Careers: Acting, Performing, Directing/starting in the business

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Expert: - 2/8/2011


Question
My daughter is 10 years old.  She is very interested in modeling and acting.  It seems as though much of what is on the internet is a scam, and they only want money for either pictures or classes.  Where can I take her that is legitimate, and will give us clear direction on how to get her started in the entertainment business?

Answer
Jessica,

Thanks for your email. Unfortunately, my expertize is not in the area of modeling, so I cannot be of any help to you there. I am of the belief that most of what you find on the internet regarding modeling IS a scam, and I would encourage you to stay away from it.

With respect to acting, I don't know in which state you reside, but you might wish to contact your state or city's local film commission. If you're near a big city, or in a state that has a film commission, you'll find that many film commissions keep a list of "acting coaches" and acting classes or workshops in the area. That may be a good place to start.

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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