Is this completely insane?

Question

The more I think about what I want my career to be the more I want it to be acting in feature films. I'd like to start now. The one inspiring me, is Dakota Fanning. She's only a year older than me. I've learned her style of acting by watching nearly all of her films and her interviews on YouTube. As you can probably tell, I'm a diehard Dakota fan. The thing is I'm not interested in plays. Just movies. That's difficult. I have everything planned out though. I asked on this sight if anyone knew any acting agencies near San Fransisco in a different question to find my agent-to-be. My friend homeschooled for a while. So, I decided that once I get started, my parents and I can just ask her family if they know a good tutor or whatever. So there's my learning situation. I think once I talk my Mom into it, she could take me to the sets or we could find a nanny person to do that. But please, does this all sound insanely impossible to you all?

Answer 1

No way. All the stars you see on TV and in movies now are PEOPLE just like you. They all had to come from somewhere with lives that were probably just like yours. Go for it! I'll be watching for you on the big screen!

Answer 2

Just a little because after you do all this, you are unlikely to get even one acting job in anty film. So if you are one year younger than Dakota your my age, 12, right? So how many casting directors are going to call agents for roles with no experience, no commercial, backroung or any other acting job?Most likely no one. You can't be picky because even if you get 1 audition, TONS of other people are out for the same role, and they have had experience. You also need acting classes because at auditions, not even half of your audition is about the acting. Can't tell you what more than 50% of the rest is, but an acting class will. So good luck, you have evrything settled and done except the role. A crazy dream that everyone wants, TONS of peple try and only a small fraction get.

Answer 3

First, get a reality check.
You, do not determine where you will work in the industry.

The Talent Agent makes the decision for you.
You are not the professional, the talent agent is the professional.

If the Talent Agent says you have zero talent and will never be anywhere close to Dakota Fanning as an actor, you have to trust and believe what he or she says.

If a Talent Agents feels that you are better suited to work in plays, he will only submit you for plays. He knows best.

If he or she believes you are better for commercials, that is what they will submit you for.

You, are the actor, you do not have control over what the Talent Agent wants, they are the professionals, not you.

One has a Talent Agent because the Talent Agent has the connections and is the professional in the industry, not the actor.

Actors, until they reach "star level," do not have control over their career. Got it?

Answer 4

If you feel confident in your acting ability, and have realistic expectations, then yeah, give it a shot. You never know what could happen.

Of course I have to go all "adult" on you and remind you that if you got into acting your parents would have to agree to your having a totally different schedule and being tutored. Also, the chances of landing a starring role in a feature film is incredibly, unbelievably hard because of the competition. Not that you should get discouraged, but you know, filmmaking is a business and a tough one at that.

You may not be interested in plays, but seriously, if I were you I'd at least consider them, since the acting experience gained in plays is invaluable, and since many major actors start by acting in plays. Doesn't mean you'd have to stay in plays forever--they'd just be one of the rungs on the ladder to films. Even James Dean got his start in plays.

Hope this helps!

Answer 5

well remember this that getting into the business is hard and even if you do get work. Here is the probablity that it will last threw adult hood. One out of one thousand child stars has a acting career as an adult. So I think that maybe you just have a pipe dream then go for it but dont waste too much money on it and do your research. But maybe pursue it as a hobby in your free time. So its not crazy to dream but it is crazy to blow money blindly with the promise of showing your profile to the right people. So just be careful.

Thank you for your time and good luck

Answer 6

It's possible, but you've gotta have the drive. You have huge dreams, and that's great! But determination is even more important than talent in show business, so as long as you keep pushing for it and never give up no matter what, you'll do just fine! And everyone starts somewhere, it's good that you're doing it now. Best of luck to you!

Answer 7

NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE!

My father thought I was COMPLETELY INSANE when I dropped out of college and went to LA to become an actor. I didn't even have a car lol!! And I didn't even start until I was 23 years old! But I have had a long, lucrative career as an actor and in the Entertainment Industry, over 20 years and going strong!

But unfortunately in this day and age, an actor can't pick and choose if they want to do Film, TV, Commercials, or whatever. You have to take what you can get. Of course once you make a name for yourself, you can make that choice, but even "name actors" sometimes have to make sacrifices and do commercials or TV. I recently went to a SAG "Conversations" event with Donald Sutherland and he said that even HE has to audition for jobs sometimes!

Anyways, I grew up on the same street as actor Eric Stoltz. When he was your age, he did school plays. But his parents supported him BIG TIME and paved the way for him. But the big break for Eric was when he joined the Santa Barbara Youth Theater Group. It was popular for Casting People, Agents, etc., to come to Santa Barbara and see the plays. Several actors got started there including Anthony Edwards (ER), Kathleen Wilhoite, and Kady Huffman (Tony Award Winner). You should seriously consider joining a youth theater group in your area, along with your school theater.

Aside from the obvious things like finishing school, and study study study study your craft, here is some neat info:

Advice from Parents and Kids in the Business

The following is advice from Yvette and Taylor Bright. Taylor has performed in both community theater and regional theater. She worked productions such as That's Andy! and the Annie national tour. She has also done commercial and print work.

Advice for Parents, by Yvette

1. Be flexible, the schedule is demanding.
2. The experience is the child's experience not the parent's.
3. Don't be afraid to take time away from the group when it's needed.
4. Have an open mind about schooling; don’t expect that the experience will be the same as at home. Remember: “not the same” doesn't mean not as rewarding; in fact, it's more rewarding.
5. If you are touring, sign up for all the airline and hotel reward points.
6. Keep open communication with company management and the education provider.
7. Visit as many sites as you can in the various cities.
8. Respect the adult actors' time and privacy.
9. Be professional; it's a business.
10. Have fun!

Advice for Kids, by Taylor

1. Have fun and enjoy every performance.
2. Learn as much as possible from the professionals you work with.
3. Get your rest, and drink plenty of water!
4. Be respectful and do what you are asked to do to make the child wrangler's job easy.
5. Remember you are there to do a job.
6. Share the experience with your friends and family.
7. Visit as many places as you can.
8. Be thankful for the opportunity.
9. Use your down time to keep up with schoolwork.
10. Laugh, Laugh, Laugh.

The following is advice from the Palazzotto Family. Deanna has done print work, community theatre, commercials, Off Broadway, and voiceovers.

1.Respect the word "business" in "show business,” Do not let the spotlights and excitement overshadow that this is, in reality, a business.

2. This is a "family commitment.” Have an open family discussion regarding how this commitment will affect your entire family and your present lifestyle. You’ll need to consider the following:

How will this affect your family’s financial obligations?

* Do you have the flexibility to take your child to auditions and accompany him/her on bookings?
* Who will have responsibility for any other siblings at home?
* How would your family handle the possibility of a theatrical tour or relocation due to a job commitment

3. Be honest with your child and make sure he/she understands the commitment involved and truly want to pursue a career in show business. Make certain your child understands that contact with peers at school may be limited and time to devote to social/school/sports activities will decrease as well. Auditions are usually after school and there is often little advance warning. Emphasize that auditions can be as frequent as three times per week and that performing arts instruction will also take up “free time.” Also, make it clear that booking a job can involve a time commitment of one day to several months, and can sometimes include touring or relocating.

4. Educate yourself about the biz. Remember this is a business and there is a lot to learn. Before jumping in head first, and for your child's welfare, learn as much as you can. Visit the web sites of The Screen Actors’ Guild (SAG), AFTRA (American Federation of Television and Radio Artists, and Actors Equity Association (theater) for the most reliable and current information. All three web sites contain information on child performers. In addition, a wonderful site for reference material is Lawrence Parke Acting Books
http://www.actingworldbooks.org/books.htm

5. Never pay money up front for representation. Legitimate agents/managers should never request or require upfront fees for photo shoots or any other type of service. Upfront fees are illegal in most states. You can check your Better Business Bureau for information on modeling/talent agencies. In most instances, fees for the talent agency's services are limited by law to 10%. If you choose to work with a manager in addition to an agency, keep in mind that managers can charge fees ranging from 15% to 20% (which is not regulated by law.) Of course, this would be in addition to the agent's 10% commission.

6. A must! Research and know the child theatrical labor laws in your state.
http://www.dol.gov/esa/programs/whd/state/childentertain.htm
Some states may require Entertainment Work Permits. If this is applicable to your state, your child will not be allowed to work unless a work permit is obtained. There are no exceptions. If the work permit is renewable, do so at least six weeks before expiration to assure a current work permit status. Some states (currently, California, New York and Louisiana) also require set-aside trust fund accounts. Information about these requirements can be found on your respective state's Department of Labor website or by calling to request information by mail.

7. Your child must be within your sight and sound at all times while working in film/TV/commercials. If there is an obstruction on the set preventing you from viewing your child, ask the employer/production to please provide a monitor for your viewing. This is a Union regulation; so do not feel intimidated about asking or speaking up if you feel uncomfortable with a situation that will affect your child's safety and/or welfare. Do not bring siblings to set. This will distract you from keeping a close eye on the child working.

8. Keep a diary of bookings and all paperwork/contracts/pay stubs/expenses/receipts (parking, transportation, wardrobe) pertaining to each booking. You may need this information both for residual tracking (if applicable) and also for tax purposes.

9. Keep a separate folder for receipts. Some expenses may be tax deductible if your child has met the financial requirements required for a deduction. Some possible deductions may include, but are not restricted to: continuing education with regard to your child's career (i.e., coaching, training); transportation; parking; photos; mailing expenses; wardrobe; laundry cleaning; union dues and professional dues; answering machines; pagers; cell phones; even, under certain circumstances, theater and movie tickets. Please consult a financial advisor regarding allowed expenses. The bottom line is: when in doubt, save all receipts!

10. Beware and proceed with extreme caution when promoting your child on-line and using on-line casting sites. Internet safety is a major concern because of child predators. If you choose to promote your child through a personal web site, never list personal information that would enable a predator to locate your child (i.e., date of birth, address, home phone number, etc.) Use a phone service number or P.O. Box for contact, if necessary. Also, keep in mind that a child's photo on a website can be copied and used inappropriately, and once it is circulated on the Internet it is usually impossible to remove or control. If you find it necessary to have a site designed for your child, use a professional web site design service that is familiar with web site security. The bottom line: For your child's safety and welfare, a reputable agent/manager should be used to promote and procure work for your child, not a personal web site.

11. Keep your child connected with his/her peers, both from the community and from school, to keep your child’s life as balanced as possible. Inasmuch as it is possible, find time for meetings with friends, for special school events, for after school activities, for sports, birthday parties, etc. The reality of show business is that a child actor's career can be short-lived. Many successful young actors grow up to find themselves thrown back to "reality" among their peers, either by choice or by chance. The way to make this transition easy is never to separate your child from his/her “pre-show business” lifestyle and friends.

12. Education should be a top priority! A child's career should never take priority over his/her education. You need to think long term. Explain to your child that there are no guarantees that an actor’s career will last through his/her entire lifetime. Let your child know that ultimately, "real world" responsibilities must be met, and it is important to have an
alternative career path, just in case.

13. Set up a meeting with your child's teacher/principal, at the beginning of the school year to advise the school of your child's situation. Let the school know that your child is a performer, and discuss what this will entail (i.e., frequent absences, etc.) throughout the school year. Find out what your child's responsibilities will be to make up the educational requirements and what the school’s policy is on absences. Also try to arrange for the loan of an extra set of textbooks to keep at home for use with on-set teaching.

14. Be prepared! Pack an audition/work bag and refresh the contents periodically. Include a change of clothes, grooming supplies, snacks (nothing messy or sticky), quiet games, coloring books/activity books, juice boxes (light colored juices that will not stain), your child's work permit and social security card, your child’s set aside trust fund information (if applicable), your child's birth certificate or passport, union identification (if applicable), your identification (license or passport), toll money, change for parking meters, audition diary. Have this all ready to go at a moment’s notice.

15. Be prepared for education on set! If you can get them on loan from your child’s school, be sure to have extra set of textbooks at home for on-set teaching. Prepare a backpack containing the textbooks, school supplies, writing materials, a calculator, notebooks, crayons, markers, glue stick, a dictionary, and whatever other items your child normally uses to do class work and/or homework.

16. Listen to your child! His/her feelings about working in show business may not be revealed through words, but through actions. If the smiles disappear and it becomes a chore instead of a passion, or if you see your child balking at auditions and preferring to be with friends, it's time to be honest with yourself and your child. It may be time to stop and put
“the biz” aside for awhile—or permanently.

17. Be supportive of your child, HAVE FUN and enjoy the experience!