Actor Growth

Okay, this was very strange I thought. I got an audition request recently and the interesting thing was that in the note they were specifically going to pay the talent money to audition for them. Very unusual in deed.

What’s the catch? The only thing I could see is that they are apparently interested in using the audition tapings as part of their documentary in making the film. So maybe the money would be a way for people to agree to do this should they decide to use your audition footage.

The first thing I thought of was how this must be one expensive audition process for the producers. Secondly it made me wonder if this was a serious production or if they are trying to do like a blooper or documentary of sort. Guess I’ll have to wait and see as this would be a first.

You know what was funny after thinking about it in regards to doing that work yesterday? People often say that you should always be passionate about the things you do and not necessarily focus on the money. With that in mind, I actually have no clue what the pay rate and financial compensation was for the project yesterday.

The whole process was literally the agency telling me I was booked, was happy that the casting director and production chose me, showed up, did my job and then that was the day. It didn’t even cross my mind to ask “How much are they paying” or anything.

For one I am always just excited to work on new stuff. I guess the other reason is that I guess that is what the agent is for usually so you shouldn’t have to get too engrossed into that stuff. Although, that made me think where it is probably wiser if I did ask ahead of time.

This is your business essentially and it only makes sense to keep yourself in the light.

Okay, so a semi update about what is happening so far that is kind of interesting. As I mentioned in a previous entry I sent the acting coach an e-mail about wanting to focus more on the business side of my career. So far that has remained unanswered and usually the workshop takes place on Sundays.

So just today I did get an e-mail from him but it was a mass one sent to everyone as it was an audition side breakdown for the class. This worries me for two reasons. One, it seems like my e-mail was completely ignored. The second reason why this is making me wonder a bit is that after quickly glancing at the sides this seems like a very serious/dramatic piece.

You guys may remember that before the coach told me that I don’t really need to work on these types of roles anymore as my weakness is more with genres like romantic comedies which is what he said he would try to give me from then on. Now there is actually someone in the class who says that drama/serious roles are his weak points and I know he said that he was returning to the program for sure next month.

Unfortunately, one part of my head is saying that the coach has completely blown me off now knowing that there is a high chance that I won’t be returning if I don’t accomplish my business goal. Hence, I am more like just a number to deal with until this month is over since I already paid for the workshop.

Was all that talk about wanting to offer me help and guidance just a sales tactic? I really don’t want to believe that is indeed what is happening here as he seemed so genuine in so many cases. That would kind of suck too if that is what it is going to turn out to be as I genuinely wanted to give that school a good word too to help them grow. I know how hard it is for artists to find genuine schools that are not in it just for the money for example.

On the flipside, I remember last time my e-mail was completely ignored too and he responded to me with a funny text message saying that he was “horrible” and all. Seems to be a common theme that he has a very forgetful memory in that sense which is ironic for an actor considering the amount of dialog you need to always remember. lol. (Probably is the case here again)

I guess one good thing about documenting my journey thus far is that if this whole thing does turn out to be like a sham where it was all about getting money from me then you can all see the tactics that were used on me to keep me going initially. On the other hand, if everything still works out and I get the support as advertised along with what was told to me then you can see how patience is a virtue.

I was reading some conversations today that had a bunch of acting school owners trying to convince actors that they are the best schools to go with. At the same time, former students were giving their reviews of them which created some heated debate.

While I think it is important to make sure you are staying on top of your game as an actor, choosing an acting school or coach is one of the most tedious parts of the actor life I’d say. Basically, there are so many schools that just want your money. So usually the recommended way to finding an ideal school for you is to audit everyone before committing to them.

These places aren’t cheap usually either. For example, I’ve seen prices here that charge $225 for a one day workshop and six month programs that go well over $10,000. So that should be an incentive for you not to just abruptly throw your money to just any school. Of course, some actors just opt to do it the alternative way to get better at their craft where they just act in a bunch of independent films.

Funny enough though, out of all the places I have trained at I only audited one place. I think the only place I would have really reconsidered was the place I went for the full time program as I don’t think it has really helped me too much overall when you factor in the cost and time I committed to it compared to others.

What really turns me off is when a school advertises itself as if they were the ones that discovered such big stars and that you are guaranteed that type of success if you spend your money with them. It just feels too much like a sales pitch. Class sizes are a big issue too as if the room is constantly crammed with a bunch of people that is sure a good indication that they are just trying to maximize profits.

I was given the advice before too that a good way in choosing a school and instructor is to see if they are working actor themselves. That way, they can better keep you in the loop with current happenings and what certain casting directors are like.

I was reading about this event happening in the weekend that was acting and film related where it looks like it was a seminar combined with a monthly group event consisting of mentors and coaches. Basically, the point is to force you to make specific goals while trying to hold you accountable in doing them.

I have always found that with the majority of aspiring actors they tend to have a lot of big goals and dreams, but in the end they don’t really push themselves to actually do anything. Having a group of people keeping each other in check can be a great thing I suppose.

Simply reading about other people’s challenges and solutions can be good too as it is almost like running a business and taking practices that helps another company become successful. The only thing about this event I was thinking about was the cost. Is it really wise to spend money as a way to meet more people in this fashion?

Yes and no depending on how you look at it. One thing that runs into my mind is it could end up like those pay to get discovered events. On the flip side it could end up just being a great convention with a bunch of like minded people. Plus I am attending that weekly acting workshop still which is factoring in on whether or not I could even commit to this in general.

Today I saw that documentary called The Slanted Screen that dealt with Asians in the film business and the type of struggles and stereotypes one has to go through. I saw it on YouTube at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UJwAwH93Yhg

While obviously this one focused on Asian talent, it was so interesting to see the type of real politics that happen behind the scene. Example, certain films that wanted to replace actors simply because of their ethnicity to help draw in more acceptability. The comment towards the end too was pretty true where the bottom line it comes down to the money in terms of getting acceptance and more opportunities.

I mentioned before that my experiences have been pretty good so far when it comes to the independent circuit. I believe a big reason for this is that a lot of the younger generation of actors and filmmakers are used to growing up in a multicultural environment. Therefore, it’s more about who has the right skill and look.

Although, I will admit that for bigger budget items it is still hard. But realistically, it’s tough for everyone. Just like a business, the person funding the project wants a return on investment and so that’s just a challenge that you need to adapt with as they simply want to go with what is more likely to generate a return.