Expert: Phil Nemy - 9/12/2005

Question
Dear Phil Nemy,
   Hello, my name is Brittany and I am writing a paper about the acting business. I am interested in this field for my future career. I am interested in your inside opinion and advice as to what are some things that I should be involved in in order to be more successful. I am also a little concerned about the image that I might need to obtain in order to be able to become an actor. As you have probably seen actors on television are often very skinny and so on, is this necessary for all aspiring actors? I would apreciate it if you would please answer the interview questions below, if you can find time. I understand that you are very busy and you may not have time. If you aren't able to respond I thank you anyway for your time.

Sincerely,
  Brittany

1.   How does one go about getting into the acting business?
2.   What are some of the difficulties of the acting business?
3.    Is it true that you have to change yourself in order to be accepted into the entertainment business?
4.   About how long is the average amount of time before an actor actually gets a job?
5.   What kind of things should an aspiring actor is involved in to prepare themselves for this field of work?
6.   Once they get started acting is it hard to find your genre of acting?
7.   Is it hard even after you get one job to keep getting roles in other things?
8.   Is it more difficult to get involved in Broadway then on screen acting?
9.   What is a good age to begin to pursue your acting career?
10.   What is some advice that you would give to someone aspiring to become and actor?
11.   Is it true the saying “if you set your mind to it you can do it”?
12.   Is it a career path that you would recommend?


Answer
Brittany,

Thanks for writing. I'll see what I can do about answering your questions.

1) To get into the acting business, one needs to study the craft of acting, have headshot photos taken, and find an agent.

2) The biggest diffifulty of the acting business is staying employed. Acting is a free-lance job. There is a lot of unemployment involved with acting.

3) I'm not sure I understand what you mean about changing oneself. Just be who you are and you'll be accepted into the industry.

4) This varies. Some people go a lifetime without ever getting a real role in a film or TV show. Some get it a short time after starting their careers.

5) This is similar to question number 1.

6) Actors don't have a genre of acting. If they're good actors, they should be able to play a variety of roles.

7) Yes. Acting is a free-lance career. There will always be a lot of unemployment.

8) No. They are equally difficult.

9) Any age is a good age to begin your career as an actor. Characters are of every conceivable age and color.

10) Don't be an actor. The chances of you ever making a living at it are 1 in 100 million. If you can act just for enjoyment, not for a paycheck, then do it. Otherwise, find something else that you can do.

11) Yes, I believe it's true. However, it may take time for you to do it so don't be unrealistic about how long it may take.

12) If you love acting and can think of nothing else in this world that would make you happy doing as a career, even if it means that you will live a life of poverty, then yes, you should pursue a career as an actor.

Hope this helps!

Phil