For many, the dream of being in a film may seem far away. However, if you just want the movie experience, why not be an extra? The pay isn’t fantastic, but all you’re really going to do is stand around all day in the background, right? Plus, it can give you an excellent look at the behind-the-scenes of movie making.

Now, in order to get an extra role in a big film like Harry Potter, you are going to have to complete some basic steps.

Step 1: Familiarize Yourself With Casting Services

Well, if you haven't acted in school plays and high school drama classes, you can do classes and/or productions through your local community colleges theatre arts/drama programs, in community theatre, and in films made by Film Students at local universities without any prior experience (all of these performances are
acceptable on a resume).

A few days ago I received an email from an actor with this headline: "$1000 For Anyone Who Can Get Me An Agent!" Enclosed was a headshot and resume. You may think this shows persistence and ingenuity, but it's not only a bad approach, it highlights a common problem: many actors waste enormous time and energy in trying to reach their goals.

Observations on Acting: Part II
by Janus

[Janus is a New York actor and acting coach who wishes to remain anonymous. These reflections were written after witnessing a month of casting for a New York theater project. We here pick up where we left off last week...]

Again the caveat: Disagree if you wish, but realize there are other valid approaches which MIGHT work if your own approaches are (1) not getting auditions from submissions, (2) not getting callbacks, (3) not getting you cast.

5. GET SOME BOOK LARNIN'

Again the caveat: Disagree if you wish, but realize there are other valid approaches which MIGHT work if your own approaches are (1) not getting auditions from submissions, (2) not getting callbacks, (3) not getting you cast.

1. What You Should Already Know
Recap: Please review last fall's note about self-submissions. I open up to 50 self-submissions a week or receive email requests for interviews. The packages are ALWAYS hand-addressed, sometimes scrawled illegibly; the cover notes often a ripped out notebook sheet, the resumes a disorganized mess.

"Dear Chad, How do I get an agent, casting director or a manager's attention when I have no experience in the entertainment business? My resume is mainly made up of acting and dancing experience from high-school and college. How do I make my resume look more eye-catching so that they can look beyond my "no-experience" in the business? Very lost and extremely frustrated, - Victoria"

"Hi! I am currently a junior in high school. I've been acting in high school and community theatre for the last two years. I would love to pursue a career in acting, but I have just one issue. Should I attend an acting college or a university with a theatre program, or should I zoom off searching for opportunity right after high school? Is school really worth the time and money, or am I better off getting my name circulated as soon as possible? Thanks for your time! -Nick"

Hi, Nick!

"Chad: My friends and my acting teacher say that I've got talent, but how can I be sure? - Angie"

Angie:

NEVER NEVER NEVER ask anyone, from deity to ditch digger, whether you have talent.

Every month I get a few emails from actors soliciting advice on moving to New York to pursue an acting career. This email, which I received a few weeks ago, is representative:

5 NETWORKING TIPS FROM A WORKING ACTRESS (1348 words)
By Sally Golan

Okay, so who is Sally Golan and why is she giving us advice on how to network in the business? Simple! Who better to take advice from than someone who is in the same position as you and with lots of personal experience to share?