Category Archives: advice

When Should an Actor Accept a Role?

This may seem counter-intuitive to some, especially when we’re just starting out in our careers, but an actor does not have to take every role that (s)he is offered. So when should an actor take a role?
In my opinion, there are three reasons for an actor to accept a role. Ideally, all three will be present in the project, but that’s not always the case.
Without further ado, I give you PEC.
 
When Should an Actor Take a Role
 
1.  The PAY. We all want to get paid for doing what we love. Unfortunately, this is not always an immediate given unless you are incredibly lucky or really young when you start. However, you must determine how much this reason factors into your decision on whether to accept a role. If it’s a big deal, you shouldn’t be auditioning for things that don’t pay. That’s not fair to anyone. But, if the lack of Benjamins in your pocket doesn’t matter to you, and you want to do it, more power to you. Personally, there are projects that I will do without compensation, and there are projects that I know I’ll only do if there is at least some monetary offer.
2. The EXPERIENCE.This reason covers a lot. It can be a role you’ve always wanted to play, a theatre you’ve never performed at, or a genre you’re not comfortable with. It can be about stretching yourself or resume building. It can be about a boy or a girl you like. It could be because if you spend one more second in the city you’ll scream. Only you know what experiences are right for you when they knock on your door.
3. The CONNECTIONS.The world is big, but the theatre and film community, especially in Chicago, is not. For example, I didn’t have to audition for the past two projects on which I worked. I got the calls because the directors had seen me in a peer’s project and liked what I did. As much as this introvert resists, acting, like life, sometimes comes down to who you know. Get in the habit of googling those attached to the project. Something that doesn’t look great on the breakdown suddenly takes on a whole new light once you watch the director’s reel on vimeo or check out the producer’s IMDB page. The internet is your friend. Do your research. Also, don’t be a jerk. It will get back to people.
Which matters the most? Right now, I am more interested in finding projects that have the potential for both Experience and Connections. Someday I’m going to reach a point where I require all of PEC for every project that I take on, but that’s not my current reality. However, over the past few months, I’ve gone from being only an Experience girl, to looking for the Connections too. Let yourself grow. It’s good business.
Have something to add? Comment below.
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Should Actors Do Student Films?

As I’ve mentioned on this blog before, I have significantly more theatre credits than film credits. I’m comfortable in the theatre (as comfortable as I get anyway, still get nervous, etc.), but, when I started this blog I’d had one film experience. Since January, I’ve taken a highly recommended class, and participated in several film projects, the majority of them student produced. For one of those projects, check out the video below the list. These are some of the reasons I think student films are valuable for an actor.

1. We’re learning together.
I find that student projects allow a bit a leeway. For example, (you’ll see this in the video below) I had never done a Point of View (POV) shot. I didn’t know where to look. If you look directly into the lens your eyes look a little crossed. The sweet spot is just above the lens. On the camera that was used (Canon, can’t remember the model), I looked at the logo on the front of the body. The acting itself reminded me of when I was little and would playact to some inanimate object in my room. (You all did that right?) It’s challenging in a different way than having a partner off which to play. The point is, at this juncture in my filmmaking journey, I’m still learning, still finding what works and so are they.

2. Questions are fine.
This is probably my favorite part of working on a student film. I’m interested in not only acting, but the process of making film from pre to post production. I ask questions when I’m on set. I want to know what lens they’re using, why they chose it, what the ISO does for a shot, etc. I want to know what the sound guy’s favorite equipment is and how the director found the location. I would never, ever, do this on a professional set where time is money, etc. For professional shoots I’m there to do my work and get out. On student projects, however, I’ve always felt comfortable asking questions and I generally get enthusiastic replies. The crew is devoting their time to this project too. They like what they do, and when people like what they do they tend to like to talk about it. This being said, ask your questions in one of the myriad down times, not when people are trying to get stuff done.

3. Quick and Dirty
Granted, I’ve only done short films to this point, but I love how fast, at least for me, the process is. I learn my lines, maybe have a rehearsal, and then shoot. In general, filming takes a day or two. Granted, these days are often very long.

4. Micro-budget to the extreme.
This pertains more to my specific interests, but I am really into the micro-budget filmmaking process. Technology has opened up movie making to the masses. Anyone with an iPhone can make a film. Skeptical? Check out Uneasy Lies the Mind, a feature film shot entirely on the iPhone. With student films I get to observe who is necessary to a shoot, what can be cut, and creative solutions to make things work with very little man power.

5. These are the future superstars.
Is this too optimistic? Maybe. But, you are working with future professionals in an industry where relationships mean everything. In fact, I was recently contacted to audition for a project that I saw a breakdown for, but to which I didn’t submit. I didn’t think I was right for the role. However, one of the producers had seen my work in a classmate’s project and liked what I did and wanted me to come in and read for it. Did I get the part? Probably not. But, I know I did well in the audition and met some more people.

My experiences have, thus far, been positive. This is not to say that I won’t inadvertently get involved in a horribly inefficient and miserable project. But, I think that risk is worth the benefit of continuing to work on my craft with people who are also trying to perfect theirs.

What are your thoughts on doing student films?

Be Unapologetic About Your Acting Career

After I watched Killer Joe last week, I was perusing interviews with William Friedkin (director) when a reporter’s question stuck out at me. I can’t remember which article it was or I would link it, but the gist of the question was whether Friedkin held Matthew McConaughey’s romantic comedy past against him. Seriously? The blatant snobbery of the question got me thinking.

It also sent me back to my first year in my theatre undergraduate program. Down in a basement classroom the professor asked for a show of hands for who wanted to do movies. I raised my hand. Solo. I was pretty surprised that no one else had the desire, or at least wasn’t admitting it. He asked me whose career I would like. “Meryl Streep.” I quickly replied, thinking that she at least had some major theatre cred. “Well, at least you didn’t say Jessica Alba.” The class laughed and we moved on. In another time (like now) I probably would have countered with a statement along the lines of “if I could, I would have her’s.” Because what is Jessica Alba doing that I’m aspiring to? Working. As. An. Actor.

Sometimes you’re going to take roles where you sell a car to a regional audience or (if you’re blessed with good genes and work out a lot) run around an exotic location in a bikini or maybe be Elf #7 in a children’s Christmas show. And that’s ok. I promise. Your career is up to you. The shape of it is no one’s business but your own. You get to decide if you’re going to take the Elf #7 job and get paid or pass.

Don’t let someone make you feel less than worthy as an actor for taking an acting job.

If it’s time to re-brand because you are unsatisfied with your career, say stopping romantic comedies and seeking grittier fare a la McConaughey, do it. If you’ve gotten to the point where you can make 89 minute romantic comedy space travel adventure movies for the rest of your life and want to do it, do it.

We’re going to have misfires now and then. Passion projects will turn out horrid and roles we hated may take us to previously unassailable career opportunities. Do what you do. You know whether you are willing to sell mops on a commercial or that you will never, ever do commercials. Either choice is a valid one. It’s your career, don’t apologize for it.

Here’s a little inspiration from Kacey Musgraves. Appropriately titled “Follow Your Arrow.”