Starting off in film and tv

Odunican

Hey just looking for advice and maybe some links etc.
Basically at the moment I am studying a joint honours degree in media and drama. However I really want to start acting properly on television or film.

I'm not really into theatre I think its great but not for me. I prefer the realism and the intimacy of a camera. Its not that am desperate for fame because if I was i'd be saying how do I become famous and look to star in reality shows and so, something I don't want at all.

I don't really have or know anyone who works in film or television so am not savvy about where to find auditions and so on. I check the stage magazine but there isn't much there besides jobs at butlins or cruise ships.

I know most acting jobs you get are through an agent but am not sure which ones are good or even legit. Can anyone recommend any good agencies in the north west?

Also I know that tons of people inspire to be actors and hardly anyone makes it but thats the reason im going to university so I have a degree to fall back on and can teach.

Basically how do I go about starting a career in tv and film/show business?

MrsManda

Basically you need to work hard, do voluntary work and use opportunities to make contacts. It's not easy unless you happen to fall on your feet and go down the x-factor/reality show route and even that is hard work both to get on to the programmes and once you get through.

Have you joined any drama clubs while at university? I know you said you're not interested in theatre but having something on your cv which shows you can act is a good starting point.
My sister started at a drama club and also takes part in drama classes at school and through the club she's been offered professional acting roles.

Have you had any experience volunteering at radio/tv stations? I have a friend who started off doing promotion work for a local radio station while at university and a year later she's been broadcast on the radio, worked with the VIPs who come on to the show and generally made herself known.

There are agencies which recruit for extras in TV/Film. You may want to have a look at this thread https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/576208
It's a bit old but may give you some ideas.

ILW

I ave never heard of casting agents etc looking for someone with a degree in acting. You need to get experience to prove that you can do it.

leannaf2721

i agree with all off the above experiance is the key volunteer do anything behind scenes etc get in to drama classes and so on and travel round country a bit e.g london is very good you can get to know people who know people etc

heretolearn_2

There's also the issue of an Equity card (which is why a lot of people start off on cruise ships/holiday camps, as they have cards available).

Equity website is a good place to start for information on becoming an actor.

Have you any acting training? Most genuine agents I believe will only look at those who have had formal training and I really don't think they'll take on anyone without an Equity card as you can't work. If you are really serious can you look at applying for a place at one of the major acting schools, for example RADA.

paddyrg

You won't get an agent (or any agent worth having) if you're not already building a portfolio of your own work. Volunteer for short films - they are where many young actors get started, unpaid, flaky hours, but they get something for their showreel, and get to learn what it's like working in film/TV (very slow/stop/start, very different from stage gestures, etc), and frankly if the camera likes you. You will work with real crew, there will be a heap of pressure, but shorts are where it all starts. The first link below is to the very reasonably priced shooting people, the following two take more of your cash, but get you out in front of more eyes. Jobs come and go FAST on places like CCP (last jobs I posted, I started getting responses within a minute, I had to cancel the listing early as we just couldn't see 300 people for 7 roles.) Spotlight used to be the bible, but frankly CCP has really hacked away at their market - not worth joining until you have some experience.

shootingpeople.org
castingcallpro.com
spotlight.com

Aelius

When my sister was at college [North Tyneside] studying theatre, they often had agents/talent scouts in the audience. I believe the department had good connections, with the tutors having trained people like Robson Green and Jamie Bell, so had a good rep.

Doubt you'll find a agent in the north west. You'll need to be looking at London or New York.

paddyrg

BTW - Beware, there are many unscrupulous companies out there that will be your 'agent' in exchange for a fee, or who send you to 'their people' to make some showreel/edit/portfolio/headshots/etc. Get your own headshots done nicely, and do not use an 'agent' that charges you an upfront or registration fee - their fees should come from finding you work only. This is why I say any agent *worth having* above.

Oh, also look at extras agencies, eg castingcollective - moderate pay but long days and no travel/accom provided, but you are fed well usually. All experience is worth having, and doubtless you will meet 100 other wannabe thesps on set, swap stories etc.

One last tip - look at your demographic carefully, some are oversubscribed. 65-yr-old Asian men are fewer and further between than 20-something pretty young things when it comes to casting, competition can be fierce. I had 150 pretty 20-somethings apply for 1 role within 24h, one single job posting on CCP - hence the need to move quick and stand out if that is your demographic! There is less work for the less-glamorous of this world, but there is also less competition for work. And there are some decidedly odd-lookers who are always in work, for looking unusually gormless/whatever and fitting a niche well.

an9i77

paddyrg wrote: »

One last tip - look at your demographic carefully, some are oversubscribed. 65-yr-old Asian men are fewer and further between than 20-something pretty young things when it comes to casting, competition can be fierce. I had 150 pretty 20-somethings apply for 1 role within 24h, one single job posting on CCP - hence the need to move quick and stand out if that is your demographic! There is less work for the less-glamorous of this world, but there is also less competition for work. And there are some decidedly odd-lookers who are always in work, for looking unusually gormless/whatever and fitting a niche well.

Ha ha perhaps I should change career then!