Expert: Wanda Reinholdt - 3/16/2009

Question
Hi there,

First off, a little about myself, my name is Scott Campbell, I am 28 year old
actor based in the UK. I have just finished filming two features, of which I
was the lead in both. This combined with the three I filmed last year has
given me a solid platform in feature films from which I'd like to build. In
addition to this I've had a lead role (recurring) in a Sci-Fi Web series and
appeared in several TV shows.  
What I should mention is; I have an agent, however she operates at a
Local/National level which makes it difficult to consistently obtain work,
which is made all the more difficult due to the current climate the film
industry, not only Scotland, but the UK finds itself in.

My next step i to come across to L.A in the hope of gaining more experience,
more exposure and hopefully a more consestent stream of work.

It is from here most of my forthcoming questions stem.

Firstly what advice would you give me in relation to obtaining an agent in
L.A? By the time I arrive I would have a new headshot, CV and current
showreel; is there anything else other than this that you would suggest?

Secondly, as stupid as this question may seem, is it more difficult getting
work and/or an agent if you are from the UK? In your personal opinion could
this be a benefit or a hindrance?

Penultimately, I am caught in two minds, as to wether to come across and
study acting via a course, i.e NYFA or if my time and money would be better
spent gaining as much work whilst in L.A. While I do not have any official
acting qualifications, I do have an impressive CV. I have heard cases for and
against these courses, as well as the old argument of experience VS a
certificate. Is a recognized qualification a prerequisite in your eyes or could I
go and let my work speak for itself? And is there any validity in these part
time course at NYFA etc or are these pointless in relation to an actual
qualification i.e. if I need a qualification then that in itself wouldn't be
recognized as anything of note; thus I would be exactly where I am in any
case.

Finally (and this is the last point/question I promise!) when I do go across to
LA, I would hope to give myself 6 months to go to auditions, network etc
without the added pressures of a part time job. In your opinion, how much
money would be necessary for me to go over with AS AN ABSOLUTE
MINIMUM? I have seen and read a copious amount of facts/figures in relation
to this and it is something I take very seriously. This is because I would
prefer to maximize my hours throughout the day to attend as many
auditions as possible while keeping my hours free in the evening with a view
to networking. So to reiterate, in your eyes, for a 6 month stay, if no money
came in, how much US dollars would you recommend as a minimum?

I recognize this is a long winded set of questions, I just feel with more
information you would be better set to answer my queries.

I sincerely thank you for taking the time to read this and any help, advice or
answers you can give me will be greatly appreciated.

Kind regards

SJ Campbell  

Answer
Hi there, SJ...And thanks for writing.  You spent a lot of time on your question and I appreciate it.  Let me see if I can help you in a like manner...

To obtain an agent, I think you will have all that you need.  Having some experience behind you and having a demonstration of that experience is exactly what an agent looks for.  So, in my opinion, if you take what you have (your CV, headshot, showreel) and you go into a meeting with a possible agent with that and you have a great attitude about things, you should be just fine.  I would suggest having a written resume about your experience as well.  Sometimes agents like to see it written out as well.  

Regarding whether or not you are hindered by your nationality here, that is not a stupid question at all.  In fact, there are no stupid questions.  It is good that you ask.  Most people do not ask.  You are ahead by just asking :).  Always ask without apology what you are wondering about.  It will save you a lot of time and headache in the long run.

And no, I don't think it will be hindrance at all.  If you could do some dialect training to be sure you can talk American, that will help.  But if you audition regularly as you say you are going to and you do your best work at each audition and keep learning and growing from each audition, eventually, you will find something that is a match.  Persistence and a faith in yourself is key.  

Regarding taking courses or not, I would just caution you to not make a decision on that one way or another.  I don't think it is good stewardship of a talent to not be open to education.  In fact, I would say that it is always good to take a course.  Always be open to the possibility and plan for it.  At the same time, I think that your work could also speak for itself though as well.  What I am saying is don't box yourself into one way or another.  Be open to either or one or both.  

What I would recommend is to audition and if you do or do not get roles, always try to ask whoever auditioned you for a reason that you did or did not get the role.  Tell them you just want to continue to learn and improve and are interested in hearing from them any thoughts.  Sometimes you will get responses back and other times, you will not.  Take what you get back and learn from it. Take courses that help you with the things that are not your strengths.  

Honestly, if you already know you are not strong in a skill, find a course on it.  Be proactive in strengthening yourself.  Don't wait.  Just do it.  It is always good to build yourself up and to be learning.

Regarding monies....As I do not live in LA nor have I ever, I would not have any idea of what to tell you about monies to live there and a minimum.  I would try to look on the internet for information on the cost of living in LA.  I am sure if you Google it that you will find something.  If there are city government websites, they may give you a good idea.  

For your 6 month figure, take your monthly rate (once you have added up all the costs), multiply it by 6, and then add to it again 1/2 of that amount for a buffer.  That should be your minimum.  

Does that help you?  

Wanda
www.coaching.kaizenworks.org

I would highly recommend finding someone to coach you along the way while you are here.  Someone in LA would probably be best but if you want to have some support, I offer some services that may help you.