Expert: Kenneth D. Plonkey - 12/30/2008

Question
with acting but i have a new found love for it and really want to do film.Do you NEED an equity card and if so, how do i get one at 16? I just don't know were to start!I am Next year, doing an A level in drama will this help and how do i lead on from it to get auditions? Thank's xx

Answer
Hi Kerry, Well, don't get in a hurry to become a film actor, it takes years of preparation.  Equity is the stage actors union, SAG is film actors, and AFTRA is soap actors.  You need to do lots of plays to demonstrate your acting talent on your resume, then you need to learn how the business works and then you need some professional classes and then you need an agent. To do all of this takes years.  Teens you see acting now, mostly have been preparing for years since they were kids.  A very few were "discovered" doing something else and hired as actors.  That is unlikely to happen to anyone, it is sort of like winning the powerball.  A few do,but a very small percentage of the players. What is A level? And where are you located?  Things work differently in different countries. Experience, however, is the key to all actors' success. Be in all the plays, student films and independent films you can.  Best wishes, and God Bless, Doc