6 TIPS FOR NEW ACTORS ARRIVING TO LA THAT ARE LOOKING TO HAVE A SUCCESSFUL FIRST YEAR
1. Financial stability
Get your source of financing sorted out early! Before arriving, save enough money so that you can live for 6 months without working, and start sending resumes to various companies that allow a flexible schedule. The number 1 reason people fail to realize their dreams in LA is because they can’t support themselves while pursuing acting. You will not make a lot of money at first pursuing acting, so it’s important that you don’t come across as desperate when trying to gain employment as an actor.
2. Immersion
Immerse yourself in student films and projects that need to cast free talent. You will gain the experience you need and the connections to go to the next stage of your career. Respect the process and don’t rush this step. It’s reasonable to do non-paying roles for your first 6 months while you are taking acting classes. Email info@uncutcasting.com for a list of acting schools we recommend.
3. Actors toolkit
Use the Internet, intelligently and consistently! We recommend registering with CastingNetworks and Backstage.com to amplify the amount of projects you are submitting to. These are great for an actor starting out because it gives you something proactive to do daily rather than sitting around waiting for the phone to ring! If possible, we recommend you use these sites and Uncut together to maximize potential bookings. If registered with Uncut, you can use us as a work reference after you have completed 5 bookings and proven yourself as a reliable member of our talent roster!
We also recommend registering with the following Casting Agencies for free for additional opportunities:
- Central Casting
- Sande Alessi Casting
- Idell James Casting
- Extra Extra Casting
- Atmosphere Casting
- Dan Bell Casting
4. Mobility
Get a reliable car! LA is a big city and we recommend having a car or you will spend your day on public transportation getting to and from appointments.
5. Build your team
Don’t try to do it all alone. If possible, try to make the move with a friend. If not, try reaching out to people from your past or present that already live in Los Angeles. Get on Facebook or LinkedIn to connect with people that have already made the move to LA. The stronger your circle of friends, the better the support system in place and the more likely you won’t slip into negative patterns that will ultimately hold you back. If you decide to register with Uncut, we can always be part of your support team!
6. Eat right, exercise and stay healthy
Take care of your mental and physical health. Exercising, meditating, doing yoga, drinking lots of water, and eating vegetables are necessary for staying centered and vibrant. Always remember the 70/30 rule. 70% vegetables and 30% protein. And don’t mix protein with foods high in carbohydrates. Try to only mix protein with vegetables. This will keep you alert and in optimal mental and physical shape. If you have to eat carbohydrates, make sure it’s a fraction of the amount of vegetables you are taking in. Go out and pick up some multivitamins and Omega 3 fish oil in liquid form or liquid pills. Omega-3 fatty acids are considered essential fatty acids. They are necessary for human health but the body can’t make them — you have to get them through food or fish oil supplements.