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Getting Your Foot In The Door, Not Your Mouth

© Lory-Michael Ringuette

Seems just as soon as some people meet me and learn I'm an actor/director, they often assume I can magically help them get their big break in show biz. They sometimes don't understand it takes long hard work training in classes, workshops and building a resume. After 15 years in front of the cameras, even I still have to audition for nearly every job I get. A good actor makes it look easy but it's not all fun & games, folks. Competition is great in this field even for small roles in low budget productions.

Now for some good news. There are two ways for someone with little or no dramatic background to find themselves on a set. If you happen to own or have access to a location needed for a production, you might even get a line for letting them use it. If not, don't worry. Almost every production needs extras (aka "background"). It doesn't pay well, you won't get any lines, the hours are long, you stand around alot (Hurry up and wait), you'll be the low man (or woman) on the totem pole, and you'll find that even a lowly production assistant can boss you around but it does get you in the middle of the action. It's a good way to learn how things work so you can decide if this is really something you want to devote your life to.

Yes, I must confess I've done my share of extra work before landing that first line in THE VIDEO DEAD (1987). If you look really hard you might even spot me in such films as MAXIE, SALVADOR, and HOWARD THE DUCK or on TV shows such as PARTNERS IN CRIME, FORTUNE DANE, and FALCON CREST. Too bad it's inapproriate for an actor to include "extra" credits on their resume. Mine would look so much more impressive if I could.

If you live anywhere near a major city, you can always find extra work. Yes, sometimes productions do come to small town America as well. You'll need to learn who's doing the extra casting where you live. Generally they will not ask you for a fee. If they do, think twice before you pay it. Sometimes casting directors put ads in the newspaper or inform a local radio station. They may even be listed in the phone book under Casting Directors (Doesn't take a genius to figure this one out). If you happen upon a crew shooting in your area, don't be afraid to ask who's hiring the "background" or "atmosphere". You might even get a job on the spot. Good luck! You're gonna need it.