Expert: David Neustein - 11/11/2011

Question
Dear David,

I am a 47 year old Career Firefighter and started acting about three years ago. I have worked several background jobs and continue to principle in student films for the experience. I have also taken some acting classes and recently joined AFTRA.

My question is should I continue to submit to BG work although I cannot list it on my resume as "experience"? My acting teacher told me to try to focus on getting U/5 roles rather than doing BG but those types of roles are very difficult to land unless you count the student films I have been doing. Again, no money but great experience.

I am two hours from NYC and don't mind the commute. As far as doing theatre which I did when I was in my 20's is too difficult for me to do because of my schedule working as a firefighter.

Sincerely,

Mark

Answer
Mark,

Thank you for the question. I get this one a lot.

Why not keep working as an extra, but with a motive? This motive would be to network with other actors and industry people, while you are there for extra work. Ask lots of questions! You never know who you are going to meet on a set. Get to know them, exchange contact information and keep in touch. You also never know when extra work will turn into an under 5. When managing, I had several clients do this.

Also-keep doing the student films. From these, create a film reel and submit this reel to agents. From that, you can get paying gigs.

Break a leg and keep me posted.

David
Neustein Entertainment, LLC.
www.neusteinentertainment.com