Careers: Acting, Performing, Directing/acting

Advertisement

Expert: - 1/30/2009


Question
I'm still only fourteen years old but how do i start my acting career on TELEVISION?? i would like to start ASAP because i hear it's harder the older you get.

Answer
Ryan,

Thanks for writing. The way you begin an acting career is by enrolling in acting classes. You must learn the craft of acting before you can be hired to work. You wouldn't hire an auto mechanic to work on your car that hasn't gone to school to learn how to be an auto mechanic, would you?

Start by taking classes. Then, when you and your teachers feel your ready, begin auditioning for projects. You'll need to get a headshot that shows you well, and you'll need to develop a resume. That's how it's done.

With a little luck AND some talent, you'll start an acting career!

Hope this helps! Good luck!

Phil

Careers: Acting, Performing, Directing

All Answers

Answers by Expert:

Ask Experts

Volunteer

Phil Nemy

Expertise

I am a motion picture and television producer with over 20 years of experience in the entertainment industry. 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

Former VP, Production for The Walt Disney Motion Pictures Group Supervised production on such films as ARMAGEDDON, THE PRINCESS DIARIES, REMEMBER THE TITANS, PEARL HARBOR, CON AIR, ENEMY OF THE STATE, THE ROCK, CRIMSON TIDE, COYOTE UGLY, A CIVIL ACTION, ROMY & MICHELE'S HIGH SCHOOL REUNION, NOTHING TO LOSE, EDDIE and others. Worked as an actor, stage manager, director on broadway and regional theater as well as L.A.' Equity-waiver scene. Former Associate Artistic Director of Los Angeles Equity-Waiver theater.

Organizations
Director's Guild of America, Screen Actors Guild, Actor's Equity Association

Education/Credentials
BFA in Acting/Directing from Carnegie Mellon University.

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.

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.