Expert: Phil Nemy - 11/23/2009

Question
hey Phil, I recently spoke with a friend of mine whos an actor in LA i plan on moving out there this summer and we talked about my plans of pursuing an acting career and he said I need to have my sag card first before coming to LA  to go to Orlando or Atlanta or its gonna be impossible to find work. I was wondering what your opinion is on that? And another thing you've been in the industry for over 20 years ive checked your credentials and you live in LA judging from the successful actors and the not so succesful whats the difference in those that make it big and wait tables. what does it take?
Thanks Phil,
kindest regards,
Jared

Answer
Jared,

Thanks for writing. It is not a requirement to have a S.A.G. card before you come to LA. There is a lot of non-union work happening here and you probably have a better chance at being cast in something non-union than you have in something union. Once you become a member of S.A.G. you can no longer do non-union work, so think about it carefully before making the leap into S.A.G.

BTW, why would you got to Orlando or Atlanta if you want to be an actor? 95% of all film and television is cast in Los Angeles. It may shoot in Orlando or Atlanta, but it's cast in L.A. I don't believe there is enough film and TV work in Orlando and Atlanta combined that would merit moving there to pursue your career. L.A. is THE place to be if you want to act in film and/or TV.

As far as what it takes? Perseverance. Never giving up. Even when you know the chances are against you of EVER being able to earn enough money from acting to support yourself. You have gotta love this life in order to keep doing it, because it's a life of abject rejection and border-line poverty to move to LA and pursue an acting career. It can take you years to get your first union acting job, to get a good agent, to be offered work. It's a very tough life - but if you love it, if you cannot think of doing anything else, and you're okay with living on the edge of poverty, then go for it and don't let anything stand in your way.

Good luck!

Phil