Expert: Phil Nemy - 9/29/2007

Question
My son is 18, talented, been in many local theater plays, Shakespeare, musicals, vocal, and plays several instruments.  He is is a band, graduated HS this year, attend college, but short of moving to California, how can he get known without paying people like instantcast, etc. I know there are a lot of talented people out there, but what his that one special thing that works when there are many as talented as you.  I would appreciate any guidance you and offer to me.

Answer
Shirley,

Thanks for writing. The sad reality is that in Hollywood (meaning the film and TV world in California), one doesn't need that much talent to be a success. One must know a hell of a lot of people, one must have a hell of a lot of people who believe in him, and one must have a tremendous amount of luck. If you don't live in either Los Angeles or New York City, your chances are diminished considerably, simply because 85% of all film and TV casting is performed in LA, 10% in NYC, and 5% elsewhere.

There is a process that ALL struggling actors in Hollywood follow: 1) get an agent; 2) have great headshots taken; 3) begin taking classes with a reputable teacher (even if you've spent $100,000 on a BFA degree in acting at a well-known university); 4) appear in as many student films, theater productions and industrials as you can to "showcase" your talent; and 5) network, network, network like your life depends on it!

Hope this helps. Good luck to your son!

Phil