Expert: Phil Nemy - 6/17/2009

Question
Hi,

I'm a black British born actor/dancer 42 years old now. I am intending to go over to USA or Canada with a view to work hard and develop my talents in the film industry as an actor. I initial trained here in England, doing a two year diploma theatre acting course, then had private lesson for speech/acting exams then went on to train as a ballet dancer/contemporary dancer and studied at a film school part-time, and attended another dram school for about a year while learning circus tumbling skills. All in all i trained in various aspects of performing arts for about 8 years.

I used to travel to America when i was in my early twenties and sometimes did classes, on one occasion i was offered work as a dancer for MTV but came back as i had signed an equity contract for a theatre company and due to star rehearsal on return. I worked for a number of years with different dance companies touring rep and theatre companies touring plays. At the age of about 32 i became a regular actor on children's TV program then got some small roles in other TV programs but usually always employable as performer mainly in theatres. Then after getting an agent realizing that i would like to develop a career as film/TV actor, i got an extra part in a film directed by Mike Nichols and another directed by Paul Morrison on location shoot over here in London.

I have been for a few TV castings of which i have mostly got recalls and commented that I'd make a good film actor. I'm a remember of The Spotlight Directory and an Equity member and do at least three theatre productions a year and have been lately playing in short films, most if not all my roles are lead and have been. But in the mainstream in this country many agents have always advised me that the casting for black actors is very stereo type and i have a particular look that doesn't always fit. I stand 58" tall with a chiseled muscular body similar to Bruce Lee as i am a dedicated martial artist myself. My hair is medium short and relaxed and i have a big great smile with a strong physicality when i move.

I used to play a lot of sports at semi pro level and had a few teeth knock out at the lower mid way up the jaw so it doesn't hinder my great smile but i am planning to spend quite a lot of money to have implants and what's needed to have the flawless smile before i go over to the USA or Canada.

I'm a very hard working artist, i train every day and consciously always think about who i am as an artist, how i can best portray myself as a the character and so far i have never had a bad experience working with any director who's always commented on is there anything you can't do as they realize there's more to me than what they originally thought...

Maybe it's the natural progression but never really thought much about working in film/TV in the past but i have a burning desire to work in that industry now more than ever, it's not about the money or the fame or even the prestige of always being recognized. I want to work with directors and other artist at that level that can bring out the best in me and be captured in the height of that moment of that role in on picture...

I am 42 but usually only get castings from the age of early thirties die to my physic and younger appearance, sometimes told i look too young for the part. I have done over 80 professional productions now and mostly have turned down lucrative ones in the past to do ones that connect more with emotions. In between contacts i teach dance and drama and earn an average of £45-£50 per hour.

I'm quite deep in personality and find it very easy to articulate emotionally and express visually.

I ask if it is too late for me to go to the USA or Canada to peruse by means of continuing to be a hard working artist and develop and get quality work that i can grow with and be a part of the scene that strives to give to the right kind of performances to the audience?

Regards

Rren

Answer
Rrenford,

Thanks for writing. As I've told others who have written in the past, it is never too late to pursue an acting career. What you need to recognize is that as you get older, there will be less and less roles available to you.

In addition to this, Hollywood is color blind. By that I mean that as liberal as they say they are, they do not give black actors the same consideration as they do white actors. The same goes for latino actors. Yes, gifted actors such as Sam Jackson, Denzel Washington, Halle Berry, and Angela Bassett have made tremendous strides with breaking through the color barrier, but still actors of color aren't given their due in the same way that white actors are. Doesn't matter how good-looking, how chiseled your physique, or how talented you are.

But, if you love acting, then go for it!

I hope this helps.  Good luck!

Phil