generic looking maintenance men, mechanics, & workmen, so I branded myself as that. New headshots, etc. It ended up being very effective in getting me auditions for those types of roles in commercials, TV, & films. I became typecast, but I worked a lot, & it all pays the same - glamour, or not. Something to consider for other actors, is looking for areas where they can find a niche in the casting field. All I can say, is re-branding worked for me. My biggest learning over the years was often, it's not about the actor, it's about the product. Especially in commercials. In TV for a character role, it’s helping to move the story along.