Expert: Phil Nemy - 5/9/2011

Question
Dear Phil Nemy,

I am currently 19 and living in Malaysia (country above Singapore). I've realized my passion in acting since 14 years old when i joined an English creative writing and drama class, primarily to improve my writing skills but instead, i found passion in acting instead. however Malaysia's film and acting industry is at a very slow pace and not a very stable job. also, being a Chinese but couldn't speak a word of mandarin and being only semi-fluent in Malay, it would be extremely difficult to find an acting career here anyway. FYI, Malaysia's films usually only compromise of Malay and Mandarin films.

i was asked to audition for advertising roles 3 times so far but both my parents didn't take my dreams seriously, and i meant that seriously. because they called my house number and my mum picked up all 3 times. first, we were schedule to an appointment and the audition was just in 2 hours time from the call. second, i had school. third, my mum just told them i was not interested without even consulting me. and the worst, i never personally hear any of those calls. it is always my mum. if i do somehow land a role in a proper film, series or TV show instead of advertisement, I'm hoping i could finally alert my parents about this dream of mine.

my only and current plan is to study hard enough in hope that i could get a scholarship to study in US, UK or Australia and maybe find my way to places like LA or London and try my luck there. but with my only fair results, it seems impossible to do so and with my family's financial burden, i wont be able to fly straight there. i also do not have any experience and thinking that it will be an extreme financial risk if i don't even land a single role. heck, i don't even know the procedure, where to go, what to do and how much will it even cost to just go for an audition.

to add insult to more insults, i am not exactly the good looking kind of guy. I've got praises for my acting and performing skills but i am always reminded by others how i am not a very photogenic kind. i lack huge muscles, charming smile, nice glossy hair and for now, my face has many zits as compared to actors on TV that seems to have nice porcelain skin.

what i am asking is your personal advice for this young amateur hopeful. do you have any idea how i can manage to find my way to US and UK without spending my family's fortunes? do they search for those with experience only? is my dorky look enough or do i need to find a way to change my look first? and if did find my way there, what should i do and where should i go? oh ya, how do i avoid con cases because seriously i have no exposure to this at all.

aside from talent (which I only ASSUME or hope I have), it seems like this dream is really out of my reach. should i just give up and not waste my time on this?

your reply will be deeply appreciated. sorry for the super long message. you probably got tired of me by here already.

thanks in advance.

Jeffrey

Answer
Jeffrey,

Thanks for writing. In answer to your questions:

What i am asking is your personal advice for this young amateur hopeful. Do you have any idea how i can manage to find my way to US and UK without spending my family's fortunes?
Unless you have a rich friend or relative, no. You'll have to find some funding to get you there and back.

Do they search for those with experience only?
I'm not sure who you mean when you say "they." Occasionally, casting directors do look for unknown talent, but that's rare.

Is my dorky look enough or do i need to find a way to change my look first?
Having not seen your look, it would be unfair of me to comment.

And if did find my way there, what should i do and where should i go?
I wouldn't go anywhere to study acting unless you've already been accepted into the acting school. Then the school would tell you what to do and where to go.

oh ya, how do i avoid con cases because seriously i have no exposure to this at all.
If anyone makes you an offer, have them send the offer to your parents, or to an attorney, as they will be the best judge of what is real or not.

aside from talent (which I only ASSUME or hope I have), it seems like this dream is really out of my reach. should i just give up and not waste my time on this?
It's not my place to tell anyone to give up on their dream. But if you DO plan to follow your dream of acting, make sure to get the best acting training possible.

Good luck!

Phil