Expert: Phil Nemy - 8/9/2006

Question
Hi Phil,

I wrote to you a few weeks back asking about some info on vancouver and production out there. First of all thanks for the advice. I was just wondering what the best way is to go about getting work there..seeing as I currently live in England..any names of companies you could recommened writing to. Also,I would welcome your views on becoming an extra. Is this worth doing in vancouver as it seems to have quite a healthy film and TV industry.

many Thanks

Kerry

Answer
Kerry,

Thanks for writing. I'm not sure I'll be much help here. If you want to be an actor, there aren't really any comanies you can write to about employment. Acting is a freelance job. Companies don't hire actors into a salaried position. Casting Directors read and audition actors for roles in productions.  If you are cast, then you'll work for the shooting period and then be unemployed. Then it's back to looking for another production to audition for.

As far as extras work, write to the British Columbia Film Commission and ask them for the names of local extras casting companies. But keep in mind, they won't be able to hire you until you've actually moved to Vancouver. And again, extra work is freelance which means there will be times when you are drawing a salary.

Hope this helps.

Phil