Hollywood Jobs: Lead in a Minor Production or Minor Part in a Major Production?

Actors, of course, perform in front of the cameras rather than behind the scenes. It's important to know about the jobs that actors do even if you plan on working behind the camera or if you want to work in front of the camera -- especially as some very famous ones have become writers, producers, and directors (and combinations thereof).

It is a commonplace for actors to take on multiple roles in film production - both behind and in front of the camera. Prime examples of these "Renaissance People" include stars such as Paul Newman, Tom Cruise, Robert Redford, John Travolta, Woody Allen, Angelica Huston, Tim Robbins, Goldie Hawn, Diane Keaton, and Mel Gibson. I am sure you can think of some “Renaissance People” too.

Actors entertain and communicate with the audience through their interpretation of dramatic roles. They learn lines, learn how to be in the light, learn how to act in front of the camera and learn how to take direction.

Only a small number of actors achieve a tremendous amount of recognition in motion pictures. On the majority, most actors live very comfortable playing roles on television, film or stage and are recognized here and there on occasions. Screen Actors Guild is a strong union that takes good care of its members, so even small parts or supporting roles keep an actor well fed with health care and other benefits.

Some actors start as "extras" (the people in the background of the film) with no lines to deliver, while others are cast in supporting roles or as walk-ons. Walk-ons usually have five lines and work one day. A "feature extra" may be used for the same film repeatedly, with no lines but lots of camera time and many days of work – making good money!

Then there are stunt people who take on the more dangerous work, performing such stunts as driving cars in chase scenes, falling from buildings and other high places, or "fighting" in place of the principal actors. I know stuntwoman who also worked as an actor. Sometimes a film will require a stunt person to be an actor because of how the scene is shot by the director. This particular scene required a close up in Denzel Washington's Training Day.

Most acting jobs achieved through agents. Beginners and lesser-known actors, if they are non-union, usually will register themselves, for a slight fee, with several casting directors, who invite them to auditions, which may lead to acting assignments.

Sometimes newbies in the film business mix up casting directors and agents. The casting director casts for the movie, and the agent works with the actor to land a part in the movie.

It gets a bit confusing, a union town these two film jobs are well separated. In non-union towns, the casting director often wears both hats as a casting director and as an agent, because that is the way the movie production gets cast – it’s rare but does happen.

Although a few actors find parts in feature films straight out of drama school, most spend many years supporting themselves by working at jobs inside or outside the industry. Some work behind the camera to learn the film business. Some actors have gotten jobs at talent agencies or casting companies. Here they learn the process of setting up auditions and casting for commercials, film, and television. Hence, they get the whole picture of how the audition process works, which could help the actor nail an audition and get a role in a film.

I met a casting director who used to be an actor; so careers can change around either way. The key is never to give up and keep working in the business.

The crucial point in landing a role in a film is to build up your credits as an actor. The credits include theatre, commercials, independent movies, improv, and stand up comedy. The more you do as an actor, the more chances of landing a role.

It is imperative you take acting classes at a reputable school. In NYC and LA, there are tons of actings schools. You need to ask around and find one that fits your technique or comfort. Most acting schools allow newbies to audit a class to see if they fit into the school. These schools are not cheap. They are expensive, so choose wisely.

There is one school I can recommend in LA because I know the founders indirectly and heard nothing but good things. It is called The Acting Center. Professional actors like Nancy Cartwright, Marion Ross, and Juliette Lewis offer their help and personal insight to the business.

Actors need to practice and study their craft. Laurence Olivier says it best, “The office of drama is to exercise, possibly to exhaust, human emotions. The purpose of comedy is to tickle those emotions into an expression of light relief; of tragedy, to wound them and bring the relief of tears. Disgust and terror are the other points of the compass.”

To be successful, you need to work your craft and be darn good at what you do. Laurence Olivier author some books on his career. I read his book called On Acting, and it is a source of vital information on acting. The greatest actor of our time wrote the book when he was 79 years old. After reading his book, I landed acting gigs. His advice is sound and easy to follow. It is an inspiration and insight into an actor's life.

I wish you the best and a successful career.