Expert: Phil Nemy - 7/9/2006

Question
Mr Nemy,

    I was wondering if there is any credibility to organizations that offer to promote you. I mean, outside of the agent, I'm not sure if there are any other positions necessary until you reach a point where you need a publicist, a wardrobe styilist etc. I have been acting since the age of 7, with about 5-6 years in theater, 1 year of TV/Film in SF *Kids on Camera* and 2 years of film training in Los Angeles *Film Industry Workshops by the late Tony Miller* I'm looking for an agent right now, to re-enter the field. I stumbled across an ad on craigslist, by a company claiming to market and promote actors/actresses. Just wondeing if this is ascam. They do not want a percentage, rather an annual fee. I was also wondering about the state of the industry. As I understood it, a lot of productions were moving to Canada due to looser restrictions on filming permits. Is that still the case, or are a lot of projects returning to Los Angeles?

Also, on a personal note. Henry Winkler once told me that acting is indeed a craft, but it's mostly about reflecting life. If you haven't lived life, it's much more difficult to act. Would you agree?

Thanks in advance,
Kris Pyland

Answer
Kris,

Thanks for writing. Your instincts are right. Stay away from companies that charge a fee for marketing and promoting you. They're a scam.

As far as work, there continues to be productions in both Canada and Los Angeles.

Good luck!

Phil