Please help me!

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ruspinigirl
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Posts: 8
Joined: Fri Nov 26, 2010 1:28 pm

Please help me!

Post by ruspinigirl »

Hi,
Im a 14 Year old girl in buckinghamshire, but go to school in Hertfordshire (boarding school)
Im so desperate to start breaking into the industry but just dont know where to begin?
Does anyone recomend any good agencys around my area dont mind london :)
thank you
xx
pg
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Posts: 2091
Joined: Wed Mar 07, 2007 12:28 am

Re: Please help me!

Post by pg »

Hi there and welcome to NAPM.

I understand your desire to break into the industry but the first thing that springs to mind is: will your school support you? Would you be able to attend auditions if an agent took you on? Who would take you to the auditions?

If your aim is to work in theatre (or TV or film) in the future, you may find it more practical to concentrate on building up your experience in amateur and youth theatre and perhaps doing courses during the holidays.

Tell us a bit more about your circumstances and ambitions, then perhaps we can offer more specific advice! :D
ruspinigirl
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Posts: 8
Joined: Fri Nov 26, 2010 1:28 pm

Re: Please help me!

Post by ruspinigirl »

yes, my boarding schools cool with everything.
Well I like theatre, but mainly tv and film, I have done plenty of amateaur productions in theatre, I wanna give tv and films a go now, where to begin?
What agencies do you recomend in london, or around my area.
Is starnow a bit of a scam?, how did you get an agent
ect ect, im stuck and clueless, and need to start somewhere, its like a burning in my tummy just bursting to start! (sounds ott, but thats me a drama queen!)
thank yo so much for your response!
xx
pg
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Joined: Wed Mar 07, 2007 12:28 am

Re: Please help me!

Post by pg »

Hi again ruspinigirl! :D

It's very hard to find out what is being cast for TV and film without an agent, so you can certainly send your details to agents and see whether anyone is interested. You could also look out for information on student films (which don't normally get cast via agents, as there is rarely any pay) on sites like Mandy.

There is a book called "Contacts" published by Spotlight which lists most agents in the country and has a separate section for children's/young people's agencies. Some libraries have copies - you might even find that your drama teacher has a copy - otherwise you can get one on-line direct from Spotlight or from a site like Amazon. Some larger bookshops also carry it.

Another useful book is "Actors' Yearbook" which gives contact details for a number of agents and also gives details about how they prefer to be contacted. Another you might find interesting to read is "So You Want to Tread the Boards?" by Jennifer Reischel which gives lots of useful advice for those considering entering the profession.

Just because an agent is listed in Spotlight or Actors' Yearbook, it does not mean they are good by the way - if you are offered representation, make sure you talk it over with a knowledgeable adult. Don't join an agency if they will take you on without meeting you - they are unlikely to be worth joining. ;)

You can send your CV, photo and a covering letter to a selection of agents and see what response you get. Don't pay any kind of up front fee to an agent. That's a really useful rule of thumb! An agent should earn money by taking a commission from the work you do.

I'd still go back to the practicalities in your case, though I know I'm going to sound like a very boring wet blanket!

If an agent did take you on (and it is "if" - because there's quite a bit of competition, especially for teenage girls) and you were (for example) called for a casting for a commercial in London - who would take you? Are they likely to be available at short notice? Would you be able to pay the travel expenses for yourself and for whoever acts as your chaperone? Would your parents or guardians be happy to take you? Can the person who takes you take time off work easily?

This site can be very useful and there are plenty of people who post on here who have lots of experience, so hopefully you will get good, practical advice and tips to consider. However, you can't enter the profession as a minor without the support of the adults who are responsible for you so it's important to make sure they know and understand what you hope to do. Have you discussed your ambitions with a drama teacher at your school and with your parents/guardians? You'll definitely need them on side! :D
ruspinigirl
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Posts: 8
Joined: Fri Nov 26, 2010 1:28 pm

Re: Please help me!

Post by ruspinigirl »

Thank you for that wonderful reply!, really came in useful, my school is really surportive as they know I love drama, but my parents I think, are just as clueless as me. I know its true but they think that the only way you get it in is with conections, and as much as this is true, im sure that there is other ways, I just didnt know how and I dont think they do either. I need to sit down and tell them truly how much I want this.

Thank you again, I will get out that book, and give everything a go. I just got distinction on my grade 5 drama, so really excited and buzzing to go.

one more question, Starnow? any good? scam ect?

thankss!!
x
janine

Re: Please help me!

Post by janine »

Ruspinigirl , your posts remind me so very much of myself at your age.At 14 I like you was in boarding school & desperate to perform, so desperate it hurt, it was all I wanted, but my parents were completly unknowledgable about this industry( I think it scared them a little) & were determined that I follow a mainstream career . Now Im positive boarding schools have changed vastly since my day, but the limitations that not having parents on tap to get you to a casting at a moments notice, would mean that realistically the opportunities for work & of agents willing to take you on would be dramatically reduced.At 14 unfortunatly you are dependant on the amount of time & effort your parents are prepared to sacrifice in order fulfill your dreams of acting. The parents on this site will testify to the hours of travelling from rehersal to casting,to performance. It really is hard work, with very little gain.
To be blunt I believe at the moment,you have only the option of learning as much as you can about this industry,( The books PG has recommended are great, I especially found useful 'so you want to tread the boards'.) & from building up your CV, so that when you are in the position to enter this industry , you do so with experience & knowledge behind you.
You ask about STAR NOW.It isnt a scam, most members here are proberly members, or have been at some time. This site does not reqire you to have an agent & you are not discriminated against if you dont have one.As you are classed as a minor your parents would have to approve you, but a big advantage for you is that you are in charge of your profile. You can choose which jobs you want to audition for, & most give casting & filming dates in advance ( i.e in your holidays, or if you get exiat weekends , when your parents are available to chaperoine you)The majority of jobs on there are for Student or short films, which are unpaid, but its a great way to start out & you would get a copy of each film you did( great for your CV). I think its a great site to get your first rung on the ladder,& its not that expensive.
One more thing Ruspinigirl, never give up your love of performing, dont let anyone deter you, if you want it enough, you will get it.... You may just have to wait a little while, thats all! I for one wish you all the luck in the world! :) :)
ruspinigirl
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Posts: 8
Joined: Fri Nov 26, 2010 1:28 pm

Re: Please help me!

Post by ruspinigirl »

janine...wow! you completely understand where im getting from, like litrally i feel like crying after that, finally someone gets where im getting at!!! :D \:D/,
I think I might talk to my parents and talk about starnow, although my dad is very protective, im sure its generally safe.
Thank you so so so much, you have been a HUGE help.
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