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Essays from Beantown Presents:
Rule # 1: No One Knows Anything, Not Even Me
By Kevin Cirone
Working through the Boston film scene for the last four years, I am frequently asked my opinion on a variety of topics by up-and-coming actors and filmmakers. After all, I have some experience: I've had principal roles in over 25 films, feature and short subject; I did an improv show for six months, appeared on stage a number of times, done a handful of commercials, internet films. You could say as the Boston acting scene goes, I have dipped my wick as much as anyone. So when I am asked for advice on acting, how to get roles, how to get my foot in the door, I tell everyone the same thing: for starters, don't listen to anyone.
First off, everyone has their own experiences. Second, a lot of people are trying to sell you stuff. Whether it's castings, headshots, video packages, everyone wants some money and a lot of them will try to make it off of you, the upstart actor. Here are ten things I've learned that might help you separate the good from the good money thrown away after bad, and help you make a good impression as an actor.
1. You are your own best agent. Especially when you are just starting out, you are the one who's doing the legwork for your career. Promote yourself. Get a website free or cheap and upload your photos, resume, video and audio reels if you have them.Between Beanywood, MySpace, YouTube and all the other sites out there, there's no reason not to at least have a photo someone can look at. Print the URL on your business card and resume and pass those things around. Get out there and network. You can't become a successful actor from your computer. Later on, consider talking to an agency, but remember they are interested in getting paid more than getting you paid.
2. Copy, credit, meals and gas are not negotiable. These four are the absolute minimum an upstart actors should ask for. The first is most important for your demo reel, and the only way to get a copy is if the film is going to get done. Ask the filmmakers about the shooting schedule and their ETA for a finished product, and hold them to it. At worst, if it doesn't get done, get raw footage you can get edited into a reel. If they say you know, we're shooting weekends until it's done, basically, keep looking. And filmmakers respect your actors; come up with a schedule in advance and make good use of their time.
Actors, don't be afraid to ask for gas money, either. Most filmmakers (in Boston anyway) will try to help you out. Student filmmakers, especially, might have this included in their budget. At the very least, if you're not getting paid, you can try not to lose money.
3. Casting Sites are charging you for what NY and LA get for free. Casting sites even those apparently connected to legitimate casting agencies - will deliver big film and TV auditions to your mailbox for $10-$20 a month, and let you be automatically be submitted for such castings. First off, no one should have to pay for casting information; NY and LA actors get these notices (breakdowns) for free. Second, they are mostly in NY and LA for union actors, so if you aren"t willing or able to travel and aren't in the union, you're already at a disadvantage. My advice: sign up for the free memberships on these sites and upload your headshots. That parts free and you never know, you may get a hit off it.
4. Be professional. If you say you'll be at an audition, show up or inform the casting people in advance that you can't be there. Thank them at the audition and thank them again via e-mail. You look good, but more importantly, you'll be fresh in their minds. When you're on set (especially a big one), be courteous, respectful, and friendly. Give them a reason to call you for their next project. Actors aren't made by going to auditions; they are made by doing such a good job for a director they don't need to audition. On the flip side, someone who was an ass to everyone on set makes it harder for everyone to work and should not expect to get called again. That goes for crew, too!
5. Be creative.The best filmmakers I've worked with are the ones that let me have some fun with my character and/or my dialogue. Often times it makes for a better performance and a better film. Bring ideas to the table; at worst they'll get shot down, at best they'll make people think about the scene in different ways and maybe come up with something even better. On the other hand, it is the director's vision so respect their decision if they disagree with your ideas.
6. Don't be afraid to say no. If you're someone who can't act full-time yet, it's okay to negotiate on the schedule or say you can't shoot certain days. It's okay to say you're uncomfortable with nudity, or saying certain things, or doing certain things, but the right thing to do is be honest with yourself about it and tell the director about these things in advance, not on the day of the shoot. If you think a stunt is too dangerous, stand your ground. You're not a stunt person and odds are if you're not getting paid to act, you're sure not getting paid if you fall and break your neck. Usually filmmakers will work with you and try to come up with a good solution. Lastly, if you've made your feelings known and a director will not move, use your best judgment but don't be afraid to walk off set if something is uncomfortable or dangerous.
7. No one is below you. Don't turn down a producer or director or a student film because you think it won't be as good as the last project you were on which had a bigger budget. You literally never know when an actor or director you work with will become the next big thing. I did a student film with someone who is now a producer on Medium, an indie with an actress who is working with Mark Wahlberg, and a horror flick with a director who now has DVDs distributed worldwide. Treat everyone with respect.
8. Be wary of negative reviews?and positive ones. The reality is that some reviewers will like your work, some won't. Some filmmakers and actors will like you, some won't. There will be a variety of reasons they won't like you your looks, your talent, your experience. As long as it's not your attitude, let it all slide off your back. On the other hand, some will think you're the best actor EVER. This too, should slide off you. Be humble and don't ever think you can't improve your skills even if you're making $20M a film.
9. Five places to send headshots and resumes. CP Casting (cpcasting.com), Boston Casting (bostoncasting.com), LDI Casting (ldicasting.net), Kevin Fennessey Casting (kfcasting.com), Maura Tighe Casting (mauratighe.com).
10. Ten websites every startup Boston actor should have in their Favorites. Beanywood.com, NETheatre411.com, Mandy.com, boston.craigslist.org/tlg, boston.craigslist.org/tfr (talent gigs, tv/film/radio but keep an eye out for questionable gigs), BostonAuditions (Yahoo! Group), BetweenGigsCasting (Yahoo! Group), NEFilm.com, AhtSpot.com, KevinCirone.com (just kidding).
There you have it. I hope some of this has been helpful. Above all, keep your skills sharp, your mind open, and listen to your gut. And remember us little people when you're a big star.
Kevin Cirone is a film actor from the Boston area and an insufferable know-it-all. Visit www.KevinCirone.com for more information.
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