Expert: Phil Nemy - 5/22/2008

Question
Hello,
   I was just wondering if my experience was enough to act in one movie, not necessarily a big role. I was in the school news show for two years. The first year I was in fourth grade and I was a camera person, then in fifth grade I was the current news person. The current news person told what was currently going on at the school. The current news was the second biggest part of the show. Also in elementary my friend and I were the MC's for the school talent show in 5th grade (that was loads of fun, we came up with our own scripts). In 2nd-4th grade I played the piano for the talent show. I was in the school chorus for 4th and 5th grade. We had 2 big shows each year for the parents, two shows each year for the students, we went to retirement homes, and in fifth grade we went to Universal Studios and performed there. In fifth grade I was the back up speaker for the opening part.
   Since I was about 8 years old my siblings, my cousins, and I have made up plays and performed them in front of our uncles, aunts, parents, grandparents, and friends. But about two years ago instead of doing plays we would film them and make them into movies (my sister wants to be a movie director so she films, edits and directs the movies). So far we have made a lot of movies I have been in all except one.
   So I have sort of had experience in front of cameras and people before. So based on what I told you there do you think I have what it takes to be in a movie? I am in 7th grade now, just so you know.
                                                      Ashlyn


Answer
Ashlyn,

Thanks for writing. Since I've never seen you perform, I honestly can't say whether or not I think you have talent. What I can say is that based on what you've told me, it certainly sounds like you're doing the right things to obtain as much on-camera experience as you can.

Besides appearing in the news show, you might want to consider auditioning for plays in your school or in local community theater. This will give you more true acting experience. While singing in the chorus, playing piano in a talent show, and appearing in a new show are certainly fun and good experience, they don't challenge you as an actor. You need more  acting experience if you want one day to work in a film.

Also, consider taking acting classes from a local acting teacher. That will help you with developing your talent.

Hope this helps. Good luck!

Phil