Expert: Phil Nemy - 3/3/2009

Question
QUESTION: hi phil, my name is jared im 19 years old and have recently moved to chicago to take acting classes im currently studying twice a week at the piven workshop in evanston..starting april 6th ill be studying 3 days a week with two classes on sasturday at act one studios, and taking private lessons with the actors studio..phil i want to work in movies i have a great love for film its my dream and passion when im through with my training what should my next move be?? also how important is it for actors when they move to la to already have a sag card? thank you, look forward to hearing from you,
Jared

ANSWER: Jared,

Thanks for writing. You're making all the right moves. The Piven Workshop is excellent training. Once you feel you're ready to "pursue your career," you have a decision to make. You can stay in Chicago and audition for us much film/TV work there as possible. There is some work there, but not as much as in LA. There is also a lot of theater work in Chicago which is an excellent training medium for actors, a place to take risks and ply your craft.

Or, you can move to Los Angeles where 95% of all film and TV work is cast. You'll probably have more opportunities for auditions in LA just because more are held here. Certainly, the goal is to obtain your SAG card. Without it, you won't be considered for bigger movies or for supporting roles. But don't let that stop you from moving to LA. You can work as a non-union and extras and once you're offered three SAG Extra vouchers, you'll be eligible to join SAG.

Hope this helps. Good luck!

Phil



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

QUESTION: hey phil, thanks for the great comments, now for the sag part what should i do right now to get that card should i subscribe to backstage and see if there is extra work for a union project in chicago?? how do i go about getting this card in chicago as fast as i can.. im thiking i need to subscribe to backstage.. another thing when you hear about the big name actors like pitt,clooney,freeman,hanks receiving these monstrous paychecks for their projects 10 million sometimes 25 million who pays them?? who actually hands these actors these big paychecks and do they get paid before or after the filming on their movies is finshed..thank you
Jared

Answer
Jared,

You COULD subscribe if Chicago has an issue of the trade paper, otherwise don't bother. I'd register with as many extras casting companies in Chicago as you can. Then, when you get work, let the 2nd Assistant Director know that you'd really, really, like to be considered for a union voucher if the production is able to offer them as you're trying to get into SAG. Befriend the AD's as they are the ones that can choose who gets the upgrades.

As far as the stars, their deals are negotiated by their agents and the studio execs. If it's a studio financing the film, then it's the studio who "hands them" the paycheck. If it's an indie film, then it's whatever production company has been set up to finance the film that pays them. Payment is usually spread out over the entire principal photography period. For example, if an actor earns $15 million, and the principal photography period is scheduled for 15 weeks, then he would be paid $1,000,000 per week for 15 weeks.

Phil