Posted by Michael Raben at ip5.pontiac.mi.pub-ip.psi.net on January 03, 2000 at 03:08:39:
In Reply to: Question for Kevin and friends and Happy New Year! posted by Mr.Jones&Me on January 02, 2000 at 14:24:27:
: Hi I am an 22year old actor/writer/fan of yours.....I will be making a big life change by going to an acting school out on the west cost.It is called THE AMERICAN ACADEMY OF DRAMATIC ARTS... and well I was wondering if you guys had any suggestions about what to prepare for...
Sure. Prepare for tons of rejection. As sarcastic as that may appear, it
also happens to be true. There are some things to keep in mind though, if
you are serious about pursuing an acting career:
- Oftentimes, the process is a LONG time in coming. The number of actors
chasing fame is abominably large. Expect rejection in droves, and that's IF
you can get an agent/manager. So, develop a thick skin and don't take it
personal.
- Audition for anything and everything. Most wannabe actors(resses) tend
to think in one mindset (eg FEATURE FILM). There are plenty of other avenues you should also consider (TV, Direct-to-Video, Cable Tv/Movies,
Commercials, Stage, Training Videos, Adult Erotica, etc.) It can't hurt.
- Make connections/Friends. Almost everybody starts off at the bottom.
Especially out west, the more people you know, the better the odds of
meeting people involved in any and every aspect of the business. It's never
a guarantee, but the LA industry is rather incestuous - people know people
who know people. So get to be one of those people.
- Make your own feature and cast yourself. Given: 80% of indies never
finish (usually lack of funds) and of the ones that do, most are never
seen beyond the festival route (eg Pizza Runners; did THAT ever go anywhere? and what happened to the guy who did it? Answer: He's posting
this message.)
Well, for good or bad, that's my two cents. Make of it what you will.
Always,
Michael Raben