The Actor Site

Learning something new

noreply@blogger.com (Wilson) — Fri, 25 Mar 2011 17:08:00 +0000

Back to the topic of learning something new... it took me some serious time making shot after shot... and then a few gallons of microfoam... but I am starting to get it! The beauty is that it makes me stop thinking about acting and my next gig, and makes me focus on the task at hand!

How to Choose a Good Monologue - advice from an agent

noreply@blogger.com (Wilson) — Mon, 18 Oct 2010 19:37:00 +0000

Well, the first thing, which is a basic concept, but nonetheless worth mentioning - choose something that is within your sex and age range. Casting directors are looking for people who match the roles they are reading as are agents.

And then comes the content. Don't do Shakespeare right out of the gate, choose something that you feel comfortable with in manner of speech and concept.

There are so many plays to choose from a good starting point is to find a play that is age appropriate, or perhaps you've seen a movie that had a great monologue that you really liked, that is a great way to go as well.

A monologue for an agent/manager should be no longer than 3 minutes and no shorter than 1 minute.

The more range it has, the better, if you can really make it go from the bottom scale emotions like grief or apathy up to the top of the scale, like cheerfulness or enthusiasm, that is great, but don't do it to do it, do it and feel really confident and sure about it. If you need to cut back to be really confident, that's okay, one of the worst things an actor can do with a monologue is to do it only half way!

What to wear at an audition

noreply@blogger.com (Wilson) — Tue, 03 Aug 2010 19:40:00 +0000

Many years ago I had a friend starting out in the business who today had a hit show on the air for nine and produced a couple of things as well.

Her first audition was a purchased outfit from a cheap clothing store that was brand new and worn only to the audition. Why did she buy a new outfit specifically for that audition you ask? Because she thought she was going to book the job and go right to set and wear the clothes on her back for the part – literally.

It is not so in Hollywood. One should always “dress the part”, whatever your interpretation of that part is you should wear what you see the character in. But ultimately, for every actor on a set there are about 15 people behind the scenes covering everything from food to fashion for the actual show.

Why should I dress the part if I am going to be styled by someone on set anyway if I book it?

Because occasionally casting directors, Producers and Directors need help with their imaginations in order to visualize the role. You’re the actor it is your job to bring the character to life. So, the more you can do to make the character real the better for you AND those who envisioning you in that role!

Background work should an actor do it?

noreply@blogger.com (Wilson) — Wed, 19 May 2010 02:37:00 +0000

Background work should an actor do it?

This is an odd one as some actors do background work for years never to any further benefit than a paycheck and others do it and meet someone and get “Taft/Hartley” and become SAG. I personally know many people who became part of the union in this way.

The best way to decide if you want to do background work is to do it simply and only for its purpose: To work on set and make a bit of cash.

This way you don’t become disappointed if nothing more comes of it. And let’s face it, it is NOT a resume booster by any means.

I seem to recall Tom Cruise was basically an Extra (background actor) in TAPS and ended up landing the role that would lead to The Outsiders and the rest is history….

Ultimately, it is good experience to be on a set. Your first day on a real Hollywood set can seem daunting so it would seem to reason that even if it is background work it might be worth it just so you are comfortable with being on set.

Also, it does serve as some form of promotion in the sense that you could blog about it or post it on your website without stating you were an extra – you could just make mention of having worked on whatever set it was and state how great the crew and stars were.

Finally, don’t feel less because you are working as an extra. EVERY SINGLE person on a set comprises a whole, and while paychecks may dictate “importance” by measure of success, nothing can be done without all its part, including extras!!

How do you deal with rejection?

noreply@blogger.com (Wilson) — Mon, 26 Apr 2010 17:08:00 +0000

Actors and Rejection

Rejection: The act of refusing or throwing out as worthless. Webster’s New World Student Edition.

The biggest battle in the world of acting isn’t getting an agent, getting auditions, promoting yourself. The biggest battle is overcoming REJECTION.

Rejection is that action in which someone in a position where you feel they are superior, smarter or in some form in higher altitude to your position has given you the sense that you are not good enough, or not worthy of something or someone, whether overtly or covertly.

This can happen literally thousands of times. Some actors have thrown in the towel for it. Some have been ruined by it even after some success. But the important thing is how you DEAL with it.

Individually it is important that you create a method in which you can deal with any rejection. Some of my actor friends have created mantras for themselves that they say after every audition, something like “I gave them my best in that moment. If my best wasn’t good enough there is always tomorrow”. Or to the cruel person (sometimes this is in the form of a relative) “Every time I have some success I will send them a reminder of it” and then send a little promo card or email each time you land a part in ANYTHING big or small.

It is also important to celebrate ALL successes. A great man once said “Ignore the losses, retain the wins” Every time you win at something celebrate it. Every time you lose at something, learn from it – if you have something to learn – and then THROW it away.

If you don’t have the love for entertaining it is likely this isn’t the business for you. If you DO have love for it, then steel yourself against the rejection by daily reaffirmations of yourself!

How do I detect someone that is a scammer vs. the real thing?

noreply@blogger.com (Wilson) — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 17:43:00 +0000

How do I detect someone that is a scammer vs. the real thing?

Never ever ever ever hire any sort of representation that requires you to pay for anything!!!

NEVER. EVER.

Did I say that loud enough?

If it looks to good to be true, in this particular industry, it almost certainly is!!

Anyone who is a registered SAG agent is almost always legitimate. SAG has lists of agents that can be gotten through their website.

There are new managers that sometimes are just starting out who may not have a lot of clients, but have a good heart and want to help the actor. If that is the case they will not ask for money for “postage” or “promotion” etc., they will represent you and promote you and expect to get paid only when you are paid as an actor.

What is a "Has Been"?

noreply@blogger.com (Wilson) — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 17:31:00 +0000

What is a Has Been?

This is an interesting term. It was once and is no longer.

I don't think the person who came up with the term ever made anything of himself because of the derogatory nature of the term.

It refers to a Super Nova of sorts, a star that shone really bright then burned out never to be heard from again or having a hard time trying to get a job in the industry.

This is the fate of many a "child star" and many sit-com actors. The trouble is when a person is a known celebrity of any sort what are they going to do other than that? They can't go to the local mall and work at Hot Dog on a Stick, or sell clothes at the Gap.

There are those who have elicited such disdain from their public that ex-fans refer to them as "has beens" because they dislike them so much. Sometimes that can be rightly deserved, especially for "stars" who are notoriously mean to autograph seeking fans, or who have sex with under aged minors, or who are so diva in their attitude they forget where they came from.

And to those I say - You never REALLY were so you can't be a has been! A true star knows where they came from and are grateful for having the opportunity to perform for the many.

Favorite directors and why

noreply@blogger.com (Wilson) — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 17:16:00 +0000

Some favorite Directors and why…

Top of the list has to be Cameron Crowe. Who wouldn’t love a man who brought us the likes of Say Anything, Jerry Maguire, Almost Famous, and on and on. He is a creative genius.

He writes and directs, has a very specific and passionate voice and is honest. He is the John Hughes meets Kubrick of this generation. When I think of the phrases that have been coined from his movies they evoke so much emotion: “It’s all happening”, “You had me at hello”, “The only true currency in this bankrupt world... is what you share with someone else when you're uncool.”, these are only a few of the profound jewels he has given us.

His movies say so much more than just the words spoken on the big screen, they tell of pasts that create our future, they sing the songs of a broken heart, they make us think - even when we don’t realize it!

And from what I have heard of him as a director, he a collaborative person who has no ego, which of course only tells you that he is far more brilliant than anyone he works with and because he knows it he never needs to promulgate it. That is the mark of true brilliance!

More to add to this list next blog…

Hit 'Em Up Casting....

noreply@blogger.com (Wilson) — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 19:39:00 +0000

Ever been to a busy mall minding your own business and along comes some freindly faced girl (or boy) who is very eager to pay you or your kid complimets and then along comes the punch line - "You know, there is this industry networking event and you/your child would be great for the industry and we work with Disney and you should totally attend."

Okay, so the thing is, they very well may work with directly Disney and you/your child very well may be great for the industry, but who knows, they could have a portion of their company that does the janitorial services for Disney so, on a technicality they do "work directly with Disney".

How can you decide?

Well, the first question is - Does it cost anything? if no, you have a reasonable possibility that it could be a good experience. If you haven't worked a lot it would be possibly a good thing for you to check it out.

The next question is who in fact is involved? is there a celebrity head liner (a real one with some credits to their name and a job!) if yes, your chances of it not being a scam just got better!

And finally, do you have something better to do? If not, and you can steel yourself to say no if someone at the event wants money from you you are probably okay to go!

There are seminars about how to write a screenplay, or make it in the industry etc., if they are done by someone who is valuable to you and has his/her own success, it the fee isn't outrageous, it might be worth your while to check it out.

Just get your spidey senses up so you aren't fooled into something....

Never pay ANYONE for representation ever! They only get paid on commissions earned by getting you work!

Agents and contracts...

noreply@blogger.com (Wilson) — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 04:14:00 +0000

Sometimes an agent or manager will say they will rep you, but they do not want to do contracts. Look in the past, that might have been a red flag, but in today's industry, it actually doesnt matter what is and isnt in writing.

You can rest assured if you book something with an agent or manager they will want their commsision, even if YOU were the one who submitted yourself for the job, but ultimately, it will only help YOU if they are making money on you!

It is sort of the "Bean Theory", when you put a lot of beans into something you want to get more than you gave. If you start getting beans back, well of course, you are going to keep adding in hopes that you create synergy and make a larger pile of beans!

You are a person, but your craft is a commodity, it is traded for money, because you are the vessel of that commodity it sometimes feels impersonal, but truly you are using your craft and your body as a communication to the world as an actor, and what could be more fulfilling than that?

So, dont go by contracts, go by how much your team invests in you by getting you out on audtions, by helping you to get into a good class, by putting more beans into you and judge them on that basis. Are they helping you to get out there and sell your craft?

Scams, agents, photographers, printers, etc…

noreply@blogger.com (Wilson) — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 18:24:00 +0000

Scams, agents, photographers, printers, etc…

Occasionally one will find that there are scammers in this industry.

There are agents, managers, and other characters that one may come across who have “back end” deals with photographers, printers, and other sorts of people who work on the fringe of the industry.

The best way to avoid being scammed by someone like this is to check out the person who one is being referred to. Do they have a quality website? Do they have a number of clients who are known on their site? Do you yourself like the way the product they are selling looks?

Of course, there is the added point that you should only work with those who you feel personally comfortable with so you aren’t ever in a situation of wondering if they have your best interest at heart.

Eighty percent of the people in the industry are out to help the artist. Rarely does one come across someone who is really out to ruin someone. If one keeps their eyes open and observant they are easy to avoid.

Advice from Casting Directors and Acting Websites

noreply@blogger.com (Wilson) — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 19:28:00 +0000

Advice from Casting Directors and Acting Websites

An acting website is vital. Don’t believe it?

The Web is the single most vital source of information for casting directors today. So vital that if someone who sells themselves as an actor doesn’t have a web presence they can be discounted as a serious professional.

“IMDB is the first source to verify the validity of an actor, after that, seeing they do have some credit, Google is the next step. Of course if they don’t have a site with their photos, resume and reel that is easy to access it makes it easier to choose someone else”

Actors, like any other serious professional, should find an easy and reliable way to update their acting sites. Relying on a buddy who is a webmaster is not professional and will not enable an actor to update easily and regularly when needed.

One of the most important things an actor can do to stay fresh is to post new photos, reel updates, and resume additions regularly.

Advice From Hollywood Agent

noreply@blogger.com (Wilson) — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 21:43:00 +0000

Advice from a Hollywood Agent

Many actors have a tough go of it in the beginning of their careers. An agent is an important member of the actor’s team. It is equally important that the actor help the agent as a team member to market oneself.

With so much competition in the industry finding various ways to get a leg up is important. There is the fantastic headshot. The ever growing resume that has been updated and sent anew. The great postcard sent regularly to industry professionals and on and on.

Sitting at a desk all day and having to go through demo reels, DVD’s, postcards, headshots, etc. sometimes gets to be too cumbersome. Having a source for an actor’s information available in just one click is a dream!

One of the things I like about MyActingSite.com is that each actor has his own domain, with only his or her name – period – I don’t have to type an entire other business name to go find them – just their name.

Another plus with MyActingSite.com is I have never heard from an actor “I have to wait for my webmaster to update my reel” because they just update it themselves. It’s that easy. And it is so inexpensive there is no need to “barter” services with one of their buddies, they can just sign up and make it happen!

A web presence is an important and necessary tool for an actor. Having a website that is accessible and easy to update makes it an efficient and effective tool that is an agent’s ideal situation!

How cool it is that certain celebs live great lives!

noreply@blogger.com (Wilson) — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 17:27:00 +0000

Some people you meet in Hollywood are total jerks and honestly I think some of us wish that there success was only a temporary vapor.

Then there are those who are genuinely and honestly really sweet and great people and we hope their success devours the ones who are less than great.

Some of the people I have had the pleasure of meeting, Mark Feuerstein, he was on a show back in the day about a news station he was also in Practical Magic, each time I have run into him since he ALWAYS remembers me, he is always charming, interested and alert to the world around him. Just a really nice guy. Maria Bello, she was in a great movie, A History of Violence, she is endearing, warm, philanthropic and kind. Tom Cruise, he is funny, playful and always takes a moment to stop and say hello, a sweet guy.

One of the things that I think is a tell-tale of someone’s true personality is do they stop and sign an autograph? In interviews are they passionate? Passion in art usually translates to life… Are they philanthropic? What organizations are they part of?

Though I have never met her, I think Meryl Streep is likely a stunning person who has depth of character that rivals some of the great leaders of Human Rights – because she is so passionate!

I am happy that many celebrities live glamorous and enthusiastically passionate lives filled with fairy tales and royal treatment, but truth be told – the ones who don’t deserve it - I secretly hope find failure in their lives… I know it is not so nice, but true!

What makes someone an icon and a legend?

noreply@blogger.com (Wilson) — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 17:52:00 +0000

What makes someone an icon and a legend?

An icon is someone or something that represents something specifically.

For example, Elvis Presley, I think everyone can agree, represents the beginning of Rock and Roll - therefore he is an icon of Rock and Roll.

The Rolling Stones represent the Rock as a band and therefore would be icons of a rock band.

Both of these are icons. They also both happen to be legends.

A legend is one who is very well known for their time. So, anyone who is well known for their time can be a legend, however not everyone can be an icon because an icon represents a specific thing.

A little tidbit: When referring to a person as a legend one uses legendary, when referring to a group one uses legendry.

So, while Britney Spears is a legend, she is really only iconic in the sense that she represents an addicted bad mother type that recaptured her fame.

A must attend event for any actor in Los Angeles

noreply@blogger.com (Wilson) — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 17:28:00 +0000

Make sure to attend the above event if you live in Los Angeles, you HAVE TO BE THERE!!!

When Will I Make it?

noreply@blogger.com (Wilson) — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 21:05:00 +0000

When will I make it?

There is no guarantee that anyone will “make it”. There are very talented actors who have been working at the game for a long time that are not in their own right considered successful.

The surest way to guarantee success is to have all of the factors that you can have on your side routing for you, such as; good marketing, which would include mailers, post cards, a killer head shot, an agent who really supports you, having a team of friends who don’t knock you down, getting trained in the arts, having tools to help you become better at promoting yourself, this could include taking seminars and classes at a local place that an industry professional offers their time to help actors and artists, check your local Penny Saver or other paper for sources on this.

Keep persisting in your craft. You will have many crossroads. You will have many barriers. Take the wins as they come and keep on swimming!

How do I deal with rejection?

noreply@blogger.com (Wilson) — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 18:09:00 +0000

The first thing I should say about this subject is that I am rarely rejected, so, in fact, not an expert on the matter. Having said that, my child is an actor and often receives rejection, If you consider statistically for every ten auditions an actor books he gets a call back for one (though that statistic varies WIDELY) and for every twenty call backs one booking. So yes, that is a lot of rejection.

What seems to work for those actors that I have coached as well as my daughter is to stay in the moment that they are in and then once that is over move on to the next moment and ignore all losses and hold the gains.

I think what every actor needs to remind him or herself of is that you all have a very special talent and skill which very FEW people on this planet possess, as evidenced by the myriad of Reality TV stars that are being propagated to fill the empty airwaves due to lack of truly talented actors.

Going along doing what you are doing is a big deal. If the writer, producer, casting director, agent, manager, director etc., could do what you do they would be doing it! They simply cannot!

Should I do student films?

noreply@blogger.com (Wilson) — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 17:22:00 +0000

The short answer is YES!

The longer answer is: the more one has training in any field they want to be a professional the more confident one becomes.

In the film and Television business confidence equates for about 60% of the jobs one will be cast in, the other 40% is looks, talent, etc... Keep this in mind next time you watch TV and pay attention to the leading man's swagger, the leading ladies way she carries herself on film, it may not be actual internal personal confidence they possess, but they certainly have it in their CRAFT.

When one is confident they walk in the room with a sense of knowing that helps the person casting the project know what direction they should or should not go in. The best place to get that confidence is in DOING.

Also, the other benefit to doing student films is the connections you make. Today's student filmmaker could be tomorrow's Cameron Crowe, or Tony Scott, both of whom use the talent repeatedly.

Very cool video, true and funny!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Wilson) — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 21:43:00 +0000

How "in character" should I be at the audition?

noreply@blogger.com (Wilson) — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 16:54:00 +0000

Think of any audition as the interview for the job you've always wanted.

You should bring all you've go to the audition.

You as the artist have to make your own choices as to who the character is and how the character would react and respond to things. YOU are the only one who can do that. If the agent could he'd be an actor. If the manager could he'd be an actor. If the casting director could he'd be an actor. You get the idea?

So, the real question is for you how comfortable do you feel in the character? And do you think the casting director would like to meet YOU or the character when you first enter the room?

My bet is no one wants to meet someone who is so in the character they don't allow their own personality to shine through. I hired a bunny for a huge bash a friend of mine and I threw for Easter one year. It was a big industry party and many celebrities were there as well as agents and managers, this bunny didn't ease up on the character for anyone, not even an adult who was trying to have real communication with him! It was creepy and our guests agreed!

So, be in character as much of the time as you see reasonable and uncreepy, and when you are delivering your goods in the room, sell it, sell it, sell it, don't let go of who that character is for a minute!

How do I find inspiration?

noreply@blogger.com (Wilson) — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 19:52:00 +0000

I think this is an age old question. It is along the lines of "To Be or Not To Be?".

Inspiration disguises itself in so many different forms. The first thing to be aware of is that you need to be LOOKING. LOOK. LOOK. LOOK. If you are interested in the environment around you you will find that often the smallest thing inspires you! Life inspires you! People inspire you!

A great man once said that childhood inspiration is often forgotten, but never lost, what one loses is the thrust toward the feeling of being inspired. I believe that to be so true of all the great arts.

Do not listen to those who would have you agree to failure. Perhaps it is a simple statement like, "oh it is so tough you may never make it", or "you can always fall back on your BA in economics". While these are not outright slaughter, they are inspiration vampires. They suck - literally!

So, pay attention to those around you, find things you like about those you don't like, find things you admire about those who leave little to be admired and soon you will find that your aesthetic wavelength opens up in a gush!

How important is promoting myself, and how do I do it?

noreply@blogger.com (Wilson) — Thu, 28 May 2009 15:09:00 +0000

I have met many actors over the years that swear by self promotion and in fact have kept records of the promotion they have done in direct ratio to bookings and have found that there is a correlation to their own promotion and getting jobs.

There are MANY ways and means to promote oneself as an actor:

Head shots - sending these out to anyone who may be able to help you get a job. Including your family who will hang your photo on a wall no doubt.

Website - In today's day and age one has to have a website - period! there really is no excuse to not have a website which you can promote to casting directors etc to view your work. This site should have video so that you can put up a demo reel as well as your head shots.

Demo reel - Even some of the biggest Hollywood stars still have demo reels - because not everyone in the industry knows their work, if they did they would be working 24/7! yes it is important to have one, if you don't have enough to create one, go out and shoot with some fellow actors.

Where to promote- there are tons of industry related magazines and services, get a subscription and get cracking! You should be sending out regular emails or snail mails on behalf of your own career!

What is more respected, theater, movie, Television, or commercial actors and why?

noreply@blogger.com (Wilson) — Tue, 19 May 2009 21:29:00 +0000

The bottom line is this: Each field will tell you theirs is more respected or on par with the rest (except commercials – they know it’s a much easier gig!).

My opinion comes from watching a live performance of Shakespeare performed by a theatre actor. I must say nothing like it exists in any other medium of the dramatic arts. Truly. Physically the live stage is far more demanding – there are no re-takes, there are no boom mics following one around to get the proper sound and one has to have their piece cold because the rules of theatre plays dictate that one cannot change the words without the permission of the playwright himself.

In Television and all other recorded forms of the dramatic arts one can change a word here or there, mess up on lines, and not have to have a big booming voice and it “magically” works out (that is because the people BEHIND the scenes are truly magicians and they can make anything better than it was)!

Commercials usually take the least amount of time and therefore tend to be the easiest medium to work in. Understandably, a thirty second commercial spot is far easier to produce than 24 minutes of television (in the case of a thirty minute sitcom) or a 44 minute Dramatic show (in the case of a one hour) and so it goes that likely the drama would be more lines to learn therefore more production time to tell the story and thusly a more difficult or respected type of show. Finally, movies as can be seen range from one hour and twenty minutes to many hours.

Finally, I happen to know personally some Soap Opera actors. While this genre is sometimes looked down upon by other members of the tribe, let me tell you that they have to learn their lines for shooting THE NIGHT BEFORE and those shows are generally one hour shows! So you can imagine how very hard they work!

All ACTORS, and I use that word advisedly, because of the new up cropping of the reality TV “star”, are equally important in whatever medium they perform in. Some of the greatest actors of our time started in Commercials and Soap Operas!

What is an AD and why do they exist?

noreply@blogger.com (Wilson) — Thu, 07 May 2009 19:13:00 +0000

An AD is the Assistant Director. For the purpose of this we will keep it simple and discuss ONLY the First AD.

A First Assistant Director is responsible for the preparation of the shooting schedule and script breakdown used to plan the shooting of a film or television show. The AD works directly with the Director to manage all of the minute to minute operations on the set during the process of filming, as well as coordinating the necessary communication of details for all future filming of that particular project. The Director is more of the overall visionary of the film or Television project and is the main boss while those who support him do the many other functions needed to create a film or television. It is not unlike the President and his cabinet members, yes the President is in charge, but if he didn’t have a cabinet member over each of the various activities he would fall on his face. The AD has many some of which include tracking the progress of filming versus the production schedule, observing all rules related to union crafts (which would include making sure people are breaking at the correct times, not being over worked without compensation etc.), labor contracts and location agreements, maintaining safety on the working set, and working with the those whose job it is to help keep costs within the budget constraints.
It is a big job and one that is valuable for a person who plans to be a Director to do. It gives a panoramic view of all that is needed to keep a set running smoothly, on budget and efficiently.