"When is a TV pilot a good career move and when isn't it?"

Guest Blogger Charles Belk
Charles Belk Management
(for Back Stage - Jan 2009)

If afforded the opportunity to audition for and appear in a pilot, even the newest of actors should jump at it. There are several schools of thought on when a TV pilot may or may not be a good career move. There are some that believe that if you get involved in the pilot season process before you are ready as an actor, that it could affect how casting directors and producers look at you in the future. Some believe that a poor audition could leave that image of you in their minds and cause them to pass on your head shot during future casting sessions.

While this may be true for casting sessions happening within weeks or a few months of that bad audition, as time passes, those casting a project that may remember your really bad audition will take a look at your resume and look for new information -- additional acting classes, workshops and / or stage, tv and film work. We all know that for the most part, the most critical thing that will get you in front of those casting a project will be your look. So, if you peak their interest with that, then they will look at your body of work and gauge whether you are right to bring in for the audition, and if that list has expanded since the time of your bad audition, that will increase your chances of them overlooking it.

I am a firm believer that any exposure is better then no exposure. However, you should always mitigate any potential negative exposure and Commit yourself to your career by taking whatever appropriate steps that are necessary. In the case of pilot season, Focus on working extra hard now and Develop your acting skills. Do as much as possible to Prepare yourself.

You ABSOLUTELY need to be in acting classes. But up and beyond that, find someone to coach you (you will be surprised of how another fellow actor in an advanced acting class would be willing to help you out on a limited bases). Watch as much TV and movies as possible and study the actors. Think about what worked really well in their delivery that made the scene believable, or pick through those elements that didn't work as well to you. Videotape yourself delivering that same scene several times, critiquing it until you think it's perfect, then show it to others for feedback -- actors and non-actors.

Unless you are one of those rare, super naturally gifted actors (and I know you think you are!), it will take you years to perfect your trait. However, don't pass on the opportunity to land that TV role because you are a new actor still learning how to act. But, don't potentially damage your reputation as an actor by not preparing and by not doing as much as you can in the next few weeks to enhance your acting skills.

Commit, Focus, Develop and Prepare.


Thanks Charles for sharing...Emmitt thrower


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Charles Belk Entertainment
http://companies.to/charlesbelkentertainment
(Reprinted with Permission)

Guest Blogger Charles Belk

By: Charles Belk



Thanks Charles for sharing...Emmitt thrower





P.S. SUPPORT CHARLE'S FAN PAGE ON FACEBOOK Charles Belk Entertainment




All actors, working, not working, newbies or academy award winners need an acting teacher. Depending on the actor, this may come by way of acting classes or an acting coach. But utilizing a teacher will help keep you sharp, fresh and "warmed-up", and allow you to continue to sharpen your skills as an actor. When you think of others that excel in their particular industry, say for example, the NBA league MVP. Even that skilled, accomplished, working professional continues to "practice" under the guidance of a coach (a "teacher"), or continues to utilize a shooting coach during drills.

An acting teacher will help you continue to hone in on areas of improvement as well as help remind you of the techniques that are making you successful. Sometimes working actors become comfortable and content with their abilities because they have successfully booked several gigs. With these bookings may come a false sense of security that the actor has the acting thing down and he or she may start to feel that any additional lessons may offer only minimal benefit.

An acting teacher will also help keep you discipline and focused on obtaining your ultimate goal. It's like hiring a personal trainer. You can be an great physical shape, but even a few sessions at the gym with a trainer will help you take your routine and body to the next level. (Sorry for all of the sports analogies but it's the NBA Finals week and I've been hitting the gym heavily recently in preparation for summer....lol)

Ask any of today's high profile, award winning actors and most of them will say that they still utilize an acting coach.

Regardless of where you are in your acting career, you can always get better.


"By Charles Belk
Charles Belk Entertainment
http://companies.to/charlesbelkentertainment
(Reprinted with Permission)"

So You Wanna Be A Star?

Becoming an Actor or Actress

Actors play a key role in the interpretation of a writer's script. Although most famous actors live in Los Angeles or New York, there are thousands of actors that work in local television studios, theatres, or film production companies. This article contains the job description, working conditions, necessary qualifications, salary range, and promotion opportunities for actors. Please read on to find out more.

A career in theatre or film is one of the few vocational paths that offers the possibility of amazing financial opportunity and fame without requiring extensive education or book-smarts. Frequently actors are trained through an acting conservatory or university, but it is quite common for actors to find work based solely on their experience and talent. So, it is best to start preparing for a film or stage career at a young age.

Two of the most frustrating aspects of the acting profession are the intense competition and the continual rejection (both are common occupational hazards.) Although some people assume that all actors live the 'Hollywood lifestyle,' there are lots of actors that live perfectly normal lives. The majority of actors make a living by performing in television, radio, video, stage, or motion picture productions. Furthermore, fledgling actors gain experience by performing in local cabarets, nightclubs, theme parks, commercials, and films for training or educational purposes.

Salaried actors earned about $23,470 in 2002, though the top 10% of actors made over $100,000 a year.

Acting is mostly a labor of Love. The joy of performing and the process of working with a cast on a production is a very rewarding experience. Making a living solely on acting is a challenge for most artists. Most have other jobs to maintain there life while practicing their craft. Hard work, determination and persistence are key to the growth of the actor.

Just a word of advice if you wanna be a star. There are millions of actors competing for a handful of TOP paying acting opportunities. So understand the playing field. In other words, don't quit your day job.