I could really do with some help or some insight into how to even begin working in this industry. I'm very new to this profession, and have very recently graduated from a 2 year intensive conservatory programme in New York. I'm now back in London trying to work, getting an agent is very difficult as they all have said they would like to see me in something which is of course understandable, so I'm now on that step to try and get work. I've applied for a lot of work, paid and unpaid on casting call pro, I seemed to have gotten a lot of profile views but absolutely zero response. I guess the question I'm asking is, does my profile need sprucing up, or are my headshots not up to par or is my cv not upto scratch. Majority of work on my cv is stuff I did during training. And finally are the above all actually fine and is this just the ruthless nature of this industry? I would really appreciate any insight, being very new this is quite a daunting prospect.
I think your headshots are good but nowadays a showreel is just as important as a headshot, it allows casting directors to audition actors before they even have a first audition.
Lots of good companies shoot showreels from scratch. Look at the resources section on here.
Once you've got that you'll find things much easier.
I'd also add your skills to your profile - like horseriding, skiing etc.
Im sure you'll do well, you have quite a lot of credits in your profile, im not sure why your not getting offers of work let alone auditions!
Have you tries any other sites? one springs to mind as a good starting place, theres lots of unpaid work and will help to build up references & showreels..
Im not going to post the name on here as it may be seen as inappropriate, so let me know if you want the web address.
Hi guys, thanks for the comments so far, really appreciate them. Charlie I will look into a showreel. Tony I have sent you a private message with regards to the other website.
This helped me too. I started off like you Charlie but being on Spotlight helps loads. Im in desperate need of a showreel. But I dont have enough footage yet to build one. Does anyone know of any reputable agencies which arent charging an arm and a leg.
A good personal management agency should not charge you anything.
If you join a co-op agency, there will probably be costs involved, but shouldn't be a huge amount and covers the costs of getting someone in to train you on being an agent.
If an agent wants to charge you money to join, run a mile. Same if they want you to have photos taken by them only.
As far as comission goes, the going rate is about 20%.
Student films seem like a cheap way to build a showreel, but taking in to account the fact that you probably won't get paid (when you could be earning - so working for free will cost you a fair bit), and that lots of the material will look poor or be poor, as well as it taking some time to receive the footage means it's often better to pay for a showreel package as you would a headshot.
You'll get it quickly, can tailor it to your strengths, and you're much more likely to get a good result. They're often a couple of hundred pounds but taking days off work to do unpaid student films will probably cost you more.
Yes, Amy is correct. A lot of student films are pretty dodgy, especially first / second year projects, with those little 3-4 minute films. I've done one or two in the past, but they weren't really worth the bother.
However, some reputable institutions, such as the London Film School, can actually procure some really professional films, and in some cases, will actually pay the actors!
Are you able to improvise in Punjabi? If so, RIFCO Arts are looking for actors to be in their next show. You can find their contact details on their website.
The problem you might be having is all your credits are under AADA which is linking to the Australian Academy of dramatic Arts but you say you went to the American, which may confuse and put people off as its unknown in the U.K. Your first point of call before getting an agent is to get a showreel together and get on spotlight. There are plenty of short films casting on here. You probably won't get paid at first but you will learn a lot and slowly build up material and experience. Also do you have a website? It does help having an online presence where people can learn a bit more about you. Feel free to check out mine for any ideas www.davidrbutler.co.uk. I also do one on one sessions for career development for actors of all sorts of experience. I do charge for this however, got to pay those bills. If you're interested its all laid out on my website.
No reputable acting agencies should be charging you at all Lernice! Only the agencies that deal with extras charge a registration fee. Walk away from any agency that asks for any money from you before they've even got you any work and then only pay the agreed commission!
I highly recommend Simon Dunmore's: An actor's guide to getting work.
I'm also new to the professional industry, but his book have answered a lot of my newbie questions.
Student films "can" be good source of showreel fodder...however, I hear so often you wait ages and ages for the footage and then it can often be rubbish...footage is often unavailable for ages if at all....or just does not show you as an actor off well enough.
I shoot reels from scratch...listed under resources etc. If you share the costs with an actor or actress who contrasts with your casting type....and split costs .....its works out cost effective...and saves you trying to gain footage from students who chose to disappear into the wilderness once you have provided your services!
The aim is to get the credits from your training off your CV.
Ideally your CV should only show professional jobs which is obviously tricky when starting off!
It is a hard slog and unfortunately there is no magic solution to it.
I would keep applying to jobs on CCP and also networking can help. I have landed auditions from friends of friends, people I have worked with before and one time from going to a fringe theatre production and chatting with the director afterwards!
The first year out of drama school is a difficult one and many people don't last because it is too hard going.
The thing to do is be pro-active and remain positive. There will be times that you feel like the world is against you (its not!). You will get there if you are professional and treat people with respect (and needless to say, a good actor!)
Many actors forget that you are essentially a one man business and you need to put the work in and remain professional.
A good training is going on Tour. Be it TIE or Panto of which there are always plenty of tours about.
TIE may notbe for everyone but I would say it is an excellent "training" experience.
You learn a lot and not just about the touring experience. You will certainly learn to bite your tongue when it comes to some of the people you may have to work with.. a worthwhile learning experience in itself!
I shall top rambling now but I wish you all the best and just keep slogging away, you will get there.
10 years ago
19
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