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Old 02-26-2009, 11:23 AM
 
1,398 posts, read 6,594,326 times
Reputation: 1838

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Working here for decades in the entertainment business as photographer, I would urge you to take Lumerian Feast's and nmnita's posts to heart, as they are spot on for real truth.

My take: do you have a SAG card? Do you have a plan to get one? Do you know that even extras have to conform to the ultra-thinness fad? (I remember one extra fuming "Why does 'Juror # 7' have to be Size 2 like the lead actresses on set?")

Do you know how to swim? What will you do when a part calls for you to drive a car? (Actors driving themselves into camera view in the final shot before car stops in close-up are not considered stunts, and actors should be able to do this.) How will you get to a go-see that our public transportation doesn't even come close to? Our public transportation is not as all-inclusive for our vastly spread out area as it's made out to be.

What are your previous production credits, real working/acting jobs where you live? If you don't have any, why not? This is the question anyone here will ask you. How do you get work without prior work? Not necessarily a paradox. Get an equity-waiver theatre acting job somewhere before you come here so you have at least a "real" credit to distinguish you from hundreds of thousands of naive wannabes with stars in their eyes. Without any genuine credits, nobody's going to go on your word that you're an actress and hire you, unless you look like Keira Knightley or Tyra Banks (tall, mega-thin, drop-dead gorgeous no matter what ethnicity.)

And yes, that's supposed to be realistically cynical. There are always factors in one's life, but never excuses. I've been in numerous serious accidents, cars totalled by illegals driving without drivers' licenses, and yes, known people killed in same, yet I carry on driving, the same as I carry on after the inevitable career rejections. You have to know the parameters of your chosen career. Even starving actors here have junker cars to get to auditions.

Also, I know online communication doesn't represent people well as all nuance of conversation and personal gestures are lost, but based upon how well you've communicated your aims in this thread, you need to work on your communication skills bigtime before you try your hand here. And real credits where you live now will make your confidence come off as well-founded, not unsupported. Nonetheless, I consider your querying here to be a step in the right direction of research before you come here. But without prior credits, you're not ready to make the jump even if you could afford it. Keep researching so you'll confirm that what people are posting here is the truth. Good luck.

And by the by, the most important aspect in all of the entertainment slots is the skill to network. Talent is...secondary.

Last edited by fastfilm; 02-26-2009 at 11:37 AM..
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Old 02-26-2009, 11:52 AM
 
13 posts, read 30,064 times
Reputation: 10
Quote:
Originally Posted by fastfilm View Post
Working here for decades in the entertainment business as photographer, I would urge you to take Lumerian Feast's and nmnita's last posts to heart, as they are spot on for real truth.

My take: do you have a SAG card? Do you have a plan to get one? Do you know that even extras have to conform to the ultra-thinness fad? (I remember one extra fuming "Why does 'Juror # 7' have to be Size 2 like the lead actresses on set?")

Do you know how to swim? What will you do when a part calls for you to drive a car? (Actors driving themselves into camera view in the final shot before car stops in close-up are not considered stunts, and actors should be able to do this.) How will you get to a go-see that our public transportation doesn't even come close to? Our public transportation is not as all-inclusive for our vastly spread out area as it's made out to be.

What are your previous production credits, real working/acting jobs where you live? If you don't have any, why not? This is the question anyone here will ask you. How do you get work without prior work? Not necessarily a paradox. Get an equity-waiver theatre acting job somewhere before you come here so you have at least a "real" credit to distinguish you from hundreds of thousands of naive wannabes with stars in their eyes. Without any genuine credits, nobody's going to go on your word that you're an actress and hire you, unless you look like Keira Knightley or Tyra Banks (tall, thin, drop-dead gorgeous no matter what ethnicity.)

And yes, that's supposed to be realistically cynical. There are always factors in one's life, but never excuses. I've been in numerous serious accidents, cars totalled by illegals driving without drivers' licenses, and yes, known people killed in same, yet I carry on driving, the same as I carry on after the inevitable career rejections. You have to know the parameters of your chosen career. Even starving actors here have junker cars to get to auditions.

Also, I know online communication doesn't represent people well as all nuance of conversation and personal gestures are lost, but based upon how well you've communicated your aims in this thread, you need to work on your communication skills bigtime before you try your hand here. And real credits where you live now will make your confidence come off as well-founded, not unsupported. Nonetheless, I consider your querying here to be a step in the right direction of research before you come here. But without prior credits, you're not ready to make the jump even if you could afford it. Keep researching so you'll confirm that what people are posting here is the truth. Good luck.

And by the by, the most important aspect in all of the entertainment slots is the skill to network. Talent is...secondary.
Wow. You must think me a real dunce. Not being funny, being totally serious. I am aware of how the business works and I hope to someday acquire a SAG card as an extra. And I know how to swim underwater if that makes any sense. I can drive and have attended Driver's Ed and done very minimal driving exercises. I know that in the future, I will have to get a car but insurance is something I can't afford, along with the car itself. So it just makes more sense to me to just put it on hold for now. And by the way, in response to getting real credits, that has a lot to do with my lack of money above anything else. It's hard to be an actress with no money. I opted for acting classes instead of headshots so right now, that's all I have. Every one of my classes I've been in, I was the best in the class. Not being cocky. It's true. I got it better and tried harder and was pretty funny too. I have a lot of personality even if it doesn't show in my posts. I'm very witty as well. Someone called me the next Tina Fey, which is the ultimate compliment. I was like "really?" It was amazing. By the way, Tyra Banks is fat. She's like 40 pounds heavier than I am.

And this communication thing you brought up, I don't get. If you knew me in real life and had an inkling of the person I am, you would want me to stop communicating with you, because I can talk a mile a minute forever. I don't usually at first cuz I'm a tad shy but I open up quickly and you can't shut me up. I know how to network, and I just love talking about myself so I think I'll do fine in that department. I can do anything cuz like I said, I'm an actress, meaning I know how to pretend I like people and I'm a new character everyday. Sometimes, I don't know who I am. It's weird. I think I touched on everything you mentioned. You seem very tough and kind of abrasive. I'm more passive and considerate. I'm a very good person. I don't do drugs or sex or anything really so I probably am NOT cut out for this business. Being that I'm not 15. I mean Miley Cyrus is more experienced than I am. Sheesh. That's sad. And it's not like I'm religious either. I believe in God but don't believe in organized religion. I just don't want that kind of life. I want friends, nothing more. I doubt I'll find any in Cali, but at least I'll be around other actors. Maybe learn stuff I'm not here with these amateurs. Although I'm an amateur. But these people are real amateurs. I hope they start to get better soon cuz I don't want them sucking the life out of my scenes. Maybe I will make them better. They can learn from me. Anyway, once again, I am not cocky or arrogant. Just good at what I do and serious about it. And everyone will see in the end that I will be the exception to the unfair rule. I will be somebody and I won't have to be a prostitute to make it happen. You'll see. You'll all see.

Okay, that was weird. And this is my last post cuz I have a life and an audition to get into this showcase tonight. I'm a ragdoll that's been discarded. Wish me luck. Since that's all I'm missing. Ciao.
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Old 02-26-2009, 12:15 PM
 
Location: Planet Earth
1,084 posts, read 3,277,726 times
Reputation: 857
To the original poster,
Why did you even bother coming on here asking the question if you just argue every answer you are given? Your mind was well made up before you posted here. You just hoped to get more positive answers than you did and now you are upset by reality.

It’s obvious you know more than everyone here and your will and desire is greater than the other 50,000 trying to make it big here already.
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Old 02-26-2009, 12:29 PM
 
13 posts, read 30,064 times
Reputation: 10
Quote:
Originally Posted by ZenMaster2008 View Post
To the original poster,
Why did you even bother coming on here asking the question if you just argue every answer you are given? Your mind was well made up before you posted here. You just hoped to get more positive answers than you did and now you are upset by reality.

It’s obvious you know more than everyone here and your will and desire is greater than the other 50,000 trying to make it big here already.
I read each and every post and do realize I have an uphill climb but I have had a hard life and I will not bore anyone with the details. And I desperately need something good to happen. Even if it's something dangerous and scary. I need a reason to push forward and find it very difficult to do so where I am. Circumstances got me here and I want out. I don't think it'll be better there but it has to be easier to get out of bed in the morning and start my day. On another note, my father is the biggest psychologically unsound, prejudiced, selfish, self-destructive, abusive (mentally and physically) person in the world. He's the reason I incurred physical abuse from my brother. It's a cycle. And domestic abuse as well as all kinds of abuse is something I believe strongly in preventing and hope I can contribute in some way if I am ever successful, in putting an end to it all other the world.

I guess I bored you. Sheesh. I was depressed for years, and sometimes feel it creep back in. Whenever I do something, I feel inadequate. The only thing I know I can do is act. That's it. I'm an okay singer but I need work. I'm a fairly good writer but I have trouble finishing what I start.

My point being I've let all these posts sink in but ultimately it's my decision. And if I want to try to have a better life, I'm going to. If I fail, at least I tried. I don't want to end up stifled and miserable. I'm letting it out and if no one wants it, fine. That's that. But I have to give it a shot. It may be the only one I have.

Peace.

P.S.-I don't know more than anyone. I would never say I did. I'm of an average IQ and background and feel no better than any of the other wonderful people on this planet. We are all unique and beautiful in our own way. Except me. We've established I'm nothing to write home about. I don't really feel superior to anyone. I just know what I want. I want others to succeed in finding their true happiness. Desire means nothing if you haven't the talent to back it up.
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Old 02-26-2009, 12:48 PM
 
897 posts, read 1,585,877 times
Reputation: 1007
I say go for it. The reality is that you'll probably have to live in some pretty crappy neighborhoods at first but there's no reason to think that you can't stay busy working as an actress.
If you're really good, there are little theater communities all over the place that are always auditioning and filming never stops in this town so extras are always needed. Hell, if all else fails, there's always porn.
I'm a local and have never made much money and have survived in this town just fine. Hell, I'm lower middle class at best.
I gave the acting thing a try as a teenager and stopped when it stopped being fun. But, if you're determined and willing to do all the BS that it takes to stay in the business (stay thin, be phony nice to EVERYONE, take crappy roles, etc) then go for it. Like I said, you can still get parts in local plays that pay and do extra work while you're auditioning for bigger parts. What I wouldn't do if I were you is get bogged down in a job like the one you already have. Working at a movie theater is for kids in school, not for aspiring actors.
Good luck. What's the worst that could happen? You fail? Hell, at least you'll have tried which is something that most people don't do when it comes to pursuing their dreams.
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Old 02-26-2009, 02:06 PM
 
Location: Bella Vista, Ark
77,772 posts, read 104,245,648 times
Reputation: 49247
Quote:
Originally Posted by ScriptChick27 View Post
I read each and every post and do realize I have an uphill climb but I have had a hard life and I will not bore anyone with the details. And I desperately need something good to happen. Even if it's something dangerous and scary. I need a reason to push forward and find it very difficult to do so where I am. Circumstances got me here and I want out. I don't think it'll be better there but it has to be easier to get out of bed in the morning and start my day. On another note, my father is the biggest psychologically unsound, prejudiced, selfish, self-destructive, abusive (mentally and physically) person in the world. He's the reason I incurred physical abuse from my brother. It's a cycle. And domestic abuse as well as all kinds of abuse is something I believe strongly in preventing and hope I can contribute in some way if I am ever successful, in putting an end to it all other the world.

I guess I bored you. Sheesh. I was depressed for years, and sometimes feel it creep back in. Whenever I do something, I feel inadequate. The only thing I know I can do is act. That's it. I'm an okay singer but I need work. I'm a fairly good writer but I have trouble finishing what I start.

My point being I've let all these posts sink in but ultimately it's my decision. And if I want to try to have a better life, I'm going to. If I fail, at least I tried. I don't want to end up stifled and miserable. I'm letting it out and if no one wants it, fine. That's that. But I have to give it a shot. It may be the only one I have.

Peace.

P.S.-I don't know more than anyone. I would never say I did. I'm of an average IQ and background and feel no better than any of the other wonderful people on this planet. We are all unique and beautiful in our own way. Except me. We've established I'm nothing to write home about. I don't really feel superior to anyone. I just know what I want. I want others to succeed in finding their true happiness. Desire means nothing if you haven't the talent to back it up.
what is it you are not understanding? You can not make it on $9.00 an hour, HOllywood is moving much of its movie production elsewhere which has been mentioned to you, there is no way you can get to any auditions without a car, the Rapid Transit isn't like the east coast and the auditions are all over the place. Los Angeles is a huge city, spread out like no other perhaps in the enite world.

I think the point is, you did come on here asking for advise and you will not take it..

Heck my husband and I had a dream many years ago, we were going to raise race horses or certainly buy one or two. In reality it didn't take us long to realize it was not going to ever be anything but a dream..You know what, we survived and never look back, wondering what if>.We all grow up or hopefully we do..

Some might think you are the next Tina Fey, that is wonderful, but is it true?

You might be great, a talented actress, but that isn't always what works. Breaking into show business isn't like breaking into the golf circuit or pro baseball where raw talent can get you there. I guess there is nothing anyone can do to change your mind, I don't know how you expect to live on the salary you will be making or how you think you will get from point A to Point B without wheels.

I almost feel sorry for you, so whether you believe in organized religion (which I don't know what that has to do with anything) I will add you to my nightly prayers..

Reading about your inabliity to finish tasks, your depression and your childhood makes it even more important for you to think not twice, but a dozen times about this. You are perfect candidate to fall into a life in Hollywood that may be less than desirable..

again, I know this sounds cold and Lord knows you have had a rough life so far, but coming to Hollywood right now just doesn't seem like the right thing. What are you going to do when you don't have a single penny, what if you can't get a job, (I know you already have one) who do you know in Los Angeles that will help you if you do need emotional or financual assistance? I am just worried that you have no clue what it is like.. As I have said before, I am rarely a negative person, but this time I just don't like what you are saying and I don't like the lack of vision you have..Call in Women's instinct, or call it being realistic with age..

Nita

Nita

Last edited by nmnita; 02-26-2009 at 02:57 PM..
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Old 02-26-2009, 02:26 PM
 
127 posts, read 498,848 times
Reputation: 63
[quote]
Quote:
Originally Posted by ScriptChick27 View Post
I read each and every post and do realize I have an uphill climb but I have had a hard life and I will not bore anyone with the details. And I desperately need something good to happen.
I understand and I hope something tremendously good happens for you.

Quote:
Even if it's something dangerous and scary.
Please draw the line here. Never do anything dangerous.

Quote:
I need a reason to push forward and find it very difficult to do so where I am. Circumstances got me here and I want out. I don't think it'll be better there but it has to be easier to get out of bed in the morning and start my day. On another note, my father is the biggest psychologically unsound, prejudiced, selfish, self-destructive, abusive (mentally and physically) person in the world. He's the reason I incurred physical abuse from my brother. It's a cycle. And domestic abuse as well as all kinds of abuse is something I believe strongly in preventing and hope I can contribute in some way if I am ever successful, in putting an end to it all other the world.
I'm sorry you've endured this. It could be you really want to get away from your family and many actors enjoy the career b/c they get to pretend they have perfect lives in their acting roles and forget about the abuse - at least for a while.

[quote]
Quote:
I guess I bored you. Sheesh. I was depressed for years, and sometimes feel it creep back in. Whenever I do something, I feel inadequate. The only thing I know I can do is act. That's it. I'm an okay singer but I need work. I'm a fairly good writer but I have trouble finishing what I start.
I understand this too. Just keep pushing forward. Keep putting one foot in front of the other and you will begin to feel better about yourself. Stop being so hard on yourself. You're still here right and that amounts for something.

[quote]
Quote:
My point being I've let all these posts sink in but ultimately it's my decision. And if I want to try to have a better life, I'm going to.
Quote:
If I fail, at least I tried. I don't want to end up stifled and miserable. I'm letting it out and if no one wants it, fine. That's that. But I have to give it a shot. It may be the only one I have.
Then go for it. Will you have family willing to take you in just in case it doesn't pan out? If so get on the next Greyhound and come see what Cali is all about. You may be a little disappointed but at least you tried right?



Quote:
P.S.-I don't know more than anyone. I would never say I did. I'm of an average IQ and background and feel no better than any of the other wonderful people on this planet.
Quote:
We are all unique and beautiful in our own way. Except me.


I'm sure you are - if you really want to make it in Hollywood you need to have an unshakeable confidence in yourself that states I AM the BEST to walk in this room and no body can touch me!!! If you are this weak then you will get chewed up and spit out in this business.

Quote:
We've established I'm nothing to write home about. I don't really feel superior to anyone. I just know what I want. I want others to succeed in finding their true happiness. Desire means nothing if you haven't the talent to back it up.[/quote
]

I pray you get direction and peace in your life. Please keep us posted. Since I am still currently here I will try to advise as best I can but my knowledge is limited also. Take care.
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Old 02-26-2009, 05:16 PM
 
300 posts, read 1,175,582 times
Reputation: 113
Quote:
By the way, Tyra Banks is fat. She's like 40 pounds heavier than I am.


If you're serious about that...
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Old 02-26-2009, 06:22 PM
 
61 posts, read 176,875 times
Reputation: 40
wow that was a ton of messages after mine.

well, ScriptChick, just keep us up to date on when you head out to LA!

my comments: neutral
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Old 02-27-2009, 12:45 AM
 
66 posts, read 148,937 times
Reputation: 46
This thread is unreal. I hope she does come to LA and prove us wrong. And I must say, her posts have entertained me. So maybe she really is the next Tina Fey...
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