A movie actor plays a variety of roles in films. His role may call for him to be amusing, serious, or a mix of the two. His ability to play a variety of roles contributes to his success in the industry. He may play large or small roles that are shot in a studio or require him to travel to remote locations.
A career as a film actor is notoriously difficult. It has a reputation for being a fickle profession, with fame and accolades one day and venomous criticism the next. The small percentage of actors who make a decent living as actors typically advise others considering the profession to avoid it.
Acting in movies is typically a difficult and lengthy process. Acting in high school, college, and community theater productions is a common starting point. A person who wishes to pursue a career as a movie actor frequently relocates to Hollywood, California, where many films are conceived and produced. It is frequently regarded as a must-visit location for aspiring actors.
Studying acting, getting an agent, and landing a small role in a successful film is a common path to this career. Typically, the plan is to use that small role as a stepping stone to bigger roles, with the goal of eventually being cast as a leading man and being “discovered” by a producer or director. An aspiring actor typically hopes to be consistently employed as a legitimate actor after being discovered.
When this plan does not go as planned, a movie actor is frequently forced to use his skills elsewhere. He could work as a movie extra, which means he won’t have a speaking role and will likely be paid minimum wage or less. Working as an actor in commercials or modeling for print ads is sometimes seen as an alternative to exploring opportunities in television.
It takes more than talent and a well-connected agent to be a successful movie actor. He must be unwavering in his determination to succeed and persistent in the face of rejection. Working long hours and having his life dictated by others’ schedules are common occurrences for actors.
A movie actor usually has both professional training and a college diploma. He could have a bachelor’s degree in theater arts, music, acting, or another artistic discipline, as well as specialized acting training from an acting school. One-on-one training with an acting coach is another common educational resource used by actors. For a person who wants to pursue a career in acting, acting experience usually trumps education.