Expert: Phil Nemy - 2/4/2009

Question
QUESTION:
Hi Phil,
How are you? I am so excited to have stumbled upon this website today as I have been seeking for answers from friends and websites.

I am 32 years old and currently manage my own branding firm for small medium enterprises. I have been in this industry for more than 10years. This job offers me security and satisfaction but acting makes me alive. I took time off from my branding/advertising career to try out acting. I got noticed during audition and have ever since (since 2002) been acting off and on on stage, tv and short films. But I stopped pursuing it last few years as I had too manage my finances differently, meaning I wasn't getting enough to cover my bills and savings. I stopped going for auditions and went back to advertising/branding.

There is this voice in me that keeps asking me if this is what I want to do for the rest of my life? I secretly still wish to get back to acting, this time to jump in whole-heartedly and give it my all, without reservations. I have been doing some deep thinking and after much discussions I am seriously considering acting again. I am nervous about the thought of giving up my secure field of work for something that sounds like a hobby to many. Infact, for the longest time when people asked me how/why I am acting when I have a decent career...I always offer a safe answer," It's just one of my greatest interest. I indulge in it like a hobby"

I now have the full support of my partner to pursue this dream. I feel more free to do this now. I come from a slightly traditional family who views acting as cheapening a lady's image. I am a Malaysian Indian. I live in Malaysia. The acting role is also very limited for indians here, almost always stereotypical.

I don't want to regret that I didn't pursue acting seriously. I tried it out before to see if I would enjoy it, and without a doubt I love it. This is scary and exciting thought for me. Please assist me in answering these important life changing questions.

1) Is 32 too late for a woman to get into acting seriously? stage acting doesn't seem impossible here as I have seen many of my friends whom are still acting, what about TV?

2) I have never taken any professional acting classes, but I have been told that I am able to get into character well. I have received some praises during my acting stint. I have done a stage acting, TV acting and short film too. Now that I want to pursue acting full time, would you suggest me taking classes? if yes, a short course or a proper college (you don't get many choices here except short courses conducted by professional actors)

3) I have thought of going to LA to enrol myself in a proper school. I mean I don't wanna do it the safe way anymore. I want to go for it. I am unsure if I would be able to afford the fees yet or which school/course. Since LA has been said to be the heart of the acting industry..should I go there to be around other serious actors? Or other areas besides LA? NZ? It is slightly more affordable for me due to the lower exchange rate.

4)Is it too late to get on TV at my age?

5) What would the best way be to be really good in acting?

6) Does it sound like a silly idea? I live in Malaysia. The industry is still at its infancy stage but much better than it used to. Loads of potential here but it will be tough to break away from the usual roles.

7) Should i stay in Malaysia to pursue this seriously?

I have loads of other questions...but I will start with these for now.  

Thank you so much for your kind reply. I appreciate it.

Shuba
Malaysia.

ANSWER: Shuba,

Thanks for writing. Her are your answers:

1) It's never too late to begin an acting career. But at age 32, go into acting because you love to do it, not because you expect to become famous and/or financially successful from it.


2) By all means, enroll in acting classes. It doesn't matter if it's at the college level or just in local workshops. Just find the BEST classes you can so that you gain the best training available to you.

3) In my humble opinion, Los Angeles is not the BEST place for training, although it IS the best place to pursue acting employment. I would consider colleges such as Carnegie Mellon, Yale School of Drama's graduate program for acting, Boston University, NYU School of the Arts, NC School for the Arts, Southern Methodist University, Webster University, Univ of Washington at Seattle, and of course, The Julliard School. They will train you in acting for the professional stage, which is the foundation for all forms of acting, be it stage, film, theater, commercials, stand-up, etc.

4) Again, it is never too late.

5) Train, train, train to develop your talent - and HAVE talent!

6) it's not silly if it's what you want to do with your life. Follow your passion, it tends to be the closest thing to your spirit and who you are. Who knows where it will lead you.

7) Since I'm unfamiliar with the Malaysian film/TV/theater community, I cannot advise you on this. I can tell you that if you seek to be a working actor similar to those you see working in films and TV in Hollywood, then you need to be in Los Angeles. Otherwise, you won't have the same opportunities available to you.

Hope this helps. Good luck!

Phil

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

QUESTION: Thank you so much for your kind reply Phil.
I am so grateful.
Your answers gave me some clarity.

Based on your reply, I think I will look out for acting classes here locally as a boost before I make that big jump to go overseas.

1)It seems that LA is a place to be for working actors, am I right? Would you be able to tell me where I can look for acting opportunities in LA?

2) What would a good acting launchpad be in LA? Since you did mention that LA IS the place to pursue acting employment.

3)Do I need an agent or send out my showreel from Malaysia..I don't want to get conned. Is there someone in LA to assist new actors find acting jobs?

4) Are you familiar with the acting scene in New Zealand?

5)Do you prefer stage or TV work?

6) Is it important for a performer to be able to sing,act and dance?

7) I tried to email you my comp card but it is in pdf format and got rejected :(

Thank you in advance for your answers and time.

I appreciate it.

Kind regards,
Shuba

Answer
Shuba,

1) The best resource for audition listings is either Backstage West newspaper which comes out every other week, or LACasting.com which is the most widely used casting website in the industry.

2) I don't understand the question. What do you mean by launchpad?

3) No one will consider you or respond to you if you make submissions from Malaysia. You MUST be living in LA in order to be considered. Think about it: if you made a submission and the casting director was interested in wanted to call you in for an audition in two days, you wouldn't be able to go because you're not in LA.

4) No.

5) Both. Personally, I like the intimacy and immediacy of the stage, but television pays a lot better than stage work.

6) Only if you're pursuing a role that requires you to sing, act and dance.

7) That's okay. I don't need it. I'm not a casting director.

Phil