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About Phil 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.
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You are here: Experts > Arts/Humanities > Performing Arts > Careers: Acting, Performing, Directing > frustrated
Expert: Phil Nemy - 11/5/2009
Question
Hi phil, MY name is Jared im 19 years old getting ready to turn 20, I have some training in acting from my time spent in CHicago and really fell in love with it but was forced to move back because of the economy there people were being laid off instead of companies hiring people, needless to say i couldnt get a job. Phil my dream has always been to act in the movies and on television and have a career like brad pitt, tom cruise, george clooney, etc.. i also admire johnny depp's work. I know the odd's are against me and im starting to get frustrated. here in West Virginia I dont have the oppurtunities to pursue acting like I would in LA i guess im a little lamented by the fact i dont have the oppurtunity, and im not quite financially able to do it right now, my parents think its ridiculous and wont help me out with any of it. I guess my question is what advice can you give me for when I do get out there for being successful and actually having a successful career? or is it all luck in a crapshoot? thanks
Kindest Regards,
Jared
11/5/09
Answer
Jared,
Thanks for writing. I wish I had more encouraging words for you, but I believe you'd rather hear the truth that my telling you lies. The reality of pursuing an acting career in Los Angeles is this - the odds of being elected to public office are considerably better! Truly, if you come to Los Angeles to pursue a career, without much training, with no agent, with no contacts, without a specific "look", the odds are against you of ever making a career strictly from acting where you can support yourself. Yes, luck has a lot to do with it. Talent certainly helps. But without the camera loving you, without having a unique look, without having an agent willing to work his butt of for you, you don't stand much of a chance. That's why the majority of people like yourself, who move to LA and live here in the hope of having an acting career, are usually unemployed, or at least employed in other industries just to survive. It's a very tough busy.
So, you parents may think your ridiculous, your friends may think your nuts, but who are they (or I) to tell you not to follow your dream? It's your life - if pursuing an acting career, even though the odds are against it, and knowing you probably be poor most of your life, if pursuing an acting career is what you love and you cannot think of doing anything else from which you will find happiness or satisfaction, then don't listen to anyone else (including me) but your heart. Trust your instincts, follow your heart, and see where it takes you.
Good luck!
Phil
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