Expert: Phil Nemy - 9/28/2007

Question
It's one of those situations where I know I could do it. I'm a  novice, but talented actress, have unusual good looks, the body, and I'd be willing to do all but move to Hollywood and become a pole dancer while I get my feet under me in real films. How do people really make it in this industry? I know it isn't all about talent because people like Arty Lang and Jessica Simpson are in actual movies. What's the "in"?

Answer
Isobel,

Thanks for writing. Talent is half the battle. If you have talent AND you make it, then you'll have a much longer career than if you have NO TALENT.

The other half of the battle is having what I call "the indescribable IT." You either have "it" or you don't have "it." What is "it?" If I knew that, I'd be a billionaire. "It" is that indescribable combination of looks, charm, charisma, and luck.

If the camera likes you, meaning if you look GREAT on camera, that helps a tremendous amount. If there is an energy about you when someone meets you, a charisma and/or charm that most people who meet you find attractive, than that helps a tremendous amount.

Jessica Simpson has "made it" because of her looks, her sex appeal, and the fact that she played upon her "ditziness." A great number of people in America (mostly males 15-25) find Jessica Simpson "hot and sexy." Most women think of her as an idiot, dumb blonde. She's not a strong actress, but she knows how to play one part very well - the sexy, dumb blonde.

Arty Lang has made it because a great number of people think he's funny. Comics have the distinct advantage of not having to be physically attractive to be successsful. But they MUST be funny!

If you have a great "look," a killer body, AND you have talent to boot (like actresses Angelina Jolie, Nicole Kidman, and Naomi Watts who are all gorgeous AND can act), then you're a major step above your competition.

But that alone doesn't do it. You also need some plain old luck! Being in the right place at the right time helps. Having a very good agent or manager helps. Knowing powerful casting directors, studio executives, directors and producers helps.

Hope this answers your question. Good luck!

Phil