Hey actors!
I’ve been getting a lot of questions lately about what steps to take to get started with an acting career…
So here you go!
How do I get my acting career started?
It’s no secret that in order to start booking acting work, you need to start auditioning... So how do I do that?
Step 1: Self Submit
Before you even start looking into agents, you can start auditioning for roles in short films, local commercials, and other small projects. These tend to be low-no pay but offer great experience, and sometimes even credits and or/footage (more on that later).
So, sign up for an online casting profile like Casting Networks. Unfortunately, these platforms no longer have a 'free account' version (which is such a pain!) So have a look at the options (Casting Networks, Showcast, Star Now) and see which works best for your budget. Alternatively... I hear that you can sign up to the Casting Networks free trial, and then immediately cancel it (very important!)... which then gives you access to the very membership... If you are on a budget, and if you can be bothered with that, that's what I'd do ;)
Anyway! Complete a casting profile asap, don’t worry about it looking or sounding professional yet, just enter what you have. Get a friend to snap some temporary headshots on your phone and use those, fill out your training and experience with you acting classes and any experience you’ve had (no matter how small), we will update all this later.
Then, spend 15 minutes every day scrolling the submissions and throwing your hat in the ring for anything that sounds like it could be fun.
Step 2: Agents
An agent is going to want you to set up a casting profile on either Casting Networks, Showcast, or both. And, since you followed step 1, you already have that sorted ;) Now you can include those links in your emails to agents, which shows them that you are on the ball and organised.
I recommend reaching out and speaking to as many agents as possible. This is not an audition or a job interview, this is a potential business partnership. So it is important to listen to your instincts and sign with someone that you feel good about on an interpersonal level. Remember, you’ll be interacting with this person often!
Agents
What to avoid/red flags:
Ads and Social Media Posts
Legitimate talent agencies never advertise that they are looking for new talent. So when you see those ads on Facebook 'searching for the next big thing' or anything like that, it is more than likely a company that is only interested in selling you a course/headshots/pay to play/membership fee or all of the above.
Costs
IT DOES NOT COST ANYTHING to join a talent agency...
A legitimate talent agency earns their money when you book a gig, and they get their commission... That's it. If a company tells you that you have to pay a fee to join, or an ongoing membership fee, or that you have to sign up for their specific acting course or get headshots with them or try to sell you some kind of package etc etc. - Run the other way!
As an actor, the only things you should expect to pay for is:
Acting Training/Coaching
Headshots
Self-Tape Equipment (if any) for auditioning from home.
Reputable Talent Agents in QLD
Here is a link to the MEAA website with the most reputable talent agents in QLD, plus some useful info and advice: MEAA QLD Agent List
Some names may be missing from this list, so if you have questions/concerns about specific agencies, or want to ask my opinion/advice about one before submitting and/or signing with them… PLEASE DON’T HESITATE TO HIT ME UP!… Sorry for shouting at you ;) But seriously, I am here and more than happy to help.
Representation Tiers
Many agencies will have a tier system in place. For example, they may have an entry-level that is for extras/background actors only. The next level may include tv commercials and featured extra roles (maybe even 1 line speaking roles). And the “highest tier” will be for actors auditioning for featured speaking roles in film/tv.
So how do I get into the tier I want?
This will depend on a few things:
Does the Agent have space on their books for your look/vibe
Does the agent believe that you have the appropriate skill/ability/experience for the desired tier.
Do you have what you need to be eligible for the desired tier?
What do I need?
Headshots: Understand that, outside of acting classes/training, headshots are essentially the only significant resource an actor needs to invest in financially.
You will probably want to update your headshots every 2-3 of years on average, more often if your look changes (age/hairstyle/colour change, piercings/tattoos etc.).
Professional headshots will absolutely be required by your agent to audition for commercials and any speaking roles in film/tv.
If you’d like recommendations for affordable headshots on the Sunshine Coast - shoot me a message!
Showreel: These days, it is a requirement for most actors to have some kind of showreel in order to be submitted for speaking roles in film/tv. Having said that, there are many creative ways to get a showreel for little to no money spent.
In the beginning, you could use some really good self-tapes in place of a fully produced showreel. Make sure you are well-lit (natural light is great), can capture clean sound, and can have an experienced actor as your reader. Get together with an actor friend, pick some fun scenes to work on, and help each other shoot some self-tapes. Upload 1 or more of those to your profile, boom!
Do as many short films as you can! Aside from being a ton of fun, great experience, excellent practice, and an awesome way to get early credits… it is also a fantastic way to get footage for your showreel. So submit yourself/audition for short films as often as you can! Better yet, write and produce your own short films with friends!
I hope this was helpful!
Leigh
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