This. Is. Hard.
I just got out of an hour long Q&A with an Agent (hosted by The Actor's Network). Why I or any Actor in that room would want to continue as an Actor is confounding.
I'll put it like this: the future is bleak. For Actors just starting out, anyways. No, this is not news to me, but damn...it doesn't help to hear it (or worse, see it) again and again. And again and again and again.
Some realities:
1) Commercials are down almost a quarter this year as advertisers move money to other mediums (Internet, Mobile phones, etc). This means that the shows they support (most anything on the networks) are cutting episodes. Clearly, this is not good for Actors, for two reasons: first, the obvious. Secondly, commercials are often the bread and butter that allow Actors to stay in LA, as they used to pay a fair amount.
2) There are three screens: TV/Film, Computer, Mobile. Currently, a compensation structure is in place for Actors on the first screen. Not so much for the other two, so talent is being sold on the cheap.
3) There are so many actors in LA now that Agents have most of the power (they have their pick, 10 times over). Agents are the gate keepers to Casting Directors, so without an Agent, it's tough to get cast. What's better? They consider me (and so many like me) too old. At 27 (wait, Agents might read this...) AT 22, without major credits to my name, they say I'm a tough sell. Being ethnic helps a bit (and is why I'm getting the agent meetings I'm getting), but still.
4) Casting is moving so fast that casting directors often have projects cast (through phone calls to a couple of Agents) before the word is out that a project is even casting.
5) In order to keep advertisers happy, there are rumors that cast members for TV shows will be required to advertise for the shows' sponsors. For free.
So.
What am I going to do about it?
Stay tuned for my '06 plan.....
I'll put it like this: the future is bleak. For Actors just starting out, anyways. No, this is not news to me, but damn...it doesn't help to hear it (or worse, see it) again and again. And again and again and again.
Some realities:
1) Commercials are down almost a quarter this year as advertisers move money to other mediums (Internet, Mobile phones, etc). This means that the shows they support (most anything on the networks) are cutting episodes. Clearly, this is not good for Actors, for two reasons: first, the obvious. Secondly, commercials are often the bread and butter that allow Actors to stay in LA, as they used to pay a fair amount.
2) There are three screens: TV/Film, Computer, Mobile. Currently, a compensation structure is in place for Actors on the first screen. Not so much for the other two, so talent is being sold on the cheap.
3) There are so many actors in LA now that Agents have most of the power (they have their pick, 10 times over). Agents are the gate keepers to Casting Directors, so without an Agent, it's tough to get cast. What's better? They consider me (and so many like me) too old. At 27 (wait, Agents might read this...) AT 22, without major credits to my name, they say I'm a tough sell. Being ethnic helps a bit (and is why I'm getting the agent meetings I'm getting), but still.
4) Casting is moving so fast that casting directors often have projects cast (through phone calls to a couple of Agents) before the word is out that a project is even casting.
5) In order to keep advertisers happy, there are rumors that cast members for TV shows will be required to advertise for the shows' sponsors. For free.
So.
What am I going to do about it?
Stay tuned for my '06 plan.....
posted by sundeep at 9:52 PM
1 Comments:
1. I understand the feeling of decrease among potential acting options. But I have to believe that it's a decrease on a massive proliferation that occurred 1985-1995 as cable blew up. So statistically you're probably still better off than someone trying to get started in the 20s-early 80s. Still a lot of content that needs to be created.
2. Couple of thoughts though: a) should you look into voice lessons/opportunities? In order to do voice-overs for tv/internet commercials as well as voice roles in animated content. b) Maybe you should create your own job. Become a producer (ie fundraiser) for a script that you like; find a director with your vision and cast yourself in a role that is appropriate.
3. You still look like a 20 year old (and act like an 11 year old). You're in good shape for having done this for only a few months. Go into those meetings with confidence.
--AM
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