Expert: Phil Nemy - 4/12/2010

Question
QUESTION: Hello Phil,

I'm a 36 year old man and I've always had an interest in acting. It doesn't have to do with getting rich and famous, I have no control of that and I have no interest in that, but its because I love working with people. I'm fascinated by them in terms of what makes them tick and do the things that they do. It's about deciding what kind of person you want to be and what kind of person you don't want to be. It's about filling in the character's thoughts, ideas, wants, needs and goals. I'm especially fascinated by portraying villains in particular because they are the most interesting to play. But I would at least like to incorporate some shred of humanity in each of them so they will be a fully fleshed out character. By transforming into the people I've encountered in my life, I not only begin to understand them better as individuals, but I also will understand myself a great deal in the long run. I am interested in performing in theater, tv, films and especially, voice-over acting.

Anyway, I had to stop taking acting lessons due to the harsh practicalities of life, but I'm planning to get back into it because my heart is tugging at me to pursue it. I have a secure job to help pay for the acting lessons, but I'm beginning to think I'm too old to start an acting at age 36.

What do you think? How do you think I should proceed?


Best regards,

Julian

ANSWER: Julian

Thanks for writing. You're never too young or old to start an acting career. John Houseman did his first role in a film in his 70's and he ended up winning an Oscar for it.

Since you have the finances, I would recommend starting with taking classes. Get into the best acting classes you can afford and develop your skills.

Good luck!

Phil

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hello again, Phil.

Thanks for your response. I have just a few more questions.

I used to live in New York but now I live in Florida. I'm seriously considering moving back to New York or I may decide to go to California.

1. But seeing how the latter is in serious economic turmoil, do you think I am better off in New York?

2. How does one deal with difficult people in terms of actors' etiquette?

Recently, I read an article that many Hollywood studios have permanently relocated from Los Angeles to Toronto, Vancouver , and Sydney because it is far cheaper to film in those areas. I am also open to moving there as well as in London.

3. How is the competition in Toronto, Vancouver, Sydney and London?



Best regards,

Julian

Answer
Julian,

1.If you want to do film, no. If you want to do theater, yes.

2. Not sure what you mean by difficult, or who you believe will be difficult for you to deal with, but overall, try not to let it bother you.

3. No major studio has relocated to another country. They are all still based in Los Angeles. They do, however, shoot films in other cities and countries when the opportunity can save their production large sums of money. That makes other cities and countries very competitive with the USA and Los Angeles. Toronto, Vancouver, Sydney and London are all viable film locations.

Hope this helps. Good luck!

Phil