Expert: Kenneth D. Plonkey - 2/5/2008

Question
Hi,

I'm Pat L. and I'm 17 years old and I Just graduated high school. In June I will
be going down to Orlando, FL to an acting workshop for 3 to 7 weeks. It is put
on by the NYFA so it will be grerat in learning ore about the acting craft.
While I'm there I plan on getting in as many student films as possiable. Now
that will be all that's on my resume. And I can get head shots. Now I want to
send in my headshot, resume, and some clips of my work to a talent agency
that works with bigger stars. Will they even look at me or concider me? And if
I write a peice spilling out how much I love to act and what a great
oppurtunity they would be helping me with, would that help out too? And
with getting an agent or trying to this soon is it the wrong move in terms of
being realistic? I'm hoping if I got with them that they can help me book jobs
in tv shows and comercials at first, background roles, and eventually leading
roles to co-leading roles. My ultamite goal in this is to work on large films
and I hope to some day have my own leading role. Thank you so much for
the help and answers.

Answer
Hi Pat.  I know about the NYFA summer workshop.  It is not too bad a program, but over priced. There is one I like better in NYC and LA. You may not have time to do student films while in the workshop.  I would like to see your resume. Talent agencies that work with bigger stars will not even open your submission.  It will go right into the trash.  Your essay idea is not a good idea, it is an inexperienced person's dream. Forget that.  Everyone who wants to be an actor (all ten million of them) could write the same essay. Until I see your resume, I have no idea of how long it might take you to get an agent.  Seeing a picture of you might help as well. You don't really understand how breaking into film works.  For a while you can do background (not considered acting, but you learn about what happens on a set) and you will have to do whatever small parts are available to you. When your work in one of these small parts catchs the eye of a director and he asks for you for a little bigger part in a film, you move up.  That's how it works. And tell me what city you live in or near. Well, I want you to fill me in and send me that stuff at kencosp@aol.com and we will get on with your career, OK?  doc