Expert: Phil Nemy - 8/9/2006

Question
Hi Phil, It's Leila.....again! lol. You gave me some really good advice about which drama schools to apply to so I have faith you will be able to help me again!

I want to pursue an acting career for film and television and read when you said that 85% of casts are from LA and only 10% are in NYC.

So, does this mean you would advice going to a school in LA? Or just moving there after studying elsewhere?

The thing is, I'm from London so I don't think I will have the chance to continue living in the US once my studies are finished (unless I get a job or something?)

So, I want to be in the best environment. But, I'm really keen on Juilliard and NYU. I know how hard it is to get into them but I am still going to try. Are they good for film actors?

What is your advice? Still apply to schools out of LA? try to move to LA after my studies? Or something different?

I would really appreciate it.

Thank you!

Leila

Answer
Leila,

I subscribe to the philosophy that the best training for an actor, regardless of which medium he/she wants to work in, is training in the professional theatre. Theatre acting is the foundation of ALL forms of acting in ALL mediums.

So, I would encourage you to enroll in the best professional actor's training program (BFA) you can get into, then when you're finished with school, move to Los Angeles and take a few "acting for film" courses so you can learn how to modify your performance for the screen. The prep work as an actor is still the same, but the output is completely different. In film, one acts with the eyes, with subtle movements and subtle looks. The subtext one uses in film and TV is the same for theatre. In the theatre, one must act to the back wall of the house, so things tend to be bigger and broader on a stage, especially in a house that seats over 1000 people. There are techniques you can develop that train you for adjusting your performance to the appropriate medium.

That's what I would suggest.

Phil