Getting Started in the biz (acting & modeling)

I hope this doesn't seem rude, but I get tons and tons of emails daily asking me how to get started acting or modeling. While I'm no celebrity, I do understand exactly what celebrities mean on myspace when they say that they would love to answer each and every email, however, sometimes they just can't.....While I would like to respond to each one of you individually, I am feeling overwhelmed with the same question. So because of that I decided to try this blog thing out and post the answer here for everyone to see.

We'll first of all, just let me say that there really isn't an absolute answer. Everyone's path to success is different. All I can do is give you some very general basic advice....

If you're truly a virgin to the industry then the very first thing that you want to do is seek some training. It could be an acting workshop, a community class, an acting coach or maybe a theater group. I believe in natural ability, however, it won't hurt to get the fundamentals. Then take professional pictures....If acting is your thing, then you need headshots....If it's modeling then you need a comp card. Once you have pictures, then you need to get out there and start going to open model calls and/or open auditions. While you may not get the job at first, auditioning is great practice. You get to practice being prepared (having enough headshots and resumes, wearing the proper attire ect.), reading cold, and perfecting your monolouge. You'll also get to meet and network with other actor/models in your area. Always take professional pictures and a resume with you! If you don't have experience, type up a short bio that talks about you and your life experiences instead of a resume.

Please be humble in the beginning. Be willing to work on smaller projects like independant films and take small roles or even extra work (sometimes unpaid). It's all about getting your foot in the door. I have personally witnessed a situation where an extra was bumped to a featured role in an indie film and a year later that person had a small part in a major motion picture in theaters. So you never know...What God has for you is yours, but you never know how he's gonna get you to it.

This should be enough to get your ball rolling....After you land a few jobs, then eventually you'll need to find a agent. And they rest is up to you
Hope this helps.
Good luck to all of you.

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add yourself to our talent database for project consideration & to receive casting notices.