There’s a site from which a lot of actors find out about and submit for auditions, called actors access. You post a few of your head shots, your resume, size card, and elaborate a little on your talents and assets. When an audition in your area comes up, you can submit your information to hopefully get the opportunity to audition for whatever commercial, film, reality TV series, etc. you have in mind.
But if you’re like me–starting out in the entertainment industry, with little to no experience on film–then you have nothing when it comes to being able to provide a submission that includes a reel of clips of your best work on tape.
It’s GOT to be the question of the century–not just for actors:
But how can I get experience if I have no experience?
Well–my approach isn’t all that unique. I’ve decided to write a few 1-3 minute scenes of my own. They’ll include me and a friend or two, and hopefully showcase any viable talent I could possibly demonstrate for the camera. Expensive camera equipment isn’t in the budget for me at the moment, as I’m moving into my own (expensive) studio at the end of May, so I plan to do all of the filming using my iPhone, an external mic, a tripod, and lots of creativity.
The thing is, for me, it’s been nearly impossible to get an audition using actors access without clips and/or a reel. I’ve tried it. If I have any chance at all at getting a role, it’s most certainly going to be based on my acting talent rather than my head shots. I can’t speak for anyone else on this one, so you might be able to land auditions left and right based solely on just a head shot. I’m just saying it didn’t work out for me like that.
And because I love the process, I’m going to keep trying. While I’m at it, I might as well have some fun.
The first scene I’m working on comes from a work of fiction I have in progress called Union Of Vampires. I intend to write a short scene and act it out with my dad. He and I will be vampires–Father & Daughter.
I put out the word to my friends on social media that I’m looking for friends who are open to acting with me in my self-written/self-taped/self-directed scenes, and I got great feedback and support. I had no idea so many people would be willing to play around with me, and it brings me joy to think about.
At the very least, even if I find I’m not made for film work, at least I will have some awesome experiences with brave and open-minded friends and family to look back on one day.
For me, having fun with it is the most important thing. And hopefully, I’ll be able to put together some clips at the end of it all that speak for my abilities. Who knows? Maybe a few of my friends and family will want to get in on the action!
Actors Love The Process 