Boston Movie Extra

I just got this email today asking me what my thoughts were about traveling from MA to NYC for extras jobs... My answer was unless it's a speaking role..it's not worth it. If you have a bit part, going for an audtion, or have an actual paying part...by all means go. Unless you have a place to stay it's not worth it to travel 3.5 hours to work as an extra for an avg of $120 to $300 depending on how the day goes. Because lets say you went to NYC worked as an extra and only worked 8 hrs..(it happens) and then drive back to MA or NH (buying gas,eating, coffee, etc.) what did you profit in the end. Bottom line stay in MA there is plenty of work to go around either way of the spectrum (non-union / union).

For those that may remember back in the early 90's there was a tradeshow specifically geared to the film / theater industry this time of year. It was a fantastic 3 hour show that consisited of casting directors, classes, photographers, unions, and so much more! It was such a great resource for everyone involved from the businesses to the talent and I think it should be something that should be brought back. Unfortuneately it died with everything else in the late 90's and has yet to resurface. So to the MFO and SAG/AFTRA let's try to bring it back this trade show in this really hot market.

Besides the weather which is getting better and hopefully we don't get any more snow, how about the film business?! The film business which was looking a lot like the mid to late 90's just jumped back up from a slump. As you can see from yesterday's blog and the constant rumors on new projects coming in, things are looking good. The Governess and The Fighter seem that those two big project might be shelved at the moment but I think we might see them come to light in the near future. Plus you need to keep in mind with the success of Mall Cop that brings in an attraction from Hollywood, on the other hand if we had a series of flops well that would be another story. Always remember there are plenty of jobs behind the camera also, so I think in the end we should be ok.

All films have either wrapped or are wraping except for "The Surrogates" which a lot of people have not worked on because of specifics they are looking for. Now at the end of the month we have the strike that could either be good and end quickly or do some serious damage for future projects. So lets refelect on a great first part of the year and lets hope and pray for a just as great second half. But in the meantime you serious actors out there piviot yourself towards theater. Because any artist can tell you in any field of the arts "there is never any completion in training in the arts". There is plenty of work summer stock, summer theater, etc. Anyone can walk across the screen or be a party guest, or be a cop, etc, etc, etc. But theater you are thrown into the fire and that's true acting, that is if you are serious about this craft.

The entertainment business is a huge business and if someone was to tell me that there is no work out there, well my friends you are not trying hard enough. There are plenty of jobs in the movie business but it's not all about acting. Do you want to be in the movie business and make it a full time career well look in other avenues (casting, crew, make up, locations, coaching, etc.) the list is long. The head of the film commission had said in a recent expose that there were "plenty of jobs and not many people to fill them". What! that amazes me. These jobs can I say are fantastic and I mean fantastic paying jobs, so if you have no reposnsibilities GO FOR IT! you can always do the acting thing on the side. Always remember one thing many people working behind the scenes were former actors. Start looking because you do not an I mean do not want an opportunity to pass you by, especially in a HOT market.

Matt S. wanted me to post the answer to his his question and the answer is some people are favorites to certain agencies. Is that fair? Of course not but it has been happening for ages. My opinion is everyone should get a crack, because the "no-one" my just be better than "the favorite" remember most dark horses win races. So to my "non favorite" friends, push the envelope and market yourself the correct and suttle way where you do not become annoying. Because remember everybody this is a small city and annoying names get remembered, and that is not a good thing. Remember if you really want it, you can become it no matter what the occupation. Want to make a note that I will having a 4 to 5hr seminar based on this blog this summer that talks about getting ahead in this business with a no holds bared type of way which is how this business should be presented. The correct presentation of how to start or be in this business is what should be delivered,...

Look we all want the job but nothing says prepared for an audition more than having a monologue at a moments notice. It doesn't matter what kind... comedy or drama, you will know which one fits you best. The reason why it's good is because if you go to an audition and at some uncalled for moment the casting director asks "do you have a monologue prepared?" and you respond "yes!" Not only does that make you look prepared but most importantly.. professional. So after you read this blog run out and buy a book on monologues today and memorize the one that fits you best. Have a nice weekend!

We have to all know that we are all lucky to be in this business in the first place. So obviously we get excited when we get called from a casting agency looking to book us for a gig. But when a casting director books you for let's say 3 days 2 weeks from now, you are booked with that agent. Do not double book with another agent if they want you for the same 3 days because "you would rather work on that project". You work on the one you committed on first and kindly say to the second agent"thank you but I am already booked those days, but please don't forget about me because I am interested." You will be respected and in this business it goes a long way, if you don't respect it that also goes a long way.

There are always acting jobs out there, but it's not always the big Hollywood pictures out there. It's the smaller ones. There are a lot of smaller non-union acting jobs on smaller film projects which is good for training and getting your name out there. These jobs might not always offer pay but they will offer you a dvd of the project, which is great for your acting reel to distribute for marketing yourself. It's a sacrafice but it pays off in the future, everybody starts somewhere. So where do you look for those jobs? You look at websites like NEFILM.com and creigslist under film and video. So take a peak and break a leg!