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| SECTION EIGHT THE RIGHT TIME TO MOVE To download Sections 7- 10 as a PDF file (shows the actual book format), click HERE . • This section of the book was inspired by an interview I had with Tony Shepherd. At the time he was Vice President of Talent for Aaron Spelling Productions, overseeing the casting of all of their television series such as Beverly Hills 90210, Melrose Place, The Heights, The Love Boat, Colbys, Dynasty, Hotel, Family. Q: When do you think it’s time for an actor to consider moving to Los Angeles?
• I agree with Tony. Make a trip to Los Angeles and check out the town; see if you could live here before you move. SECTION NINE CHILD ACTORS • If your child really wants to act—really wants to work—it can happen with your help. This is the consensus of all the experts I have interviewed. Children, as well as adults, need dedication, talent and luck to make it. • In the writing of this Eleventh Edition, Austin Tovar, my 18-year-old grandson, is in the 12th grade and has retired from acting for the time being. He worked on several long running Jack-In-The-Box commercials playing Jack Jr.—yes, he was wearing the big head. He loved working and being on the set but then he didn’t like being pulled away from his activities for the hour drive to an audition. His parents opened a bank account for him as well as the mandatory trust fund. He pays for special things he wants to participate in from his own earnings. He gets to spend $5 to $20 from each paycheck he receives, depending on the amount of the check. He still receives residual checks and holding fees. (See Austin’s pictures in the Photo section.) • Austin’s younger brother, Jackson Tovar, from age seven to nine also took acting classes and had an agent. He auditioned for a couple of years getting a few small jobs, but as he got more active in sports he also got tired of the long drives to audition. (See Jackson’s pictures in the Photo section.) • Scams abound in the children’s field. We all think our children are fabulous. We can get swept away by the praise for our children and the promise of stardom. I have heard horror stories of families losing thousands of dollars after paying money up-front to illegitimate talent companies or acting schools for services that were promised but never provided. Throughout this section, I have quoted respected professionals in the business. Please read it carefully. Do not get ripped off. • Tracy Martin, acting coach, warns:
• Carlyne Grager of Dramatic Artists Agency Inc. in Seattle is a mother of child actors and for the past 15 years has been an agent and co-owner of an agency that represents many children in the Northwest. I asked for her views of child actors as a parent and agent.
• Don’t even think of living “close” to L.A. If you move to Orange, Ventura or San Bernardino Counties you have not moved to Los Angeles. Yes, the rent may be cheaper but there is a reason. You can’t drive into Los Angeles for an audition, interview, class or networking in less than two hours most times of the day. You must be close enough to be a part of the show biz community. If you are making the move here, give yourself as many advantages as possible by living where the action is. Be sure you have a Los Angeles cell phone number too, it is smart to get one before you move: 213, 323, 310 or 818. No excuses; do it. • When you do move to Los Angeles, it is in your best interest to be debt free, computer/on-line savvy with your own up-to-date computer and a paid-for reliable car. You’ll need money to set up a place to live, which is usually first and last month, a security deposit and for sanity, a two month cushion; this could total $5,000 or more. Money for pictures and picture reproductions—figure $1,000 and it will take about a month to have them ready to go. It would be wonderful to know you have enough money to take two classes a week plus a networking group for at least six months. Conservatively, that would be $450 a month, so $2700. Keep in mind you are moving here to be an actor; it is most important to be acting. Next will be your spending money for three months. What is your life style? How much money do you need each week? This could be another $3,000. While you are preparing to move, keep track of your daily expenses. Most things in Los Angeles cost more than where you live, unless you’re moving from NYC, and there are so many more things you will want to take advantage of here. Don’t plan on being a different person when you move; it just doesn’t happen. • When you arrive here with this kind of financial backing it will still be a jolt—moving is one of the most stress-causing events a human can experience. With your above basic needs taken care of, you will be more likely to have a successful move. You will be more at ease while you are finding that survival job to eventually pay for these expenses after your hometown savings have been exhausted. You will be living your dream of being an actor in Los Angeles. • Many move here without financial backing and make a go of it as well. You can work and earn money here, so if you want to move, move. Will it be harder? Yes. But you will be here and at least learning what it is like to be here. Some people have more courage than others and some are more willing to live on the edge than others. You decide for yourself. You don’t want to end up at 50 years old and say, “Gee, I never took the chance.” • Do not count on a public transportation system to get around; you will be sorry. In your home town, buy a Sunday Los Angeles Times newspaper or get it online. Also check online: Craig’s List (Los Angeles.) You will find lots of information, possible survival jobs available and the costs of rents. When you get here, pick up the L.A. Weekly newspaper and the Recycler. They’re free and can be found at most 7-11s, liquor stores, music stores, newsstands, theaters, restaurants and other locations. • Carry this book with you and purchase The Thomas Guide (street map book). Many rentals will expect a six month or one year lease. There are bulletin boards and rental services where you can look for a roommate. Be careful, don’t trust too easily. • Jay Bernstein, manager, writer, producer, taught a course called Stardom, the Management of, the Public Relations for, and the Survival and Maintenance In.
• If you are new, visit or call the local Police, crime prevention section, and ask if where you are planning to stay is a safe area. • Always be on the lookout for film and television personalities. You will see them. • Actor/writer Jim Martyka moved here from Minnesota and has become a resident tour guide for his family and friends who come to visit. He has added some great cool spots to this section.
SECTION 10 CITIES OUTSIDE OF LOS ANGELES • Many of you reading this book are outside of Los Angeles
and wondering • Al Burton gives an excellent interview in The Child Actor section about the work you can do in your hometown. Throughout the book the information can be found to gain training and experience to help you achieve a satisfactory artistic life where you live. If you can become a big fish in a little pond, you can achieve a great sense of accomplishment. • My daughter, Cynthia Kerr’s, husband was transferred to Dallas, Texas. She had been an accomplished actress as a teenager. After marriage, motherhood and a successful real estate career, she wanted to return to her first love, acting. This move was her opportunity. The first week, I visited and we checked out the town. I had asked actors from Dallas who studied with me, where to look. KD Studio was mentioned by several. We met with the director and knew we had found a home. Cynthia enrolled in KD Studio Actors Conservatory of the Southwest. She thrived on going to classes every day, the voice and body work, the rehearsals, the camera, acting classes and the friendships. She had her pictures taken and interviewed with four agents; one offered to take her on the spot. Because of the excellent schooling and networking at KD Studio she was in two plays, three industrials and a McDonalds’ national commercial during her first year. At the time of her graduation, she had paid for her education and expenses from her acting work, and the residual payments continued. She had another baby and then, at last, they were transferred home to Los Angeles. • Order books on acting in your city through Samuel
French Bookstore, MID-AMERICA (AUSTIN & DALLAS, TEXAS) • Actors in this part of the country flock to Texas, more specifically Austin, which has not just a vibrant film, television and theatre scene, but also a great music community. While industry people say Houston has fallen off the map, Dallas still provides a number of opportunities for actors. • Though limited, Oklahoma, Kansas and Colorado also have some theatre. In Denver, check out the Denver Center Theatre Company at 303/893-4000, dcpa.org. They hold open calls. • Thanks to: Actress and coach Juli Erickson for providing information on Dallas and Peter Blackwell from Austin Soundmine for contributions to the Austin section. • AUSTIN WEBSITES, PUBLICATIONS CASTING OFFICES TALENT AGENCIES UNION OFFICES, ASSOCIATIONS CLASSES, COACHES, STUDIOS
SOUTH FLORIDA • Most of the acting opportunities are in South Florida. However, there are the occasional jobs in the northern part of the state. Actors in Orlando should contact Brevard Talent, 407/841-7775, brevardtalentgroup.com for representation. WEBSITES, PUBLICATIONS
CLASSES, COACHES, STUDIOS
CASTING OFFICES TALENT AGENCIES UNION OFFICES, ASSOCIATIONS THEATRES Riverside Theatre, Inc. 772/231-5860. riversidetheatre.com. 3250 Riverside Park Drive, Vero Beach, 32963. Casting: auditions through Florida Professional Theatre Assoc.. Florida Stage, 561/585-3404. floridastage.org. 262 South Ocean Blvd, Manalapan, 33462. Casting: open calls during the summer months, send pix to Nancy Barnett, managing director. HEADSHOT PHOTOGRAPHERS
PHOTO DUPLICATION NASHVILLE CASTING OFFICES TALENT AGENCIES
NEW ORLEANS 1st Step Consulting, 985/649-0561, 1stsca.com. Training, pictures and booking for models and actors. |
© Judy Kerr 1999 - 2009
