Expert: Phil Nemy - 2/13/2004

Question
Dear Mr. Nemy,
  My name is Lauren and I am 15.  I go to a Catholic high school in the midwest.  I'm interested in a career in acting or directing, but I know this can be an extremely difficult business.  I am a good student and I try very hard.  I am not sure, however, how to get started.  Should I attend a college for acting?  Should I move to LA or New York?  I am somewhat clueless, so I am looking to you for answers.  Please give me any advice you can.  Thank you in advance for your time and consideration.
Sincerely, Lauren  

Answer
Lauren,

Thanks for writing. You are correct in your belief that pursuing a career as an actor or director is an extremely difficult undertaking if you expect to make a living at it. The chances of you ever making an annual income of six figures, year after year, as an actor or director, is about a million to one. That's why you MUST love what you do. If you don't love it, then pursue something that can satisfy your passions AND your pocket book.

I encourage you to attend college. It is an experience that for most people only comes once in a lifetime. If you truly want to pursue acting or directing, then try and get into one of the best schools for acting or directing. Only after you have spent 4 years at a school studying and developing your craft and talent should you then consider moving to Los Angeles or New York.

My book, GET A REEL JOB, has a section for starting your career as an actor, as well as a section for directors. I encourage you to read these sections as they will be helpful to you. You can find the book at www.reeljob.net or at www.amazon.com.

I hope this information has been helpful to you. Good luck with you career.

Phil