Most people would be able to tell you that actors are crazy, and in some part, yes, this is true..We are a little strange..definitely don't have the 9-5 type mentality and are a little discombobulated at times. It's amazing how those outside our industry just can't get their head around who we are and what we do. There are amazing questions that are asked, and yes, whilst I admire their wish to remove their ignorance, sometimes it's just a case of wondering whether it's actually them that are crazy.
We've all had it, those absolutely ridiculous questions. "How's the acting going?". "Go on then, what have you been in?". "Is it working?". I mean seriously, what on earth does that mean? "Is it working?" Is what working exactly? I wouldn't even know how to begin to answer that question. I don't even know if it's a legitimate, or uneducated question. I mean, my PROFESSION, is an actor. That's my job. It's how I make a living. You don't see me going up to a teacher or a banker and asking them, "Is it working?" They'd probably look at me and wonder if I need to see a psychotherapist. Or better yet, wonder if I am actually in therapy at the moment.
I would definitely much rather hear, if it's necessary to ask a question anyway, "How's work?". I'm sure most actors would agree. Actors are much more likely to be less defensive and less closed off when asked this question.
But here's the funny thing..And something that amuses me the most..Those people who call themselves an actor that don't even train. I think this may be the funniest, most common occurrence within the entertainment business. Notice how I use the word, 'business'? That's exactly what it is, A BUSINESS. One can't run a business without having the knowledge and constantly learning, or at least looking to learn from those that are most successful. When it comes to acting, the most successful ones are those that fine tune their craft. They know what's going on out there and who's doing what.
I'm sorry to say, but 3 years in a drama school does not make you an actor. The sooner you realize this, the sooner you will not be stuck in the situation you're in. You need to continue to train all the time. Unless of course you're working and your schedule doesn't allow it. If you keep doing the same thing again and again, don't expect to get different results. You'll get the same outcome every time. Why do we see less and less new faces in movies, TV etc. Quite simply, it's because the new are not doing what the old do. Do your research. Know everything there is to know about the person that inspires you the most. Find out what they did to separate themselves from the rest..and yes, there are cases where your inspiration happened to be in the right place at the right time, but don't rest on that and think it will happen to you. Most likely, it wont. Ask yourself why the actors that won Oscars this past weekend, did win.
What are YOU going to do TODAY in order to get a DIFFERENT result tomorrow?
Think about it... :)
Some good points, and plenty I agree with
ReplyDeleteAlthough with regard to training, it is of course important and worthwhile, but you can't say that because someone has not or does not train they are not actors.
If you're working as an actor and getting paid to be an actor, you're an actor.
Some of the most successful and busiest actors I know have had no training of any sort.
There are no rules in this game. As you say yourself, it's a business, and as with any other business there's no set way to make it work.
Thanks for your post Sam. And yes, what you say is true. But in the most part, continually training is what separates you from the masses.
ReplyDeleteSome valid points, it is important to always stay on top of your skills. Being an actor IS a business and should be looked at in exactly the same way, market yourself, keep accurate accounts, constantly improve the service (your skills) so that you are an attractive proposition to consumers (casting folk).
ReplyDeleteThank you for your comments Adam.
ReplyDeleteI think it is YOU that is crazy. But that's no bad thing. Who wants to be normal and do 9-5 eh?
ReplyDeleteIs it working? I imagine that is from the fact that over 90% of actors are out of work at any time and even out of that 10% only about 10% are earning more than 5 grand a year from it. I would say the question comes from a genuine concern that you are doing okay in the worst possible profession to make money from... Money, something that's quite important in 'normal' life.
Drama school is great for honing skills that are already there. They can make the actor a much better one. A drama school wouldn't pick someone unless they felt they had the potential. It's not the school's fault if the student doesn't live up their potential.
Also, there are many who have had (and need) no training at all. In fact it appears to me (in casting world) that the more 'real' you are and the less trained you are, the more attractive you are for acting work. In my opinion 'acting' as an art form is dead now and what the majority want to see is 'reality'.
Thank you for your comments..A few points to comment on. The "is it working?" has nothing to do with genuine concern. Those not in the industry, usually, have no clue what an actor does or how much money the actor makes or any other stats you seemed to have plucked from somewhere. They genuinely don't know what the industry is about..And a lot of the time, cannot fathom someone going after their dream and loving their job. It's unheard of in their mundane 9-5.
ReplyDeleteDrama school is a funny one..they usually spread out their "training" over such a period of time that doesn't exist in the real acting world. An actor has no time to prepare or "get into the moment" when on set..It's 100mph and no stopping or you're fired..I've seen it happen, it's not a pretty or enjoyable sight.
Your final paragraph couldn't be any further from the truth and reality of an actor. The whole part of training is learning how to be real when playing a character..So many false moments arise when an untrained actor walks into casting. And it's cringe worthy. This is where drama school really doesn't help, but a real acting coach that has been there and done it for years, does help..Yes there are those extreme cases where an untrained actor books a role, but it's usually because of their look and then publicity takes over, in turn, the actor then seeks training to match their skill up with their publicity.