Careers: Acting, Performing, Directing/how to start a career

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Expert: - 10/15/2010


Question
Hi,
I am a 19 year old guy from Montreal and I would like to act. I have never done any acting and haven't taken any classes.

I was wondering if you could tell me how to start. Should I take classes? Can I still audition even though I have no experience? Where can I find casting calls? Should I move to a New York or L.A.?
Thank You

Answer
Ben,

Thanks for writing. With no training, yes, you need to start by taking acting classes. I'm sure you can find a good class or two in the Montreal area. You might ask the Montreal Film Commission for some recommendations for acting teachers in your area.

You CAN audition without training, but it's better to wait until you have some training under your belt. And eventually, you'll need to move to Los Angeles if you want a career in film or New York if you want a career in theater. 95% of all films and TV shows are cast in LA and of course, Broadway theater is in NYC.

Hope this helps. Good luck!

Phil

Careers: Acting, Performing, Directing

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Phil Nemy

Expertise

I am a motion picture and television producer with over 20 years of experience in the entertainment industry. I am also the author of the book GET A REEL JOB: Finding Your First Job In The Motion Picture Industry In Los Angeles. I can answers questions on a variety of subjects about careers in film from acting to directing to crew work, getting into the unions, successful strategies for networking, etc.

Experience

Former VP, Production for The Walt Disney Motion Pictures Group Supervised production on such films as ARMAGEDDON, THE PRINCESS DIARIES, REMEMBER THE TITANS, PEARL HARBOR, CON AIR, ENEMY OF THE STATE, THE ROCK, CRIMSON TIDE, COYOTE UGLY, A CIVIL ACTION, ROMY & MICHELE'S HIGH SCHOOL REUNION, NOTHING TO LOSE, EDDIE and others. Worked as an actor, stage manager, director on broadway and regional theater as well as L.A.' Equity-waiver scene. Former Associate Artistic Director of Los Angeles Equity-Waiver theater.

Organizations
Director's Guild of America, Screen Actors Guild, Actor's Equity Association

Education/Credentials
BFA in Acting/Directing from Carnegie Mellon University.

Past/Present Clients
I've worked with such filmmakers as Jerry Bruckheimer, Tony Scott, Steve Zaillian, Scott Rudin, Garry Marshall, Frank Marshall, Michael Bay, etc.

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