Expert: Phil Nemy - 5/12/2005

Question
  I am a high school student and i have recently been struggling to decide what career i want to choose.i am almost graduating and i have no idea what i want to do, all i know is that i want a job in the entertainment business.
  My goal and dream is to one day be a successfull movie actress. i love  watching movies and i always wanted to be in them. i want to be an actress one day but i dont want to jump right into it because i am not mentally ready for it, or experienced.
so this is my question: What job or career can i take right now that will maybe introduce me to the entertainment industry? What can be some helpfull tips to get started in a career like acting?
I want to have a career in the film business even if its not acting, i would like to just be part of a film and have important role for example, i am interested in film editing, extras, make-up, design and things like that. i have done a lot of research on these jobs but what i need is some advice from someone actually in the business that has experienced it first hand knows about the industry. Hopefully you have understood me and can answer my question, i would greatly appreciate it if u can help me out in some way.  

Answer
Stephanie,

Thanks for writing. Unfortunately, until you know what you want to do as a career, there's not much I can do to help you.

In the same paragraph, you san you have no idea what you want to do, and then you say you want to be an actress. But then you also say that you are interested in editing, being an extra, makeup and design work....!?

Which is it?

You're graduating high school - it's time you start thinking about what you want to do with the rest of your life. I probably sound like your parents, but it's true. You need to decide where your passion lies and SPECIFICALLY what career you want. Then you should find the best university of college program for pursuing that career, apply to that school for the best education in that field possible, spend 4 years training at that school, and then get out in the real world a pursue your career.

If you're still lost, read my book GET A REEL JOB as it will give you practical adivce about how to pursue your career.

Hope this helps. Good luck!

Phil