Start acting at home. could it be done?

R

retro world

Okay so I am 16 nearly 17 and always wanted to be an actor.

I am a programmer and also a 3D animator and I have been doing that since the age of 12. I have always wanted to be an actor but couldn't do it in school so sometimes I play around at home acting various of films that I like. I really want to do acting further in my future as my full time job but I have looked around, nearly everyone goes to an acting school.

I wanted to ask if it is possible to start at home by my own and maybe down the line do something bigger.

I am planning on making some CG shorts with live footage of me as an actor in it as a summer holiday project maybe that could be some of my work that I could present.

so please tell me what you think.
 
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Find a local theater group or independent no-budget film producer, they are always looking for talent and actors.

If you have mad CG skills you could always barter for a part in a movie; sounds a bit silly, but CG is not a talent most people have, whereas many people think they can act, and some can.
 
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yes that my plan to use blue/green screen to achieve that just wanted to know if anyone has succeeded this way and gone some where. does indie film get you recognition if you was to be moving to lets say new york and audition to films, would it help me or are they only going to look at people who went to schools and theatres etc
 
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Yeah...

The way technology is going, you're going to have to learn how to act in a warehouse in nothing but a leotard, foam dots on your face and nothing but a wire cage the director says "that's the monster" to you about, and then proceeds in an insane manner to personally push the shopping cart around you while making what sounds like a 4-year-old's version of the T-Rex dinosaur roars and expecting you to give a horrified performance...

Not much different than small local playhouses.

Get crackin'.
 
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wow. that has inspired me alot. Brandon Hardesty is soo cool didn't know that he started like this. I will act at home and I promise to post my progress in this forum. thanks alot everyone for inspiring me to go forward.
 
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Join the club :) I'm doing what I am out of my home. The fact you are wanting to know about this stuff now is great to see!

Stick around the site. There's a lot of great advice here. A lot of people have taken a lot of routes-and they have a lot to offer. Don't be afraid to ask questions :)

And enjoy yourself-it's a great medium to work in!
 
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ROC said:
Yeah...

The way technology is going, you're going to have to learn how to act in a warehouse in nothing but a leotard, foam dots on your face and nothing but a wire cage the director says "that's the monster" to you about, and then proceeds in an insane manner to personally push the shopping cart around you while making what sounds like a 4-year-old's version of the T-Rex dinosaur roars and expecting you to give a horrified performance...

Not much different than small local playhouses.

Get crackin'.
Click to expand...

this all sounds very Herzog to me
 
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I started at home...around 13 years old I picked up my folks camcorder and shot shorts, skits, and monologues with just me in a room hitting pause and record as I switched characters in a scene...I filled up dozens of VHS tapes, and I can safely say it greatly helped me hone the craft.

My brother is also in the industry...he's a director...so every Christmas my two brothers would visit, and we'd make a few short films...great practice, and great fun.

You can certainly start at home. Get a camera, and start shooting some short films. Just remember, every actor should go through some professional training, as well as beat the street and act in community theater and independent film--build your resume and skill-set by doing these things. Also, remember that no matter how good looking or talented you are, if you don't sell and market yourself constantly, you won't make it...

And lastly remember that you have something that no one in the world has...you're YOU and no one else has that. Always keep that in mind.

Good luck.
 
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thanks alot and yeah. I do have a camcorder and a micro phone so I will do some scenes by my own and maybe do some indie film and theaters soon too. but first I am going to start small and build my way up
 
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I'm sorry, I was talking about the director Werner Herzog(Grizzly Man, Fitzcaralldo) , who is kind of notorious for making his actors do completely insane things but also having actors who do insane things to him. What you described is kind of what I imagine the set of an attempt at cgi or a 3-d film would be like from him. But looking back maybe it wasn't the best example. I just watched a documentary called My Best Fiend about his relationship with actor Klaus Kinksi, they were great friends and also great enemies, and there were some ridiculous antics so I had that on the brain. apologies!
 
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another question please. Is how could I get information on which camera to buy and what mic does what job etc. I would like it if someone refers me to a link where it explains on how I could shop for a film camera light and mics etc and any other equipments I will need.

I am going to be really dedicated to this. especially next year and also if I got to germany and france I will shoot some there so I want the best thing out there so it lasts me longer and gives me the good results I need. ofcourse that is going to depend on how good I am though but I wouldn't want to be changing cameras for a long time.
 
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For mic and audio basics, check out Alcove Audio's blog. Also if you check out the cameras and lenses sub forum on here, there are countless threads dedicated to picking out the right camera.

If you've got any particulars in mind maybe we can be of more help. What is your budget?
 
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