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Question: Is it always by luck that actresses/actors make it big time!?
Like is it always by chance!? Do people always get "found"!? Or is there a way I can make it happen on my own!? I want to do amazing movies that will make an impact on the world!. But I fear that I won't be "found" and therefore, won't be able to act!. What are the steps I should take to get there!? Move to LA!?Www@QuestionHome@Com


Best Answer - Chosen by Asker:
There are many factors that go into becoming an actual working actor!. The difficulty is there IS no set path that gaurantee's that if you follow these certain steps, you will make it!.

But basically you need talent first and foremost, but you also need in a nutshell to be what the CD is looking for - the right look, the right vibe!. To get agency representation, it's the same thing - you have to be able to show them that you can book, which means going in with training and experience!. The luck part comes into play by being at the right place at the right time!. Say you're a 22 year old female who's 5'6, slender, with brown hair and blue eyes, a BFA in theatre from college, some regional theatre and summer stock credits, some indie film credits and is SAG!. Sounds pretty good, eh!? So, you move to LA!. You have just become surrounded by hundreds of people who fit that exact description - what sets you apart!? This is the difficulty!. You start submitting to agencies, many of whome may discard you for being too "generic", but say you come across an agents desk who's looking for an brunette actress who can do a German accent (you can) and can also dance salsa (you can)!. Bam, they call you in to audition!. If they had looked at you a week before or a week after, you would have been tossed aside, but the timing was perfect!.
However, this makes it seem like things are out of your control!. To some degree, this is true!. You are at the whim of the industry, of the CD, of the agents, everyone!. But, there are things you CAN control - your resume!. Take classes, check out conservatories, the more name recognition, the better!. Audition for eveything you can - plays, student films, indies, shorts, etc!. You don't need an agent at this stage!. You're doing unpaid work, you can find these on your own!.

You will get to a point where you're resume is looking pretty good and you feel like you might be able to try out some professional stuff!. Depending on where you live, you may have to move!. Now, this doesn't mean you have to move to LA or NY at first, you can try some mid-size markets first to further build up your resume!.

Eventually you WILL reach a point where you want to go to LA or NY and for working actors, these really are the places to be!. You will have to find an agent, which you do by doing a giant mass mailing, submitting your headshot/resume and coverletter!. You don't completely rely on your agent however, and continue to find as much stuff for your self as you can - showcases, theatre, etc!. Anything to get your name out there that can be used for marketing!.

As for the amazing movies part, you can also make them yourself! Write a screen play, keep the contact info of all the student and amateur filmmakers you've been working with when you were starting out on those shorts and student films (this is where networking really comes into play) and work toegether to create your own product if one doesn't come your way!.

Finally, do this because you love it!. It can take anywhere from 5-10 years to become a working actor (really, if you've been doing it for 10 years and haven't gotten there, it may be time to throw in the towel!.!.!.), so be prepared for the long haul and take every project as a learning experience to help you grow as an actor!.

also, start reading every book you can on the business!. Start with "How to be a Working Actor"!.

Best of luck!Www@QuestionHome@Com

Luck is simply preparation meeting opportunity!. If you work hard in acting class and dedicate yourself to the process, you'll have the best chance of being prepaired when that opportunity happens!. Being "found" doesn't really happen by accident!. It was an acting coach that called a friend about a student they had!. The friend was a very powerful agent, and the student was a young hopeful that showed a ton of potential!. Two years later the student was signed by that agent, and roughly 2 months after that he got his break!. Because he had been preparing and meeting who he needed to, his carreer took off!. The agent was from William Morris and the student was Zac Efron!. So in just over 2 years, and countless other years in class, Zac became an over-night success!. Work hard, network with people that can help, and be ready when your chance comes!. Good Luck!Www@QuestionHome@Com

WOW! Acting is not about being "found" it is about talent!.
If you are good at the craft, and you have the drive to pursue
your passion, then you can make your dream come true!
Although you hear of a case every now and then of talent scout who are out and just "see" someone they cast in something, that is very rare!. Go make your dreams come true, but only if you are truely good at acting, and have "the gift" then don't bother or you will be spinning your wheels honey!.Www@QuestionHome@Com

lol you dumb *****!.!.!.there's only 1028913923123 wanna be actors in LA!.!.!.it's obvious most of them KNOW someone from the industry!.!.everyone is related somehow!.!.!. how the FCK are you going to impact the world!?!? acting!?!?!? kill yourself!.!.!.NOW!.!.!.Www@QuestionHome@Com

Your efforts will go far in getting you where you want to go!. Not always by chance, it takes real talent, experience and training plus the help of a good agent!. The kind of roles you will get at the begining will be miniscule and you will not have a choice of films to be in!. You have to take what you get!. Acting is very very difficult to get into, if you are afraid of failing, maybe you should not try!. Step one go to where the action is, then build a resume and get an agent (may take years), get your SAG card work until you become known THEN move to LA!. these steps are in detail in my free book!.Www@QuestionHome@Com

I think it is a little about luck, a little about who you know but very much about talent and being the right person for the right role and the right time!. Although some people may disagree, I am always amazed by how many people get discovered on YouTube!. I think this is a great "free" way to self promote!. People say, directors don't look at YouTube but my feeling is - who doesn't use it!? Even if you aren't looking for something specific, you may find exactly what you were looking for so I think it is worth a shot!. The other thing is to just build your resume - stay involved!. The more you do, the better you will become and the more experience you'll be able to show to a possible agency!.

Another site you may be intereted in, that just launched is Casted As!. This is a social networking site where actors can share stories and also create a professional profile for free!. Profiles can have photos, videos, audio clips, professional resumes, zen cards, etc!. Once you've made a profile you can add it to your resume - giving directors a chance to not only read about you but also see you and hear you!. Hope this was helpful - Good luck to you!!Www@QuestionHome@Com

Please ignore the guy above!!

I always say you make your own luck (I've been knocked back many times but I finally have a promising audition tomorrow!) but there is often an element of luck involved!.

I'm assuming you live in the US!? Well I'm not quite sure of the process there!. And you don't mention your age!. If you are still at school, join acting class, grab every opportunity, get as much experience as you can, and concentrate on Humanity subjects such as English Literature, Art, History, and, of course, Drama!.

I know everybody thinks 'it could be them', but the fact is, it can't!. Until you've experienced the industry, you don't realise how many aspiring actors and actresses there are out there, each more talented than the next!. Its tough and you need a thick skin!. Imagine how you'd feel being knocked back as an extra on a student, no budget film! It makes you feel cr*p!.

Be sure this is what you want to do, and always have a back up option (i!.e!. other prospects)!.

If you live in the US you may want to check out this website:-

www!.castingaudition!.com
www!.casting-call!.us
www!.mandy!.com

I'm not sure how reliable these sites are but they'll give you a start!.

Ignore people who say you won't make it, the odds are definately against you but you don't know if you don't try, and I'm sure you'll have a great time trying!

Best of luck :)Www@QuestionHome@Com