Careers: Acting, Performing, Directing/acting for movies or stage

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Expert: - 2/4/2008


Question
I am 6 foot 2 and weigh 260lbs do I have to lose weight in order to act in movies or stage ?

Answer
Adam,

Thanks for writing. The wonderfu thing about acting in film or on the stage is that both mediums have roles for ALL types and sizes of actors. I don't believe you would need to lose weight.

That said, because you're tall and large, your size may limit the number of roles for which you may be considered. For example, there aren't many actors cast in leading man roles who are your height and size. Some, but not many. So as long as you're comfortable with being cast in roles other than lead roles, you'll probably be okay.

Phil

Careers: Acting, Performing, Directing

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Phil Nemy

Expertise

I am a motion picture and television producer with over 20 years of experience in the entertainment industry. I am also the author of the book GET A REEL JOB: Finding Your First Job In The Motion Picture Industry In Los Angeles. I can answers questions on a variety of subjects about careers in film from acting to directing to crew work, getting into the unions, successful strategies for networking, etc.

Experience

Former VP, Production for The Walt Disney Motion Pictures Group Supervised production on such films as ARMAGEDDON, THE PRINCESS DIARIES, REMEMBER THE TITANS, PEARL HARBOR, CON AIR, ENEMY OF THE STATE, THE ROCK, CRIMSON TIDE, COYOTE UGLY, A CIVIL ACTION, ROMY & MICHELE'S HIGH SCHOOL REUNION, NOTHING TO LOSE, EDDIE and others. Worked as an actor, stage manager, director on broadway and regional theater as well as L.A.' Equity-waiver scene. Former Associate Artistic Director of Los Angeles Equity-Waiver theater.

Organizations
Director's Guild of America, Screen Actors Guild, Actor's Equity Association

Education/Credentials
BFA in Acting/Directing from Carnegie Mellon University.

Past/Present Clients
I've worked with such filmmakers as Jerry Bruckheimer, Tony Scott, Steve Zaillian, Scott Rudin, Garry Marshall, Frank Marshall, Michael Bay, etc.

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