2 answers
Tanin
Student
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
1
Question
Asked
539 views
What is it like to be an on screen actor
I am very passionate for acting, I have done auditions virtually and got rejected once and the other ones are to hold for future references, I hate the process of becoming a successful actor, because of rejection which is overwhelming but im scared If ever become successful, onto red carpets etc, I won't be happy, ill start to wonder to go back to a normal life. my question is, what is it like, and what are some facts with being on set. (even if you haven't been on set what is the process like, should I give it a go?) #film-acting #actor #actress #acting
2 answers
Jazmine Ramay
Casting Director/Director/Actor/Screenwriter
2
Answers
Los Angeles, California
Updated
Jazmine’s Answer
If Red Carpet is your goal and not actually acting, it can be very tricky. You need to ask yourself if you can handle rejection because rejection is the number one thing that happens until you are able to start picking your own projects- which is very rare and only about 15% of actors have that ability. If you are willing to make less than 20,000 a year and live a very scarce life you will find the process of film acting is quite different, it is a job and is in high demand. 85% of actors make less than 20,000 a year- this is a hard reality. Out of 100 auditions you may only book 1. The industry is flooded with actors and non-actors trying to get their hand in and it is very difficult to achieve the goal of performing regularly.
Start reframing your thought process and make it less about fame and more about the work you need to accomplish in order to make progress in your career.
Start reframing your thought process and make it less about fame and more about the work you need to accomplish in order to make progress in your career.
Louise Cooper
Copywriter
21
Answers
Orlando, Florida
Updated
Louise’s Answer
Hi Tanin,
I've been on both sides of an audition, as a professional copywriter who hears auditions for TV and radio scripts I've written and as a singer auditioning for choir as a hobby.
It's really hard to be rejected at an audition, and while it's never easy, it gets easier. The more you do it, the easier it gets. It's important to remember that it isn't personal, and it doesn't mean that you didn't do a good job. People who do casting often have something very specific in mind , and you just might not fit their vision for a particular role. If you don't get an audition, it never hurts to ask what you could work on. Always be gracious and never burn bridges.
I'd recommend a degree in Theatre to gain acting and auditioning experience. If you can find an acting coach, that would also be helpful.
I'd also advise getting an internship at a film or theater company. Having a better understanding of the industry will help you as a performer.
If there's anyone in the industry you look up to, locally or nationally, reach out and see if they have any advice. It never hurts to ask.
As for what it's like to be on set, I'd say it's about 95% set-up and 5% actually performing. There's a lot to do before you can begin recording a take, such as make-up and wardrobe for the actors, and setting up the sets, lighting and cameras for each scene. You'll end up doing multiple takes of each scene, but you'll probably pause between each take as it's reviewed by the director, etc. After several takes, there will be touch-up on make-up, cameras and lighting may need to be adjusted, etc. Expect long days, in the 10-14-hour range.
Acting is hard work, but if you love it, you should go for it!
I've been on both sides of an audition, as a professional copywriter who hears auditions for TV and radio scripts I've written and as a singer auditioning for choir as a hobby.
It's really hard to be rejected at an audition, and while it's never easy, it gets easier. The more you do it, the easier it gets. It's important to remember that it isn't personal, and it doesn't mean that you didn't do a good job. People who do casting often have something very specific in mind , and you just might not fit their vision for a particular role. If you don't get an audition, it never hurts to ask what you could work on. Always be gracious and never burn bridges.
I'd recommend a degree in Theatre to gain acting and auditioning experience. If you can find an acting coach, that would also be helpful.
I'd also advise getting an internship at a film or theater company. Having a better understanding of the industry will help you as a performer.
If there's anyone in the industry you look up to, locally or nationally, reach out and see if they have any advice. It never hurts to ask.
As for what it's like to be on set, I'd say it's about 95% set-up and 5% actually performing. There's a lot to do before you can begin recording a take, such as make-up and wardrobe for the actors, and setting up the sets, lighting and cameras for each scene. You'll end up doing multiple takes of each scene, but you'll probably pause between each take as it's reviewed by the director, etc. After several takes, there will be touch-up on make-up, cameras and lighting may need to be adjusted, etc. Expect long days, in the 10-14-hour range.
Acting is hard work, but if you love it, you should go for it!
Thank you so much! this has been very helpful I haven't really gotten a physical audition cause of covid, so im very excited what the future holds.
Tanin
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