Expert: Phil Nemy - 5/29/2009

Question
 I am a former LA cop (15 years-retired early)and would like to start acting. I live in the LA area so classes, coaches and photographers (for head shots) are everywhere but so are the scammers. How do I navigate that and find reputable people.  I have the discipline and NOW the time to learn and study but the amount of information--good and bad is a bit overwhelming. I am interested in both theater and commercial.
 Thanks

Answer
Andre,

Thanks for writing. I actually spoke with someone else today about acting teachers, so you're timing is perfect. Here's a few I can recommend:

Larry Moss (larrymoss.org)
Michael Donovan (michaeldonovancasting.com)
Bjorn Johnson (bjornjohnson.net)
Kate McGregor Stewart (katemcgregorstewart.com)
Adam Marcus

I personally know Michael, Bjorn and Adam well. Tell them I referred you. I worked twice with Larry when he consulted with a non-profit group with whom I was associated called VOICES IN HARMONY. He's an excellent teacher. Kate comes highly recommended by the casting people at Disney. Adam is a screenwriter/director who teaches a film acting workshop. The best way to find out what he does is for you to simply show up at a class and ask to audit a session. If you're interested after that, just ask to be included (I'm not sure what the fee is: I think it's by the month). The address is 10820 Washington Blvd (1 - 1/2 blocks West of Overland) in Culver City. Class is on Wednesdays at 6:30; in order to ask to audit, show up 15 minutes early.

Make sure you get into a "Cold Reading" class - a good class that can develop your skills in this area is worth its weight in gold. Too many actors don't know how to handle cold readings well, and it's often why they don't book the job. The best cold reading workshop in LA is taught by Margie Haber (margiehaber.com).

As far as listing your headshot and resume, online casting sites to consider are LACasting.com and Actors Access.com. There are others, but these two seem to be the most widely respected and accepted.

My book, GET A REEL JOB, has a great section on choosing the right photographer. You might pick up  a copy and read that section as I think it will be helpful to you. You can buy it at Amazon.com or through my website at www.reeljob.net.

Hope this helps. Good luck!

Phil