When people are interested in getting into acting, there are several things to keep in mind. I'm learning myself, so hopefully you'll be able to learn from my experiences as much as your own. This should help you a little in your own travels to becoming an actor.
One advantage I have is my mother who has been writing for a while, as well as working with pictures and making films. She's studying to become a screenwriter and thinks we might be able to work together some day. That would be fun! My brother is awesome because he helps us prepare everything too. Cameron holds the lights, tosses back lines in the script with me, assists with props, etc. And then, the only thing left is the high pressure part of acting! That's MY job!
After learning two songs, spending hours in front of the camera in so many outfits I could throw up, I had to begin to prepare for auditions. My mom and I practiced for hours as she threw curveball questions my way, telling me the right and wrong way to answer agents' questions.
The first few interviews were ridiculous, at best. I'm not going to tell you who they were with, but I will tell you what they did and why. For some companies, it's all about the money. Not the money your earn for them when they get 15% of your non-union dues, or the 10% of your union dues, but from you. No matter what pictures you give them, they try to convince you they aren't enough. They tell you that their photographers can work miracles and make you look awesome for $300 - $500. They walk you to the door without much more than a pat on the back and a promise to call. Do not expect a call back. But the obvious point is when you enter the office, if it's dead... get the heck outta there! That's a bad sign, especially if there are only one or two people running the whole affair. With that many people holding down the fort, how busy can it be?
As long as you have a great snapshot blown into an 8" X 10" and a resume, with some practice in "cold readings" you'll be fine. What's a cold reading? Some might think it's when nobody will be your friend and leaves you all alone, or perhaps it's reading outside in the snow. But these answers would be incorrect. A cold read is when someone hands you a script, gives you a few seconds, and has you read it. During the period you are looking at the words, it's better to know them too well than to forget them, so take your time. Remember, you only get one shot. Even if they let you read it again, they'll remember the first time. Secondly, when you're reading over it, only do it in your head, not aloud. You're only remembering the words, once you know them you can "say" them with feeling. Mom says that my eyes and tone speak twice as loud as any words I say. Some people say that it isn't what you say, but how you say it. Make sure you say it loud and clear!
