Christopher Kardos: Actor, screenwriter and singer in New York City, New York.

I recently had a casting call looking for a teenage girl and her older step mom for an independent movie I was producing and directing. As I live in the middle of California I went through three different casting websites, one from SF, one from LA and the other one "National". I was shocked when I saw that roughly 80% of the actors, SAG and non-SAG did not have any video reels showing their work. It told me that if they were not even professional enough to create a reel or even a clip on themselves, then I wouldn't waste my time contacting them. Years ago when I was an actor and before good video was around, it was difficult for actors to get film on themselves because they hadn't been cast in anything yet or doing their own scenes on film with rented cameras was cost prohibited. The smart ones went to college film departments and volunteered their time for student films. Actors, today there is no excuse for not having a reel showing your work! That tells me you are lazy and unprofessional. Everyone has a video camera/phone. I have seen 20 minute movies shot on I-phones which looked great on my computer monitor. Professional sound is not important. Music is not necessary and the editing doesn't even have to be good. The scene you do must however have another person in it so that you may react to them. Monologues are a waste of time. Directors are mainly looking for what you do with your face and body when you are not speaking. The speaking part is easy. Copy a scene from a movie or TV show that has a character similar to yours. Then go out and have your mom or roommate shoot it. Two or three short scenes showing your range are best. If you have little or no range, just one good scene. The camera used is not important. HD is great if you have it available. Lighting must show your eyes. If you don't have good lights shoot it during the day in the shade. Beware of people who want to charge you a lot for professional cameras and pro lighting. If you don't have a good scene (with another actor) that challenges your acting ability and one that you do well, then the best camera gear in the world will not convince someone to hire you. Hope this helps--

Thanks for the add :-)

Fingers crossed, Shaun. Stay in touch and thanks for the add.

Thanks for connecting !

Dear Chris, thanks so much for reaching out - Stage 32 is such a great platform for us “theatrical” minded peeps! Please share with me what inspired you to reach out and connect with me. Socially, I connect on Facebook: http://www.Facebook.com/ForbesRileyFanPage With over 590,000 followers, it’s a great place to share YOUR latest successes. So join me and click “LIKE”! _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Here’s a peek at my new TV show. hosting demo, and acting demo: http://ForbesLivingTV.com https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jgzE8fkY4aI https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f2gY9-c8v8w And for my other inspiring videos - http://www.youtube.com/Forbesriley I’m in the National Fitness Hall of Fame and my flagship product (amazing for those us stuck for hours on a production set is SpinGym - http://BuySpinGym.com - let me know what you think http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HYjm120gP9Y http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MJrgNj31ssc _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Best, Forbes Riley www.forbesriley.com

Hi Chris, Good to connect! http://www.statlyrics.biz

Hi Chris! Thanks for the connection! Have a great day!

Thanks for adding me to your network, Chris!

Hi Chris, Happy to make the connection... http://www.starlyrics.biz

Thanks for the invite

hey Chris!

(Acting Intelligence) There are many different styles of acting afoot in the world today. Don't feel you have to confine yourself to just a single style to work within. What you need to do is explore them all and find the styles that resonate with you personally. Then you can develop your own method of working by determining and combining the elements of each that work best for you. Filling your acting repertoire with as many tools as possible is the strongest way to gain control over your craft.

Does anyone know where/how to learn accents? Audio or dvd's? I am interested in creating more varieties in my roles, as I recently had a few people ask me what accents I can do and how good I am at them. Didn't know it was relevant. Most actors I know are trying to get rid of their accents lol.

Hey Chris, thanks for the connect. --Doug www.fourstarfeedback.com Twitter: @DougDavidson71

Hi Chris, Thanks for connecting! I am working as a sound designer for Doc Zee Films. Can you kindly take some time to watch the trailer of our new film “House of Temptation”. Thank You! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qs24k6Lvpb8 Indiegogo Campaign: House of Temptation - Feature Film http://www.indiegogo.com/projects/house-of-temptation-feature-film

My new band's FB page. The KeyTones: https://www.facebook.com/thekeytonesny Our first single entitled Slate is out! https://www.facebook.com/thekeytonesny

To all of you who are interested in a meet and greet where teams will be created for upcoming projects please let me know. Hope to see you soon! PS. Meetings will be held only on Tuesdays of this month, Feb 11, 18, and 25, 2014 from 4:00-6:00PM in midtown in NYC.

Thanks for the request. Lovely to connect with you here--always great to meet fellow multi-hyphenates! Look forward to finding a way to collaborate. chandra thomas www.chandrathomas.com www.imdb.me/chandra