Expert: Rusty Meyers - 2/22/2008

Question

My name is Matt Ross, and I wanted to ask about getting a film career started.  About a month ago, I left college due to the fact that I had taken all the acting classes required and did not want to waste money an frivolous gen. eds.

Could you tell me anything and everything that you know about getting an agent and beginning.  I'm not cocky at all, back I am very confident in my acting abilities (comedic and dramatic), and was told numerous times by profs. that I should move to LA and give it a try.  I can send my headshot or anything else to you as well, if it will help you give more specific advice to me.

Thank you very much for taking the time to read this and I look forward to any and all advice you can give.  Thanks again.

-Matt Ross

Answer
I assume that you alsp have an abundance of theatre (mainly leading roles) in all of you high school and college plays?

You have done parts in indie and student films?

Where you live locally you have worked as an actor in community theatre and commercials?

If you have exhausted that market and you have about 15,000 dollars (minumum) to live in LA )with a roommate) in a small apt then give it a try.

I assume that you have a reliable car.

OK, now you are in LA.

Have  you ever been there, do you know where the best or safest or easiest places to live once you get there?

If not, there are many, but Studio City, The Valley, North Hollywood, Burbank those are some good starts.

I would stay away from Hollywood or Santa Monica or but that's just me.

If you have furniture and you want to do the whole big moving van thing ok, but remember that all you need is a bed and a tv and you might as well get it when you get there.

My first suggestion is to pick up a trade paper called Back Stage West and read it cover to cover, it's only 3.00.

Then audit as many acting workshops (for FREE) as possible and talk to as many people as you can and ask questions.

However if you have a connection in the business then practically everything I'm saying is moot, since THAT is what is really going to take.

I don't care how good you are, unless you have an "in" in the business then it's a matter of being seen.

How do you "get seen" well you might try by getting in workshops and showcasee and plays.

The most important thing is find an agent.

While there are 100's of them very few are any good.

Eventually the word "SAG" or "union" will come up.

While joining is "eventually" something you will want to do, do think that it's something you have to do immediately.

You need to do your homework, if you haven't talked with someone locally about this business then look around for someone who has been to LA & NY and talk to them.

Look EVERYONE up onimdb.com and don't believe everything you hear or read, especially personal websites, they can be deceiving.

Even asking questions here you might get some good advice but you have got to be caeful.

In closing if this is something you "want" to do, then stop and think about it some more before you make the move.

However if it's something you "have" to do then welcome to show business.