Expert: Kenneth D. Plonkey - 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 SJ, You sound like a fairly well established actor in the UK. Be advised that the US film industry is having the same problems as that in the UK. Be further advised that you cannot work in the US as an actor unless you are a citizen or you have a green card, or you have been imported as a star.  You don't just pop over and start working. But I will try to offer answers to your questions. 1. the best way to get an agent in LA is to have someone that the agent trusts recommend you to them. Can your current agent do that for you? How about any of the directors you have worked with? 2. An appealing UK accent is very much an asset to an actor in the US. 3. do not waste any money on NYFA or any other institution for "acting", they only are interested in your money, not in you. And it will not impress anyone, your resume will be much better for  that. You will need to take classes but not to learn about acting, to learn about what is happening in the industry. More on that later, perhaps. 4. On the West Coast, I have heard it takes $5000 US per month to live.  You also will need a reliable car and of course a driver's license. So that would be $30 thousand US for 6 months at a minimum. A lot of money. And chances of finding work are very slim indeed.   Finally, let me return to my first two pieces of advice: there is not all that much work here and you will have to have a green card before you can work.  I am advising another young man from the UK regarding his coming to the US to work as an actor.  I encourage you to write to me at kencosp@aol.com which is the email I use for on-going mentoring of actors.  I have a great many that I work with from around the world, so please identify your self and your situation when you write. Best wishes and God bless, Doc