Acting : LA is too crowded by Dan LaRoy

Yikes. I'm not sure, a friend of mind does a lot of work in LA, he registered with a casting database for extras. I'll try and find out who it is.

Central Casting is supposedly the big one here that gets all the work. I registered with them and they don't have much.

He hasn't gotten back to me, but it does sound familiar. I'm sorry I can't help you :( I guess you have to wait a little? Don't get discouraged, think positive or occupy yourself with a side project, the minute you do that, things will come your way. It always happens to me :)

Have you tried (the obvious) LAcasting? I was with them and got auditions emails fir to my profile every day. LA is still very happening, although a lot of work has moved to either cheaper locations or NYC (especially TV). I'd look at my plan, resources, connections, and adjust the parts that are not working, and move forward. Best, Lukas

also try Central Casting.Irritating company,but worth a try

I tried central casting. They only had one notice today and it was for Hispanics. It's hard to believe in all of LA only one TV show needed extras.

They film stuff in Salt Lake. That's where I'm from. They were filming man in carion road this week. Check out Utah actors.Ning.Com

Sydney, that was very helpful advice. Thanks. It's good to know its a slow month and not the norm. I don't want to sign up with too many because I havent moved here yet, just visiting for 3 weeks. and Gary, welcome to salt lake. I think you will find its a beautiful place and i hope you find lots of work in writing/producing.

Hi Dan, I am hoping that my post will shed some light on your question. In Los Angeles, there is a huge need for dependability. That is why so many of the same actors work together all of the time and with the same directors (exp: Adam Sandler and Judd Apatow movies). These same people work together all of the time because it has been a successful formula in the past and why would they want to take a chance with someone new when they know exactly what they will get with the same people. In production, the same thing happens with crew. I have my team that I use over and over because we have established a great working relationship, we know what we are getting with each other, and we know that end product will be solid. Ever break up with a long-time partner and feel the frustration of having to completely start over? All levels of acting, including extras, unfortunately work this way too. For my films, I have a group who will supply extras, but the first time their extras would not show or cause problems, we would have to begin to look elsewhere. These companies know this and will first send in the extras who they have known to be reliable for a long time. After they are gone, they will begin to move down their list. It does just take one job to become the reliable guy who will continue to get called in. I hope this helps and I wish you the best of luck.

Thanks David. You all have been very helpful and that makes sense. I know from doing extra work in Utah that they arent reliable there either. I became one of the go to guys there and I guess I just forgot how hard it is to start from scratch.

Where in Utah? I just directed a film in Orem, Utah (108 Stitches) and we were very fortunate to find some great background actors. The movie is a baseball film based off of the professional team, the Orem Owlz and we were able to use many of the actual fans of the team. I gave as many as could some dialogue, however, the problem was that only a few had ever done background work before and did not know what to expect, especially the "hurry up and wait" side of things. Some got frustrated after being there for an hour without being in front of the camera. I did all that I could to make them feel at home and met every single person who came to set. This business is tough on all fronts and everyone wants to work with people who they know that they can get along with, especially if it is for an extended amount of time.

Yeah, background work is not for everyone. I live in Salt Lake City. I'm just in LA visiting. I wasn't in your movie but it sounds like a cool story.. I bet it will be successful especially to the Utah crowd.

David Roundtree,I read your response to Dan's post,so glad I did.I am frustrated as well,for all of the same reasons. Thanks so much for the info.,Now I just wait for that great opportunity to show how I am one of the Actors they can count on!

Dan and Mercedes, Try to remember that it just takes one person to see you in the right environment and things can change. One small role in something can be memorable and you never know who is watching. Actor Ryan Carlberg auditioned for me back in 2004 and was great, but did not get the part. I never forgot his audition, demeanor nor his professionalism. 10 years later, I cast him in the lead for "108 Stitches" without having him audition or even seeing him in those 10 years. He was terrific in the movie. So, stay positive and wherever you go, set a goal to, not get the part, but make a fan, even if it's background work. That may just get you a return ticket and give you longevity in this business.

10 years? now that's a slow play. and yeah, i agree just keep at it and things happen. woody allen said most of success is just showin up. so never stop showing up.

The quote is that "it takes 10 years to make an overnight success."

The Quotes is not an absolute. But, the actors I know confirmed the quote including me. It took me 10 years before all I did was act. 'that was 28 years ago. Got here 1976, 1986 only act. 2014 still only acting. Dan, Don't sweat the small stuff. Keep on pursuing and enjoying the journey. I can't make a comment about BG work I only did five in my entire career. I can only say, stay focus, do what ever it takes to pursue as long as it doesn't affect your ethical and morale belief system. See you in the movies man…..Shalom

Are you with central casting ?

MUCH, not ALL, but MUCH of the work is here in the Atlanta, GA area and in the southeast of the United States. Many of the projects are moving this way due to the high tax breaks the states of Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina and Tennessee offer production companies to make movies. I moved here from Florida in October of 2013 and have already added more work to my resume than I ever though possible. COME OUT to Atlanta!!

Hi Dan there is a site call project casting, I am sure you have heard of it, if not check it out as it has a lot of casting opportunities there. Hope this helps.

So true

That's why now we shoot shooting in UK europe, and some other countries right now

One of good friends has been an actor down there for quit some time and he says it's hard to break in. What's ur experience Dan if u don't mind me asking?

Welcome to Hollywood's Diaspora. Production has been scattered to all corners of the world. There are lots of opportunities - but a mere fraction of what they used to be. Where are you looking for gigs? I'm doing a Stage 32 webinar on Networking for Actors in a month - I'd be happy to share with you some of the local resources.

Several things for you to realize Dan. First of all the truth is, LA is not the entertainment capitol anymore. I second all those talking about production leaving for tax incentives. Less work available and another 100 people just got off of the bus...(apologies to Stephen Sondheim), it is too crowded with young and old who have heard that a great way to a)make money ,b) get connected, is by being an extra, and hope that you get upgraded to day player, (rarely happens). You also are there at a bad time, pilot season is over and episodic television shows are wrapping for summer hiatus. Feature films in LA for the summer are few and far between. Finally, what many have not already mentioned is the union vs. non union aspect. Yes Central is the top company and they do have a non-union division, but you have to realize that a union show has an obligation to hire a certain number of union b.g before they can start bringing on non-union. One last thing, being reliable and on time is important, but also showing up with the appropriate wardrobe, (just because you are in LA doesn't mean you aren't called to work a shot that takes place in NYC in February) and options clean and pressed, (not stuffed in a back pack or shopping bag) and/or knowing your exact sizes, neck and sleeve for a dress shirt, waist and inseam for pants and jacket size for suits will get you through wardrobe faster and they can make or break your chances of being recalled by the A.D.'s. Just keep plugging away, and use your time wisely. Good luck.

That's great news!!! Thanks Alle!!

Alle - That's totally true. Cable outlets first started filling in the year, taking up the slack around the traditional network upfronts-driven schedule. Now with all the online platforms doing their own thing, on their own schedule, broadcast has to try to compete with year-round audiences (else they risk losing them to the myriad competition). Studios, networks, etc. are hearing pitches year-round, projects are being developed in odd cycles. The industry landscape has changed dramatically in the past five years. Network, network, network - that's how you find out where the opportunities are! ;-) And keep hustling! ;-)

Yes, it is true that "Pilot Season" is not a rule anymore, but if you look closely at most of those summer/mid season replacement shows they are not shot in LA, they are lower budget and don't get together in time for the Film Commission lottery.

The film commission lottery in LA is virtually a camp out overnight on 6/1 - and gone by noon. It's insane. Atlanta, Vancouver - this is where a lot of the action is - but LA - while (sadly) not the Capitol or Center of the media universe anymore, it sure as hell is still a major metropolis! LOL! ;-) So there's PLENTY going on to get in the action! ;-)

Come to Austin! I know several actors who moved here because there was not work in LA and they now have more work than they can do.

Austin, Texas?

Yes, Austin, Texas

It's summer time, a lot of productions stop during that period. It will be bustling again towards the august mark sometimes even late august

You want to work, come to New York. Crazy busy.

There's some great advice here, thanks everyone and thanks Dan for posing the original question.

Come to NY :)

Always something happening. Networking and Persistence is key.

Without credits, I tell all my students to avoid LA, NYC, Chicago, and go to markets where there's more work like Louisiana, Texas, even Missouri and other midwest places.

Things have slowed in Hollywood. You used to be able to make a living down background, now there are so many people doing background because any kind of job is hard to come by. I tried for four years. However, since the state just approved 1.6 billion in tax credits things might start improving.

Atlanta is becoming the second hollywood, there is ALWAYS something going on and filming there, just gotta get out and network

Suzanne Bronson,we can only pray that the passing of this tax credit will help bring our jobs back to Hollywood! where it belongs! Thats one of the reasons I moved here.

Ken Dohse you nailed it!! Everything is happening in Atlanta! Atlanta is where the features are. Hollywood birth the sitcoms. Producers and execs are more open and less fame driven. Actors are booking everything from commercials to working side by side with legends in the industry. If you're looking to expand as an actor, writer, etc. Atlanta, GA is the best move. I spent some time there doing research to complete a data analysis for film production. Not saying it's "easier", but the creative vibe and outlook it much different!

Hi Dan- Yes, I agree, getting extra actor work is extremely brutal. I tried for extra actor work in Pittsburgh, PA and I was surprised by all the talent there. It's important to let them know what talents you have, important skills you have, can you relate to having that extra role with your skills and jobs you do? Participate in movie groups, get involved in your local area. You've got to hustle and keep knocking and get involved in something and keep working your way up. Good Luck- Ed Skirtich

There's ALWAYS work in LA! If you are at the beginning of your career, I recommend looking for roles in the student short films. Chapman does some great work and I loved working with the AFI students when I started out. I've been loving the podcast, Audrey Helps Actors if you need help focusing on finding work. Keep at it! And Break a Leg!

Yes .True. Work slow for the past few months. Don t get frustrated. It will take few years to be success what we want in US. Until that time we have to struggle. Don t give up. I was well established in my country . But in LA, everyday life is challenge. I am also waiting for a right time to make my second feature. Looking for producers. For survival, central , LA casting etc etc.. ! Cheers

lacasting.com is predominantly used for extra work. Just keep applying...