RE: Get film roles & photo shoots

EFM Staff — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 08:16:12 GMT

Jim,

Thank you so much for taking the time to write about this important aspect of getting ito the field. It is a constant issue that we try to get across to those seeking to get into the field of acting and modeling.

It seems that many think that getting into the field is easy and that there is not work or professionalism involved. It is just like going for a job and must be approached as such.

Thanks again, we appreciate your help in sharing your years of experience with others.

Jim Clark is a professional actor located in Arizona and available for film, television and events where a professional MC is needed.

We have found him to be cordial and professional as well as concerned with taking the time to make sure all details required for a job are followed.

Below is the link to Jim's new profile and be sure to watch for his photo to appear on the home page of our web sites in the following days.

http://www.handmealine.com/jimc1776

Jim Clark - Arizona Actor

THE EFM Staff

Get film roles & photo shoots

jimc76 — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 21:28:08 GMT

After seeing so many complaints and whining on the Internet and elsewhere, I felt compelled to post my thoughts here. You may not agree with what is in this post but at least consider some of these points.

From my school-teaching experience, I know that many kids are raised without the sense of responsibility that we had instilled in us or they've fallen into the trap of picking this up from their peers. My own kids somehow learned that they needed to get beyond the thinking and attitudes of many of their fellow young people and peers in order to be successful in life.

My casting agent complains that many of his clients don't show up for scheduled auditions or shoots, and don't even call to explain. This is NOT the way to get hired as an actor or model. When a producer is burned this way, they will NOT request you again. It's hard to understand that actors and models who say they are looking for work don't follow up to get work.

As an actor with years of experience I have to fight for every role, just like other actors I know. When I do get an audition I make sure I'm on time (actually plan to be early to allow for flat tires, etc.) And remember you need to audition for many parts to get one 'cuz the director usually has a general idea in his/her mind specifically what they're looking for before you even get there - you might or might not fit that. It's kind of like in a sales job where you talk to perhaps 30 - 50 people to get one sale.

I've seen Internet forums where people complain they don't get called. Get real! Agencies have hundreds of clients and make casting lists and calls available but usually you have to apply to these. If anyone thinks an agency is going to pick them out of the "stack" and call them, that actor or model is kidding themselves. In this business, unless you're a "name star", producers and directors are not going to hunt you down - you MUST constantly promote yourself, especially nowdays with so much competition for roles.

Another tip - in an audition or if you get a part, leave your ego at home. Unless you're a big name star, trying to change the script or upstage other actors will NOT get you return engagements and may even cost you the job you're on. Experienced directors know what they're doing and you need to act in accordance with their directions. During auditions, directors look for actors who can take direction. Most acting auditions are cold reads so practice that skill at home with a family member who can make up a script for you to read.

One advantage I have is the ability to show emotion on demand during a reading - sadness or laughter or etc. This has helped me to get parts I would probably not otherwise get. Perhaps years of stage acting helped with this.

This brings up another point - if you're new to this business, you probably will have to take parts in non-pay or student projects to get experience, credits, and even usable footage in many cases to use to promote yourself.

Jim Clark

http://www.handmealine.com/jimc1776