by barend31 » Mon Jan 20, 2014 7:45 am
Here is an answer I get questions about the TV, movie industry, acting jobs, modeling jobs, so many times I am send out this pre-made reply.First, as introduction, I began working in the movie industry in 1990 on Fried Green Tomatoes, staring Kathy Bates, Mary Stuart Masterson, Mary-Louise Parker, Jessica Tandy, Cicely Tyson, Chris O'Donnell, directed by Jon Avnet, Art Director Larry Fulton.I also worked on Andersonville, TNT Productions, John Frankenhimer director. I also worked on We Were Solders Once, staring and produced by Mel Gibson. I have worked along side Krista Zia, Production Designer, The Brave One, The War, Producer, As Good As It Gets. I have had lunch and drinks with all the above listed people and the talent agents and the casting directors, and their assistants. Therefore, let me say the following:1. No legitimate talent agent / casting agency / agent should ask you to pay them to promote you / your child.2. Yes, these so called talent scouts / agencies will take a head shot of you / your child at their photographer's studio, they will publish the headshot in a book / magazine format. They may even actually mail it to talent agencies they mention. They will not see the talent agencies toss it in the trash. You will not see the postage receipt from the mailings. You will see a headshot that you could have had done at the mall for half the price.3. If you still want to be in TV ads, then go to the companies that advertise, ask what company produced their ads,(you might have to pretend you are wanting an ad). Ask that advertising company what agency they use for talent. Do not expect to give these people a headshot / resume. Then go to the talent agency as see if they will represent you / your child. They get paid once they find you work and not before. Usually 10% is the industry standard. 4. Develop a resume / networking base by joining in a local community theatrical company. Usually most colleges have a drama club and may welcome outsiders to fill out the cast. Some parks and recreation departments may have a theatrical venue. Several communities over 10k people will have some type of community theater. If you are living near a major metropolitan city, the theaters could have what are referred to as equity actors. People that are in an actor union and are usually paid union scale. These are the pro's semi-pro's you need to get to know to advance in the industry with networking.5. Do not give up on the idea of working behind the scenes. That is where I had a 12 year career and through that back door, finally had my 15 minutes of fame. It totally sucked. I was never meant to be on camera. But I have had steady work behind the camera. There are on a small production some 200 technicians, makeup artist, painters, carpenters, camera grips, and so on. 6. Attend an accredited film school associated with an accredited college / university if you must. 7. Most important to anyone's career especially in show business, Be kind to even those below you on your way up, cause you might meet them on your way down, or like I learned the hard way, they may pass you on their way up. But, that is another story.Good LuckSpartan Caver Let Amazon know if this is a great or lame answer and vote. Sources: Spartan Caver Says: SpartanCaver 76 months ago Please sign in to give a compliment. Please verify your account to give a compliment. Please sign in to send a message. Please verify your account to send a message.