Expert: Phil Nemy - 5/27/2008

Question
QUESTION: Hi, My daughter is 14, has attended Walden Theatre in Louisville,KY for 4 years, and wants to audition for Disney TV/Movies in Orlando this summer, not a park job. She actually wants to go to LA or NY, but I would like to start closer to home if there could be jobs available in a closer city. Disney isn't her only goal, but isn't it the closest option?  Thank you so much.

ANSWER: Allison,

Thanks for writing. I wouldn't recommend going to Orlando hoping for an audition. 90% of all film and TV shows cast in entertainment are cast in Los Angeles. 5% are cast in NYC and the other 5% occur around the country ONLY WHEN necessary for a project.

The only "casting" done on a regular basis in Orlando is for the theme parks.

If you want to give a her a REAL shot at an acting career, you need to move to LA or NYC and give it 2-3 years of hard work and see what happens.

Hope this helps. Good luck!

Phil




---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thank you so much for your advice.  How do I go about getting her an agent in NY or LA?  I have read advice before, but you really know the business and I'd love to have your recommendation.  I know she's oinly 14, but she is ready to work hard.  She is very photogenic and has long, beautiful red hair.  Thank you again!

Answer
Allison,

She needs to be living full time in either LA or NYC. You cannot plan to pop in for a few weeks and try it. Once she's living there, she then needs to enroll in acting classes and develop her talent. Most good acting classes will present a showcase of their students at the end of the training. Agents are invited to see these showcases and that's one way a young actress can secure representation.

If she is appearing in a play, or has a spot in a commercial or indie film, she can submit a copy of the spot/film on DVD to an agent with a short cover letter explaining that she's looking for representation. Wait a week and follow up the submission with a phone call to arrange an interview. This is another way that an actor can find representation.

Good luck!

Phil