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How do you become successful in film acting?
I want to be an actor, and it is hard to stand out from a lot of other people, what is a good way to stand out as well as be successful all together in the field of acting?
#film-acting
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3 answers
Updated
Kachain’s Answer
That's a difficult question to answer, as screen actors come from all walks of life.
My work has been primarily behind the camera, so the following will be based on my work in the industry as a production professional. There is no real right way to become an actor, but I would strongly recommend a few things:
1) Get as much film work under your belt as possible. Much of it will be unpaid, especially if you have had very little exposure. If you know filmmakers, or student filmmakers, try to act in their films. MOST IMPORTANTLY, you need that footage, so you may put together a reel of your best work. Here's a tip: whether or not the production pays you, you have a RIGHT to your footage.
2) Build a website with your reel and your resumé. Your resumé will grow as you get cast in various projects.
3) I would DEFINITELY invest in IMBDpro. Although your work will be put on IMBD, you can only add your headshot and reel to your page if you have IMDBpro.
4) Although acting classes are great, I would focus on SCREEN acting classes, as they are two different animals. In general acting classes are wonderful for a few reasons: they give you footage for your real, you can make connections with local filmmakers and/or actors, and you can hone your craft.
5) If it's film acting that you want to focus on, get to know each craft as best as you can. Learn what a grip, gaffer, production designer, etc. does. It's always good to know what goes on behind the camera as well as in front. When you know the process of filmmaking, you can learn to adapt your craft around it.
6) THINK LIKE A DIRECTOR. The most successful actors can interpret the director's vision and transform it into something that is collaborative onscreen. Knowing how directors think and being able to take that direction is key to being a great actor. There's a book called "Directing Actors" by Judith Weston that will help you understand what directors want in their actors.
Hope these tips are helpful!
My work has been primarily behind the camera, so the following will be based on my work in the industry as a production professional. There is no real right way to become an actor, but I would strongly recommend a few things:
1) Get as much film work under your belt as possible. Much of it will be unpaid, especially if you have had very little exposure. If you know filmmakers, or student filmmakers, try to act in their films. MOST IMPORTANTLY, you need that footage, so you may put together a reel of your best work. Here's a tip: whether or not the production pays you, you have a RIGHT to your footage.
2) Build a website with your reel and your resumé. Your resumé will grow as you get cast in various projects.
3) I would DEFINITELY invest in IMBDpro. Although your work will be put on IMBD, you can only add your headshot and reel to your page if you have IMDBpro.
4) Although acting classes are great, I would focus on SCREEN acting classes, as they are two different animals. In general acting classes are wonderful for a few reasons: they give you footage for your real, you can make connections with local filmmakers and/or actors, and you can hone your craft.
5) If it's film acting that you want to focus on, get to know each craft as best as you can. Learn what a grip, gaffer, production designer, etc. does. It's always good to know what goes on behind the camera as well as in front. When you know the process of filmmaking, you can learn to adapt your craft around it.
6) THINK LIKE A DIRECTOR. The most successful actors can interpret the director's vision and transform it into something that is collaborative onscreen. Knowing how directors think and being able to take that direction is key to being a great actor. There's a book called "Directing Actors" by Judith Weston that will help you understand what directors want in their actors.
Hope these tips are helpful!
Updated
Han’s Answer
Hello Rachael,
I recommend that you determine your "type", as an actor. The sorts of roles that resonate with you are your guiding signs. I think that you should avoid trying to fill just any role. Determine your preferred niche and then dig in.
I recommend that you determine your "type", as an actor. The sorts of roles that resonate with you are your guiding signs. I think that you should avoid trying to fill just any role. Determine your preferred niche and then dig in.
Updated
Han’s Answer
Great question Rachael,
Here are the top three important tools that I've used to get the roles I'm most proud of. If you have any questions I am open to dialogue. Feel free to touch base whenever.
Actors Access
https://www.actorsaccess.com/
IMDb Pro
https://pro.imdb.com
Toastmaster’s International
https://www.toastmasters.orgToastmasters International
The additional links below are for inspiration. They may likely help guide you in utilizing the links that I've listed above
Two videos on the business by Bill Oberst Jr.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=aaegnd3xaVI
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=3lWaAMfpI44
Film Courage (Official Site)
http://filmcourage.com
Film Courage on YouTube
https://m.youtube.com/user/filmcourage
Have a wonderful day
~ Jef
Here are the top three important tools that I've used to get the roles I'm most proud of. If you have any questions I am open to dialogue. Feel free to touch base whenever.
Actors Access
https://www.actorsaccess.com/
IMDb Pro
https://pro.imdb.com
Toastmaster’s International
https://www.toastmasters.orgToastmasters International
The additional links below are for inspiration. They may likely help guide you in utilizing the links that I've listed above
Two videos on the business by Bill Oberst Jr.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=aaegnd3xaVI
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=3lWaAMfpI44
Film Courage (Official Site)
http://filmcourage.com
Film Courage on YouTube
https://m.youtube.com/user/filmcourage
Have a wonderful day
~ Jef