Expert: Rusty Meyers - 2/15/2009

Question
QUESTION: my name's alex and i have been an aspiring actress for as long as i can remember. unfortunately I'm not in the right money situation really to do it. i don't have much support and i'm only 14 so it's hard to do this on my own. I've asked around and you're probably going to tell me to wait till I'm 18 then move to Los Angeles. that's my problem. I'm willing to be patient. but this is a dream i really want to get going as a teenager. i heard about a photography business called frickphotography and it seems pretty legitimate. the guy's name is terry and he works with the better business bureau and i was wondering if you were familiar with it. if so please tell me whether or not that is worth it. and if not please if you could take the time to ask around and see if anyone you know knows about it and thinks it is worth my time. and also if you have any references in getting me started. please, e-mail me back, anything will help.

ANSWER: All I can say is start taking some acting classes with a legit coach.
They should have credits on imdb.com so look up EVERYONE.
You should take advantage of everything you can in school.
Plays, choir, band, speech, dance, languages...
Slow down, you have time.
Do some indie films, or community theatre and start building up your resume.
I don't know where you live but you should try and find out if there is a local film commission in your area.
Don't get caught up with companies like John Robert Powers or Casablanca they are scams.
Be careful and I hope this helps.

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

QUESTION: may i ask how i would get involved with doing indie films? there is a local theatre in my town so i will look into that.

Answer
Look on your local craigs list site under film/tv or gigs/talent but be careful and look EVERYONE up on imdb.com or google them.
Also colleges usually have a film dept. that use people for their films.
Call you local film commission hotline or in the biggest city where you live, they will most likely have one.