Expert: Kitty Kavey - 4/12/2010

Question
Hello again, Kitty.

Your comment,

"Canada is a good place to get started in the industry.  There are Canadian unions, but also a lot of US-based productions that are filmed there, and non-union work.  Sydney and London both have their own film industry that is largely separate from Hollywood.  I'm not sure about the union vs. non-union work in either of those places, though, or the cost of living.

The important thing to look at first, is of course how easy (or not) it would be for you to get a work permit in each place outside the US, if you were to move there, both for the work that you do as your day job, and for your acting work.  

I'd be interested to know how an American actor would do living in Sydney or London - I imagine you'd be something of a rarity.  If you choose either of those places please let me know your experience there."

I understand that there are quite a few american actors who are working and living in Canada such Greg Evigan, Lou Diamond Phillips and Richard Dean Anderson, so I guess that is inherently encouraging.

Do you think I have a better chance at succeeding in Canada, as opposed to back home in terms of competition?

Best regards,

Julian

Answer
Again it depends on what type of acting you're planning to do, and that you'd be able to get a work visa for Canada.  There are more (Canadian) actors who start their careers in Canada and then move to the US, than the other way around, an American actor who starts in the US and moves to Canada.

Excluding Bollywood, the majority of films are cast out of L.A.  While there are large television markets in other areas, theater and independent film, quite often actors who may live or have homes in other areas (including American actors who reside outside the US) will still do their film-related business and have representation in L.A.

If your goal is to become a union actor, then you should choose the area where the largest market is for that union.  www.actra.ca has union info for Canada, as well as www.caea.com which is for stage. Sag.org (film) and www.aftra.org (radio, TV) and actorsequity.org (stage) have info for the US.

That doesn't mean that you can't be the exception and succeed brilliantly wherever you decide to take up residence.  The odds will be more in your favor if you are in a larger market (such as L.A. as opposed to say, Philadelphia) and if you are good at #at least) auditioning.  No matter whether you get only five auditions a year, or you have five every week, if you don't audition well you will have to rely on networking and connections to get cast.

You'll need to find the place that suits you best - where you feel most comfortable, and where you connect well with others.  If you dislike winter, Los Angeles might be a better choice for you than Canada.  If you prefer being the big fish in a small pond, Florida might be best to stay in for the time being.  If you want a more relaxed lifestyle during the day, while you work on stage at night, then NYC could be the place for you.

If you know people in Australia or England who could sponsor you and help you get the right permits, or if your job is willing to transfer you to another country, then I wouldn't rule out those places either.  But in the end, you know yourself and your goals the best, and I'm sure you'll make the decision that works perfectly for you.

Good luck to you,
~Kitty