Careers: Acting, Performing, Directing/film careers

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Expert: - 1/28/2005


Question
hello, phil.
i've been in the technical side of live arts for many years; am looking at alternative careers, but don't really know where to focus; i have done everything from designing light, to producing independent music, to stage/production management, audio work, light acting, etc., but have always wanted to try film (i used to produce my own "film shoots" in my front yard as a kid; we didn't have a camera, but we had our minds and a fist rolling imaginary footage :)
can a background in theatre/live arts be useful in film?  

Answer
Helen,

Thanks for writing. Yes, a background in theatre is helpful for a career in film, but is certainly not required. I worked in the professional theatre for over 15 years before I made the transition to film and TV. But I was unable to transition at the same level as I was in theatre. So be prepared to have to start much lower on the totem pole and work your way up as there is a lot to learn about this industry versus theatre.

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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