Perspectives: On Acting with "My Big Break"

Sometimes it is almost impossible to speak about acting without the conversation turning to fame and success.  Fame is what so many people want.  Fame is what so many people in the business work for.  But fame is often misunderstood, misrepresented and mistaken for success all too often.  

When I started this blog last May, my first post centered on some quick thoughts on success and fame and the importance of loving the process of acting MORE than the drive and desire to become famous.  I think that there is more to say about this important concept.  

Wes Bentley, Brad Rowe, Greg Fawcett, Chad Lindberg and Tony Zierra

Back in December, I came across a documentary film called My Big Break.  My Big Break centers on four actors (Brad Rowe, Chad Lindberg, Wes Bentley, and Greg Fawcett) and their experiences with working, living and struggling as actors in LA.  Filmmaker Tony Zierra also lived with the actors and started documenting their lives.  What transpires is a first-hand look into fame, success, and life as an actor trying to "make it" in the business.

I was intrigued by the insight that this film shares.  It pulls no punches and in true documentary style, presents both the highs and lows of these individuals from an insider perspective.  It is by far the most honest, gritty and eye opening look into the acting business that I have ever seen.  

Be sure to head to www.mybigbreak.com to learn more and to view the film. (NOTE: the movie contains language, nudity of non-sexual nature and mild drug references. Viewers under 18 should have parent or guardian take a look first.)

Filmmaker Tony Zierra and producer Elizabeth Yoffe are great contributors to our Perspectives: On Acting series because of their unique perspective on acting and fame.  I put together a few questions for them and their responses are shared below for your viewing.  I hope you enjoy Tony and Elizabeth's Perspectives: On Acting.

BHS: What should actors really know about success in the acting world?

Acting takes devotion and total commitment. It's important to be passionate, but passion alone won't necessarily take you the distance. Just like in our personal relationships, passion fuels connection, but in order to stay in a relationship you have to be willing to stick it out through the downs as well as the ups. Same with acting. It's a hard and challenging profession, but real devotion through thick and thin gives you a much better chance of success. Also, you need to understand that success isn't the same as stardom. Success as an actor means you are working and making a living - or at least part of a living - and above all, that you are happy and fulfilled by what you've chosen to do. Some (if not most) of the greatest and most successful actors aren't "stars," they're character actors who play supporting roles and play them powerfully and memorably.

BHS: How would you explain the "business side" of acting?  And how important is it for actors to manage the business side of their career?

Acting is an expressive art, but the business side of acting comes in when an actor decides they want to make a living through that art. Part of the reason the profession is so difficult is that most actors don't have control over whether or not they'll be hired, and often feel at the mercy of someone else's decision. That's not easy to handle, but it's a basic truth of that profession. Let's talk about the most extreme example of the acting business: Hollywood. The toughest truth that most actors hate to hear is that acting in Hollywood is primarily about business. As harsh as it sounds, in Hollywood an actor is a commodity.  You'll be judged by how well you can be marketed, how much money you'll make for yourself and for those who handle your career, your willingness to participate in publicity tours, interviews, photo shoots, talk shows etc. This reality is terribly jarring for actors who move to Hollywood thinking that when they make it, the only thing they'll be asked to do is act. Rather than getting discouraged and rebelling against that truth, you should work hard on your craft, develop strong support systems and embrace the fact that you are working a job, not just expressing yourself.  

BHS Note:  Be sure to head over to My Big Break's blog for Elizabeth's great entry titled: "Playing The Fame Game On Planet Stardom" for more.  

BHS: What are the best things actors can do to stay grounded and focused on their career and what's best for them personally and artistically?

Actors need to focus on what they can control rather than what they can't. You should hone your talent by taking classes, reading great books about acting, and watching top notch films with acclaimed performers in them (not just American films...There are great actors worldwide). You should attend theater and read plays. Immerse yourself in everything that is part of the craft of acting. You must learn how to present yourself effectively in an audition, whether it be for stage, film or TV, and make sure your head shots and resumes are professional and appropriate. A head shot(s) should look like you, not a glamorized version of you. Your eyes should be the main focus of the shot - squinting or shadowy shots can look cool, but they don't connect as well with casting directors or clients. 

Stay clean and sober. When you slip into substance abuse you throw away all the hard work you've done to become successful. Make sure you surround yourself with supportive, grounded people who will give you honest feedback. You should be supportive of others too, and not waste energy thinking of fellow actors as "the competition."  Instead, think of them as colleagues.

BHS: What are your thoughts on actors learning to embrace their look or type?

Most actors resent being typed. After the excitement of becoming a working actor wears off, you often start to feel boxed in by being cast as variations of one kind of character: "the hot girl," "the nerd," "the best friend," "the heart throb," the scary guy" etc. The truth is, everyone, whether they're an actor or not, emanates an impression, an essence, a vibe - and unless you happen to be one of those rare actors who is such a chameleon that they disappear into each role, you'll be typed to some degree no matter what you do. 

Rather than getting upset about it, you should learn to understand the essence of who you are and enhance it. No two roles are exactly alike, even if the "type" is similar. Learn to focus on nuance and subtlety. Exercise your creativity by challenging yourself to make each performance as different as possible. Also, types can be fluid throughout your career. As you age, your type is likely to change, so be patient and be grateful that you're working. It's a triumph.

BHS: What are some of the biggest myths about Hollywood and fame?

Myth: Hollywood is the ultimate destination for actors. Any serious actor should move there. 
Reality: There are many places actors can practice the craft they love, especially if they are drawn to the stage. Yes, if you are set on being exclusively in film, and live in the United States, you probably need to go to Hollywood, but really serious actors should never rule out practicing their craft on the stage. For everyone who is not based in The States - you don't need to go to Hollywood unless you truly want to. A lot of the best film, television and theater is created outside of the U.S.

Myth: Hollywood is about creativity and the art of acting. 
Reality:  The main focus of Hollywood is business. 

Myth: In Hollywood, you can party hard and still take care of your work. 
Reality: Heavy partying will distract you no matter what you tell yourself. Your craft should always be your priority - not partying. Learn how to have fun in moderation.

Myth:  Fame will bring you happiness. 
Reality: Fame has nothing to do with happiness. Many people who become famous go through a terrible time trying to adjust to it. Only you can bring yourself happiness.

Myth: Once you hit it big you've got it made. 
Reality: Getting your big break is just the beginning. Even the most powerful actors spend a great deal of time trying to stay on top - or even stay working.  Be focused, be grounded, and never, never take any of it for granted.

CONTRIBUTOR BIOS:

Elizabeth Yoffe is head of the production company True Studio Media. She received a B.A. in Theater Arts from Bennington College and an M.A. in Education from Antioch University, Seattle. She worked as a regional casting director for many films and television projects, including Waiting For The Light starring Shirley MacLaine, Dogfight starring River Phoenix and David Lynch’s classic series, Twin Peaks. In Los Angeles she served as president of Cinewomen L.A., a non-profit organization dedicated to advancing the role of women in film. Yoffe is the producer of the award-winning documentary My Big Break. She also produced the award-winning Independent Film Channel favorite Brightness starring Eric Idle, Chad Lindberg and Fay Masterson and co-produced the Toronto International Film Festival official selection Carving Out Our Name. She is currently producing several projects including SK13, a documentary about The legendary director, Stanley Kubrick. Yoffe’s work as a freelance writer has appeared in Slate, The Week, Natural Health, Healing Journal and The New York Times.

From an early age, director Tony Zierra's goal was to become a filmmaker. He attended film studies classes at NYU, Texas A&M and UCLA. His first documentary,Carving Out Our Name premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival to much acclaim.  Shortly after, Zierra went on the road to capture America’s reaction to the September 11 attacks. The film that emerged,USA The Movie, explores the cyclical nature of violence and retaliation. Zierra's award-winning documentary, My Big Break, is a cautionary tale about the darker side of celebrity and the consequences of fame that also includes his struggle to make his first film. Zierra is in production on a number of projects including the documentary SK13, about filmmaker Stanley Kubrick.