My first love is acting so I took a lot of classes at Piven Theater Workshop in Chicago.
I got some head shots and picked up a book about auditioning, they don't teach you that in theater class. First thing you learn is, it's a business! You maybe a great actor/film maker but you must understand the business side too! Audition for everything because you never know, and always be flexible in your audition. If the casting director or Director is auditioning you and they say; "can you try it this way". I feel its not because you think your good or they want to know your range its because they want to know if you can take direction. Sometimes it not about how good you are as an actor. Can you work with that particular director for 15 hours? When your working with film students you will work for free but it's a great learning environment. Most of the time it's Meal and Reel, that's means no pay and you will get a copy of the film and exposure, sometimes you don't even get a copy. The best thing to do is watch everything, ask questions and never ever get in the way! If you see the DP at the crafty table not doing anything, which is rare, ask him why do you like this particular camera? Make it short. When you have finished shooting your scenes ask if you can stay on set, volunteer. Learn everybody's job from craft services to producer. Doing work with film students is great; you can build a great demo reel of your work and you can learn a lot about making films. Doing extra work in a feature film is a great way to learn too, just keep your eyes and ears open and your mouth shut.http://www.independentfilmmakerblog.com/
I got some head shots and picked up a book about auditioning, they don't teach you that in theater class. First thing you learn is, it's a business! You maybe a great actor/film maker but you must understand the business side too! Audition for everything because you never know, and always be flexible in your audition. If the casting director or Director is auditioning you and they say; "can you try it this way". I feel its not because you think your good or they want to know your range its because they want to know if you can take direction. Sometimes it not about how good you are as an actor. Can you work with that particular director for 15 hours? When your working with film students you will work for free but it's a great learning environment. Most of the time it's Meal and Reel, that's means no pay and you will get a copy of the film and exposure, sometimes you don't even get a copy. The best thing to do is watch everything, ask questions and never ever get in the way! If you see the DP at the crafty table not doing anything, which is rare, ask him why do you like this particular camera? Make it short. When you have finished shooting your scenes ask if you can stay on set, volunteer. Learn everybody's job from craft services to producer. Doing work with film students is great; you can build a great demo reel of your work and you can learn a lot about making films. Doing extra work in a feature film is a great way to learn too, just keep your eyes and ears open and your mouth shut.http://www.independentfilmmakerblog.com/