Expert: Phil Nemy - 1/29/2008

Question
Dear Phil, I am an aspiring actor/singer who lives (by a lama farm) on the outskirts of Indianapolis. There are no outlets for anything entertainment. I have however auditioned for anything that would make its way here. They are what I would say major events in entertainment due to my location. I have toured and sang backup for Dennis Deyoung (lead singer from Styx). I have also been on television for my role in Trio of Minuet Which is The first Opera for Indiana. I have a few other things in which I consider proud accomplishments again due to this location. I am not ready to face "reality" as some locals say. So I have decided to make the BIG move to Hollywood in March. I am 21 years old and have never lived big city life so it will be an adjustment. I was so excited when I saw that I could ask you a Question. Reason Being I am hardcore Disney Fan! My ULTIMATE dream has been to appear on a Disney Show or Movie. I was wondering How the casting works for Disney. I have researched casting agencies because I know that having an agent is most helpful. I just don't quite know how to get one. I am scared of getting an agent who is either scamming me, or one who wastes my time because they do not have the same goals for me as i have for myself. I am also planning on taking acting workshops and attending Musicians Institute. I would appreciate any and all information you are willing to give seeing as I do not know too much about the process. :/


Are Actors workshops and Musicians Institute a way to get the attention of agents and casting directors? If so what are some Actor Workshops you recommend?

How do extras get cast in movies and television?

Do the newspapers in Hollywood or Los Angeles list any open call major auditions or Do casting Agencies mostly cast their people for roles?

How does someone get noticed by a casting director or Agent? Is it just by pure luck?

Do you have any helpful advice to give me that I have not asked for?

Thank you so much for taking the time to read this and I hope to hear from you! Joel

Answer
Joel,

Thanks for writing. In my book, GET A REEL JOB, there is a chapter for Actors. In it I talk about how to get an agent and how to pick a photographer for headshots. You may want to give that section a read as I think it will be helpful for you.

In the meantime, let me answer some of the questions you have:

Actors workshops and Showcases are great ways of sharing your talent with agents and casting directors. I've not heard of a Musicians Institute.

To be cast as an extra, when you get to LA, visit the offices of Central Casting in Burbank and register with them. If they get a call for an extra with your look, they'll book you for work and you'll begin working as an "extra."

The resources for casting notices are Backstage West and the online casting services such as LA Casting Network.com. You're using the wrong terminology when you write "casting agencies." You've combined Casting Directors and Talent Agencies into one word when they are two separate things. Casting Directors are free-lance professionals hired by producers and production companies to cast their projects. Talent Agencies are companies that represent actors - they don't cast anything.

Yes, there is a lot of luck involved when it comes to being noticed by a Casting Director. But CD's do attend workshop, showcases, seminars, etc. so they will see your work from time to time. And anytime you are appearing in something, you won't to send a postcard to ALL the casting directors in town inviting them to come and see your work. If they like what they see, they may call you in for a general interview.\

Hope this helps. Good luck!

Phil