I know, you’re saying “Larry, you just said several times that this is a business! Why would I act for free?” Great question. The answer is because no one is going to pay you without any experience AND there is a lot of very valuable experience to be gained out there – experience you desperately need (if you’re starting out). Seriously, you can’t submit to a talent agency (a topic I will cover in my Seven Steps To A Professional Acting Careerposts) when you have no acting resume’ to show them. They simply won’t consider you. Not only is this a highly competitive business, it is also a close-knit business. That means that your work builds on itself. Once people see you, hire you, and are happy with your work they often ask for you again and/or talk about you to other door-openers! That’s good and bad. It’s good for obvious reasons – free positive press and more work. But it’s also bad because 1) there are lots of others out there with experience that door-openers are already talking about and it’s not you; and 2) if people see you, hire you, and are not happy with your work (hence the need for solid training!) they may ask to not see you again – free negative press and less work (boo!).
So, the moral of the story is get out there and get some experience even if you’re doing it for free at first. There does come a point where you would not act for free anymore, but that point is not when you’re starting out.
“Alright,” you might be saying, “But where do I find this ‘free experience’.” Another solid question! In Atlanta and most other major metropolitan areas there are literally hundreds to thousands of filmmakers, photographers, and other behind-the-camera artists looking to make art. The problem they often have is a lack of funds to support their art and can’t pay an actor for their movie, photoshoot, etc. Their problem is your opportunity. You can find these artists through reputable trade organizations and independent film festivals like FilmAtlanta, 48 Hour Film Project, and Atlanta Performs. This is just a smattering and I’m sure in the comments below, others will list more (I welcome that!). As you start to dive into this realm, you’ll find lots of opportunity.
One last mention for experience that actually does pay something but is helpful only for actors brand new to film – extras work. If you have never been on a major film set – or any film set – this is a good idea for you. Companies like Extras Casting and Bill Marinella Casting are good places to start (if you live in the Atlanta area). Being an extra will give you a good idea of how things work on a set and make you familiar with some film lingo. You’ll also get paid (usually minimum wage) and walk away with a credit for your resume. More on extra credits later. Instructions on how to submit yourself to be an extra are on the respective casting websites.
So that’s it. Go out there and get some experience! For those of you who have lots of experience with a full resume’ but no agent, stay tuned for the upcoming post Seven Steps To A Professional Acting Career – Part 2.
Thanks for the information.
My wife has been snagged by on of these scam artists in the Atlanta/Buckhead area. http://aboutfacesmt.com/
My son dropped out of college after viewing one of their ads, sent them a picture, and INSTANTLY, had a reply..”you are exactly what we are looking for type of response.” My wife refuses to believe they are a scam, even after a close friend, who is in the industry and quite successful, told me to run far and run fast if they begin asking for $ up front.
How can you tell a Mom, that an agency who writes that her son “could be the next Justin Timberlake”, is a scam.
They refuse to listen to anyone, and I have to consider shutting down the bank account to save our families finances from these crooks..oh, wait they are not crooks, they did take multiple pictures of my kid, and to be honest an iPhone could generate better quality and graphics.
so sad. I have led them to this article to no avail….”you just don’t understand”.
Well, I do and I guess the only recourse I have is to close our bank account and open my own. I am not giving up on my marriage, nor my kid..its just time to take drastic measures so they will understand that the “modeling” agency is a total hoax.
best regards,
Bob, About Faces is a company that has morphed over the years. I’m going to email you directly to see if I can help.
Hello Larry,
Becoming an Actor is hard, no doubt you know this. And I want to get some experience. I live in North Carolina and there is rumor of extras being needed in a movie titled “American Animals”. I’ve wanted to send in a submission but I don’t want a scam heading my way. How could I know this is true?
Alyssa,
One way to check is to go to IMDB.com and search the full cast and crew list for that show. Look under Casting and you should see the Extras Casting company. If it’s the same one who is posting about needing extras, you can fell confident in submitting. If it’s not listed, just submit and if they ask you for money, you know it’s a scam. No legit extras casting company will ask you for money. Hope that helps.
Larry
Hello,
I wanted to comment on acting for free. I think if you’ve got plenty of money then acting for free is a great idea because it can make you friends if what you do is very professional. However, some don’t have the training to act and that does require a lot of training by a great acting coach. I want to point out that even if you can pay for it that doesn’t mean you can just go study with someone great. I am only saying that’s what I’ve been told.
Also, if you can spend your time doing extra work for $7 an hour then that’s a great way to be able to afford the expense to get to a free acting job. I don’t know how SAG membership works into this so my comment may be a miss. But, in reading this post I can see that it is fantastic and extremely helpful. I’ve never known if I have any acting talent but as a musician I’ve been around somethings and I think that audio video technique – how well you perform but also seeing what you do from the producer/directors point of view are wise prospectives on your professional pursuit.
I agree Alan. For someone getting started in professional acting – especially if they want to learn how TV/Film operates – then doing the extra work is a great place to start. And you are right, professional coaching is critical and I discuss that more in depth here: https://actingcareerinfo.com/sevensteps/
Thanks for your comment and for stopping by!
Larry
Hi, I have a friend that is using a talent agency out of Jax Fl. It is John Casablancas. Is this a legit company? Thank you for your help.
Hey Larry,
I live in Pennsylvania, a small town and not much around. I was wondering if you know of any places around here or even in New York or other neighboring states that have placed you can act for free at to build up experience if you’re just starting out or looking to build yourself up? Any help would be appreciated. I have been trying to find any help with this for a few years and hit dead ends every time. Please help?
Taylor,
Read my “Acting For Free?” post here: https://actingcareerinfo.com/acting-for-free/
Also, I created a course on getting started with an online casting company that posts a lot of acting opportunities all over the country. That might be helpful as well. It’s here: https://actingcareerinfo.dpdcart.com/product/125373 I kept the course really cheap, just to cover my costs of this site. Hope that helps.
Larry
I’ve only performed in the theater play the Wiz and I’m moving to NY to seek more opportunities what are some good companies to get extra work from.
I am not familiar with NY extras casting. Find some local actors, acting schools, or agents that can lead you in the right direction.
Hi Larry, could you please help me if you know any affordable acting school in LA and headshots? I just moved here and it’s so much choice that I feel completely lost. Mostly schools and headshots very expensive and I don’t know if it worth it. I have my headshots from New York (paid big price) but my selfie look better then them. Will really appreciate your advice
Leona
Thanks for your comment. You can find information in ourActing Reference Guide
Hi there. I really enjoy reading your blog. My mother and I were scammed several years ago ($500) by OneSource Talent in NYC. I’m now looking to gain acting experience – community groups, extra work, etc. to get a feel for acting again. I live in NYC and I know you’re in Atlanta, but would you have any websites, companies, schools you could recommend? Thank you.