I began my acting career in junior high school in Southern California (SoCal). My uncle (my mother’s brother) was a Hollywood producer with a large house and he didn’t like kids. He was successful. When we visited him, we kids remained outside or simply didn’t go over. This forged a modicum of distrust in all things entertainment throughout my life. It is certainly true that the entertainment business is sneaky deceptive, and yet can be rewarding.
If you’ve read this far, you likely have an interest in the movie or TV business in some role. And trust me, a simple browser search will show you. Take you pick and do not be constrained because roles often change as you can experience.
I started out as a production assistant (PA) and bit actor in short films, then worked on major films and TV series (more on that later). But let’s cut to the proverbial chase. I’ll show you how to accomplish your dream regardless of where you live.
When you’re driving or walking around your town or city, be aware of cameras, crowds, cranes and even trucks parked along the roads. Usually a film set is blocked off by a barrier of some sort. When you do spot a set, never (and I mean NEVER) approach or attempt to approach an actor or actress. Always act nonchalantly around entertainment folks. You can demonstrate your enthusiasm once you work on a set.
Okay, so you found a TV or film set, whether small or major. Great. Here’s what you do next. Make friends. Simple, right? Yes and no. But do not interrupt any crew member while the set is shooting a scene, rather approach them on a break if at all possible.
Me on a set break (above).
Refrain from being flirty. Simply strike up a conversation with a crew member with a line like, “Wow, nice camera!” Or maybe, “Your work must be.., and then fill in the blank with words like “dangerous, exciting, pay well,” etc. You get the idea. Typically the person will be flattered if you do it casually rather than act star-struck. The latter is a definite no-no.
Next, get their cell number if you can. But don’t ask immediately. Wait until you are both conversing comfortably. Be patient. Heck, it might take you a 15-minutes, a half hour or three days. Whatever. I cannot stress the importance of being patient. Many times I have been approached by sexy women throwing themselves at me, more so when I worked on “American Idol” and “America’s Got Talent.” Ladies, that’s a turn off right there. Don’t be a groupie.
Once you have a contact number or an e-mail, do not contact the person right away unless they ask you to do so. Wait a day or more. Again, don’t act star-struck. When you do contact the person, be brief. Introduce yourself again. Ask if they know of any film crews needing a PA (see above). Don’t be discouraged if they say no. Keep asking here and there, and don’t forget to make more film friends as often as possible.
Me in the blue #85 with other actors on a fantasy football movie.
Eventually you will land a gig. Work hard and follow the rules. Volunteer to do what nobody else wants to do or in other words, be a gopher and “go for this and go for that. You’ll get noticed, trust me. In due time as you make more friends you’ll work on bigger sets. I’ve worked on several, including but not limited to a Discovery Green Channel reality series with Tommy Lee of the rock band Motley Crue; the rock band Styx; the original “American Idol” judges (yes, them); Jerry Springer and Piers Morgan on “America’s Got Talent,” and a host more.
If you have any questions, let me know. Good luck. And, as we say in the business: “Break a leg!”
