Introduce Yourself : Feed back on peoples success stories in the entertainment business by Michelle Lublin

Hey there Michelle, I thought I'd take a quick minute to make a comment/suggestion re: lounge post. I've been in the entertainment industry for about 18 years, and have worked both sides of the camera. It's a lot of fun, and a lot of work, but above all, it satiates a core desire of mine to be creative. I believe if you've "always wanted to be in front of the camera", then it must be intrinsic for you as well, and you have to find a way to make it happen. One of my favorite quotes of all time is: "The most effective way to do it, is to do it." - Amelia Earhart. But how? What's the process? The good news, is that there are definitely more ways than one ... In Hollywood, there is no magical process. And Hollywood does, in fact, exist outside of Hollywood -- many great above and below-the-line Creatives found their start in this business on stages and behind cameras across the country. But the most important discipline, no matter where you are, is focus. You need it in order to get anywhere in this business. This is just my opinion, but you should hang the hat with modeling. You're a good looking woman (height only really matters on the runway), but you'll be swimming upstream there, and it will only frustrate you. DO NOT pay the John Casablanca's out there, with the hope of advancing in a modeling or acting career. They are for the masses, and if you want to keep your craft sharp, then find a reputable independent coach in your city, or move to LA (they're everywhere here). If you have "always wanted to be on camera", then you need to get on camera and build your body of work as an actor. My .02c on making that happen: If you are not going to relocate to the Los Angeles area, where 10000s of actors vie for acting jobs, then you need to take advantage of local acting outlets -- stage and/or independent film / production companies in your area. Get in with them. If you are still finding it difficult to "get in", then pick up a pen, write a short script, grab your friends, and go film it. The point: getting yourself on tape. This is what every Casting Director will need to see before they cast you in anything, and it will be good for a demo reel (if you don't already have one). The vast majority of actors here in Hollywood think they need to wait around for the paying gigs, and before they know it, years fly by without doing anything, but slinging hash at Jerry's Famous Deli, and that inner Creative light starts to fade. I know, I was one of them, before I decided to take control of my career. You have the ability ... heck, if you have 4 kids Michelle, then you are already LIGHTYEARS ahead of most people in discipline, maturity, and a great source of material to pull from in your acting. You're in your prime. A Hollywood career is won or lost in strategy. After all it's showBIZ, and the business part of this industry can not be ignored. It's both time and timing; It's networking, representation, nepotism, luck, and of course talent. But you have to plan it out--the actual performing is in the third act, if you're lucky enough to get there. But like I mentioned above, you can create your own "luck" to an extent, by making your own projects, and satisfying that inner core Creative, while you wait for the CD from Warner Bros. to call you in :) I know this is a lot to take in, but you can take control of your career to a large extent in this day and age. I was born and raised in Colorado, and left for LA, because this is where I thought I needed to be. Back in those days, I really did, as we didn't have the online abilities we do today, to make things happen remotely. But we have this now, and you can start building a great body of work to showcase online to Casting Directors here in Los Angeles, and other areas. I would suggest getting connected with some great online resources like The Hollywood Index. I would also get some great headshots taken (The Index has a list of the best photographers. Look at their quality of work and expect that from your local photographer), and start strategizing your exposure to the entertainment industry. There has never been a better time to take control of your career in Hollywood than right now. Back in my day, we didn't have Casting Director Workshops, we didn't have the social platforms like this one, THIdx.com, and others. We were mailing in headshots and resumes to CDs, in hopes the envelop would get opened. It was another time. And I'm not that old ;) Anyway, sorry for the long-winded message, but the coffee is kicking in, and I wish I had someone to walk me through a few things back in the mid-90s, when I was dying for some traction out here. Good luck, and remember that you have already achieved an amazing accomplishment in your family. Anyone can act (or learn too)--not everyone can do what you have already done. Hope some of this helps. PS. If someone told me to be a hand model, after expressing a deep interest in the entertainment industry, I probably would have kicked them in the shins.

You should consider auditioning for the Zygote Party candidate in Nebraska District 2, since you're in Colorado.

I saw they said they want to pay for something first... `never pay money up front for anything ever as for 5,6 being too short for modelling screw them no one can stop you from living your dream but you... also about acting class if you want to get into theatre then I would say yes but for film and tv in my opinion having no training is more natural I know there are loads of people who converted over from theatre to film but even without training anyone can act .. people act every day of their lives film and t.v. just adds a few cameras I know I am only a young "kid" in the industry being 21 and not having done much work but I hope my advice is helpful... live your dream screw what people think all that should matter is your own personal happiness

I agree. No honest, reputable agent will ask you for money up front. They may tell you to take classes, or get new photos, but if they ask you for money? Run the other way. Say no thank you. Good luck!

You can do commercial modeling at 5"6! That's what I do :)

Chadwick, that is wonderful advice. Thank you for such a great answer.

Great advice by Chadwick, not much I can add to that. The 5'6" thing seems like an outdated restriction, I have friends who are shorter and do modeling. They are great self-starters and self-promoters, which I think is important. I'd also look into commercial workshops and training, that could be a good source of gigs potentially as well. I took one myself not long ago with a local casting director who teaches commercial audition workshops (Donise Hardy, who is awesome and very informative), it actually helped me out in a general sense as well. I actually landed a part in an independent film shortly after that, and I think the workshop helped my audition skills and confidence in general. Start small, and go big. As someone else who is struggling to get started and "break in" at a later time in life as well, that seems to be the way it works. I'm in that process now. Having a better social media presence, and getting connected with like-minded people, has all been quite helpful. Best of fortunes to you in your endeavors, and don't give up on your dreams!

I prefer people under 5-10 they fit in frame better. If I was selling clothes maybe i would want taller and shoot sideways... Acting classes, unless you are a natural? You might want to join some live theaters, do some stage. I just was telling my GF that the best actors are from theatre. IMO. Working with both, I find stage have better presence and can sell it where needed. Their voice is up and they adapt to changes in script well. They also bring their vaudeville trunk of tricks, changes, wigs, props, etc.

Tom Cruise is 5-7, Mark Wahlberg is 5-8 and Daniel Radcliffe is 5-5. You can model, and I'd say go for acting - pay only for classes that can help develop skill and craft.

Thank you for your feedback, it steers me in the right direction.

They do have high heels ya know... that would make you the right height.... good luck in pursuing what your heart desires...

Keep at it Michelle, sometimes you have to do a lot of things (most unpaid) to get some experience and speaking from experience, good things will happen. Follow your dream.

not at all , by reading this , its an inspiration in itself. thank you :) and i wish you the best

Chadwick... that was an awesome reply.... wonderful to have folk like you here.....

Michelle, take the advice and run with it.... Good luck hon.... just keep believing... cause, you are what you think yourself to be....I think you would make a great looking actress....