Jim, you can find CD's by asking the CD's you currently know. Ask them, "I'm looking to get some small parts. Can you recommend someone?" You can search on line. I just did a quick check and found several. If you'd like the links I'll post them for you. While on set you can ask other background actors. All of them are in the same place you are. And most are willing to talk about the various local agents and CD's. Many of the under-fives you work with are also willing to help with advice and recommendations. Ask. Social media is fine but you're in the mix. For two years you have been working with the people who get hired and very close to the people who hire. Ask.
Here in Northern Ontario, a lot of casting for BG and small speaking roles is done by Facebook. It saves the CG from making tons of phone calls. One post and 'bingo'- instant responses. I'm not going to do your research, sorry, but start with Facebook "Chicago Actors and Chat & Info Page". Click on a few profiles and those people will likely belong in Facebook Group pages that you need to belong to. Crap, I ended that with a preposition. Soon you will belong to 5-6 Facebook Groups and you will get instant notifications. Also seek an agent with your past history since having more angles is better. cheers!
Can you act? Do live theatre, get involve in student projects, take acting workshops, get professional headshots with different looks, and get a commercial agent.
Number one question here in Vancouver is not what have you done but who do you train with - training is everything so find a great teacher to work with and then get a kickass headshot and go get yourself an agent when your acting coach thinks you're ready - and yes student projects etc and create your own work - write and star in a short :)
Jane, I second that! Serita, it has been really discouraging trying to find an agent. Talked to a couple, but they are not interested because I don't have "training". I am trying to get into classes, but most don't seem too interested in me. More interested in knowing if I have the money!
Hi Jim, I dont know what kind of experience you had prior to film extra work. I have found that I can train part time doing evening classes and then I can still take on other work. I am hoping it will be a good investment of time.
Hi Jim, ah yes that's a tough one. Well some tutors offer Skype lessons so that might be a way of doing some further training (if you need it). I dont know myself what the answer is to moving on, but some extra agencies also handle actors so that might be worth looking into. Some people get their own auditions by trawling websites and putting in an application (I do this sometimes) and have got auditions that way. I understand that the US values film extra work more than the UK industry and have heard that you can even be promoted into a role in some productions in the US. I also do voicework and had been out of the loop for many years so I took some retraining and produced a series of community radio shows on Festival Music. It wasnt paid but it has been experience.
It is precisely as difficult or as easy as you make it- just make it happen - get the training- get really comfortable on camera- know who you are on camera- find an agent who gets it too. Don't settle for no and keep working until you get what you want! Get 'er done :)
Along with Ren's comment above this one....Have you a video cam? You might want to do a few monologues. If you can do a monologue and keep it interesting. You are that much closer. Then when playing off another, on set will be 'cake'. Another in expensive way, is to do scenes out of movies you want to emulate. Dress the part and do the lines, record it and get critic. Art is something that happens in stages, gradually for some, easier for others. Pro lessons are great, as mentioned but practice is what will be needed no matter the path.
Good move, Jim! Shoot a monologue that shows your brand and post it on YouTube. Make judicious use of the tagging feature so that people who actually hire actors (rather than those who filter them out) see the work. ;)
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You've got great headshots and two years of contacts. Time to contact local CD's.
How do I find them??? I am close to Chicago, but it seem like I only find cd's for extra gigs.
And, I am non SAG.
What type of guy are you looking for and when are you filming?
Can portray a middle aged man seeking a massage with no problem! Would love a small speaking role. Can be everyday Joe to business man.
Seems like it could be a fun gig. Just watched the massage trailer. Very different concept, to say the least.
Got it. When will you be filming?
@jimnremt on the big T
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take classes!
audition, make movies!
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Doing both! Hard to do though, Still work full time as a medic! But, I am trying!
Do a short video and get a YouTube Channel, learn how to use social media to promote yourself!
Interesting idea!
Jim, you can find CD's by asking the CD's you currently know. Ask them, "I'm looking to get some small parts. Can you recommend someone?" You can search on line. I just did a quick check and found several. If you'd like the links I'll post them for you. While on set you can ask other background actors. All of them are in the same place you are. And most are willing to talk about the various local agents and CD's. Many of the under-fives you work with are also willing to help with advice and recommendations. Ask. Social media is fine but you're in the mix. For two years you have been working with the people who get hired and very close to the people who hire. Ask.
Here in Northern Ontario, a lot of casting for BG and small speaking roles is done by Facebook. It saves the CG from making tons of phone calls. One post and 'bingo'- instant responses. I'm not going to do your research, sorry, but start with Facebook "Chicago Actors and Chat & Info Page". Click on a few profiles and those people will likely belong in Facebook Group pages that you need to belong to. Crap, I ended that with a preposition. Soon you will belong to 5-6 Facebook Groups and you will get instant notifications. Also seek an agent with your past history since having more angles is better. cheers!
2 people like this
Can you act? Do live theatre, get involve in student projects, take acting workshops, get professional headshots with different looks, and get a commercial agent.
1 person likes this
Number one question here in Vancouver is not what have you done but who do you train with - training is everything so find a great teacher to work with and then get a kickass headshot and go get yourself an agent when your acting coach thinks you're ready - and yes student projects etc and create your own work - write and star in a short :)
1 person likes this
Good advice. Hoping to start this spring.
Time for an agent or a manager
Jane, I second that! Serita, it has been really discouraging trying to find an agent. Talked to a couple, but they are not interested because I don't have "training". I am trying to get into classes, but most don't seem too interested in me. More interested in knowing if I have the money!
Hi Jim, I dont know what kind of experience you had prior to film extra work. I have found that I can train part time doing evening classes and then I can still take on other work. I am hoping it will be a good investment of time.
My biggest problem is the fact that I work 24 hour shifts. It seems that every class I look into, It ends up being in my work day!
Hi Jim, ah yes that's a tough one. Well some tutors offer Skype lessons so that might be a way of doing some further training (if you need it). I dont know myself what the answer is to moving on, but some extra agencies also handle actors so that might be worth looking into. Some people get their own auditions by trawling websites and putting in an application (I do this sometimes) and have got auditions that way. I understand that the US values film extra work more than the UK industry and have heard that you can even be promoted into a role in some productions in the US. I also do voicework and had been out of the loop for many years so I took some retraining and produced a series of community radio shows on Festival Music. It wasnt paid but it has been experience.
There are many challenges, aren't there Jim? Overcoming those challenges is never easy.
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It is precisely as difficult or as easy as you make it- just make it happen - get the training- get really comfortable on camera- know who you are on camera- find an agent who gets it too. Don't settle for no and keep working until you get what you want! Get 'er done :)
Along with Ren's comment above this one....Have you a video cam? You might want to do a few monologues. If you can do a monologue and keep it interesting. You are that much closer. Then when playing off another, on set will be 'cake'. Another in expensive way, is to do scenes out of movies you want to emulate. Dress the part and do the lines, record it and get critic. Art is something that happens in stages, gradually for some, easier for others. Pro lessons are great, as mentioned but practice is what will be needed no matter the path.
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Don't include background gigs on your resume. Ditto on changing the mindset. You don't WANT to become an actor. You ARE an actor.
100% right, J. That's the mindset. The mindset becomes the attitude.
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Good move, Jim! Shoot a monologue that shows your brand and post it on YouTube. Make judicious use of the tagging feature so that people who actually hire actors (rather than those who filter them out) see the work. ;)