4 answers
Elizabeth
Student
East Brunswick, New Jersey
1
Question
Asked
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How do I find managers/companies and get started on acting?
Hi, I'm Liz, 15. I'm trying to make a career out of acting in films.
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4 answers
Jim Richardson
Background acting
5
Answers
Lake Forest, California
Updated
Jim’s Answer
Depends on where you live, if near Los Angeles there are companies that, once registered with them, will submit your photos to productions that have positions available on a day to day basis. You might want to consider background acting to get some on set experience. Check out Central Casting. They are always looking for minors to register. The same is true on the east coast as Central Casting has representation there.
Marylou DiFilippo
Actor, Teacher
54
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Marylou’s Answer
Hi Liz
I have been a professional union actor since I was 22. I am now 69, and I’m blessed that I’ve been able to live my life according to my dreams.
It took a lot of work. Study. Study. Study. Find teachers, classes, and mentors. Build a database overtime of contacts.
Most of all, be patient. And know that this is a tough business, and not for the feint of heart. Since you live close to New York City, you can find wonderful teachers and classes here.
I would put the search for managers or representation on the back burner. No one will handle you without you having honed your skills. I got started by doing a showcase. Showcase is non-paying work, but agents and managers do check them out, as they are always looking for new talent.
Check out Backstage magazine. They are a terrific resource.
It’s a wonderful life, and I wish you the best.
I have been a professional union actor since I was 22. I am now 69, and I’m blessed that I’ve been able to live my life according to my dreams.
It took a lot of work. Study. Study. Study. Find teachers, classes, and mentors. Build a database overtime of contacts.
Most of all, be patient. And know that this is a tough business, and not for the feint of heart. Since you live close to New York City, you can find wonderful teachers and classes here.
I would put the search for managers or representation on the back burner. No one will handle you without you having honed your skills. I got started by doing a showcase. Showcase is non-paying work, but agents and managers do check them out, as they are always looking for new talent.
Check out Backstage magazine. They are a terrific resource.
It’s a wonderful life, and I wish you the best.
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity => Self-Actualization.
6342
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Hello Liz,
To find managers, and companies, and get started acting in films as a 15-year-old, follow these steps:
Training and Education: Enroll in acting classes or workshops to develop your skills and gain experience. Look for reputable institutions, community theaters, or private coaches. This will help you build a strong foundation in acting and improve your chances of being noticed by professionals in the industry.
Create a Portfolio: Gather photos, videos, and any previous acting work you have done. This portfolio will be essential when reaching out to managers and agents.
Research: Look for reputable talent agencies and management companies that specialize in representing young actors. Some popular ones include United Talent Agency (UTA), Creative Artists Agency (CAA), and William Morris Endeavor (WME). Research their submission guidelines and requirements on their websites.
Networking: Attend local film festivals, workshops, and industry events to meet people in the acting world. Networking can help you make connections and gain valuable insights into the industry.
Online Presence: Create a professional profile on platforms like Actors Access, Backstage, and LA Casting. These websites connect actors with casting directors and industry professionals.
Social Media: Build a strong social media presence on platforms like Instagram and Twitter. Showcase your acting skills, share your progress, and engage with other actors and industry professionals.
Submit to Casting Directories: Register with casting directories like Central Casting and Project Casting. These platforms help connect actors with casting opportunities.
Audition Preparation: Practice your audition skills by participating in local theater productions, student films, or short films. This will help you gain experience and build your confidence.
Find Local Opportunities: Look for local theater groups, film festivals, and independent film projects in your area. Participating in these projects can help you gain experience and make connections in the industry.
Persistence and Patience: Building a career in acting takes time and dedication. Be prepared for rejection and keep working on your craft. Stay persistent and continue networking, auditioning, and seeking out new opportunities.
Remember that the entertainment industry can be highly competitive, so it’s essential to stay focused, dedicated, and open to learning and growing as an actor.
GOD BLESS,
James.
To find managers, and companies, and get started acting in films as a 15-year-old, follow these steps:
Training and Education: Enroll in acting classes or workshops to develop your skills and gain experience. Look for reputable institutions, community theaters, or private coaches. This will help you build a strong foundation in acting and improve your chances of being noticed by professionals in the industry.
Create a Portfolio: Gather photos, videos, and any previous acting work you have done. This portfolio will be essential when reaching out to managers and agents.
Research: Look for reputable talent agencies and management companies that specialize in representing young actors. Some popular ones include United Talent Agency (UTA), Creative Artists Agency (CAA), and William Morris Endeavor (WME). Research their submission guidelines and requirements on their websites.
Networking: Attend local film festivals, workshops, and industry events to meet people in the acting world. Networking can help you make connections and gain valuable insights into the industry.
Online Presence: Create a professional profile on platforms like Actors Access, Backstage, and LA Casting. These websites connect actors with casting directors and industry professionals.
Social Media: Build a strong social media presence on platforms like Instagram and Twitter. Showcase your acting skills, share your progress, and engage with other actors and industry professionals.
Submit to Casting Directories: Register with casting directories like Central Casting and Project Casting. These platforms help connect actors with casting opportunities.
Audition Preparation: Practice your audition skills by participating in local theater productions, student films, or short films. This will help you gain experience and build your confidence.
Find Local Opportunities: Look for local theater groups, film festivals, and independent film projects in your area. Participating in these projects can help you gain experience and make connections in the industry.
Persistence and Patience: Building a career in acting takes time and dedication. Be prepared for rejection and keep working on your craft. Stay persistent and continue networking, auditioning, and seeking out new opportunities.
Remember that the entertainment industry can be highly competitive, so it’s essential to stay focused, dedicated, and open to learning and growing as an actor.
GOD BLESS,
James.
Michelle M.
Entertainment Industry
1920
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Elizabeth !
If you want to start a career in acting with no experience or training, I wouldn't advise it. Are you ready for auditions, have transportation, can be on a call (on set) at any given moment, and what about school ? Acting goes beyond a nine to five full time job. So, for right now, I would advise a couple of major things : have your parents manage your acting training and get lots of experience.
I also would advise that acting is not just for the one medium of film. As an actor, work comes your way for all media, not just film. There are opportunities in film, of course, but why limit yourself to one type of work. Also, you will have to take a film acting class to learn lots of information and techniques that you would be expected to know. My feeling is that since you do not know where to find agencies and representation, that you probably may not even have started with the first steps of classes and performing in shows. That's okay. We all have to start some time, but your parents will have to be 100% involved as you are 15 and it will take a lot of adult managing and supervision with a performance career. Do not hesitate to take it slowly and be fully prepared and knowledgeable of what the business is like.
So, you don't find managers and agencies to start acting. You have to take classes and perform and build up a strong resume. If you will get paid for acting, there's no time to teach the actor when you are doing a film . You will be expected to be able to create the character, take direction and do the part. I would suggest getting involved with your high school theatre or video group for starters or maybe a community theatre if they do a play with a part in your age range. Get involved with the acting community in your town as a foundation for your future. At this time, I cannot refer you to any agencies because you haven't mentioned your qualifications, however, if you have been acting for years and know the ropes, you can easily find casting agencies through a search on the internet, however, the work is not solely for film.
I hope that this advice is useful for you and I wish you all the best going forward.
If you want to start a career in acting with no experience or training, I wouldn't advise it. Are you ready for auditions, have transportation, can be on a call (on set) at any given moment, and what about school ? Acting goes beyond a nine to five full time job. So, for right now, I would advise a couple of major things : have your parents manage your acting training and get lots of experience.
I also would advise that acting is not just for the one medium of film. As an actor, work comes your way for all media, not just film. There are opportunities in film, of course, but why limit yourself to one type of work. Also, you will have to take a film acting class to learn lots of information and techniques that you would be expected to know. My feeling is that since you do not know where to find agencies and representation, that you probably may not even have started with the first steps of classes and performing in shows. That's okay. We all have to start some time, but your parents will have to be 100% involved as you are 15 and it will take a lot of adult managing and supervision with a performance career. Do not hesitate to take it slowly and be fully prepared and knowledgeable of what the business is like.
So, you don't find managers and agencies to start acting. You have to take classes and perform and build up a strong resume. If you will get paid for acting, there's no time to teach the actor when you are doing a film . You will be expected to be able to create the character, take direction and do the part. I would suggest getting involved with your high school theatre or video group for starters or maybe a community theatre if they do a play with a part in your age range. Get involved with the acting community in your town as a foundation for your future. At this time, I cannot refer you to any agencies because you haven't mentioned your qualifications, however, if you have been acting for years and know the ropes, you can easily find casting agencies through a search on the internet, however, the work is not solely for film.
I hope that this advice is useful for you and I wish you all the best going forward.