Cleveland continues to bask in the glory of serving as the film location backdrop for the latest adventure of the iconic homegrown caped superhero called Superman. Plenty of conversation has been had about the hundreds of local folks who worked on the film behind the camera as production crew, or as background actors. The production and ultimate launch of the movie generated many events, special screenings, a statue for the ages, and a ton of local pride.
However, Cleveland also boasts many talented professionals who possess the chops to work in front of the camera as principal actors.
Whether it is in a visiting blockbuster production, a locally produced feature or documentary, student film, commercial, industrial video, video game, voiceover, or even on live stage, there is opportunity. I am excited about what the future might hold here as Cleveland continues to attract more projects due to the vibrant local film ecosystem. From tax incentives, experienced crew and casting agencies, great locations and support services, lodging options, and yes, talented actors, making a film is all about a collective team coming together to successfully pull it off.
As an actor myself, let me note a few things that folks new to the profession especially, should keep in mind as you navigate the journey.
- Do it first because you love it, not because you want to be a star. Acting is arguably the most difficult point of entry into the movie business. Especially if you don’t have a familial relationship to get your foot in the door.
- Research and reach out to reputable casting and talent agencies.
- Invest in perfecting your craft by attending reputable webinars, acting classes, working on local productions, and developing the tools of your trade, like a good headshot, resume, and eventually a promo reel that highlights your abilities. Your selected talent agency can help point you in the right direction regarding preferred photographers and the types of “looks” that will help them market you, as well as suggestions for where to seek acting classes. Casting agencies or folks who have worked in casting can offer excellent training opportunities at reasonable rates and give the best feedback. They know best what clients are looking for in a performance.
- There may be some nominal fees associated with your selected talent agency to help cover costs for your website presence with photos, video, v/o reel, etc.
- You don’t have to spend a ton a money up front. If all you have is a headshot done with your smartphone to start, that is okay and better than nothing.
- Never pay to audition! There are many scams out there looking for gullible marks to take advantage of. Don’t you be one of them. Talent and casting folks know about this information, as well as GCFC. When in doubt, always give a holler to trusted resources, which might include working actors you already know, to check if something is real.
- Network with other industry professionals at events like GCFC mixers and keep in the know about film industry news by signing up for our newsletter as well as getting on the email list for casting agents like Angela Boehm Casting and Lillian Pyles Casting. Other resources folks increasingly use in the industry now include Actors Access and Casting Networks.
- Don’t sleep on opportunities to do other types of acting, like live stage. Cleveland has the second-largest live stage capacity in the country, behind New York City.
- Don’t quit your day job. If you are based here in Cleveland, you will have to broaden your horizons to make a living. Besides the different mediums of acting listed above, you will also need to explore opportunities in cities in proximity, like Pittsburgh, Buffalo, Detroit, and maybe Columbus. Because of the proliferation of self-taped auditions, you might be able to cast your net a bit wider for initial auditions.
- Try to build up your experience locally before venturing to larger, farther away markets like Atlanta, NYC, Chicago, and LA. Talent agents typically won’t sign you even if they like your experience and look, if you aren’t going to be readily available for auditions. Even if there are more opportunities in a larger market, there is also more competition, including folks who might look and sound like you.
- If you do make that move, factor into your decision where you will live as you become established and find a day job there. Have 90 – 120 days of living expenses in any event. You don’t need to be a “starving artist.” A close friend or relative who might be willing to allow you to “couch surf” for a short period is a plus.
- Have patience, give yourself grace, and remember this is supposed to be fun. Booking a gig isn’t always about how well you audition, although it is certainly important. Sometimes you might not be what the writer, director, or producer has in their mind about a given role.
- If you have thin skin and can’t take being told no more than you are told yes, you may want to rethink your career choice. 😉
Good luck and break a leg!
LP
Chief Diversity Officer, VP Corporate & Community Engagement