Acting : Jobs by Curtis McGann

It helps to know where you're based because most of acting is networking and waiting and hustling and researching. Go to the local acting guild's resource lists for film schools to do a few films and cut together a reel. Also start applying to agents, it can work on your first submission or they might make you reapply every three months for five years. But make friends with other actors on their books because if they put in a good word for you, your chances are much better. Do acting training, as much as you can with lots of different teachers till you find one that clicks with your learning style. Move to where them industry is... It doesn't have to be LA but if you're in a country town you may want to check the unions to find where most of the production is happening in your country and go there. Be a well-rounded human being, travel, ride a horse, get your gun license, sword fight, knit etc because actors have to be able to adapt to varying personalities with varying skills. Join meet-up groups and ask, "what did YOU do?" And apply what you can to your own trajectory. Be kind to yourself. As my husband tells me, "No one ever knows they were going to make it until they've made it." It often has nothing to do with who you are as a person... It's luck, it's personality, it's style, it's timing, it's economics, it's face-matching. It's probably not you. Be your own producer. If you can't write or direct team up with someone who can and do a crowd funding campaign or save up your own money to make it happen. Don't commit to acting for the money. The only reason that technically the average (mean) wage of an actor isn't negative $20 is because of people like Courtney Cox and Brad Pitt. Most actors spend their life working in service industries or somewhat related to show biz jobs to support their passion. However, that doesn't mean you're not different. There is no reason that just because the actors around you can't support themselves solely off acting that you won't. It's unpredictable and the only thing I can suggest is do it while you love it and couldn't do anything else . Hopefully, sooner rather than later, it will pay off. But if it doesn't that's not your fault and you've taught your son different lessons. Creative problem-solving, passion, commitment, resilience and hope. For anything more specific you'll need to find a film-makers group specific to your area and join that. Break a leg!

Molly. Thank you so much for all of your kind advice. I have done a lot to become well rounded. Martial arts, sword fighting, military, theater, construction and pretty much anything I could try (like randomly building surf boards). I live in Seattle, WA and we just got a tax break back for the movie industry the hopefully there will be some more projects coming up in the area. I appreciate the way that you look at thigs. By saying if I don't make it then I'll at least have taught my son some other very important lessons, and you are right on point with that. Thank you again for all of your advice and kind words.

Allee I keep trying to respond from my phone but it's not working. Maybe this will work but I will respond fully from a computer when I have the chance. But thank you for your comments as well

I read a quote from Peter Dinklage saying that it's insulting to actors that make it to say they were lucky because they were unemployed, working hard, starving and being rejected for years before they "made it." But at the same time, other than resilience and commitment to keep going even when it gets tough, and constantly working to improve our craft and get better at the business, actors are not the gate-keepers and very often it is just luck that gets you through the door. However, to be at the door at the right time there are all those other factors that you can control. It's hard work being an actor, I'm sure you already knew that, and we shouldn't be ashamed, as artists, to help each other out and ask for help in return. One of the greatest predictors of success is how much someone is willing to help others with no expectation of return. But similarly, knowing when and how to ask for help is a valuable skill in and of itself. You're in Seattle! That's got a lot of film-making and TV industry history. I don't know what it's current status is but it used to be so involved with Canadian/US co-prods that the area including Vancouver and Seattle was collectively known as Seacouver (adopted from Highlander, I believe). You might want to see if you're entitled to any Canadian work permits because a lot gets made just over the border.

Curtis, positive attitude is a good first step and you seem to definitely have that. First off though, what kind of actor do you want to be? You definitely do have to figure that out. Are you funny and do good improv? Or do you see yourself doing more male leads like a Matt Damon type? You say you know martial arts, can you kick ass? Figure out your strength. Your NICHE. Get someone else to tell you cause often we lack that ability to look at ourselves. Ask girls - would you be cast as the Jon Favreau nice guy character in Swingers or Vince Vaughn cocky character? Old movie but I"m sure you've heard of it. Play to your strengths. If you can figure out what's special or unique about you and then come up with a concept that maximizes that, then you have a shot. I'm talking about either a one-man show, a play, or a low-budget film or web series. Good luck!

Keep chasing it, Curtis. All the best.

Molly. Thank you! You seem like such a great person with a great heart for people. I appreciate all of your kind words and advice. I think the same about asking for help. I look at it like asking for directions when you are lost...if I just keep driving, I may end up there, but I may not. If I pull over and ask for directions I have a lot better chance of getting to my destination. I enjoy helping people with things that I know how to do. I tried to start a contest for my family for weight loss, and I would coach them if they needed it...also with a cash prize (unfortunately nobody signed up, but I'm trying). I enjoy helping others, because we can't do everything or know everything on our own, which is why as humans we are best when we work together. If we can pull off of the strengths and experiences of others, we will all live better and enjoy life more. Seattle use to be great for Film-making and TV, however, they removed the tax credit for the industry to film here (no idea why), but they just recently reinstated that credit so things should start coming back around. I have met a couple of people from Vancouver who work in both Vancouver and Seattle...Seacouver :). I've started looking for more opportunities in Vancouver as well, so I will have to find out about the work permits, etc. Again, thank you so much for all of your advice and kind words! You're awesome!

Dave. Thank you for the response. As far as what type of actor I would like to be; I would like to be able to play a variety of characters. I have the most fun doing the male leads like Channing Tatum type. I have asked others about what they think I could play as well, because like you said-it's hard to look at yourself and figure that out. I can do comedy and improv, and think it's a ton of fun. The reason I say Channing Tatum type roles is because he does male leads with actions, romance, and comedy. I do know the movie you are talking about, Swingers, and I think that I would be cast more towards the Vince Vaughn side. Not because that's how I am in life, I'm actually not cocky at all...but people always assume that I'm going to be. People assume, because of the way I look, that I'm going to be cocky and arrogant....which almost in itself sounds cocky and arrogant. I've actually been looking into creating something that I will be able to play a lead role in. I put a post up previously asking for some screen plays that I would be able to make into a low-budget film. Thank you for your advice and the ideas. This is exactly the type of help I'm asking for. You guys are all amazing

Thank you Scott!

yeah, that's what I'm talking about.

Hi Curtis, Keep following your dream. I also want to be involved with acting. Acting and Screenwriting started out as hobbies and I want to make them my main job. I have taken classes, acted in stage plays, took creative writing classes and now I am considering competing at IMTA LA. Good luck!

Phillip, yea no worries everyone has their own way to put things. Yes it is a tough business, and I know it's very hard to have it as your only job...but we have to be able to dream and have goals. Anything is attainable if we put our mind to it and our trust in God. Thank you for the tips on Seattle theatre. I will check it out. I've decided to make my own movie, and webseries to start gaining some traction. Hopefully for us Seattlites, now that the tax break is back, films and tv shows will start shooting here again. I know we are getting more and more commercials so hopefully soon. Keep in touch.

Christine, Thank you! I think if we are dedicated and have the right mind set, we can make anything possible. I've also taken some classes, done some stage plays, webseries, music videos, movies, etc. Acting is a craft that can always be improved, so I'm also looking at taking some more classes and just always trying to continually be acting. Going to auditions is great practice whether you get the part or not. Let me know how IMTA works out for you. Best of luck to you as well!

Alle, you make a great point. Everyone has different goals when it comes to this industry...and so many people do give up. It's not easy, things to come that quickly, or when you want/expect them to. It takes time, work, dedication and a true hunger and passion for your craft. You hit it right on the nose, so many people just want to be on top of the world famous overnight, but it just doesn't happen that way. The things most people don't see are all the work that went into getting to where they are, all the sacrifices and time put in.

Phillip, I love your outlook. I am the same way...must be a Northwest Thing. I feel that if we put positive vibes into the universe and surround yourself with positivity, it will come back around to you. I try to have a positive attitude in all things, and I believe that it brings it back to me. It's either that or by having a positive attitude you just start to enjoy everything around you instead of wishing you had something else. For example; I want so badly to be a professional actor, but I'm positive about where I am and where I'm going so I'm enjoying my journey and where I am currently.

Audition! Audition! Audition! And, don't get discouraged!!!!!

Thanks Manuel!! I've been doing as many auditions as my schedule allows. Mostly commercials and corporate videos, but hopefully soon I'll be auditioning for TV and Movies.