Acting Jobs For Kids
Summertime is ending and so is the time of the flock of the Stage Mom’s here in Los Angeles. You see, each summer thousands of rich Mom’s from around the country fly themselves and their darling little ones out to Hollywood to find acting jobs for kids. They stay at furnished apartments, like Oakwood, or hotels and flood the child acting scene like locusts in a corn field. Some get lucky and end up with a commercial or two. Most end up accepting background work at Disney for $100 a day.
How do I know so much about this? My kid is a child actor and we live in Burbank, right in the shadows of Disney, Universal, NBC, and Warner Brothers Studios. However, we LIVE here. My kid was on “King of Queens” and has done dozens of commercials and voice over work. The little dude has had his SAG Card and a trust fund since he was four. He even did a bit with Jimmy Kimmel called “Haq-A-Shaq” during the NBA finals a few years back. He’s a busy guy.
People always ask me, “What’s the key to finding acting jobs for kids?”, like there’s some magic potion or a secret handshake you need to get in. No, it’s not that hard.
First and foremost you need a kid that wants to find acting jobs for kids. I see these lame-ass parents all the time dragging their brat into audtions and wasting everyone’s time because junior doesn’t want to audition. Guess what? He doesn’t get the gig. What a shock! If your kid doesn’t want to act, then leave them alone you power hungry dumb shit. Maybe then they won’t grow up hating you.
Next you need some pictures. Not $500 pictures, but something that just shows off your kid’s personality. That’s how you’re going to shop them around to managers and agents. Oh, and by the way, only use SAG approved agents so they won’t rip you off and only use recommended Managers for the same reason. Some folks say you don’t need a Manager, but I like ours because she weeds through the bullshit and saves us time and money.
Now it’s audition time, and for Heaven’s sake let your kid be themselves. Most Directors and Producers hate acting coaches because they take the natural charm out of kids. The process is easy: If your child’s personality and look fits the part then they’ll get it. If not, forget about it and move on. Rejection is part of the game here and it’s part of life. It’s not a bad lesson to learn at a young age.
If you get the gig, show up 15 minutes early and the production staff will already be in love with you and your child as most folks will be late. STAY AWAY FROM THE STAGE MOM HIVE! That place is boring, nasty and makes you feel like you need to wash your hands every ten minutes.
Acting jobs for kids is a fun and easy business for your child. It’s a lot of hard work and running around for you. I didn’t even get into the legal paperwork that needs to be done. The main key for you is to “chill”. Remember that nothing in Hollywood runs on time. People panic for no reason. Everyone lies about their kid’s resume, and Jimmy Kimmel really is that short.
Low-Budget Movies
For many aspiring actors, actresses and movie stars, low-budget acting in independent films is just another step on the road to stardom. It is that time between theatre work and their big screen debut where all they need is exposure; and there are few better ways to be seen that by low-budget acting.
Especially with the success of video and movie websites on the internet, low-budget movies (and even no-budget movies) are being viewed by thousands and sometimes even millions of people worldwide. Some of these viewers include established directors, producers, actors and other professionals in the Hollywood film movie.
But more and more famous actors and big name stars are also experimenting with low-budget acting, whether it is on the big screen, in made-for-television movies or even in a film that is released straight to DVD. There are many different reasons for this, and of course they vary from person to person, but ultimately it comes back down to exposure for the individual. Low-budget acting is a great way to show their fans a little bit extra, or to pad their resume for their future.
Also, you never know exactly what film is going to take off and become a huge hit or cult classic down the road. Many famous stars of today got an unexpected start from a small role in a low-budget or independent film that turned out to be much bigger than expected.
Another reason that many established actors star in low-budget acting roles is the meaning of the film. Some independent films tackle very controversial subject matter, or a topic that hits close the heart of the actor. Others cover a topic that an actor or actress may feel very strongly about, and is something they would like to be a part of regardless of the film’s budget.
Internet Movie Acting Review
With internet video sites becoming more and more popular these days, and in households even replacing the standard cable television altogether, more and more people are finding themselves in the world of internet movie acting. Some aspiring internet stars film, direct and star in the movie, performing multiple tasks at once; while others may be starring in a role for a friend’s movie, or even cast from the internet. In more ways than one, both first time actors and even big name movie stars alike are all dabbling in the growing phenomenon.
In most cases, internet movie acting is hit or miss. Either they have, or they don’t. Some just don’t have the knack for acting – their talents lie elsewhere. For those with the skills required for the job, however, internet movie acting can be there gateway to fame.
By creating a movie for the World Wide Web and uploading it to one of the many popular video sharing sites, you can potentially expose your film to an audience of millions worldwide. This opens up opportunities you may never have even imagined – not only for those who star in the movie, but for those who work behind the scenes, as well. There are even contests you can enter your film into and possibly win scholarships, cash prizes, and more.
Of course, this is all assuming that both your movie and the internet movie acting is good; if not, well, you better be prepared to face some possible embarrassment around your friends, family, and maybe even perfect strangers. Remember, you never know exactly who is going to see your internet movie – if it is of questionable taste or of an offensive nature, you should be aware that there may be some negative effects of your internet fame, too; not only in your social and personal life, but your business life as well.
Acting Jobs On The Web
It used to be difficult to find acting jobs on the web until about 5 yrs ago. The industry has been very stubborn to move forward, but when agencies, production companies, and producers moved online, they found that the actors were here too. And while it’s still difficult to find major roles online, it is possible to get a great start by just using the internet.
Sites like craigslist.org are indespensible for finding acting jobs on the web, but the work is often questionable as anyone can post. It’s in your own best interested to find out as many details as possible and always remember that you should never pay a fee to join a site, or go an audition. Nor should you agree to a project without knowing the details, unless ofcourse you want to do adult work.
Local casting companies with their own websites are another great place to garner work from. You can usually sign up with their database through the internet, or sending in a simple form. You may have to pay a small fee for being listed, but it’s generally no more than $10/$15 a year, or for as long as you’re listed. A good example of a site like this is Central Casting, a premiere casting agency in L.A.
Other sites that provide detailed acting listings are sites like Casting Call Pro, that offer free limited profiles to actors with the opportunity to upgrade for a monthly fee. These sites will often have castings that you might have to either a) look through numerous sites for, or b) are gathered through live sources.
The last source you can try, is trade magazines with online sites like Backstage. Their classified’s section will often included real listings of agencies and casting companies who are looking for a particular look or talent that they may have difficulty finding in their area. (Natural Southern accent in New York City?)
Though the actor’s best way to find out about acting jobs on the web is to build strong contacts in the industry through networking. Sites like Myspace and Facebook are often the best way to keep in contact with people who you casual meet while on set, and it makes it easy for them to send you a message about a role that you’d be perfect for.
High Paying Acting Jobs
While any paying job is a major boon to a new actor’s wallet, High Paying Acting Jobs are really the Holy Grail for all actors- both new and established. How does a new actor find High Paying Acting Jobs? There are some easy ways for a new actor to narrow his/her search and focus exclusively on High Paying Acting Jobs.
1. Look for local commercial production companies. Every area has at least one production company that produces television ads for local companies. Snagging an acting job in a locally produced commercial pays very well. Depending on union membership and speaking or non-speaking roles, the pay is generally $50-$300 for each day of filming.
2. Find parts in corporate videos. Corporate videos that focus on how to behave at work or how to complete a certain task generally pay pretty well. For actors looking for High Paying Acting Jobs, corporate videos can provide a $50-$200 opportunity.
3. Look for opportunities to act in instructional videos. Schools, colleges, and various community centers need instructional videos from time to time. Since these videos often rely on grants to pay for their production, an actor can expect to receive $50-$150 for each day of shooting.
4. Try to get parts acting in Museum and National park informational videos. Many National parks and Museums show informational videos to their patrons. Privately owned Museums may pay more, but on average, and actor can expect to be paid $50-$150 for each day of shooting.
As a new actor, you’ll have many opportunities and choices facing you. Along with opportunity, you will also have many different bills staring you down. Opting to focus on High Paying Acting Jobs can be a smart, fiscally rewarding choice that allows an actor the financial freedom to focus on acting rather than bill paying.
Future Acting Possibilities
There are many ways to begin an acting career. For the most part, acting careers begin small. Future acting possibilities when you start small are endless. Naturally, there are benefits to starting big. However, actors who start small are experiencing benefits that will offer tremendous great assistance in future acting possibilities.
One of the first, “small” places for an actor to start is Community Theater. Community Theater does not pay but offers many benefits in experience, adding to your resume, and getting opportunities to act in world-renowned pieces. Also, many directors who work with small, paying theater companies also direct Community Theater productions in their free time. This networking and experience building will help your future acting possibilities.
For paying jobs, actors starting small look into small theater companies. When you act in small theater company production, your pay is usually a percentage of the total ticket sales (after expenses). Many up-and-coming directors, producers, writers, and actors get their start in small theater companies. Actors who work for them get to try out new writer’s works, work with established actors and directors in the community, and get to show they are professional actors on their resume. They may even be able to join certain unions and acting organizations. Associations with these groups will help an actor’s Future acting possibilities.
Another relatively new way to start small is with internet acting opportunities. From YouTube to Google Video, from the 48 Hour Film Festival to student films, there are endless amounts of small productions that need actors. Actors can find opportunities to audition for these productions on various websites, newspapers and social networking sites. As a paid actor in these productions, you may be able to join SAG (Screen Actors Guild) and other professional screen actors groups and unions. Many larger productions will not hire non-members, so this will help your future acting possibilities.
An actor should never limit themselves to a, “make or break” standard. Within every seemingly innocuous, small scale acting opportunity is the ability to turn the opportunity into a big future.
Acting Model?
If there is one actor that I had to model my own career after, I’m sure my choice will shock and disgust many, but I won’t sway from my choice. Adult industry actress and business woman Jenna Jamison is my acting model and so much more. She’s forged her own business in world where women are best quiet unless they’re having orgasmic screams come from their made-up mouths. She invests, she owns property, she says what she’s thinking and still manages to be the girl who is close to her brother and her daddy. She wanted to change the porn industry and she did it. Starting by taking her own name and making it a brad, she then went on to start her own production company and a series of businesses, all of which have seen success that few men, let alone females, have seen in the industry. She’s also battle drug addiction, destructive relationships and personal demons and come out on top. Jenna Jameson, to me, embodies someone who is passionate about life, about love, and yes about sex. I think that’s pretty admirable.
A lot of her critics look at her and see the bane of sexuality, not an acting model. But I look at her and I see a woman who has worked hard to become someone. After learning about her trails, tribulations and determination, I am inspired to continue pursing my own dreams, though the are completely different from hers. I want to write professionally and that takes the same grit, determination, self-promotion and faith that it takes to make it in most any industry I can think of. Whenever I get frustrated that my work isn’t ‘good enough’, that people won’t ‘get’ what I do or that I’m shooting for a dream that is out of reach, I think of this woman who became that one in a million girl that made it. Sometimes it takes someone in the spotlight like an pro athlete, a political leader or even an acting model for people to remember that they can be that one in a million. Jenna Jamison reminds me that I’m going to be just that.
Acting Jobs On The Web
Finding acting job leads used to be a very difficult task, with most actors relying heavily on agents, word of mouth and other actors for news of auditions. With the growth of the internet in the last ten years, actors are better able to help themselves and find acting jobs on the web. In addition, casting directors can reach an even wider audience through websites and online job directories. While most of these websites and their listings are public, the requirements to use them do vary.
Acting jobs on the web can be advertised on websites as popular as Craig list and myspace, where anyone can create a profile and list jobs for free. Both of these sites come with disadvantages though, and they are mostly due to the fact that listings are free and not always monitored or answered. More serious actors and casting directors are at times more likely to use websites that are dedicated to actors and posting acting jobs on the web.
Try websites that require you to register and become a member, this does not necessarily mean that you will have to pay for membership. Some like, acting-jobs.net provide actors with a complete listing of acting jobs and casting information at no charge. Acting jobs for adults, children, and teens are all listed on one site and you can search by job type or location. Simply Hired is another reputable website where several acting jobs are listed regularly by casting directors that are very serious about finding talent for all manner of acting jobs.
As a general rule of thumb, if you find a website with several listings for acting jobs that appears to get several views then you know that it is frequented by directors and actors alike.
Internet Movie Acting Review
Acting is an extremely difficult field to break into. If you don’t have location working against you, you still have an unbelievable amount of competition. There may only be one part that fits your age, look, size, talent- but rest assured there are hundreds of other actors trying to get it.
Luckily, we live in a time when you can take you acting career into your own hands and create your own success. Internet Movie Acting is an infinitely doable, satisfying way to showcase your talents and get your product to the people. With Internet Movie Acting, you have more control over the product and are able to choose (or write) scripts that highlight your natural abilities.
Internet Movie Acting can be done as part of another writer/director/producer’s project. You can find auditions on craigslist.com as well as other classified sites. When you find an audition, you go for a screen test and compete against other actors for the role. With internet movies, the pool of actors that you are competing against tends to be much smaller than a large studio movie auditions. There are also more internet movies in production at one time than there are major studio productions- making Internet Movie Acting that much more accessible.
Another way to break into Internet Movie Acting is to make your own movie! All you need is a camera (even just a webcam can work), some idea for a plot, and editing software like Microsoft MovieMaker! There are almost no budgetary needs, and these movies can easily be made after work or school. There are also many online competitions that have cash prizes for innovative, well-executed internet movies.
Internet Movie Acting can help you get your foot in the door to a successful acting career. Infinitely satisfying, easy, and offering immediate gratification- Internet Movie Acting is the best way for up-and-coming actors to start coming up!
Starting In Show Business: New York Or Los Angeles
Unless your heart is set on a Tony Award-winning career on Broadway, your acting skills can be developed on either coast. Lots of actors have pondered whether to start work in New York vs. Los Angeles. Beginning on the West Coast is better.
New York has some executives and plenty of moves and shakers but so does Los Angeles. When considering television and film opportunities, New York vs. Los Angeles is even. The City of Angels even offers theater roles albeit one will need to star at the Pantages Theater instead of on the Great White Way. Give that round to the Big Apple.
Nonetheless, Los Angeles has much better weather than New York. L.A. has a milder summer and a less harsh winter. Sure, East Coast apologists will say that trudging through the snow at 63rd Street at 8:35 a.m. while trying to make a 9 a.m. cattle call at 54th Street builds character. They’ll say their West Coast counterparts are much softer since they don’t have to find ways to function during a broiling July and August. If being soft means being comfortable more than 300 days per year, Los Angelenos can accept being called marshmallows.
New Yorkers will brag about their high rises and “charming starter lofts” that disinterested observers would call tenements. People who have spent most of their lives on the Lower West Side while trying to convince people they live on the Upper East Side will thumb their noses as L.A. dwellers’ dependence on cars. Those same people won’t mention the “charming individuals” who they met on the subway heading to Brooklyn last week. Luckily, no one was sitting near those guys.
When it comes to New York vs. Los Angeles, residents of the latter will admit they need cars more than they need air. They’ll also say they have good reason to be in such a hurry when they work and live in such a great place.