I have a friend who wants to be an actress who lives in Hollywood. To get an agent, you have to have film experience and roles. BUT to get roles, you need to have an agent so he can give you auditions. How do you get roles, real movie roles without having an agent?
2007-03-15 14:51:19 · 5 answers · asked by * 4 in Arts & Humanities ➔ Theater & Acting
You sleep with people.
2007-03-15 15:13:09 · answer #1 · answered by lcraesharbor 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
There are many ways for an actor or actress to get roles in films without an agent. There are thousands of filmmakers in Los Angeles. She should check Craigslist, Mandy.com and Backstage magazine for roles. Who knows? Maybe of one those independent films will become the next big hit? In the meantime, she'll also be perfecting her acting skills, adding to her resume and getting a reel together.
"Real" movie roles go to actors who have "real" experience, so until she gets some practical experience acting in student films and low budgets, no one is going to take a chance on a "real" movie role.
Has your friend taken acting classes? Done workshops? Done theater work? Networking is a big part of the scene in Hollywood. Your face has to be out in public -- especially for someone wanting to pursue an acting career.
She could also look into doing extras work. She'll get to be around film sets and see how everything works -- and again, meet people in the industry. Also, she could get the coveted "upgrade" (when an extra is given a speaking line). There are agencies who specialize in extras. Again, look in the various trades magazines for legit ones.
All that being said, an agent is not the solution. A lot of people think agents are like employment agencies. No, it's more like a partnership. You still have to go out there and network. The networking never ends, but as you get more experience and more people know you, the easier it becomes.
Once your friend gets a couple of roles as an extra or has a part in a play or two, then she could contact the smaller agencies. William Morris or Endeavor isn't even going to consider anyone until they've done a couple of films.
All this information is in books at any bookstore in Los Angeles. The resources are out there. She just has to look around.
2007-03-15 22:11:53 · answer #2 · answered by Cheryl 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's not very often that you can get roles in a movie without having an agent unless it is in open call which is when anybody can come and audition. Having an agent is a highly necessary factor in being in a movie or commercial because when you have a good agent that usually means that you are talented and casting directors don't want to audition untalented people. If you don't have agent there is a chance that you are not very talent. So unless you are extremely lucky in finding an open calI I suggest you get an agent to get the roles you want.
2007-03-15 22:18:23 · answer #3 · answered by kdisney 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
To your friend I would say:
You don't. You start small, with roles in student and independent films, and then eventually you can put together a resume and a tape of your best work to show to agents and casting directors.
The other thing you do is network like crazy. Meet people who are raring to do films--producers, directors, writers, and other actors--and KEEP IN TOUCH. Make friends. You want these people to automatically think of you when they're on their next project that requires actors.
I think beginning actors make too big a deal out of agents. Agents are for established actors who regularly land large roles in films and television shows. When you're just starting out, you need to be your own agent. You need to learn how to hustle your own work. And you also need to be GOOD, so take classes and workshops and get some honest critiques of your work and your talent while you're at it.
Bottom line: You don't get an agent without paying your dues first. Sure, there are a lot of actors who seem to come from out of nowhere to become huge stars, but the truth is that most of these people probably struggled to catch a break for some time. Those who didn't just got extremely lucky.
If you want to be a real actor, you've got a lot of hard work ahead of you. So grit your teeth and dive in already.
2007-03-15 22:14:19 · answer #4 · answered by Carrie G 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
No, you don't have to have film experience. The best thing your friend can do is get some (good) professional headshots, and a book of L.A. agents. She should send you headshot and letter to all agencies she's interested in with a letter of intent.
2007-03-15 22:06:21 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋