Expert: Phil Nemy - 11/30/2009

Question
QUESTION: Hello. I am 12 years old and looking for a way to be in some kind of film. I have been taking acting classes for about 8 years and I was wondering if you could give me some advice. I want to be a big actress and my teacher says that I have to potential to do so. I want to know if there is any chance that I would get onto a show or something like that.I have been trying to find an agent for a while but most of the websites for getting one are a big scam. Could you tell me what I should do? Im STUMPED!

ANSWER: Anastasia,

Thanks for writing. Unfortunately, if you don't live in Los Angeles where 95% of all acting roles are cast, then you really don't have much of a chance of getting an agent. An agent is not going to represent you if you're not living full time in either Los Angeles or New York City.

Phil



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

QUESTION: No I don’t live in “la la land” and neither does Kristen Stewart nor a lot of other stars and they have agents! And I live about 35 minutes away from New York and my parents would drive me.Aren’t there agents in New York? It wouldn’t make any sense if there weren’t! Is there ANY chance what-so-ever that I could become an actress without moving to LA?

Answer
Anastasia,

Sorry to burst your bubble, but your information is incorrect. Kristen Stewart was born in Los Angeles. She lived in LA for a number of years before moving to Colorado, then Pennsylvania, and finally returning with her family to Los Angeles. With the success of TWILIGHT, she was able to purchase her own home and lives a short distance from her parents' home in Los Angeles.

Yes, some stars DO live outside of Los Angeles. When you're a star, you can live wherever you wish. But when you're an unknown actor trying to break in, it is in your best interest to live in the city where most casting is performed.

Yes, there are many talent agents in NYC. Since you live a short train ride from the city, I would enroll in some quality acting classes such as HB Studio in the Village. Being in a good acting class will give you some exposure to local talent agents. You should also audition for as much non-union work in NYC as you can. That's how you'll get your career started.

But recognize that since the majority of the casting for film and TV is performed in LA, you won't have as many opportunities as you would if you lived in LA.

Good luck!

Phil