ASK & DISCUSS INDEX

11 years, 4 months ago - Marlom Tander

ALL agents have open books, IF they like you. But getting them to realise that they should like you, well that's where that networking, youtube, youth theatre etc comes in.

I wasn't at all impressed with the 1st Talent site - if they are so good where are all the success stories? Compare and contrast with http://www.robertkellyassociates.com

Good luck.

11 years, 4 months ago - Melissa Dean

Purchase The Actors yearbook! It has everything in there - all agants and when they're books are open etc best buy for me every couple of years.

11 years, 4 months ago - Paddy Robinson-Griffin

Something to be aware of is that you're a product and you need to sell yourself to the right people at the right time. Will a Hollywood casting director come to shootingpeople as a first call? Unlikely. But then also, would you be ready if they came knocking? They will want to see what else you've been in, and at the very least that you're working regularly. They need to know you're experienced on set, that you're familiar with the whole process. SP is great for that - you can get a bit of showreel together and be supported as you find friends to shoot some shorts with.

And don't shy away from trying other roles - directing actors will make you more sympathetic to what directors need, which will make you a better actor. Swinging a camera will make you realise how different lens lengths will affect how close/big in the shot the actor appears and may help you appreciate why 'less is more'. Recording sound may give you an idea why soundies sometimes stop for aeroplanes or ask you to not rustle your clothes. You don't need to be an expert at the other departments, but have a healthy respect for what they are doing in an effort to make you look good - and how to help them achieve that goal!

Also, acting is oversubscribed. Go to Stratford-on-Avon and go for a Pizza, you'll be served by a (Shakespearean) actor/actress hoping for a break. Same in Hollywood for potential movie actors. What makes you different? How do you work anywhere, at any cost? If that means spanking £120 on kCCP or £1000 on making a few shorts that show off your talent, do it. You have to not just *want* to act, you have to *need* to act, you have to act even when there's no casting agent looking. Be extremely polite and lovely to people - many big screen 'hard men' are actually really humble and listen carefully to what is needed from them. If you meet a producer or director they must leave the meeting feeling they have a new best friend - and as an actor you need to be able to sense what they need from you in order to do that. Work on rapport, 'chemistry' can be learnt (which is why salespeople can sell stuff).

Make people want to work with you, show them you can do the job, assure them that you have the experience, go the extra mile, be early, be polite, be jovial but know when to shut up and say thanks. It's a numbers thing - keep at it, go for every suitable role, go for roles you're *mostly* suitable for, learn to sing, dance, sword fight, do stunt work. Get every license, get every skill. Learn to drive a forklift truck or ride a horse, whatever gives you the edge/angle for that one role you never know when will arrive...

I know that's not the answer you wanted, but it's also answering the question you probably should be asking. Good luck!

11 years, 4 months ago - Sharaf Shiekha

Another question. Seeing as the leaving of school age is 18 and I count for that, will I need a child performance licence until I am 18 and is it just for each production or do I hold it like a drivers license?

11 years, 4 months ago - Vanessa Bailey

Hello Sharaf,

You're not going to like this answer, but the first thing to do in this industry to get noticed is make sure your attitude is honed to perfection. Any whiff of ego will be picked up and you will be passed over. There are a million actors your age and what I would look for is someone who is firstly a great actor and secondly very easy to work with and willing to learn. You've had some fantastic advice from experienced professionals (Bill Thomas for example has a fantastic showreel with some great credits and is with Sainou) and you need firstly to learn to listen. Actually, that's the rule of acting - learn to listen! :D You may think you know what you need to hear, but people with decades of experience have more of an idea :) You must have Spotlight membership to have professional credibility. And any agent who has contacted you through Star Now probably isn't worth bothering with. You need a showreel, to show you can act on screen, and you need a top-notch headshot from a recognised industry headshpot photographer. Yes, these things take money. But if you want it, you'll have to work hard, earn the money with part time jobs and get it that way. We all had to do it. Hunger for the industry will get you a long way. Good luck! :)

11 years, 4 months ago - Paddy Robinson-Griffin

Not sure about that agency BTW - they don't claim to have placed anyone in any roles, which would be one of the first things I'd want an agent to be doing for me if I was their client.

11 years, 4 months ago - Marlom Tander

If you can find a collaborator (wannabe director, your own age) to film, (they need lights, camera, MICS), consider fronting your own youtube channel. It can be about anything. Off the top of my head :-

Game, music fashion reviews. Hmm, everyone does that. "Teen Cook" - that might have traction. Or "Teen London" - places to go, stuff to do, how to do it, as a teen in London. Maybe do multiple channels with a different persona/look/name for each. If you speak more than one language, do multiple versions.

Do the work to show that you can do the work, and use that to get into agents, castings etc.

Do the work to show that you are organised - try and work to a schedule, say "one shoot per week" so that you don't commit too much time, and ensure that the time you do commit is well used, (a valuable skill whatever you do in life).

While views are good, don't worry about them. This is about you showing that you can act/present etc to the people you point them at, NOT about being discovered via youtube. Though if you become popular enough to be hot, then all your problems are solved :-)

On another note - you don't mention if you are involved in youth theatre. If you aren't, you should be.

Also, if you have parents perhaps hoping you find another interest, SKILL SETS are great - sports, fencing, horse riding, circus skills, singing, dancing, languages are all good to have. Some parents might be persuaded to let you do courses in the hope that your interest turns that way... Hmm, "how I learned to...." could be good youtube material. Win Win.

Good luck.

11 years, 4 months ago - Marlom Tander

It's not clear how good or experienced an actor you are - no classes, no professional experience.

You surely have LOTS of school, local youth theatre, am dram under your belt? If you don't, then that's what you need to prioritise. Put some hours in. At your age you're up against the stage school kids at one end and the model brats at the other, both of whom have hundreds of hours experience on you..

What you need are STORIES - when you finally get face time with that proper good agent he not looking for someone who "wants" to be an actor, he's looking for someone DRIVEN to be an actor, and people who are driven find a way to be it, whether or not they get paid. Some who can say "when I..."

If your area lacks opportunity then make your own - e.g. put on a show at school, with you in the lead , natch. BUT be aware that when people OUTSIDE London hear about people in London complaining about a lack of opportunity, (except re affordable housing and lack of surf), we fall off our chairs laughing. If opportunity really lacks, start your own local youth theatre / comedy club / open mic in a youth club or school.

FWIW, when you do get in front of that agent, if your story is, "there was nothing going on so I made it happen - started a club, staged a show, created a YT channel, and yes, I took the lead - my ball, my rules", that is impressive, it should certainly get you an audition.

Good luck.

11 years, 4 months ago - Sharaf Shiekha

http://www.1sttalent.co.uk/ That's my agent.
Also, if someone could list reputable agents with open books I would be very grateful

11 years, 4 months ago - Cathy Conneff

Hi Sharaf,

There are occasional jobs on here for 15 year olds but Spotlight is where the vast majority of roles for people your age will go and where the vast majority of casting directors will look.

Also, in order to work professionally under 16, you MUST have a child performance license from your local authority or film makers etc cannot employ you. You can find out more here: https://www.gov.uk/child-performance-licence-england-scotland-wales.

It is a big outlay, I agree but acting is an expensive business and if you only spend on one thing, getting professional headshots on Spotlight is the thing that you should do.

11 years, 4 months ago - Sharaf Shiekha

Yeah, I've seen RKA before but as I said I have no experience and will hopefully be starting acting classes soon and maybe join a summer school. National Youth theatre has closed for this year but I'll apply next year.

11 years, 4 months ago - Paddy Robinson-Griffin

In addition to what Marlom says above, a good place to start will be your local council's film and events office - someone there will/should know a bit about film in your region and be able to guide you through your local system.

11 years, 5 months ago - Paddy Robinson-Griffin

One thing that makes things more difficult for you is your age. There are so many complications with minors including chaperones and school tutoring and restricted hours that lower budget productions just steer clear.

11 years, 4 months ago - Bill Thomas

There are many ways to spend money on marketing yourself and its a gamble, no more and no less, and the odds are not attractive.

Since I started acting in 1973 in has become a crueler and harsher profession but if you have the temperament, talent and tenacity it can still be a wonderful journey. Those things are free, and even if you have them will need all the education and qualifications you can get.

Its easy to cast a teenage adult in the role of a 15 year old and avoid all the problems Paddy talks about, which makes it even more difficult for you - and many actors of your age will have a lot of experience and maybe a stage school which makes them a safer bet.

I hope and expect the adults in your life are suggesting you concentrate on your general education and leave acting until you are older and boringly I agree with them.

There is, they say, no heavier burden than a great potential, and exploring that away from the savagery of the professional environment will be a great investment for the whole of your career, which I hope will be as long and as satisfying as mine.

I expect you'll ignore all that and go for it - get a showreel you are proud of somehow and flaunt it. Very few people "make it" by being modest! just be careful. There are monsters out there!

Bill Thomas (filmstar)
www.billthomas.co.uk

Good luck Sharaf

11 years, 4 months ago - cath le couteur

yes, excellent stuff from Marlom.

Sharaf, you should use Shooters to find like minded collaborators. That's a core part of what SP is for. Connect with other writers on SP, other actors, directors etc and make your own work. Mike Figgis's Digital Filmmaking book has been inspiring for many shooters too. Eg these three novelists who made their own debut feature for a paltry sum - the rights have now been acquired by Jack Black: https://shootingpeople.org/blog/2013/01/wizards-way-q-a/

11 years, 4 months ago - Xenia Glen

Hey Sharaf,

I posted a casting into the SP Casting bulletin today which you could be suitable for. It's an open casting, so you don't have to apply to go to it, you can just turn up. Here are the details:

Film London & Outsider Films are holding an open casting for young, London based people, for a variety of roles in a film directed by Riz Ahmed (Four Lions). Filming should take place this Easter.

They are looking to cast Asian Boys aged 13-18.

If you fit that description you can go to the open casting:

22nd March 2014
11 - 3 pm

Pulse Films,
17 Hanbury St,
London
E1 6QR

There's also another casting going into tomorrows Casting Bulletin which you would be suitable for, its for a production of To Kill A Mockingbird - so keep an eye out for that one!

A good site to look at for castings for young actors is Screen Terrier: http://screenterrier.blogspot.co.uk/.

Good luck at the audition if you go on Saturday :)

Xenia

11 years, 4 months ago - Sharaf Shiekha

Hello everyone,
I decided to have a refund from shooting people but as soon as I did, I realised my mistake. I have found the help extremely useful and thanks to all who have contributed. I have learnt a lot from the people who have contributed even if I did sound a bit arrogant at times (sorry if I gave that impression). I'm pretty sure my attitude is perfect, I'm not snobbish, loud or arrogant. However, I have unfortunately signed up with an agent who I believe to be a scam and yes I payed for 20 photos to be taken, I understand that now but If I leave, I need to give them 6 months notice! Without an agent I can't get into spotlight! Damn! I'm screwed and I'm 16 in a 2 months so is there still point in getting a licence as it will probably take 2 months to go through :/ Thanks again for the help from all of you! P.S. I can play drums :)

11 years, 4 months ago - Cathy Conneff

Hi Sharaf,

As I understand it, most work for under 16s goes through agents or Spotlight. Are you currently licenced to perform from. Your local council?

11 years, 4 months ago - Steel Wallis

Join spotlight now,,,, It is digital, online, you don't have to wait for the next book to be printed,,very few casting directors buy the book. You agent can do very little with you unless you're on it. Why isn't he/she telling you that. Does your agent rep other child/teen actors.

There are jobs out there on spotlight, commercials mostly, but you have to have your license in place. The turn around from casting call to filming, especially in commercials is super quick, so most CDs wont even see you without a license.
Personally I think you should prioritize Spotlight over Shooting People, especially as it seems you are not interested in any other aspects of the industry.
Best of luck

11 years, 4 months ago - Sharaf Shiekha

I am not licensed to my council but I do have an agent and I will join spotlight when the books open in April :)

11 years, 4 months ago - Bill Thomas

Well, the real answer to your specific question is no. THERE ARE NOT MANY. There are some. Is that useful?

This is a useful discussion around the subject,though, with a great deal of common sense for anyone with the sense to listen to advice!

11 years, 4 months ago - Melissa Dean

Hello,

I would suggest joining a group like the National youth theate- this is one of the best young groups out there and gives you brilliant opportunities to get your foot in the door of the national - most actors dream of working there!

Secondly, you could join casting call pro. They have a one month free trial for paid work and then you have to pay BUT you can join the unpaid version of it, just means you can only apply for unpaid work.

Lastly, be careful. There are so many unlegit companies out there wanted to take your money. NEVER EVER pay for an agent. If any say you can join for free but you have to pay them for pictures, it's a scam. Dont ever foget that!! There are many theatres offering youth theatre and i would recommend getting in on these, they will open many dorrs for your future - if I could go back and do that i would,

Good luck!

11 years, 4 months ago - Sharaf Shiekha

I did listen to your advice but I wanted a more filtered answer. Your answer was great.

11 years, 4 months ago - Paddy Robinson-Griffin

Brilliant tips from Marlom there. Do them all.

11 years, 4 months ago - Paddy Robinson-Griffin

Hiya,

If you've no professional experience this is time to take lessons/get coaching/join youth theatre groups. Ask at your local theatres, keep asking, someone sometime will give up and let you in. Professional coaching will make a difference, even if it costs a bit of cash to get it. Also can you busk? Can you play a guitar and hammer out some classics? Or dance? It's all performance in public, and if you learn and get decent at one or more such skills you can earn some cash busking at the same time. It takes balls for sure, but so does acting and baring your soul every night.

As for money, I understand it's tight to non-existant. We're so lucky these days though that a mobile phone camera will outperform a bit shoulder mounted VHS camera of 30 years ago. Far more important than the technical quality though is to start and keep working. Make 50 crappy films with a mobile phone, the 51st might be brilliant and by that point you've also got more experience, confidence, thought about editing, directing, understanding the whole process.

Case in point - 'Limmy' the Scottish comedian made his (still modest but watch this space) name doing webcam stuff for youtube, built a following, then had several series on BBC Scotland, then some of that ended up on iPlayer in the rest of the UK, so he got a slot on Screenwipe... slowly building, but building from doing stuff all the time, working even when there was no audience.

BTW you're lucky being near London - the country is so weighted towards London it's crazy - make use of it. In London you have high and low culture, incredible and truly world-class facilities, every weekend there will be maybe 50 short films being shot and looking for crew and sometimes also cast. Go to the theatre as often as you can - see whatever is on Sunday Matinee with remaindered seats for a fiver be it opera or something in a backroom somewhere. See everything, watch the performances, see what other people do well and badly, learn from their performances.

Loads of people go around with their eyes shut and will watch 10 people make an error before making the same one themselves - be smart, learn from everything and everyone. Everyone has opinions, many will be wrong, but always listen and discern for yourself what works *FOR YOU*. And that includes every single word written above...there is no one easy answer in life, you might land a Hollywood blockbuster role next week out of the blue. But you also may not - so have a backup plan (or several - none will work out as you expect anyway) and keep making opportunities for yourself. The more contacts, the more experience, the more you engage with the scene the more likely you'll be in the right place at the right time.

And, as ever, good luck!

11 years, 4 months ago - Sharaf Shiekha

Nice advice Paddy, but loads of things you've said requires quite a bit of money to which I don't have (bear in mind I'm only 15). I also have no professional acting experience yet but I do have an agent and am constantly applying through StarNow. However, I may just get that Rapport, chemistry book :)

11 years, 4 months ago - Marlom Tander

Google is always your friend :-)

https://www.gov.uk/child-performance-licence-england-scotland-wales

I haven't had dealings with child performers, but this certainly suggests that it's something the producer applies for when he wants to hire you, not something you need to get in advance. Though if Shooters with direct experience contradict this, that's fine with me :-)

Interestingly there is the implication that the detail is handled at local authority level, which means that there might be local polices as well, so talk to your council as well. They know the rules as will be applied to you.

11 years, 4 months ago - Tracy Bargate

To be honest there are not that many paid casting for any age, but the quality of the work I've done through Shooting People has been fantastic and very creative, so I still consider it worth being a member. I would suggest you also have a look at http://www.ideastap.com which is specifically for under 25s and has some great opportunities.

11 years, 4 months ago - Marlom Tander

Name the agent.

Also, you are under 18, and as such the contract is almost certainly voidable (i.e. you can walk away from it)

http://www.inbrief.co.uk/contract-law/contract-with-minors.htm

Even if the contract would stand, so what? If you write off the money you paid then the agent would really have to show a court that they made a loss of some kind, and that he thought he'd win. Frankly, if I was that agent I'd save my money.

Go talk to other agents, let them decide if they will take you on, existing guy notwithstanding. I suspect that at your age (teens, not just 15), you don't need an agent, you need an industry RESPECTED agent. People here might suggest some.

cheers

11 years, 4 months ago - Sharaf Shiekha

I don't think most of you have got the question that I asked. I don't want to be a film maker because I will not be able to provide anything to them, budget, equipment and the rest. Youtube isn't my thing to get noticed as well. I have an agent but all I am asking is IF THERE ARE ANY ACTING JOBS FOR MY AGE RANGE ON THIS SITE.
P.S. don't take the all caps lock as me being angry :P

11 years, 4 months ago - Natashia Mattocks

Whilst SP has a cheaper membership per year, it lists less acting jobs than some of the other casting sites. However there will be more opportunities to collaborate - which may give you the chance to develop a showreel. Good luck.