Acting : Some Advice for Beginners by Bo Keister

I've been reading many posts from those of you who are relatively new to the film industry and wanted to share this to help you guys along the way. Hopefully, this information is helpful and some of the other experienced people will add-on to this thread. 1) When you are starting out, TRAINING should be your #1 goal! Everything in this industry builds from that point! Find a reputable acting coach in your area. And, NO, I (and many others) don't consider Barbizon, Powers, Pro Scout, etc. reputable schools. Research coaches through industry trade magazines & online sites, your state's film directory, and your fellow aspiring actors. Go audit a class. Talk to the other students. Are they gaining traction in their career, getting agents, getting auditions, booking roles, etc.? You need to focus on scene study, character development, audition technique, and cold reading, so find a well rounded coach - or find coaches that specialize in each. 2) Headshots - These are your calling card! Find a photographer who understands what a headshot needs to capture. In fact, find a photographer that specializes in them. They are not portraits or modeling portfolio shots, there are differences and your photographer needs to know those differences. You will need at least 1 Theatrical, 1 Commercial, and 1 Alternate Look. 3) Building a resume: Start out doing some extra work, student films, community theater, or create films with fellow actors. These are just some of the things you can do. Be sure to include any and all crafts, hobbies, and skills you have as well. Also, very important, learn how to properly format an acting resume! And, please, don't lie! If you were Background or Featured, then list it that way. DO NOT list yourself as Supporting, because you will get busted for it. 4) Finding Work: If you have any intention of finding work, and also being taken serious as a professional, then you must set your self up on Actors Access, Casting Networks, and 800 Casting. These 3 sites are the primary casting sites for the business and pretty much every agency requires you to be registered on them, with complete/current profiles, before they will even remotely consider you for representation. There are many other sites out there like Backstage, Now Casting, and more that are also very good. However, the first 3 I mentioned are "must do's"! 5) Building a reel: Same as your resume, you've got to put something together. Well, now that you are set up on the casting sites and submitting yourself, then any speaking role you book, that is shot well (with good lighting and sound) needs to be edited together as a reel. Keep the best parts of the scene(s) and keep the full reel 2 minutes or less. Do not try to jazz it up with music and photo montages, just cut to the chase - Title Card with you name and then dissolve straight into your work! Casting Directors appreciate you getting to the point. 6) Agents: When you begin looking for agents, again, DO YOUR HOMEWORK! Reputable agents NEVER require any fees for representing you. Aside from your coach(es) and fellow actors, SAG-AFTRA is a great resource to use. Odds are, if an agency is SAG-AFTRA franchised, they are reputable. Look for agents in your region that are accepting submissions from new actors, or developmental talent. DO NOT write CAA or WME and expect to hear from them. It isn't realistic. Find a small, boutique agency with 0-1 people with a similar look to you and target those agents. If you are in NYC or LA, showcases may be a good way to get noticed as well. 7) Invest: You're investing in training, headshots, casting sites, and you're investing your time...don't forget to invest in equipment! More and more auditions are being done on tape...I did 4 tonight myself. Invest in a good lighting kit, camera, and laptop! You don't have to go get some $10K Canon, just get a solid digital camera, like the JVC Everio. Get a laptop with either iMovie or Windows Movie Maker Live and learn to edit your auditions. Learn to properly light, tape, and edit your auditions. In the long run, this will save you money and time. Also, make sure your laptop has a built-in camera, because Skype auditions are becoming increasingly common. 8) Network: You are going to meet tons of people along the way. Get their info, and stay in touch! If they are like-minded and making their way, then those are people you'll want to continue to work with as opportunities present themselves. These are people who can also act as mentors too, so feed off their knowledge! Anyway, that's about all my brain will produce at the moment, so I will stop here and let others pick up the slack. I'm getting ready to crash! However, I will add one last piece of advice...PERSEVERE! If this is truly your passion, then pin your ears back and go for it! NEVER GIVE UP! "Through every adversity, comes an equal, or greater, opportunity." - Vince Lombardi