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1. How to get started in the business…How do I become an actor, model, singer, etc. |
First, and foremost, you must believe in yourself and have the confidence in the talent you possess. Second, work at your talent…take acting classes; try out for your local theater productions. If modeling, work with local photographers, they always want to practice their own craft and need models for their portfolio. Exchange your “ looks” for their services. You don’t need to spend a lot of money…but you should invest in yourself. Remember, this is your business you are creating…your talent is your business…You are the product that will be selling…your acting in the movie, your face on the billboard or your voice on the recording.
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2. Do I need to move to Hollywood/Los Angeles or New York to get started in the business to be well-known or get discovered? |
You do not need to spend hundreds or thousands of dollars to move to be discovered in this business. Start locally and as you get better in your talent, expand to bigger cities in your areas. You will be surprised what you will find… And you may find that the company you find somewhere closer may already be connected to Hollywood or New York.
There are many good and “legitimate” talent agents throughout the country that are looking for good talent. You just have to search for them…and when you find one, set up an appointment to go meet them. Remember, the agent can’t make money unless they find good talent to book or find work for.
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3. How much do I need to invest in my career to get started? |
Like any business, you need to invest in that business. And remember, this is a business you are investing in…You are that business…You are the product. But you need to invest wisely. Invest in local acting classes, singing lessons. Invest no more than $200 to 300 dollars with a good photographer in getting photos for your portfolio. Sometimes you’ll be able to trade off “your looks” for what you may need. Remember, the photographer needs photos for his portfolio as well.
DON’T…INVEST INTO THESE TRAVELING TALENT SEARCH COMPANIES THAT PROMISE YOU THE WORLD FOR $1,500 TO $3,000 BECAUSE YOU HAVE “THE LOOK” AND THAT YOU WILL BE ABLE TO MEET SOME CASTING DIRECTOR OR PRODUCERS. THAT’S A BUNCH OF BULL…IT’S A SCAM!!! LOOK AROUND THE ROOM AND SEE WHO THEY ARE SIGNING UP….”EVERYONE” THAT WILL GIVE THEM MONEY.
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4. Should I take acting classes or what type of training do I need? |
Yes…If you are planning to get into the “acting business”…you need to take some kind of acting classes. Go to your local high school or college and sign up for the next play…just get involved…even if you only volunteer for helping out on the production behind the scenes. At least you’re around it and you will learn about acting in general, the technical, the lingo and everything else.
If a singer, look for a local singing coach or order some vocal training from the internet. Ask around and see who you know that knows a good singer and learn from them. Get out there and do karaoke as often as you can to put your new learned techniques into practice. The more you practice the techniques you learned, the more natural it will become. Have you ever heard of the old cliché …”Practice makes Perfect”.
If you are thinking of modeling and you have the “looks”…you already have a natural in-born ability…you are a young lady. You just need someone to work with you on how to pose, to stand and a good photographer can show you that by working with him or her. You don’t need some expensive “talent, modeling course”. See question #:3 about “Don’t investing into traveling talent search companies.
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5. I want to get my child started into acting/modeling…What do I need to do? |
I would first take a few good photos of your child. Nothing to expensive…just good cute and or funny character photos. You may be able to do them yourself. Get them developed into 8” x 10” photos. Then look for local legitimate talent agents to submit them to.
A good talent agent is always looking for that right “face” or child actor to discover. Remember, an agent doesn’t make money until they “book” or find their talent work. And if you find a talent agent that is asking for money to sign your child…walk away. They are not a true talent agent. They are just after your money and are only out for themselves.
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6. How do I know I have the right headshot or how do I go about in getting a good headshot for submission? |
I would first do some research. Go onto modeling websites. Look at the photos. You will see what kind of photos you need to take. You can tell a good photo from a bad photo. Study the poses…how they stand, sit, hold their head, etc.
Talk to local photographers and find out what is good or bad. A train of thought: Speak to “Personality Photographer” not portrait photographers. There is a big difference. A portrait photographer will sit you down in their portrait studio with all the lights and stuff and make you feel that you are getting something for your money. A personality photographer knows how to work with you…you’re character. They know how to work outside the studio without the fancy lights, more with natural lights like the sun and reflectors. They will know how bring out “you” onto the picture. That’s what a talent agent is looking for…not a portrait photo.
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7. Do I need an Agent or Manager? |
Yes and no. In the beginning you really don’t need an agent or manager. You are just getting started. You are just beginning to learn your craft. As you get better at what you do and want to expand in making money, then a good agent can start booking you for small parts. It now becomes a partnership between you and your agent/manager.
There are many good and “legitimate” talent agents throughout the country that are looking for good talent. You just have to search for them…and when you find one, set up an appointment to go meet them. Remember, they can’t make money unless they find good talent to book or find work for.
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8. How do I get prepared for a casting call? |
Many casting calls will list the things you need to bring for a casting call, such as your headshot, resume, etc. Most important, make sure that you have taken acting lessons first. Many of these acting classes will have thought you how to prepare for auditions; How to look at the camera and state your name, etc. You don’t want to go into an audition with an attitude of arrogance. You definitely want to have the ‘air’ of confidence, but that’s a major difference than being arrogant.
If you have acting lessons under your belt and you have been practicing your skills, then you will have confidence.
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9. I met someone who promises me to get started in the industry, but is asking me for money. What should I do? |
Avoid that person like the plague. That kind of person is only out for one thing…Is to make money for him or herself. That person is not there to help you. Granted, you do need to invest in yourself and your business…but make sure you are investing the right way. (See Question #:3…”How much do I need to invest?.”
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10. Should I join one of those “talent” or “modeling” schools to get started in the business? |
Absolutely, you do not have to join. Those types of schools are only after your money. They are not there to help you in any way. See Question #:3…”How much should I Invest…?” And read the “Don’t” under this question.
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