How to Be a Movie Actor

For hundreds of years, man has felt the need to represent certain aspects of life through dramatization. We could say that it all started with the Greeks, who presented different plays that, initially, had a religious character.

They were dedicated to the God Dionysus and, in them, animal sacrifices were made, they sang, they danced and they wore masks. These masks had exaggerated features and made it possible for the same actor to represent different characters. Over time, the masks became an icon of Greek theater.

Plays could be comedies or tragedies. The tragedies were inspired by Greek mythology and a single actor was used to represent the gods. It should be noted that only men could act.

However, with the passage of time, the performance evolved, coming to cover different themes. On the other hand, they are held almost all over the world and women can also participate.

In fact, it has become one of the most prestigious professions out there. To such an extent that there are those who make great sacrifices to become a recognized actor. Although it is true that there are few who achieve it, it is worth the effort, since acting is synonymous with public recognition, riches and an extravagant life.

In view of the above, would you like to be a movie actor? The fact that you are reading this article proves that it is. However, how can you be? What are the steps you must take? What do you need to achieve it?

You will be happy to know that in this article you will find all the answers you have been looking for to become a movie actor. Therefore, continue reading and go straight to the world of stardom. Let’s see how you can achieve it.

Instructions to be a movie actor

Acting is often the dream of many, but the reality of a privileged few. To become a movie actor, it is important that you follow the following instructions:

1. Take acting classes. This is a trade that requires skills and techniques that you have to acquire. These classes are a great starting point. With them you will learn to overcome shyness and stage fright, to project your voice, to give life to different types of characters, etc.
2. Participate in a local theater play. Since acting is just like any other job, to work your way up, you need to have an extensive resume, which supports all of your experience as well as your acting attitudes. You can make one, by participating in as many plays as possible. In addition, they will help you gain experience and comfort on stage.
3. The next step will be to hone your skills. This is because acting in the theater is not the same as acting in the cinema. Some actors suffer from stage fright, while others freeze in front of the cameras. Therefore, it would require several practice sessions to work in front of the cameras. On the other hand, a movie recording can be made up of several cut scenes, which means you have to be vigorous. Also, it may be necessary to repeat a scene many times, more than you might think. Therefore, you must cultivate patience to move forward.
4. Another thing that will help you will be the guidance of a mentor. It would be ideal for you to have the advice of an experienced actor, because this person has been through what you now want to experience and can put you on the right path. In addition to giving you directions and recommendations, they can introduce you to other people in the film industry and advise you on where to find roles.
5. You should also get yourself a good representative. Although it is not essential, its role is to find you a job, which can be very useful for those who are just starting out in the industry. However, it is important that you be cautious and be careful about the agency you join. Reps will earn money only when they find work for their clients, not before. Therefore, beware of those who ask for a membership fee.
6. Start working as an extra. The extras are called “fill-in actors”. Although they’re not the type of actors to have big breaks, a role like this can give you exposure. In fact, famous actors were discovered while working as extras. In order to get these jobs, check casting calls, newspapers, and the internet so you know what movies are being filmed near you.
7. Go to as many auditions as you can. While it is true that they can be difficult and exhausting, they are the only way to get a role. So the more auditions you do, the better your chances of finding a role in a movie.
8. Take whatever role they offer you. Even the ones you don’t like. Remember that as you are just starting out in the film and entertainment industry, you are going to need all the exposure you can get.

The more roles you manage to get, the greater the chances of achieving notoriety and becoming a recognized actor.

Since you already know the steps you need to take to be an actor, you are probably wondering what you need to achieve your dream. Let’s see it.

What do you need to be a movie actor?

Like any profession, acting also requires some preparation. Therefore, the ideal would be for you to spend some time training yourself as an actor. That is, to acquire all the necessary theoretical-practical knowledge.

To do this, enroll in a fine arts program, in order to get a certificate that accredits you as a professional actor. By obtaining a specialization in acting, playwriting or theater, at the university level, you get a complete acting training.

Some of the benefits of this type of education are:

• Knowledge of the history, techniques and theories of different forms of action.
• Hours of rehearsals and presentations.
•  You learn to bring characters to life.
• It teaches you to research what you need to know for a character to be authentic.
• It helps you cultivate patience and dedication.
•  It makes you a better actor.
• It makes it possible for you to establish connections in the business, etc.

You must also have a ready curriculum vita, where all the experience you have acquired over time is exposed, as well as the studies you have completed and the castings to which you have appeared.

Something that should accompany your resume is a portrait photo. It should be 20 x 25 cm and go from head to chest. Preferably pay a professional photographer to get a good result.

Also, when you go to take it, try to be well dressed, look good and look professional. Remember that this will be your letter of introduction and, sometimes, the first impression is the one that counts and there may not be a second chance to stand out to a certain producer.

Now, in addition to all these recommendations, what advice should you take into account to become a film actor? Let’s look at a couple more of them.

Tips for being a movie actor

Don’t wait for opportunities to come your way. Sometimes, you will have to search for them and even create them yourself. One thing that can help you is moving to a major film production center.

Hundreds of movies are shot every year in New York and Los Angeles. In view of this, you will have more opportunities to get an acting role than if you stay in a small town, where nothing was ever filmed.

Other cities you can move to include Boston, Atlanta, and New Orleans. If you are in Spain, the ideal is that you live in Madrid or Barcelona, ​​since they are also usually the venues for great films.

When you attend a casting, keep this in mind:

• Read the call carefully. This way you will be aware of what the conditions are for the representation of the character.
• Find out who the director of the film is so that you know his tastes, as well as his line of action.
• Read the text calmly and try to think what the character is like.
• Memorize your lines. This is critical. It must be as sacred as the Bible itself, because it will help you not to go blank.
• Choose the appropriate clothes, makeup and style.
• Attend the meeting on time.
• Don’t worry about nerves. They are a shot of adrenaline that will make things flow better.
• He walks onto the set confident and smiling. Attitude is key.
• Listen carefully to the guidelines they will give you before you start.
• Don’t give up if you don’t get picked the first time. In this field there is a lot of competition and you have to be persistent to stand out.

Don’t forget that contacts are very important. In fact, they can be as or more important than the same talent you have. So the more people you know, the easier it will be for you to land a role in a movie.

You can network at small jobs in the film industry, at parties and social events, at auditions you do, as well as on acting sets and acting classes you take. Also, through social media.

Find out where the next filming will take place. They are usually very busy places so if you go, not only could you add as an extra and get paid for it, but it will also be an opportunity to meet people who are in the middle and see, live and direct, what happens behind the camera in each production.