Andre Morkel's Lounge Discussions

As I just completed my FULL Production Chinese Movie with some local stars here in HKG (Naturally not at liberty to disclose much more until the movie is fully edited and released), just wanted to touch on the reality of Acting in Hong Kong, Asia. I’ve been bombed with E-Mails with people asking me to help, but there really isn’t much I can do but say push yourselves into every agents door! Remember HKG is 99% YOU! the US is 99% The Agent, in essence you’re on your own here to make it, or in some cases break! Invest in a top Photographer and run 3 or more Portfolio’s if you haven’t already done so, feel free to e-mail me on amorkel@calliacreations.com and I’ll direct to some of the best here, they’ll guide you and set the scene, setting you apart from the other talents, research whom you’re up against and find your niche! Get some coaching, assuming you’re new to the industry, if not do it anyway, what works elsewhere may not stick with the Producers here! HUMBLE and Drop the EGO! It’s a tough, tough, industry, and you’ll find yourself being scouted, asked to go behind Agents backs, direct with clients, becareful! Very thin line here, you have to way out the perks, if you miss-fire, your name will be tarnished and you’re doomed. DON’T think for a second that you’re “safe” if an agent say’s they have a gig for you, the verbally agreed fee may change once you’ve completed the job! & there’s bugger all you can do about it, accept the fee and move on, don’t post BS on FaceBook or other sites, you’re just knocking yourself further down the ladder! There are no contracts, e-mail agreements here, it’s all verbal and trust, so you’ll need to work your butt off to get out there, net-work and prove you’re the best of the best, trust worthy, humble! Take what you can get and don’t throw a strop! Unless you’re Tom Cruise you have very little bargaining power, but once you’ve run a substantial number of gigs, from TVC’s, Live Events, MC, Still Shots, getting a Sponsor and Investor behind you, you’ll find that Asia runs a lot more smoothly! Last but not least, SAY YOU’RE OPEN to ALL Areas, there are talents here that won’t do TVC’s, they don’t want to talk, but expect to get paid the same as an Actor with a Script, isn’t going to work! Try everything and expand your portfolio at least one of everything, naturally you’ll have to draw the line if you feel uncomfortable, but that’s your call. Best of luck to you all! Doc.A

Got an e-mail not sure why he didn't just post it?, asking what the perfect "introduction reel" is? well, first and foremost I'll keep your name out of this, two as Sean RV says be more open, put yourself out there, in my opinion "Just be yourself!", you can't go wrong, or perhaps you will for some Producers, but chances are someone will bite at sometime, "PATIENCE!" when I first started it was with TVB now I'm running with my Manager and a very well known Sponsor who gave me the time of day, but only after some 100+ doors were slammed in my face, stick with it, push yourself, send e-mails, network, get whatever gig you can, don't look at the $ amount for now no one's going to chuck out HKD1Million on you if you have no experience and aren't "Bankable" I use that word alot, because Producers need someone reliable, trustworthy, and willing to work til they puke! still keen...........?! send me an e-mail anytime. hope this helps even in the slightest. Best of luck, Doc.A