Careers: Acting, Performing, Directing/breaking into film

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Expert: - 7/17/2006


Question
Dear Mr. Nemy,

I am 19 and I'm planning on moving to L.A. in a year or two to pursue my acting/modeling career. I'd like to act in films. Can you recommend any affordable areas where aspiring actors tend to live?  once I get a day job, how long should I wait before searching for an agent?  As far as jobs, do you recommmend waiting tables or should I try to get a job as an intern or production assistant?

sincerely Brandon

Answer
Brandon,

Thanks for writing. Here are my answers:

1) Rent in Hollywood is cheaper than most places, but it's also not the greatest place to live. The San Fernando Valley is probably the cheapest place to live in LA, but also the hottest. The further North you go in the Valley, the less expensive and the lower the income of the families in the neighborhood.

2) I wouldn't wait to get an agent. Start working on it as soon as you get to LA.

3) If you want to act, wait tables or bartend. Being a PA isn't going to help you that much.

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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