Well, recently I’ve seen a few posts online with people asking how to get into acting here in Texas. It’s funny because I’ve been considering writing an article about just that topic for a while now. I guess this was the Universe’s way of telling me it was time (…or maybe it’s just the pesky voices in my head, who knows?…).
Now as a Disclaimer, I have to say that I’ve only been on a few sets and these are just my thoughts on this subject and, by no means, the one true way to get into it. Also, this is written with mainly beginning Texas actors in mind. I understand that it may be a different approach than somewhere else, again, my take on it. So here goes.
As a beginner, with no previous acting experience, you’ve heard people doing things to get going on their acting career and you’re probably thinking, “OK, I have to get professional headshots OR how do I get a Demo reel…”
DON’T! (…I’ll explain later…)
First thing you have to ask yourself is whether you’re doing this as (A) a side job, hobby, or just for fun, or (B) you’re doing it to be a serious actor looking for larger roles (…now the” hobby/for fun” can lead to you deciding to take it more seriously as you progress, and there’s nothing wrong with that at all!).
Either way, I honestly feel you should initially take at least one job as a Background or work in a short film. Both are great stepping stones with tremendous value!
BACKGROUND ACTING
On set for National Geographic’s “The Long Road Home”
This is how I was introduced to being on set. There are so many perks to being a background that I’ve actually enjoyed doing it for the past few years and feel they have a bit of an advantage over main actors when it comes to flexibility. By flexibility, I mean that while a main actor is pretty much locked in to one show, mainly…you, as a background it’s possible to jump between different productions throughout the week, if they were available!
As a background, your main job is to make the scene come alive. A lot of times, depending on the type of film, there’ll be requirements on looks, but they usually don’t expect you to have any acting experience, so there are usually no auditions, which is a plus if you’re just starting off.
So here is where I tell you to not worry about professional headshots. Most casting agencies (…there’s a list of a few of them below…) that are looking for background talent here in Texas ask for your measurements and clear, high quality SELFIES… that’s right, basically Social Media has trained you to take pictures of yourself and now it’s time to cash in. Congratulations!
Once you’re on set, you have the perfect chance to observe firsthand how a film set operates. TAKE LOTS OF MENTAL NOTES! This is where you start picking up on the jargon (…yeah, everyone knows, “Action” and “Cut!”) as well as get familiarized and used to having so many people around while filming.
Pote (Hemky Madera), Me, and Vee (Remy Ma) in a scene from “Queen of the South” Season 3.
As an added benefit, you get to meet other actors in the area– some which do this quite often– as well as get a chance to work with Directors, Production Assistants, Assistant Directors, Costumes, Make Up and other production crewmembers (…can you say “networking”?).
If you’re lucky to end up as a featured Background, you even get practice time being directly in front of the camera and maybe even seen on film alongside one of the main actors!
The pay is usually not high (…I’ve seen it as low as $50 for 8 hours on some projects…) which, again if you’re just getting started or doing this as a side job, it’s easy money but between the networking and experience you get, it definitely pays off.
Short Films / Student Films
David de Leon and me in the short film, “Scandal”
The other route that is feasible as a new actor is Short Films and/or Student films. Most film on the weekends and while they usually do not offer pay, they do have some advantages over being a Background.
Since it’s a smaller group, the director and crew usually work more directly with the actors. You get a chance to learn how to work in front of the camera and, if you had auditioned for the part, you might even get to be a primary character (…definitely worth it to ask for footage and add to your Demo Reel!).
The other big takeaway for student and short films is that a lot of them offer IMDb credit!
Again, there are a lot of actors that usually do this on their off time, so the chance of networking still works for these projects.
Acting Classes
Acting classes are definitely a way to learn more of this profession from speaking, to analysing a script, to auditioning. There are classes offered throughout the year, and I’m sure some local colleges have at least beginning acting classes. Although I’ve not taken any myself (…don’t think I’m at that level yet…), they are definitely a must if you decide you want to take acting seriously and want to add this to your resume. I’ve always subscribed to the notion of hands-on over classes, so while the classes give you a great feel for acting, experiencing a film set firsthand changes everything!
Links
OK! I’m sure you’ve all been waiting for this area, so here are some (…not all, since I know there are many out there…) that I usually check or subscribe to:
AUSTIN
Newsgroup: AustinFilmCasting-subscribe@yahoogroups.com (Send blank email with “Subscribe” in Subject)
Brock Allen:
- FB: https://www.facebook.com/brockallencasting/
- Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/bacasting
- Talent Profile: https://babackground.agencyprosoftware.com/talent/application.php
Vicky Boone Casting:
Druck Casting:
Third Coast Casting:
DALLAS
Newsgroup: DallasFilmCasting-subscribe@yahoogroups.com (Send blank email with “Subscribe” in Subject)
Dallas Film Commission:
- FB: https://www.facebook.com/dallasfilmcommission
- Site: https://www.dallasfilmcommission.com/information/casting-calls/
Legacy Casting:
- FB: https://www.facebook.com/legacycasting/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/legacycasting
- Talent Profile: https://mycastingfile.com/
GENERAL
Backstage: www.backstage.com
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