How do i become a Professional Actor
One if the toughest and most competitive careers out there is acting. There are many pitfalls and obstacles in seeking a successful career as a thespian. The following information should help those interested in seeking their fortunes by treading the boards. Here is a breakdown the entertainment industry:
The acting world is comprised of five professional facets: stage acting, film acting, TV acting, commercials and voice work. They are all demanding in their own right using different talents and skills to succeed.
Stage acting: If the actor starts in theater, its usually in local shows which require a commitment of 5-7 weeks. They usually rehearse at night and on weekends with performances and matinees on weekends. You are pretty much tied to the theater if you are dedicated to making the show a success. Regional & National Touring Shows require a biggercommitment. You will be on the road for long stretches. You have to pack, possibly sublet your place, and keep moving with the company. The pay is nominal. The commitment is demanding.Film acting: The keys to success in the film industry starts out by finding an agent, and later a manager. All real professional actors must join the film actor's union SAG (Screen Actors Guild). And the commitment to a project ranges from a few days to a few months. Actors pay comes from daily work and residuals from broadcast and rebroadcast. Film acting is a lucrative field, but very competitive.TV acting: Much like the film industry, to be successful in television means an agent and manager. Most TV is filmed in Los Angeles, so a move west is decidedly the best plan. Again, you will need to work and get a union card. Your lucky break can have you working a week to a few months to possibly a few years on any one project.The Modeling industry: The talent must have pictures, have composite card, have portfolio and be able to travel. One must find a great modeling agency that can guarantee you work. These agents usually create a bank fund for you and manage your money as well as your career. That way you are not stuck in Belgium for a shoot and need money to fly back to Brazil for that shoot on the beach.
There are opportunities in local modeling, if you have the right pictures, portfolio and the right agent. But beware, there are unscrupulous photographers out there that will take you, your pictures and fly away. Get references. See their work in advance. Local models do local ads for newspapers, magazines, fliers, billboards and print ads. Lucrative for some while.devastating to the unprepared.
Note: Beware of a new trend called the PHOTO BANK. A photographer will hire you for a small session fee, then sell your photo to many clients to use anywhere they wish. Digital piracy.
Commercial acting: To be a commercial talent offers new challenges all the time. Auditions for ads, training films.(What is a training film? ~ Ever take Driver's Ed and watched Blood Flows Red on the Highway? Or had a job where they sat you down in a break room turned on a TV and showed a video on work policy and procedures? That is a training film!)
There are always ads being film and recorded. And with the right agent you can find auditions and work regularly. By adding more agents outside your region, you can double your chances at commercial acting success.As you focus on one aspect of the acting profession, you will be able to branch out and market your talent in the others. You can do it! There have been actors for centuries. It is as noble a profession as any other. Now it is your turn.
