Ask Angela

Working without a Contract

2010-04-20T17:54:00.000-07:00

Q: Angela,
Are you finding any duds in Los Angeles as far as directors, or film people go? Jaqueline and I have been working on a film for the past year and a half and suddenly they throw a contract at us without warning. It was a no-pay job, so we didn't feel a contract was necessary, and when shown to Jaqueline's agent we were told definitely do not sign it.
Now we are both being slandered because we had to quit. (Part of the deal was "sign this or don't come to set.") I was doing wardrobe and now they removed me off IMDB for the film even though I did it ALL to date. ???
So I just need to know is it better out that way, or...is it really like this everywhere?

Michelle

AO:
Hi Michelle,
There is a lot of that (what you just mentioned) out here too. There are scams, unprofessional people and all of that here as well.

My personal experience is that when a deal goes south...bundle up all of the emotional energy, and other resources you've invested into the project, combine it with love and your passion for the business and send it out to the Universe. Remember what you plant, grows seeds and becomes our harvest, so you don't want to spend any negative energy or waste any more time trying to correct the "deal gone bad".
Simply just move on.

I've had a couple of these deals - and I'll note in my database not to ever do business with these folks again. It is sad, but really simple.
The next suggestion is not to ever begin a project (even a free one) without a contract. It's just a good idea.
The most intimate person in our lives (our spouses) we sign contracts with when we marry - yet we are afraid to ask for a contract on a business deal.
And this is a business, so don't be shy about asking for a "letter of agreement" so you never get abused like this again.

And please keep me posted. I want to hear what happens.

Angela

© Angela Oberer

How do I find out about Auditions?

2008-05-03T05:03:00.000-07:00

Hi Angela,

How do you find out about upcoming auditions? I don't have an agent yet and am basically sending out my own headshots to try to find work.

To answer your question about how do I find out about jobs – it’s all about networking. Get on mailing lists of other actors, casting directors, agents, Producers, acting teachers, read MySpace blogs etc.
It’s treating acting like a business, not a hobby.
It’s subscribing to websites like http://www.actorsaccess.com/ and http://www.backstage.com/ and http://www.exploretalent.com/ and http://www.instantcast.com/
They are all websites that allow you to post your headshot, resume and demo reels and submit yourself for jobs electronically.

By subscribing to sites like these, you'll get a good feel for breakdowns, what types of roles are available and until you get an agent who has the inside scoop and can submit you for roles they feel you could champion, you'll get your foot in the door and soon be on your way to making important industry contacts.

There are really only a few things one needs to know about acting, and if done consistently, bring consistent results.

© Angela Oberer

Casting Director or Just the Producer?

2008-05-03T04:58:00.000-07:00

Hi Angela,

At a recent audition the Casting Director wasn't in the room - am I lucky since cut through the "red tape" and performed directly for the Producer?

The Casting Director is your friend, and if you only market to one person in this industry it should be the Casting Directors because they are the ones who will hire you, or put you in front of the people who can. At any audition, I wish for a Casting Director to be in the room rather than just a Produce or Director. Casting Directors cast people all day long – it’s their livelihood, and they have a really good instinct about who will be able to carry the film. Producers and Directors are limited to their own casting experience. If they’ve been in the business 20+ years, sure they’ve been part of the casting process for a long time, but if this is their second or third film, on average they’ve cast two or three projects – and they are probably looking to the Casting Director to persuade them one way or the other regarding a particular actor.

© 2008 Angela Oberer

One picture or Many for Marketing?

2007-07-09T09:07:00.000-07:00

Q: From a marketing standpoint is it better to have many different pictures of yourself? Or is it better to use one main picture so that when people see it they know who you are?

AO: The answer to the picture question will vary from person to person. My personal suggestion is to have a variety of pictures that all look like you, in looks you can duplicate.

If you have various of pictures that show you looking glamorous, ugly, worn, athletic, compassionate…then casting directors don’t have to guess if you are capable of playing that role. Casting directors have an innate ability to recognize a face almost instantly on a second or third contact, so the same picture over and over again is really not necessary, I’ve found. This way they see you in potentially different roles, and they’ll still recognize you when you show up for an audition.

Example: we all know what Lindsay Lohan looks like regardless of the color or length of her hair, fashion style, make up etc.

Pictures are crucial when you’re just starting out and don’t have much reel. You know the old saying, a picture is worth a thousand words…having a variety of pictures show cases your range of emotions.

© 2007 Angela Oberer

Do I need to Move to New York or Los Angeles?

2007-07-09T07:55:00.000-07:00

Q: I keep hearing from lots of people that "If you want to make it as an actor, you have to get out of N.C. and move to N.Y., L.A., or Atlanta." I guess my question is, should I spend the next two years putting myself out there, hiring a couple of acting coaches, going to auditions, doing small roles for independent films, and getting an agent who knows what they're doing?

AO: There are certainly more opportunities in New York and Los Angeles for actors than there are in North Carolina. However, you'll have more competition in those places as well.

My personal philosophy is to do as much as you can where you are with the resources you have. If you are in a position to uproot and move to New York or Los Angeles and can sustain your lifestyle while there, then by all means go my friend.

If you don't have an agent, don't have a SAG card, don't have a resume, a reel, and don't have any classes under your belt - then you're probably not ready to move away just yet.

Take advantage of a smaller market such as North Carolina and use it as a spring board to expand your resume and skills. The North Carolina School of the Arts in Winston-Salem and has a wonderful film program that utilizes lots of beginning actors. Contact the film department and get your headshot and resume on file with them. They'll let you know about upcoming auditions.

Most NC & SC colleges and community colleges offer acting classes both for theater and film - take some classes and network with both the students and the teachers to find out who needs actors for upcoming productions.

Check the NC & SC film commissions for upcoming productions and find out who is casting those upcoming films. Get your headshot and resume on file with them.

www.Tarheelfilms.com is a great website that will alert you to some independent films constantly looking for actors from the Carolinas.
Yes, do as many small roles in independent films as you can afford to. This will help you build a reel, and get comfortable in front of the camera while trying out new characters.

Once a movie is complete and hits the festival or film circuit - you're going to go places that physically you will never go.
Your name will get out there, people who can hire you will see you in those films, and some of the difficult choices will be made for you almost effortlessly, choices to join SAG, better connected agents, whether or not to move to another city etc.

The secret is like a ball rolling downhill - Once you get the ball started, it picks up momentum, and eventually speed until it rolls downhill on its own. You can get that ball started from wherever you are - just start it.

© 2007 Angela Oberer

Is an Acting Degree Essential?

2007-07-09T07:40:00.000-07:00

Q: Hey Angela,
How's it going? I wanted to get your thoughts on something. I wanted to go back to Liberty this Fall to finish school, but I want to pursue acting at the same time. I was planning on finishing my Business degree, but i'm now considering getting an acting minor or even majoring in acting and minoring in business. Do you think having an acting degree would give me a better shot at making it as an actor?

AO: Not necessarily. There are a lot of wannabe actors who have graduated from extensive acting courses and schools who don't know how to market themselves, and thus are out of business even though they are wonderfully qualified to act.

I do think you are on the right track.
If you pursue acting as a full time career - you will be running a business, with you as the product. It is essential to learn as much about marketing and personal promotion as you can. And learning the ins and outs of business will help you make prudent decisions regarding contracts, acting choices, investing the money you've earned, and hiring a team of people who can operate your empire while you are on a stage or out promoting your next movie.

As a professional actor, make it a point to be a student of life. Take as many acting and associated classes as your resources will allow (classes that will assist you in creating and sustaining interesting character roles. i.e. singing, dancing, voice, languages, sports, psychology etc.)

The secret is to focus. Pick a route and stick with it until you have arrived at your desired destination.

© 2007 Angela Oberer

Do I need an Agent?

2007-06-20T18:45:00.000-07:00

Q: I was moving to LA in September but my two roommates decided that they didn't have enough money. So for the next few months I'm not even gonna think about LA and I'll go by myself in a few months when I'm ready. I'm young, I have plenty of time.
I wanted to ask you if it's worth having a local agent? Don't you get alot of work on your own? Should I get an agent from the start or not worry about it until later?
-Adam

AO: Hi Adam,
I definitely think getting an agent as soon as possible is "worth it.” Sure. An agent will have access to stuff you will never find on your own. My agent has connections with people who call her in the eleventh hour and she finds jobs for her talent to be on the set later today or first thing tomorrow. I look at it not as "having an agent" but rather "partnering with an agent" - it is a business partnership.
Yes, you will continue to market yourself, and find a lot of your own gigs, but your agent will also find a few projects here and there and can put in a good word for you that will result in you meeting with casting directors who may not agree to see you as an independent actor.

A local agent may also have connections with Los Angeles Agents and when you are ready to move to L.A. they may recommend you to an agent there - which will save you enormous amounts of time, energy and resources. My personal philosophy is to do all you can where you are and that includes getting a local agent.

Good luck and keep me posted on your progress.
Angela

© 2007 Angela Oberer

Actors Role in Screenplays

2007-06-19T17:39:00.000-07:00

Q: Thank you for staying after the meeting last night to share your experiences. I think it would be helpful for you, John, and Scott to share a little about the actors side of a screenplay. I believe it could help us as screenwriters to see how our screenplays are interpreted.
Once again, Thank you.

AO: Regarding actors and screenplays:
In order to make a compelling movie, you need to charge or better yet, electrify the emotions of the viewer. Get your audience involved. Make them care about your characters enough that they take sides and root for a particular outcome.

If you are a great screenwriter you will be able to do that on paper...and the tough part of the actors job is already done. If you are a sucky screenwriter the actor needs to fill in the gaps and bring to the table what is missing in the screenplay. A good actor will be able to do that.

For screenwriters, I highly recommend a book by Karl Iglesias titled:
WRITING FOR EMOTIONAL IMPACT: Advanced dramatic techniques to attract, engage and fascinate the reader from beginning to end. ISBN: 1595940286

For actors, I recommend some good scene study classes which will help you read and understand the written word, and help you translate the scenes into a real life situations with subtext and meaning.

Once the screenwriters and the actors have done their jobs - the editors and music composers can add their touch of magic and presto!

PS. I enjoyed the meeting very much last night as well.
Thank you for your time and attention and for your contributions to the group.

© 2007 Angela Oberer

Acting Job Legit or Scam?

2007-06-10T14:39:00.000-07:00

Q: Hi Angela, How are you?
You haven't heard anything about "Batman 3" by any chance, have you? Like any "casting" scams?? I've spoken with a dude named Victor on the phone (heard of him from one of my friends at "Bolden") and he said that "Batman" is paying extras around $200 a day, three days a week and that we had to set up a direct-deposit acct at Bank of America so they can pay us that way. And he as also said they would pay $350 to fly us out to Chicago and to pay for the first week in a hotel. His website is www.oncalltalent.com but he seemed a little wierd about the whole deal over the phone. I started asking him questions like how many days a week I would work, how much it pays, when does it start in july and how long will the shoot last, etc...And he suddenly said he had to go. I just don't want to fly out there, do some extra work, and then not get paid for any of it. Seems like it would be an awesome experience, but I sort of have a bad feeling about the whole deal, should I stay away from it? Thanks Angela, Chris

AO:
Hi Chris,
Yes, you should follow your instincts on this one.
Say NO to direct deposit, and DO NOT pay anything upfront. They will pay you when the job is complete and your pay will / should be connected to a pay stub that shows taxes paid, hours worked etc.

Having an agent helps reduce the number of scams you come in contact with, simply because you say “Great, I’d love to do the job, send the terms or contract to my agent.”
When you don’t have an agent, you can ask for a contract to be mailed to you directly, faxed, emailed etc. Having a written contract with terms spelled out won’t eliminate the scams, but will at least leave a paper trail, making it easier to take any necessary legal action.

Also, if you’re unsure about a job, check out the production company online, with IMDB.com you can now assess the legitimacy of production companies, film directors, casting directors, actors, and upcoming projects right from your computer.
If you’re serious about acting, you can join IMDBPRO.com which is about $100 a year, (I believe IMDB offers a free 14 day trial so you can get a feel for the website and see if it is worth your money – I believe it’s worth every penny.) But you’ll find it has addresses, phone numbers, email and physical addresses of everybody linked to a project. If you’re unsure, you can check with virtually anyone connected to the project to make sure it’s not a scam.

Regarding Victor – he may be a great guy, who is just really busy or has some personality quirks, I don’t know, but my experience shows me that when someone gets squirrelly about details or money of a project, it’s a good idea to pass go without collecting $200 (or in this case handing over your bank account information…)

© 2007 Angela Oberer

Choosing an Agent

2007-06-06T16:34:00.000-07:00

Q: Hey girl, I wanted to ask you a question. I am wanting to switch agenices and I have it narrowed down to three:

Coastal Talent
Talent One
JTA

Just wanted to get your thoughts regarding them.

AO: Regarding agencies, it’s a matter of personal choice. My recommendation is to go and interview each agent and ask them some questions and get a feel for the way they do business. If you like the way they do business, then join forces with them.
The three you’ve chosen are all very good and I recommend all three.

The key to success with agents is to remember in this market (NC / SC) that on average, an agent represents about 100 actors (talent).
You are one of those hundred, or in other words, you are 1% of that agents business.
If they share their energies evenly with all of their talent, they will spend 1% of their energy on you.
You are 100% of your own business, and you should spend 100% of your energy promoting and growing your business.
(i.e. photographs, website updates, blogs, reading breakdowns, submitting yourself for projects, auditioning, taking classes, honing your skills, watching movies, going to the theater, networking, sales calls, marketing, interviews, and the obvious, acting.)
If you only expect your agent to find you 1% of your gigs, and you plan on finding all the rest by yourself– you will never be disappointed with any agent you choose.

If in the event that your agent finds more than 1% of your jobs, Woohoo!

© 2007 Angela Oberer

Bad Audition

2007-05-23T05:48:00.000-07:00

Q: Do you ever have a bad audition? You seem to be one of those people who is content no matter what state they are in or what they are doing and that is a great way to be.

AO: Yes, like any job, there are good and bad auditions.
I went to one audition in Raleigh NC, and the casting director seemed really excited to see me – she had me read a part and then decided she wanted me to read for another role as well. (Which is always a good sign.)
She sent me out in the hall and called me back in twenty minutes later to do a second reading.
Then she wanted me to learn a dance and come back in an hour and perform the dance. She called a local dance teacher to come over and teach me the dance, which he did and which I performed later that afternoon.
Then she wanted me to learn a second dance – which wasn’t amusing to me at all – or the dance teacher, since at this point, neither of us were being paid for our time, nor had we officially been chosen for the job. But we learned the dance anyway, in hopes of getting the job.
After performing the second dance she sent me out in the hall to rehearse the reading for a third character she wanted me to read for.
After reading for the third character (5 auditions in front of the same casting director, and 8 hours later) she asked me to lunch.

I suggested Wendy’s across the street since I wasn’t going to turn this into a business lunch event –
And it was at Wendy’s where after I bought her some food, she asked me if I could come back and audition again the following day.

“I’m thrilled for the chance to audition for you, and while it seems there is something you see that you like, you seem to be hesitating for some unknown reason.
I live three hours away, and have been here auditioning for you for eight hours. If in eight hours you haven’t decided that I’m right for your production…let’s agree that we get along, and we’ll keep the possibility of us working together open for the future – but for now, I have to go back home, and I’m unable to drive all the way back here tomorrow. Thank you for your time.”

And I promptly got up and left the Wendy’s.
She did email me a couple of times for other projects – but this particular audition was one of the weirdest I’ve had thus far.

I'm a professional actor, and auditioning is part of my business - it's a sales pitch in a sense, and the casting directors job is that of the buyer, they must make a decision that you are right or not right for a job.

As a salesperson, you're not going to close every sale, nor as an actor are you going to get every job you audition for - and there comes a time in every sale, when the selling must end. I find it helpful not to take it personally, just move on to the next sale.

What Have You Been Up To?

2007-05-11T13:48:00.000-07:00

Note: Hey Angela!
This is Myles, we met on the set of "Cabin Fever 2" on the prom scene days. I doubt you'd remember me, but one thing that may stick out in particular is that I was talking to you when your old acting friend from a Charlotte acting class showed up and said hello to you (he was a tall blonde haired fellow).
I've got some pictures of me from the set, but I was covered in blood so you may not recognize me. Either way, was wondering how you've been doing since the completion of the film?
Have you been doing anything else since then?I do hope you're doing well!

Hope to hear from you soon!

AO: Hi Myles,
It’s great to hear from you and thanks for staying in touch.
After we wrapped “Cabin Fever 2” I went back to my training schedule which includes various acting, voice and dance classes.
As a freelance actor, I supplement my income with voice over work and I’m currently writing a screenplay.
The biggest thing I’ve learned from acting, more than anything is – how to live life in scenes, i.e. on purpose from moment to moment, rather than to drift aimlessly through each day. Not to mention that acting allows me to meet great folks like yourself.

Woohoo!

What have you been up to since the film?
Any new acting gigs?
Any auditions?

PS. Thanks for the pictures. They’re awesome – you look very painfully dead. ;-)
Angela

© 2007 Angela Oberer

Voice Training

2007-05-04T17:26:00.000-07:00

Q: What training do you do for your voice?

AO: It really depends on what you want to achieve with your voice and how you plan on using it. A fabulous book I recommend is Patsy Rodenburgs' book called The Actor Speaks: Voice and the Performer (ISBN: 0312295146) It's full of wonderful exercises you can use on a daily basis.

If you are in Charlotte NC, the Carolina Broadcasting School sometimes offers workshops and classes specifically for actors and would be voice-over talent.
If you are in theater, do stage work, or you sing while dancing, a great exercise I do each morning is sing while on my treadmill. I have one earbud from my mp3 player, playing music in my ear, while listening with the other ear to see if I'm singing on key. It's a challenge because you have to split your breathing with your singing, and your exercising - and it strengthens your vocal/breathing skills.

© 2007 Angela Oberer

Sending Headshots

2007-05-04T17:24:00.000-07:00

Q: I sent my headshot to a Director and then I called him a week later and he said he never got it. What should I do?

AO: Welcome to show business and welcome to life. Many directors, producers, casting directors and agents receive headshots with reverence, knowing that it cost time, money and courage for you to send it. Others unfortunately, receive them like junk mail. Brief glance and in the trash it goes. Don't take it personally.

© 2007 Angela Oberer

Business Card or Resume?

2007-05-04T17:21:00.000-07:00

Q: How do you know when to give somebody your business card or resume?

AO: If you are not sure, ask them if it would be okay to give them your stuff. With a little practice you'll soon be able to determine whether or not the setting is appropriate. The worst thing that can happen is that you ask and you are told "no." And that leaves you no further behind than if you hadn't asked - so if you're not sure, just ask the person you want to give it to...because you never know.

© 2007 Angela Oberer

Day Job or Acting Full Time?

2007-05-04T17:16:00.000-07:00

Q: Hey Angela,I wanted to maybe get some advice from you because I know that you made the transition to becoming an actress.
I have a day job and was planning to go back to VA this Fall to finish my degree in Business. But I have the opportunity to be in another movie and many others in the future. I find myself wanting to go the same route that you have gone and become an actor. But for me do this would be a huge decision in my life because I know that I can have a great life if I go back to school and finish my degree.
I also may have to quit my day job in landscaping in order to pursue acting (and I do have bills to pay, that's for sure). Was it hard for you when you first started out? This is certainly one of the biggest decisions of my life. I guess it all boils down to how much I really want it. But anyways, any tips you can give me would be awesome! But it's cool if you can't reply to this (I know you're busy).

AO: Transitioning from civilian to actor is not an overnight process, but you are correct that your success is directly linked to your level of enthusiasm and dedication.

* Remember that hobbies cost you money, while business earns you money. Think of acting as a business, rather than a hobby and you’ll go much further faster.

If you are currently landscaping, you already know how to juggle your schedule around bad weather to still get the job done. This is great news inasmuch as you can continue to juggle your schedule around acting and not give up your current clientele. Act when you have the jobs, and when acting is slow, do your bigger landscaping projects.

Personally I’ve found that most everybody is fascinated with movies, movie making, and the elusive world of acting. I’ve told current friends, family and clients that I’m acting and they’ll have to be flexible with my schedule as I might miss an event (birthday, reunion etc.) here or there and lo and behold, they are more than willing to work with me – and of course they want to hear all about the details of my latest gig.

My suggestion is to always have a back up income to your acting – even your top A-list actors dabble in real estate, restaurants, filmmaking, investing, and other profitable endeavors to spread the risk.

© 2007 Angela Oberer

Scene Study

2007-05-04T17:09:00.000-07:00

Q: How do you choose a scene to work on in your scene study class?

AO: Find a scene partner first. What approximate age range can they play? (give or take 5 years.)
* Choose a scene with players that match the age range and gender of you and your scene partner. This will allow you both to focus on the text, the subtext and the scene without trying to stretch too far in the beginning.

* Find a scene (preferably from a play) because the sides will already be in text form somewhere - and play scenes tend to be longer than scenes from movies which allow you do to an entire scene, or just a part of one.
Don't be afraid to ask for help from a teacher, mentor or more experienced actor in your class.

© 2007 Angela Oberer

To Monologue or not to Monologue?

2007-05-04T17:05:00.000-07:00

Q: I'm going to an audition and the email I got said I should come with prepared material, but it didn't say what. What should I do?

AO: Find out as much as you can about the audition.
* Does the production company or theater have a website? Often times, they will post auditions and breakdowns under their "Casting", "Auditions" or "Events" sections.
If you have an agent, I would contact them and ask if they can get you sides to read in advance.
* Ask if there is a particular monologue the casting director wants to hear. If not, find something that is characteristic of the role you are auditioning for.
* If you are auditioning for an independent film, often the producers, writers and directors are very accessible, and their information is right in the email you receive.

© 2007 Angela Oberer

Finding work without an Agent

2007-05-04T16:52:00.000-07:00

Q: How do I find jobs if I don't have an agent?

AO: How do you find a date without a dating service? You have to be on the lookout.
* Go where actors go. (I.e. websites that post auditions, open calls, and actors resources.)
* Join associations and groups where actors go to network.
* Attend workshops and classes for actors. ü Keep marketing materials with you at all times.
* During your networking time in a class, on a set, and in rehearsal exchange information with other actors, teachers, casting directors and movie people.

Post Card Promotion

2007-05-04T16:44:00.000-07:00

Q: You've got an incredible post card promo thing going, how often do you send post cards, who does them, and what kind of response have you received?

A: Thanks for noticing. I've personally found that sending postcards is less expensive than sending headshots and resumes and demo reels (which I don't send unless it's for a particular role for which I want to be considered.)
My postcards are meant to be mini-press kits, with limited updates, a couple of photos and a way to keep in touch with people I have worked with, or people I want to work with in the industry.
I send them every six weeks typically - give or take a few days.

VistaPrint.com prints all of my postcards and various photographers provide the photos.

The response I've received is fantastic. Lots of industry players have contacted me and have put me on their mailing lists to keep me informed about upcoming workshops, auditions, parties etc. Staying in touch is how we network and promote each other in this business.

© 2007 Angela Oberer