When I say "homework", I mean it in so many ways. Homework starts immediately after you decide to be an actor. This industry is, as I always say - "TOUGH". As green or "new" people in the industry, you are a target for a way to make a lot of money. If you don't know what a quality acting coach is, then you won't know if he or she is any good or not. If you don't know what a quality head shot is, then you don't know who can take a GOOD head shot. The same goes with agencies. If you are the consumer, then you should always compare their prices to the industry standards (the average prices of class/headshot/etc). Also, agents will not charge you to represent them. They will get a percentage (usually 10% - 15%) of what money you make once you book your jobs while you are working with them.
Do your homework and look up information on your acting coaches - google them or go to imdb.com and check to see what movies they were in that were speaking roles. Also, you can maybe find their resume and/or reel online. Most acting coaches should have a reel, or video clips of them acting online. If they don't, then maybe they haven't been acting long enough to be coaching you. Try to find bio's on the acting coach to see if he or she mentions how long they have been in the entertainment industry. Ask other friends/actors what they have heard, seen, or experienced with them as well. Most acting coaches will have a time that you can come sit in during class, which should be free, to see if you feel like it is a good learning environment for you. Do you feel comfortable with the coach? Is he/she someone you could listen to and learn from? You should always walk away from class feeling like you got a little bit better and/or learned something. If you have been with that coach for a more than a few weeks and do not feel like you have learned anything, then maybe you should try another coach. Go to a few coaches and check out their classes before you settle on one specific coach. Even some good acting coaches may not be a great fit for you. Also, ask the acting teacher what type of acting he teaches. If he says theatre then ask yourself - "Do I want to learn how to act for the theatre, or for film and TV?" Make sure your dream is the same as what he or she teaches. An acting coach is not going to get or promise you work. He is not going to tell you that you will be a star, nor will he get you an agent; but maybe he can help you or give you advice. However, you have to take the initiative to do that homework also.
Headshot photography is one piece of the pie that looks a lot easier than it is. A great photographer, may not be a great headshot photographer. Go to someone that shoots almost only headshots - it is what they love to do, like you love acting. Look up some of the best headshot photographers in Los Angeles or New York; and get to know a good headshot. Check out some of the ones that you really like; and then look in your local market for someone that shoots similar headshots. The headshots should all be about the person in the photo. When I say that, (for example) I mean don't wear big earrings unless you are shooting head shots for a certain type of character. Most of the time you are going to need a headshot that looks just like you do in person. When a casting director brings you in to their office based on a headshot they saw; then that is who they expect to see. A head shot shouldn't make you look a lot younger, older, skinner, or sexier. It should look just like you; so put that in your notes for when you shoot - no big jewelry, loud shirts, or anything that could distract someone from looking at that photo and being drawn directly to your eyes.
I know most actors think you need an agent as soon as you start - Not true! Treat this industry with just as much respect as a doctor treated his when he decided to learn how to do what he loved. An overnight success in this industry is, once again, between seven and nine years; so if you truly want to make it in this industry, then "getting discovered" isn't going to cut it. Now, agents are going to help get you auditions; but you don't want to go on auditions until you know act or create real life in imaginary circumstances. Therefore, take a step back; and start by looking for an acting coach. I say "coach" because most schools don't focus on film and television acting. If you want to learn how to act in the theatre; then again, focus on an agent that works for theatre actors. When choosing an agent, check out their IMDB page. Also, check to see if they have a website that may give you more information on the agency. Ask anyone you know who is with that agency that can tell you anything more; or you can ask your acting coach which ones are the good ones. Usually, acting coaches will be up to date and current with what is going on in the industry - at least they better! This is what they are suppose to be teaching you, as this is what you are paying them for. That is the business of acting. If they don't know what is going on in the current industry, maybe they aren't the right coach for you. Plus, if you are at the point in your career that your ready to go on auditions and show them your BEST, then you should already have a wonderful acting coach that can give you some advice in any and all directions of this industry.
Remind me later, or just come to class. Then, we can talk about a whole other book. It's about homework when it comes to all the training and knowledge it takes to become a great actor. I hope you want to be a great actor - not just a good one. I don't mean a star. I just hope that you are in this industry because you love it. To be completely honest, if it isn't your passion, I don't think you should be an actor. Follow your passion and your life will be happy.
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