Careers: Acting, Performing, Directing/Placement year

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Expert: - 8/4/2006


Question
Hi, my name is Leila. I live in London and will be starting a four year management degree course this September.

The third year is a placement year abroad and I have my heart set on working with the Walt Disney company. So, I was wondering if you could give me some advice on how to go about this. For instance, do I need to gain certain experience before being considered. Also, what type of jobs could I apply for? What locations are offered? And is it paid work? lol.

I know I am asking really early but I want to make sure I am fully prepared to apply by having all the desirable requirements.

Thanks!

PS - After my degree I hope to attend an acting school. I am really interested in acting for film. Would you happen to know the top 10 acting schools regarded by casting directs and agents etc? I want to apply to Juilliade but I know that's hard to get into (not that that will stop me! lol). Is AADA good?

If you could give me the top ten places to study that would be great.

Thanks again!
Thanks again!

Answer
Leila,

Thanks for writing. In order to obtain an apprenticeship with Disney, you need to contact Disney's Human Resources department and explain what you seek.  If you're lucky to be accepted, then you'll be working in an entry level position such as an assistant. Even though you'll be in grad school, don't expect to be placed in a position higher than an assistant. Most likely, it won't be a paid position.

As far as acting programs, the better programs offer a BFA degree in acting, not a BA degree. The best programs are as follows:

Carnegie Mellon University School of Drama
Julliard School of Drama
Yale University School of Drama (Graduate Program)
NYU School of the Arts
Webster College
University of Washington at Seattle
Boston University
Brandeis University
Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts
California Institue for the Arts
North Carolina School for the Arts
University of Texas School of Theatre

Stay away from the American Academy of Dramatic Arts. They're not that good.

Hope this helps.

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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