I never lived anywhere before with lots of movies being shot until I moved to Budapest. Now there are films all the time, but they are already fully cast back in the U.S., and without an agent I don't see any way to learn about auditions. Local talent agencies aren't used for these movies (World War Z, Die Hard 5, Hercules: The Thracian Wars, etc.). It seems a bit silly to me that production companies won't even look for Americans living here locally, given that we wouldn't need to be flown in and put up in expensive hotels. I'm new, so of course I'm only looking for small parts to try to break in. Anyone have any good advice given that agencies back in the U.S. won't take unsolicited emails?
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Audition for smaller projects like independent productions, student films, short films etc. then use that footage to compile a reel. Agencies won't take you seriously without a reel. Also work with as many people as you can, taking classes, workshops etc. most agencies won't look at you unless someone recommends you. And no ones going to recommend you if they haven't worked with you a ton and seen your abilities. Hope this helps.
Devin, that's what I figured, but it's truly hard to do any of these things in a country like Hungary. Small projects are all going to be in Hungarian rather than English. I did try to work with an American acting coach living here, but he suddenly developed health problems and had to stop. I suppose the answer may be that it just isn't possible, but I still find it strange that productions wouldn't at least try to save some money by taking a look at actors already living in the city where they intend to shoot.
Find sets to PA on and network your way into someones film. the more you know the more you grow. (it works if you work it)
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I agree, that seems to be the only way. I got a nice small part last year because I had met an assistant director on another film and she remembered me when she needed an American. But that's a slow way to get anywhere here in Hungary!
It would be so great to live in London!
It really isn't much different in the states when it comes to big productions and local talent. Low Winter Sun is being made in Detroit and is using a lot of locals for extras, but I've not seen any of them get lines or real screen time. It's just the way of it- Hollywood comes prepackaged with a lot of their own talent, crew, etc.
Jacqueline, since I don't speak Hungarian unfortunately, there is nothing for me in television here. I did get to speak some lines and do a voice over for a medium-sized Swedish film here last year, but that was only because the assistant director had gotten to know me when I was an extra on another movie. I'm getting the feeling that who you know and being lucky and persistent is probably more important than pure talent. I understand the reasoning behind being so closed off--it is the same reasoning why publishing companies don't want to open their doors to anyone who wishes to submit a manuscript. My one and only complaint was that they don't even try to save any money by taking a look at the talent that may already be living in the city in which they are filming.
I think best way is to start small and get noticed, then look for an agent. I was in Australia for 3 years and started off doing small roles, indies and student shorts, before the larger, paid ones started coming through as well as my knowledge of reputable agencies in the area began to grow. I felt I got a lot of roles because of my US-California accent. However, at the same time because of my accent, I was also limited to roles (Australian soap operas and some commercials felt my accent would deteriorate from the 'pride of Australia' feeling).
Jacqueline, I'm here for the career that feeds my family--diplomacy. I actually consider myself primary a writer, since I started writing novels about 8 years ago, but I'm still working away on my second novel so I haven't yet attempted to get anything published. Acting is something I always dreamed of doing and felt I would do well at, but I never lived in a city where anything was going on until now.
There are several companies that do extras, but that's about it. The film projects always arrive here with everyone already cast. Doing extra work can be fun at times, but it doesn't do any good for earning credits.
Yeah, that was one of the first things I tried when I signed up a few days ago. What there is seems to be only for Hungarian language except for one project that is clearly not looking for someone like me. I'll keep checking the projects, though!