Tuesday, June 19, 2012

The BREAKDOWN on Starting Your Acting Career...NOW

The business of acting has changed, indeed.  What used to be all about files, hard copies of head shots and resumes has in many ways gone digital.  Some things that go digital can often be counter-intuitive/productive for positive communication, but in the business of acting it can be the break that those of us outside of the large metro areas need.  


I work directly with young actors in the Central PA area between Philadelphia and Pittsburgh.  Many young actors do not have any idea what to do with starting their acting career in this area and think that because we don't live close enough to LA or NYC (or other metro areas) that they can't get started.  While this may have been true some 10-15 years ago, it just is not any more.  Technology has changed all of that.  Technology and social media is a great place to start for any young actor/creative.  Get connected.  Some very talented people are blogging, tweeting and 'facebooking.' This past Monday, I was participating in my daily Twitter session when I made the following connection with the always amazing Actors Access:




@ActorsAccess YW! I'm looking 2 do a blog series that spotlights sites that focus on actor work/training/info. I'd love to use you guys!
Almost immediately, I received an email from Jenna Pass (Breakdown Services Director of Media Communications) about my interest.  Within hours we emailed back and forth, and also had the opportunity to speak over the phone about all things casting.  To say that she was helpful, informative and professional would be a gross understatement.  Jenna answered questions with ease and precision and did it all with a positive and helpful attitude. 


I've been wanting to share information about starting out as actors outside of metropolitan areas for some time, and this is the perfect time to do so.  Jenna's information is SO good, so concise and so helpful I've decided to keep it in its original format from her email.  If you or someone you know is looking to get a jump start on their acting career, look no further than this blog post and remember that everyone has to start SOMEWHERE.  Why not start today?  Enjoy!
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The following is taken from an email from Jenna Pass to Ben Hodge and is used in permission.

It was wonderful to talk to you this afternoon! Thank you so much for spreading the word that is Breakdown Services.

Below you will find the information on the companies I mentioned during our conversation. Please let me know if I’ve left one out or you need more information on any of them.

ActingLink (www.actinglink.com) - ActingLink.com is a new division of Breakdown Services.  The site can only be viewed by industry professionals such as validated casting directors, talent representatives, producers and directors.  It allows these industry professionals to search a database of actors who have posted scenes on the site by scene genre, age range and ethnicity.  ActingLink is especially useful to acting students who may not have professional clips to show to talent representatives or casting directors.  

The six month free promo code for your students and readers is BHS61812. If anyone has any questions they can email actinglink@breakdownservices.com or call 310-276-9166.

Virtual Channel Network (www.virtualchannelnetwork.com) Virtual Channel Network (VCN) is the network for the entertainment industry. Their goal is to provide FREE programming of interest to studios, executives, filmmakers, directors, producers, writers, casting directors, agents/managers and actors – literally everyone in the entertainment industry. VCN’s programming includes everything from educational segments to events in Hollywood. If they have any questions they can email info@virtualchannelnetwork.com or call 310-276-9166.

Actors Access (www.actorsaccess.com) There is no charge to register and establish your account on Actors Access. By doing so, you put your Profile into the Breakdown Services database which is searched by Casting Directors when they are searching the database looking for specific talent. You can optionally receive email notification of the latest roles posted that meet certain criteria in your Profile. You can email out a link that links back to your material that you wish the recipient to see. With your registration you can post your resume and two headshots for free. For more information you can email info@actorsaccess.com or call 310-276-9166.

Eco-Cast - Eco-Cast is a virtual pre-read audition system. This game-changing creation allows casting directors to see actors audition from anywhere in the world in the comfort of their homes or wherever they may be. Movies such as “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo,” “True Grit” and “Twilight” have all used this innovative tool. You can learn more about Eco Cast at http://www.breakdownexpress.com/content/ecocast.html.

Please let me know if you have any questions. Thanks again for your interest in Breakdown Services.

Best,
Jenna Pass
Breakdown Services
Director of Media Communications
2140 Cotner Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90025
310-276-9166 ext. 413
jennap@breakdownservices.com
_________________________________________________________________________________


I would also like to add that I asked specifically about connecting with legitimate Casting Agencies in the PA area and Jenna reminded me about the Casting Society of America (CSA).  This is also a great resource for you up and comers.  Select your state/region and the CDs in your region will show up.  Head to those websites, follow any directions for submissions and considerations and count that as a safe and great start to regional work. Since this post has gone live, one of my 18 year old actors has submitted her information to be included as an extra in an upcoming Colin Farrell/Terrence Howard film called Dead Man Down that is shooting in Philadelphia within weeks.  


So there it is BHStudios Blog readers.  Four great sites (Five if you count CSA) to help you get your acting career off on the right foot without buying in to any questionable or shady casting/modeling program (See: ProScouts).  Remember: it is important to get started somewhere.  Technology allows us all to do things that we've never been able to do before.  Take advantage.  Start your online profile TODAY.  I always tell my actors that NO ONE will notice you outside of this area if they don't know who you are.  Technology and specifically these sites mentioned can help you expand your reach.  Good luck.  


I hope you found this post helpful and I'd love to hear your thoughts in the comment section below.  What has been your experience with starting your acting career?  Stay tuned for more great content from BHStudios Blog.  Thanks for reading!

9 comments:

  1. Another smart thing to do is to check with the Film Commission in your area. They will have a listing of all the films and tv shows - anything that is filming in your town. You can then play detective and find out who's casting it and if you're right for anything - be it a speaking role or background.

    If you're in a town near a University and they have a film department - get in touch with them and find out what films they're doing. It's a great way to get experience. There are still a lot of jobs you can do when you're non-Union.

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    1. Very astute additions, Marci. I would also assume that staying busy/active with community theatre or student films (see that University comment) is good for business as well. I think readers should also check out your blog post on self-taping. You really help clarify a lot of the mystery/anxiety behind self-taping. Your comments will prove helpful for anyone planning on using Actinglink, Actors Access or any of the other online services.

      http://www.marciliroff.com/site/blog

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  2. I love this post.

    And, I completely agree.

    I live and act in Seattle. Well, I act wherever I can, but, being stationed in Seattle, I am fairly limited. I don't have representation in LA or NY, so I work on projects on a local level. We ("we?") have two TV shows which are produced in Portland - Leverage and Grimm - and Seattle folk are often hired there.

    I believe in using technology, social media, and community to grow one's business (the actor is the business). I have made so many connections via Twitter, and, honestly, I believe that those connections will lead to work very soon. Work in other markets. My efforts have led to work here, in Seattle.

    I cannot wait to pursue the leads above.

    Thank you for this post!

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  3. This is such unique information, and I'm so happy that you've shared it with us! A couple of those online databases I haven't even heard of - thanks for shedding light on them :)

    I have already found having an online presence activating my career in ways it otherwise would not have. I have found Twitter to be a great tool: I've met two great actors from Twitter in the last couple months, and have plans to meet at least 3 actors/filmmakers in the next month. And one of these I have dicussed working with later in the summer. Just a little time of value spent connecting with others leads to quite a lot of fulfillment on both sides.

    Can't wait to check out these sites you've listed!! Thank you so much, Ben!

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  4. You're very welcome! Getting "out there" online has proved beneficial for me as well even as a teacher and coach. The greatest parts have been the connections that I have made with actors and creatives like you and others across the country and world even. It also led to the information for this post as I was able to make contact with Jenna Pass from Breakdown Services (Actors Access). We even spoke about setting up an acting intensive in this area for the local actors because of this. Again, the connections and conversations have been priceless. Thanks for sharing and I am glad your found the shared information helpful.

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  5. Great post, Ben. It's amazing how effective having an online presence can be for an actor. When I returned to acting after having a child, I knew that I had to find a way to do some of the work from home. So I became affiliated with a reputable blog that was far reaching, hopped on Twitter, and created a website. Best decisions I've ever made. Thanks for sharing these great tools. I'm sure your readers will benefit from them. I did!

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    1. Glad you enjoyed it and thanks so much for your comment! Your story is one that needs to be shared! You sound like you are keeping the dream alive and continue to press on towards your goals. As you mentioned, an online presence is a great way to start that process. I'm glad that you found the online links to be interesting and helpful.

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  6. This article is wonderful!! Thank you very much Mr. Hodge. I have been looking all over the Internet for some useful tips on how to start my acting career and I can honestly say that I have found many on your blog. Unfortunately, I am not sure how to really start. Please allow me to explain. I have noted every single source in this article( as well as the ones in the comment section) but the available jobs in my local film ask me for head shots and resume which I don't have yet. I don't have anyone that can help me with auditions, or anything that can prepare me. What should be my very first move? I am a college student but I am very dedicated to an acting career and I am not afraid of the time and attention that it will ask of me. I hope you can help me. Thank you!!

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    1. Thanks for reading and posting. Crazy week for me and I apologize in my delay on getting back to you. Sounds like you have some good questions that I would love to talk to you more about. The quick response is that if you are serious about your acting career, you will need some things to bring to the table before getting "into the game." Your headshots and resume are an important place to start. Also start looking for classes, training, or acting opportunities in your area ASAP! I'd love to work with you more on this if you are interested. Please don't hesitate to email me at benhodgestudios@gmail.com to set up a more focused discussion and possible "coaching" session where I can answer your questions in real time. Let me know! Be well.

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