Careers: Acting, Performing, Directing/Hi do you?

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Question
Thanks for the answer, now i have a question that doesnt really relate to what you might need to answer but... What should i say to my mom? We're poor basically and i dont kno what to say..
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Why not?
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Do you know, how I can get a Los Angeles agent, but still live in Minnesota until i get my big break
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Mani,

Thanks for writing. What you seek is not possible.

Phil
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Mani,

It's not possible because no agent will represent an unknown actor who lives in Minnesota when he will need the actor to be available at a moment's notice to audition for something in Los Angeles. 95% of all casting for film and TV is done in Los Angeles. It is not uncommon for an agent to call their client at noon about an audition at 2pm on the same day. If you're in Minnesota, how do you expect to get to LA that fast?

See why it's not possible?

Phil

Answer
Mani,

I'm not an expert in this area, dealing with parents. But I've always thought that the best approach is to tell your parents the truth. Tell them what you want, where your passion lies, and hope that they will support you.

Tell them that you recognize that the chances of you making a living as an actor is slim, but you won't be happy pursuing an other career.

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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