Expert: Rusty Meyers - 4/23/2010

Question
Hi im 21 years old female from NC and trying to break into the acting and commercial modeling world. I dont know where to start or who too go to. I just want know how do i get started?

Answer
You look up some acting coaches in your area and check them ALL out on imdb.com or at least google them to make sure that they are legitimate.

NEVER pay for any agent/manager fees up front, they are paid ONLY when you get paid and on a 10-20% at most commission basis only.

You're getting rather old to start an acting career, but hopefully you have some performance background in dance or theater or choir.

Otherwise what took you so long to make this decision to get into the entertainment industry?

Good luck and I hope you have some connections, or helluvalot of talent and personality and leather skin for all of the rejects that EVERYONE gets.

I would try out for some plays and indie films and do as much as you can before looking into talking with any agents in your area.

Don't go out and spend any money on pictures either since you will most likely get taken and they aren't as important as taking from some reputable coaches first, they will be able to tell you what to do and when to do it.

That is IF they are in or have been in the business themselves, that's why it's so important to look them up, don't just believe everything they say at first.

That's not to say be rude and call them on every little credit, but some people are just really good liars and can talk like they know it all and everyone, but when you look them up on place like imdb.com they are nowhere to be found.

Good luck, I hope this helped.