AboutPhil Nemy Expertise I am a Former VP, Production for Walt Disney Motion Pictures Group, who
has departed to begin producing his own films. 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
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.
Expert: Phil Nemy Date: 5/14/2008 Subject: Acting for Internationals
Question QUESTION: Dear Phil,
I read your response to Tara you gave two years ago. Ironically, I have the same situation, meaning that I am enrolling at college (The Fletcher School) to major in international relations to get MA degree. I agree that getting oneself into acting should not be combined with another major activity. However, I still would like to start an acting career UPON graduation, BUT... I am going to be an international student from Kazakhstan with no previous experience in acting and non-immigrant status (student visa). I used to perform on stage (sang in a professional band), and until recently music was my priority over acting. In September 2007, I was a translator at the IV International Eurasia Film Festival in Kazakhstan and met independent filmmakers from the US and South-East Asia (got a couple of contracts and still keep in touch). I realized that acting is more compatible to my inner world, and I long for exploring this artistic side of me in the future (starting a career in acting for film). Thus, I wanted to ask about real possibilities open for internationals in the US trying to start an acting career, if any; what strategies better to use at start; what schools are among best ones to attend for acting classes (I plan to consider Lee Strasberg Institute or Stella Adler Studio); and for any other advice you could possibly give considering my situation. I'd appreciate. Thank you! Sogdiana
ANSWER: Dear Sogdiana,
Thanks for writing. You're in a particular difficult spot. The reality of a career in acting in American films is probably doubtful. Not because you're not talented or don't have the skills required (if you don't have them, you can develop them), but because there just aren't that many roles in American films that are written as foreign characters. Think about it - in the last 5 years, of the American films you've seen, how many of the leading and supporting roles were foreign characters? One or two at best. Most roles are written as American characters without foreign accents.
Am I suggesting that you not follow your dream of acting? No. Absolutely not. Follow where your heart leads. But know that the chances of making a living solely from acting will probably be very, very small.
Good luck!
Phil
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: Dear Phil,
Thanks for prompt reply. It is true that there aren't many internationals approved for roles in American films, so I understand the situation. However, I don't have any accent/non-native quality pronunciation :) I know you didn't hear me speak, but I was getting very positive feedback from native speakers from the US on my language abilities, not to mention good scores on the GRE and TOEFL (I am sure you know these tests). Moreover, after I get Master's degree in the US, my English will be improved. At the same time, I have skills in speaking with/in different accents/dialects, so I guess that should be an asset rather than disadvantage. If the fact that there aren't many roles written as foreign characters is the only problem, then I guess I shouldn't be worried because I understand what I will be throwing myself into when casting for American films/characters without foreign accents. It'll be hard yet feasible.
You also mentioned having a good look that adds to a talent in Hollywood as opposed to NYC where look is a minor issue. For this particular "requirement," I seem to qualify as well, but I still would like to emphasize my talent. So, I would dare argue that my chances to start acting in the US are as small as you said :) In the end, I'll have grad. degree if everything goes in the wrong way. It's ironic, I am trying to stay optimistic but in reality either overestimating my abilities or underestimating the entire complexity of my case.
As a follow-up, could you please elaborate on good schools to take acting classes? In one of your answers to other people, you indicated that NYC is much better than LA in terms of studying acting to develop one's talent. Plus, it is a better place for singers. I mentioned Lee Strasberg and Stella Adler in NYC in my previous letter as good ones. Do you think they are worth attending?
To be honest, sometimes our hearts lead us in the wrong way that we eventually manage to make the right one. The question is how long will it take, a lifetime?
Thanks for your precious advice!
Sogdiana
Answer Sogdiana,
The best actor's training programs are the ones on a collegiate level that offer you a BFA degree in Acting. I can recommend Carnegie Mellon University School of Drama, UCLA, USC, Boston University, The Julliard School, NYU Tisch School of the Arts, NC School for the Arts, Webster College, Brandeis University, SMU, and the University of Washington at Seattle.
As far as training in NYC, other than the Tisch School, I can recommend the HB Studios, and The Stella Adler Studios. The Actor's Studio was at one time an excellent place to study. I don't know how it is lately. The same goes for the Lee Strasberg Theater and Film Institute - it used to be good, just don't know how it is now.
