Acting: Stage vs. Film

            Many new and aspiring actors do not understand the difference between acting on stage versus acting for the camera.  Yes there is a difference and I have learned this from experience.  They require some of the same effort and technique but they are fundamentally different.  So as an actor you have to decide which type of actor you are or will you try to master them both?

            Stage actors are very big.  They build characters and bring them to life on stage.  Doing this requires you to be open and often over the top.   It requires big use of the body because the message the character is trying to deliver must reach the whole audience.  On stage you have on time to get it right, so you must always be in the moment.  It requires the actor to build the character in the presence of the audience to take them on the journey.

            Film actors are less dramatic.  Film acting is being natural.  Because the camera picks up every nuance, the actor must always tell the truth.  Stage requires lots of facial emotion and big movements. On camera, less is more.   There has to be a certain stillness for the camera.   Film is not always shot in sequence so it requires more of the actor to stay in character. Also with constant repetition an actor must work to be believable and have the same delivery every time.  

            Many actors are unable to make the transition from stage to camera.  It definitely takes lots of work and training.  You must also have a great understanding of both.   Stage actors have to learn that less is more, but without making themselves look dry and unbelievable on camera.   There are also many film actors who find it hard to transition to the stage.  Because they are used to the stillness needed for camera it is hard for them to embrace a full body character and all the emotions required for the stage. 

            As you continue your acting journey, define what time of actor your are or create a plan to conquer both.

How To Become An Actor

         Becoming an actress, does not happen over night, not unless you are in the .01 percentile with very good luck.   Acting takes time, patience and money.   How are much are you willing to invest?  You are only as good and the product you market.   Becoming an actor means taking acting classes which could range from $75-$125 a month.  Some of us get a degree in theatre and we all know that degrees do not come cheap.   You must also invest in quality headshots.   These sitting range from $100-$300 depending on the photographer.   You then have to consider the cost of reproduction of you headshots.    Remember quality is important because these are your calling cards, the things that will get you into the audition.

            Often I meet people who want to be actors but they don’t understand the cost or are not willing to invest in themselves to put their best foot forward.   People must remember that acting is a job.   A great example is , why would I apply to an IT position, but I have never studied computers technology.  I know I like computers, and I think I can do it, so I think I will apply,  this formula does not equal success.  Below are a couple of tips that will help you on your journey to become an actor.

1.     Ask yourself why is it that you want to act?  Is it just something fun to do, or is it your passion?

2.     Take a few classes.  This will help you get a better understanding of acting and whether or not it is something you want to pursue

3.     Continue taking classes.   Learn the craft.  Understand the difference between theatre, and acting on camera for film vs. commercial.

4.     Invest in quality headshots.  (You pay for what you get) Remember this is what they see before they meet you, so your pictures must sell you.

5.     Invest in quality reproduction of headshots.

6.     Start building your resume

a.     Audition for community theatre

b.     Audition for student films

7.     Once you are studied and have starting building a resume, begin submitting to agents.   Do an internet search to see which agents are excepting new clients.  You can also send a potential agent comp tickets  to one of your upcoming shows so that they can see you in action.

With Patience & Persistance, May you find success!!!

Misha Moore

How to be Successful

            As artist we all want to be successful, but many do know how to be successful. As I listened to a speech by Richard St. John, a success analyst, I was inspired to share this with you.    His speech focused on 8 Secrets of Success.  According to St.John, through research and interviews he found the big eight secrets that would lead to success.   As I listened I was inspired because I agreed with his principles.  As I continued to digest the information he had just disseminated, I realized his eight secrets to success coincided with biblical principles.  So I set out to find scriptures that were directly related to the 8 secrets that he shared. For many who view his video they will just receive the 8 secrets, but I wanted something deeper. A greater understanding of how these 8 secrets could be applied to the biblical principles in which many of us believe. 

        In this industry we are constantly faced with rejection. But when you know that you are walking in your purpose, you need little reminders to help you keep your focus.  I encourage all of you to look at the 8 secrets and keep them as a daily reminder that success is around the corner. Not because Richard St. Johns say so, but because of WHOSE YOU ARE!

1.     Passion: Proverbs 18:16   We all have talents and if we use them properly we will not have lack in our life.

2.     Work: II Thessalonians3:10   In order to survive we must all work, but when you are doing your passion it never feels like work.

3.     (Good) Practice:  Matthew 7:24 Practice means to do repetitively in an effort to get better.  When we practice continually we are building a strong foundation for our gifts.

4.     Focus: Proverbs 23:7   Concentrated focus. Focus on one thing at a time and master it. Always let your thought be positive. You can achieve whatever you put your mind to.

5.     Push:   II Timothy 2:  Never give up. We have to push to fear, shyness and all other inhibitors to reach success.

6.     Serve:  I Peter 4:10 Never be selfish. Serve others and watch doors begin to open for you.

7.     Idea: John 18:34   Have your own ideas.  Know for yourself. Create your own path   

8.     Persistence: Romans 2:7   If you fall get back up. No success is overnight. Keep going now matter what, because success will soon follow if you keep the course. 

Keep Pushing,

Misha Moore

Agent vs. Manager

          How are you being represented?  As an actor you have either an agent or a manager. Some may be fortunate to have both, but this is definitely not without cost.   Most people starting out do not understand the difference between an agent and a manager.   They are definitely not the same and should never be confused.  What’s the difference you ask?  Well let’s take a look at the task of each:

Agent:  

            Any actor wanting to have a thriving career seeks out an agent.   An agent’s primary function is to send you on auditions.   They get you work.  They should never be paid up front.  Agents will get ten to fifteen percent of each job that you book.  Many agents will sign you to an exclusive one year contract. (A later blog will focus on exclusive vs. non-exclusive contracts).  It is imperative to seek out a reputable SAG-Franchised agency because they understand that when you book a job they get paid.   Also, this is why it is important for actors to have proper marketing materials and training because a reputable agency will not sign you if they feel that you will not benefit their company.

Manager:

            A manager handles the daily affairs of an actor.  They deal with press- releases, signing, appearances, and negotiations.   Managers handle the overall career of an actor.  Most actors will not have managers until they are well established and are in high demand.   As an actor it is hard to prepare for auditions and work on projects all while managing daily affairs.  A manager gets a higher percentage than and agent does.  A manager receives fifteen to twenty percent commission.  The actor and manager must always be on the same page about the direction of the career of the actor in order for it to be a successful relationship.

             For actors just starting out I suggest getting great headshots, training, and experience in community theatre and independent films.  Once you have established yourself begin to research reputable talent agencies in your area.  Check out their websites and see who is accepting new talent and begin submitting yourself.  

I found this informative video and hopes that it helps you as you seek out and agent.

Continue to shoot for the moon,

Misha Moore

Finding Work

    How many of you are self management artist?   Many times without an agent it can be a little frustrating trying to find work.  This week we will focus on a few websites that every actor needs to visit daily.  These sites provide casting breakdowns and are updated daily.  I am  sure that all regions have their own localized sites, but we are going to look at some national sites and also sites specific to the southeast region.

 1.  Playbill: If you want to be on Broadway or to be part of an international or US  national touring company, Playbill.com's Casting and Job Listings is a MUST WATCH site and it’s totally FREE. Thousands of job seekers have found opportunities through this service, and you can, too!
Manually log in and check this site at least once a day to check updates. Postings are primarily for theatre. Searchable for performance opportunities, admin and tech jobs, classes and other categories of work. Searchable by state and province. (Note: search only NY if you’re primarily interested in New York City/Broadway based or tour co work).

2. Actoraccess: My agent referred me to this site.   Many agents use this site to submit their  actors, but as actors we can get the breakdowns and submit ourself for a minimal charge.  Actors Access is the tool by which actors can see those roles and opportunities CDs want actors to have access to – hence the name. 

FREE to register. Annual fee for upgraded service. Check site for details. By registering, you also put your profile into the Breakdown Express database which is searched by Casting Directors when they are searching the database looking for specific talent.

As a registered Actors Access user, you can post two photos for free and additional photos for a per/each fee. In addition, you can freely swap out either or both of your two free photos as often as you wish with new photos. Create and maintain your online resume that is accessible to casting whenever you make a submission. This resume is also linked to via your agent or manager if you are represented, thus updating your resume for 'everyone' at one time is fast and easy.

When reviewing the Breakdowns that casting has posted for actors on Actors Access, as a registered user you have the ability to make direct electronic submissions to casting for roles listed that fit your Profile and casting's requirements.

3. THESOUTHERNCASTINGCALL: It is free to register this site. This site is great for someone who is just starting out in the industry.  It provides information on breakdowns for different regions.   This site is completely free, you just have to register to get access.   It list breakdown for many states in the southeast it also has other valuable forums.   There you can seek out agents, have general discussions, and get referrals for classes and training.

These are only a few of the sites that are available to actors.  I encourage any actor who is serious about their career to research these site.  I would also suggest doing all the research that you can because there are so many sources available to you. 

Misha Moore

Let's Get Connected

     Here in Atlanta there is a great monthly event called Get Connected. It is an entertainment industry mixer that has taken the city by storm.  In January it start with about 200 attendees, in July the attendance  swelled to an awesome 1250-1500 attendees.  This event is for anyone in the industry.  It is where everyone connects writers, investors, producers, actors, editors, directors, musician all meet and connect for the evening.   The event takes place every fourth Thursday of the month.
     Each month is a different theme.  Last month focused on media and marketing and this months focus will be on investing. Get Connected is a non-profit that also gives back to the community from the proceeds raised at the events.  This event has brought out many celebrities.  Each month there are screenings of short films that were produce in the city.   There are also host who do  interviews for Get Connected TV.
     I have the opportunity to attend this event as an attendee and as volunteer. The last three months I have been able to serve as one of the volunteer coordinators. I am able to see first hand what goes into to making events like these happen. The facility has to be secured, vendors must be organized, food must be secured, volunteers need to be organized, screening have to be selected, and the list goes on.   There are production meetings and venue walk through the week of the event.  I now understand the importance of having a great team in place. This event would not be possible if not for great teams and proper planning.  
      This is a great event for anyone in GA who is in the entertainment industry.  Where else can you go and meet so many industry professionals.   In July there were representative from SAG Atlanta, AFTRA, and The Grammys.  This event offers great exposure for up and coming artist.  In June a lady attended and within a weeks she was hired by Turner Broadcasting, which later caused Get Connected to be honored by the Mayor of Atlanta.

 So I say if you are in Atlanta come out and GET CONNECTED!


Misha
     

Are You Dressed for Success

     This is a topic I have been wanting to address for a very long time.  Each time I attend an audition or an industry mixer, I want to pull ladies young and old to the side and say What were you thinking?.  I see so many fashion faux pas that it is nauseating.  Ok, maybe I'm exaggerating a little, but it is disheartening to say the least.  Dressing overly provocative will not enhance your chances of getting a role. As a mattering of fact you may be hurting yourself.
      There are important things that men should consider also when dressing for an audition.  Clothes that are are too big hide who you are.  Actors must understand that people see you before they get a chance to meet and hear you.  What impression would you like for person to have when they first lay eyes on you.  Also it is not always necessary to dress in character for an audition, showing up in a witch costume is not necessary not unless they specifically ask for it.  Here are a list of things that will help improve your first impression:

• Make up should be used to enhance, not to make you look fake.  
• If you have to keep tugging on your skirt so that it does not rise so that people can see your unmentionables, don't wear it.
• A little cleavage is ok, but if your shirt is tight or too small and your girls are about to reveal themselves, save that for a hot date. 
• If your heels are too high and you can not walk with ease, then you should not wear them. 
• If you are wearing a white shirt, then a bright pink bra is not acceptable.
• Don't wear clothing that are too big. 
• Ripped jeans are  do not make a good impression 
• Don't wear things that are overly flashy or shiny
• Try to refrain from black and white

Fashion Do's Other Professional Tips

• Do wear clothing that is appropriate. Professional attire say a lot about you.
• Wear heels that are comfortable and allow you to move with ease.
• Wear colors that enhance your eyes and skintone.
• Wear soft tone makeup that enhances your natural beauty.
• Men wear clothes that fit. 
• Wear simple colors 

I love how casting Director Marci Liroff put in her video blog.  She states showing us how you dress show us how you think.

Much Success,

Misha

Auditioning 101

Ok, you've just been invited to an audition, so what now? As an actor auditioning is our interview.   Just as others prepare for the questions that may be asked in an interview, we as actors must prepare by knowing the material given to us.   There will be times that you are given sides in advance, there will be other time when you are asked to do a cold reading. No matter what you are given, you must be prepared at all times.

•       Your audition does not begin when you enter the auditioning room, it begins as soon as you arrive.  
•       Timeliness is very important arrive about 15min early just as you would for a corporate interview. 
•        Dress for success. Yes as an actor you must dress in a certain manner.  There will be a complete blog on this subject.
•          Be professional at all times.  You never know who’s watching you in the holding area.
•        Know your material. If you are given sides in advance, know them.  If you are cold reading, take a minute to absorb it, and then don’t be afraid to make bold choices.
•          How many times have I heard it from casting directors, and have said it to others when I casting NEVER APOLOGIZE!
•         Never reach to shake hands with the casting director or anyone at the table unless they reach out to you.

The attached link give a few tips on auditioning. The video at the bottom also reiterate my point that your audition starts as soon as you walk in.

        http://www.actingbiz.com/articles/auditioning_tips.php

          One of my acting coaching told me “ Don’t go to get the job, go to do the job.”   That was one of the best tips she gave me. My other coach told me, “Always be in the moment”.  These are only a few tips to get you started on the path to acing your audition.  The next few post will discuss auditioning more in depth.   

  

    Until Next week,

    Misha Moore