How to Become a Movie Actor

Tragedy and Comedy

Becoming a movie actor requires commitment, passion and a thick skin. Acting is a craft that requires dedication, devotion and perseverance to perfect that craft. To make it as a movie actor calls for treating that passion as a career. Auditions--many of them--are a routine part of the world of the actor. There will be rejections along with successes. To become a movie actor demands patience, resolve, stamina and a willingness to face rejection. Acting is a very competitive and challenging business. Persevere and pursue your passion.

Things You'll Need

• Head shots
• Reel
• Acting resume

Instructions

1. 

   Take acting lessons. Learn how to express and portray a variety of emotions and characters. Acting classes will help you find your niche, the type of actor you are; character, leading role, comedy, or drama. Many colleges offer acting programs. The most well-known ones are Juillard in New York and UCLA in Los Angeles. The Actors Studio, which has locations in New York and in Los Angeles, has many famous alumni including Al Pacino, Christopher Walken and Hayden Christensen, to name a few.

2. Move to Los Angeles or New York. These cities offer major film and television work. Popular television shows, such as "Law and Order" and "CSI," as well as many movies, are filmed routinely in these cities. Many actors that began in television moved on to successful movie careers. Tom Hanks, whose career began with the television comedy "Bosom Buddies," went on to become successful movie actor.

3. 

   Get a headshot. A professional headshot is necessary to distribute to casting agents and to bring on casting calls. and auditions. Exploit your niche. Are you a character actor? Choose a side-by-side shot that portrays different characters. Dramatic? Then keep a serious tone. There are photographers that specialize in headshots for actors. Ask for recommendations from fellow actors.

4. 

   Build a resume. Include all your acting work. At first, your resume may include school plays, but as your career progresses, your resume will start to include small parts and larger roles in professional productions. Credits demonstrate your ability to act and each credit is a building block toward the goal of appearing in films.

5. Contact agents. The Screen Actors Guild (SAG) maintains a list of agents that specialize in representing movie actors. Getting an agent is challenging. Write a query letter stating your acting credits and include your headshot and resume. Invite your prospective agent to any live performances you might do. Ask if you can send a reel of your work. Reels include any film or television work, including commercials.

Tips & Warnings

• Network. Connections are important and a lucky connection can open a door.

References

• Film Acting - Tips On How To Become A Movie Star Actor - Film
• The Actors Studio

Resources

• Screen Actors Guild