You are here:

Careers: Acting, Performing, Directing/Acting - too late? (Directing vs. acting)

Advertisement

Expert: - 6/12/2011


Question
I've been always very passionate about films. But mainly due to financial issues and family responsibilities I  could never pursue a career in the field.
Now I wonder whether it is too late? I'm 26...

I thought about doing a BA degree in acting but is it realistic to find a job afterwards (since then I'd be 29)? I just fear that people might not want to hire me because they mistake my age for a lack of motivation.

I'm also interested in directing. From what I've heard and read, if interested in both areas it makes more sense to start with acting and consider getting into directing at a later point in time. But I guess regarding my age I would have more chances trying to become a director?
What do you think? What's your advice?

Answer
Shae,

Thanks for writing. The reality is that neither career, acting or directing, is steady work. It's not like you "find a job" after school with your degree. You'll spend your entire life auditioning in the hope that you'll get cast. The same goes for directing. Both are free-lance gigs, so be prepared for a great deal of unemployment.

As far as age, 26 is not too late to pursue either as a career.

Good luck!

Phil

Careers: Acting, Performing, Directing

All Answers

Answers by Expert:

Ask Experts

Volunteer

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.

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.