Expert: Rusty Meyers - 7/16/2007

Question
Hi.....

I live in the UK and want to be an actress. I currently doing a business degree, which I enjoy - but my true passion is in acting.

I have been advised by professional actors that the first thing I need to do is decide what type of acting I want to do. I want to work in film, not theatre (although I wouldn't really mind it) as I am more passionate about the motion picture/ film industry.

So, I would like to know if you know which are the best schools within the US that offer good acting summer programs, whether a summer program would be good, and whether I should go to one that is aimed at theatre acting or film acting?

Also, I have the contact details of the top ten acting agencies in LA (as this is where I heard is the heart of the motion picture industry - and where I would like to move to after graduating from university). Should I send them my picture or should I stick to one in London? Is not having any experience in film etc very bad for when contacting agencies like CAA and William Morris?

To add, have you seen/ heard of those 8X10 clear headshot envelopes?? I’m thinking about using them when I contact some agents. Is this ok?

Kind regards

Leila Serrao


Answer
You want to be an actress or you ARE an actress trying to get some work and/or hopefully want to become the best actress you can?
The first thing you should do is look for the best coach (hopefully one that can be found on imdb.com) or is a recognizable name (google them) personal websites can be deceiving.
I would hope that you have been studying in high school or college and doing plays.
If you are interested in film or tv, theatre is still a great training ground for anyone to begin your acting career.
However theatre as opposed to film/tv styles/techniques can be quite different.
There are hundreds of good coaches and probably only ten's of great ones.
Audit (hopefully for free) as many of them as you can, and talk to people who have (or are) studying with them, and ask them what they have gained by going.
You will most likely NOT get a picture past the secretary of any agents of the calibre agencies you mentioned without a reference.
It does happen but don't expect it.
Do as many indie films as you can and start putting an acting reel (with actual speaking roles) together.
Don't expect to get paid for a while, as you are "paying your dues" and really shouldn't be wanting to get into the business for the money.
That will come when you are worth being paid.
Clear envelopes at least show them your photo without them having to open it, which they usually don't unless you have a name on the outside that they recognize.
Good Luck.