NO EXPERIENCE? HOW TO BEGIN?

IN MY OPINION:

WILLIAM REYNOLDS;

NO EXPERIENCE? HOW TO BEGIN?

Take acting classes. If you want to start acting, start by asking yourself a simple question. Is acting a hobby or a career? It is easier to start when you know where you want to go. (You don't need an entire plan, just an overall idea). Decide what type of acting you'd like to study first – theater, musicals, improv, television, film, etc. – and research your area for a really good agent, hopefully someone that won't pump you up with. WOW YOU ARE GOING TO SOAR. GET THE FRIGGIN TRUTH, FROM A REAL AGENT.

• Commit yourself to that class , give yourself a chance to warm up to it. If you love it, then continue. After you've completed your first class, it's recommended to take even more classes, perhaps make a reel if you are ready. And for goodness sake, don't spend a small fortune with some La La class.

WHY IS ACTING A 'CRAFT'?

IN MY OPINION:

WILLIAM REYNOLDS:

WHY IS ACTING A 'CRAFT'?

Lee Strasberg once said, "Every actor needs a craft which is commensurate with his talent." Stella Adler said, "Without craft there can be no art." What they meant was that no matter how vivid and rich an artist's imagination may be, unless he or she has mastered the tools necessary to express it, that person is not an artist. A singer may be so sensitive to a certain piece of music that every time she hears it, she bursts into tears. But if she cannot hit each note beautifully and effortlessly, if she ends up slightly flat or sharp, then she won't be able to convey that feeling to an audience. Indeed, she is not a singer at all; she is merely a music lover. A painter may have an exciting vision in his head, but if he cannot apply his paints in a way that accurately reflects that vision, then he too is relegated to that larger group of people who have imaginations and love art but are not themselves artists. So craft would seem to be a pretty important thing. Young actors would be remiss if they didn't ask themselves, "What is this thing called craft, and how do I go about getting it?"

I LOVE THIS QUOTE FROM THE GUY I STUDIED ACTING WITH IN LA.

ANOTHER 'KEY' CREW MEMBER; THE KEY GRIP

IN MY OPINION:

WILLIAM REYNOLDS:

ANOTHER 'KEY' CREW MEMBER;

THE KEY GRIP;

On average, a key grip will make $37,000 per year. It's not unheard of for a big Hollywood key grip to make between $80,000 and $100,000 per year, but the work is inconsistent. If there is no filming, there is no work.

Key grips work closely with 'GAFFERS" (electricians) and cameramen. They are highly skilled and greatly depended upon.

PROFESSIONAL CAMERAMEN: EASY..NOT SO MUCH.

IN MY OPINION:

WILLIAM REYNOLDS;

PROFESSIONAL CAMERAMEN: EASY..NOT SO MUCH.

A cameraman is responsible for recording shots for a variety of film and broadcast purposes. They use technical aspects of lenses, filters, zooms and other camera settings to capture scenes to the liking of clients and film directors. Cameramen also clean, test and maintain camera equipment. They must analyze sets for potential challenges during filming and give instruction to other film crew members concerning set-up, distance, angles and lighting.

Depending on the type of video being filmed, a cameraman's equipment may vary. For instance, cameramen filming news broadcasts likely use stationary cameras, while motion picture cameramen might use a combination of crane-mounted and track-mounted cameras to better capture movement and scenery. Many cameramen also do their own video editing through a variety of computer programs.

A cameraman can work in a variety of settings, including in television studios, production studios, sports venues or at private events such as weddings. They may also work on location at remote destinations for films, music videos, documentaries, commercials, short films or advertisements for the Web. Those interested in the field of camera operation should be knowledgeable of computer software and hardware, electronics and media production. They should also be creative thinkers, efficient problem-solvers and have the ability to evaluate details at close range and from a distance. AND THEY CAN EARN $50,000 TO $100,000 ON JUST A COUPLE OF FILMS EACH YEAR.  NOT BAD !!!

AN ACTOR PREPARES..

IN MY OPINION:

WILLIAM REYNOLDS:

AN ACTOR PREPARES...

Don't cut corners on your training. There is a certain element of 'truthfulness' that is immediately evident when a casting director or agent, sees an actor 

for the first time. They can tell if in fact you (the actor) is emotionally present 'or not'. maybe you are just putting on an act. Sandy Meisner, (my personal favorite)

teacher, the genuine emotion produced for imaginary circumstances, (which movies are..imaginary). bring to life the character>>>don't just make up crap as you

go along. Enjoy yourself! Enjoy the ride! Enjoy being a 'real' actor and not just an 'imaginary one.

Method acting...sense memory..the 'key'.

IN MY OPINION:

WILLIAM REYNOLDS:

Method acting...sense memory..the 'key'.

If Relaxation is the foundation upon which rests the "house of method", then Sense Memory is the structure of the house.  Without it, the house is a transparent frame sitting on a solid foundation.
Simply stated, "sense memory" is the remembering by the five senses of the sensory impressions experienced by the individual  organism in everyday life.  These impressions are stored in the subconscious.
The actor can learn to recall these sensory impressions from the subconscious by concentrating on the stimuli associated with them.
If you have ever been hungry enough, and thought about your favorite food, chances are your mouth "watered".  This is an example of your senses remembering the taste of the food, and responding accordingly by activating your salivary glands.
Ever reach into a dark closet and pick out the clothing you want to wear just by touching it?  Your senses "remember" the touch of the specific material of that particular article of clothing.

WITHOUT AT LEAST A GRASP OF THIS, MOST OF WHAT YOU DO IN ACTING WILL BECOME 'TRANSPARENT'.

CAN PICKING THE WRONG ACTOR KILL A MOVIE???

IN MY OPINION:

WILLIAM REYNOLDS:

CAN PICKING THE WRONG ACTOR KILL A MOVIE???

Yes, definitely. Just because an actor is extremely skilled does not necessarily mean he or she will be suited for the character the movie is trying to portray, just as how in music an extremely skilled rock singer is not necessarily suited to sing jazz if he or she has never understood or learned the genre, or how being a Physics graduate does not necessarily make one a decent engineer. It is not just skill, technique, or whatever you call it - it is how you sell the role and whether people buy to it or not.

HIGHEST PAID ACTORS IN 2016

IN MY OPINION;

WILLIAM REYNOLDS.

HIGHEST PAID ACTORS IN 2016;;

• #1 Dwayne Johnson, $64.5 M. more.
• #2 Jackie Chan, $61 M. more.
• #3 Matt Damon, $55 M. more.
• #4 Tom Cruise, $53 M. more.
• #5 Johnny Depp, $48 M. more.
• #6 Jennifer Lawrence, $46 M. more.
• #7 Ben Affleck, $43 M. more.
• #8 Vin Diesel, $35 M. more.

WHY DOES WORK EITHIC, RESUME, GREAT HEADSHOT MATTER??

IN MY OPINION:

WILLIAM REYNOLDS:

WHY DOES WORK EITHIC, RESUME, GREAT HEADSHOT MATTER??

If you were to build a new addition to your house, I’m sure that you’d want to ensure that the builder that you hired was good at his job! You certainly wouldn’t to find out after spending your money that your new addition was unsound, nor would you want to work with someone who made a mess, arrived late or did not keep their promises. Perhaps in order to prevent this, you’d make sure that the person belonged to a reputable organization that works to maintain standards – 

YOU WANT TO KNOW WHAT YOU ARE GETTING, RIGHT? SAME THING WHEN A CLIENT LOOKS AT 'YOUR HEADSHOT' RESUME. YOU BETTER

HAVE SOMETHING ON THERE OTHER THAN SOME MODELING SCHOOL, OR A COUPLE OF PLAYS. WHERE DID YOU GET YOUR SKILL SET?

I POSTED A FEW DAYS AGO ABOUT THE FINAL COST FOR ONE EPISODE OF 'WALKING DEAD'..$23,000 PER MINUTE.  SO, DOES KNOWING

WHO AND WHAT YOU ARE GETTING MAKE SENSE? THESE DIRECTORS ARE NO 'DUMMIES'.

DO ACTORS RESPECT AND LIKE EACH OTHER?

IN MY OPINION:

WILLIAM REYNOLDS:

DO ACTORS RESPECT AND LIKE EACH OTHER?

If I'm gonna spend however long it takes to make a movie, give up 14 hours a day for however many weeks or months, then it's very important for me to know that I'm working with people who I respect and enjoy and that we're going for something together. 

BRAD PITT

ATHLETES AND ACTORS....SIMILAR?

IN MY OPINION:

WILLIAM REYNOLDS:

ATHLETES AND ACTORS....SIMILAR?

Both groups train for countless hours to perfect their craft. Both groups are competing at the highest levels in their respective businesses, and over time, both groups expect to see their careers change. More than anything else, however, there is one often-overlooked similarity that these two groups share; they play games.

AND WHEN YOUR OPPORTUNITY COMES, YOU FOR DARN SURE BETTER BE READY, BECAUSE YOU CAN BET YOUR BOOTS THE COMPETITION IS DOING THE SAME.

YOU JUST NEVER KNOW

IN MY OPINION;

WILLIAM REYNOLDS;

YOU JUST NEVER KNOW;

For his starring role in 'sleep running" Larnell Baxter played a man experiencing post-tramatic stress after having a car wreck. He realized early on that he

would have to show vulnerability. "I knew I had to go to a dark place, and be able to portray internal hurt. There were no lines only vast expressions, no dialogue.

Lots of crash scenes, running but 'no stunt double' just him. Filmed outside in Seattle in the cold.

You gotta do what you gotta do right. Now he is receiving 'national recogination' for this very difficult role.

QUOTE FROM ACADEMY AWARD WINNING FILM DIRECTOR

IN MY OPINION:

WILLIAM REYNOLDS:

QUOTE FROM ACADEMY AWARD WINNING FILM DIRECTOR;

f two men on a job agree all the time, then one is useless. If they disagree all the time, then both are useless.
–Daryl F. Zanuck

EVEN BEYONCE,,STUDIED ACTING

IN MY OPINION:

WILLIAM REYNOLDS:

EVEN BEYONCE,,STUDIED ACTING:

Beyoncé is currently taking acting lessons in hopes of jumpstarting a high-profile film career, Us Weekly is reporting. "She wants to land leading roles in movies and has been taking classes in New York and L.A. for the past year," a source tells the magazine.The "Drunk in Love" singer has appeared in several films through the years and even earned a Best Actress nomination at the 2006 Golden Globes for her role in "Dreamgirls. SO EVEN AFTER BEING NOMINATED SHE STILL TAKES CLASSES. I SERIOUSLY THERE WERE MORE BEGINNERS WITH THE SAME MIND-SET

ACTING, NOT JUST SOMETHING ELSE TO DO:

IN MY OPINION:

WILLIAM REYNOLDS:

ACTING, NOT JUST SOMETHING ELSE TO DO:

Think of acting as a muscle. The more you use it the stronger you get.

Athletes don't just work out every now and then, or just when they feel like it.

Why? Because they simply cannot compete with those other athletes that DO!

Real actors, career guys, or those that want a career, do just that.

THAT HOLLYWOOD FEELING TOWARD CASTING DIRECTORS

IN MY OPINION;

WILLIAM REYNOLDS;

THAT HOLLYWOOD FEELING TOWARD CASTING DIRECTORS;

Most fear casting directors for some reason says Barry Stone. It's like they are this mythical beast that hated actors. I'm sure there are

some CD'S that do hate actors. but on the whole they are your champions. Understand them. Don't put that pressure on yourself when

you go into the casting room. Don't apologize, just do the friggin character, just friggin own it. They don't want to see everyone the same.

They want to see someone risk to fail.

PS These are NOT beginners, but trained actors.

Little acting tip from Warren Beatty,

IN MY OPINION;

WILLIAM REYNOLDS;

Little acting tip from Warren Beatty,

I would suggest to the actor who is approaching his role/scene for the first time, to make sure he/she knows what they are doing, they...being the character they

are portraying. More than what they are saying. But, at the same time make certain you KNOW YOUR LINES. Have the intention, or the action or the objective and

then the lines will come out of it. That is a dime's worth of what I have to offer.

WARREN BEATTY IS ONE OF THE MOST SUCCESSFUL ACTORS IN HOLLYWOOD HISTORY. CHECK HIM OUT IF YOU WISH TO DO SO.

KNOW IT ALL

IN MY OPINION
WILLIAM REYNOLDS

KNOW IT ALL

I personally took some acting/directing classes in Los Angeles (1984/85) with Garry Marshall, producer and director of HAPPY DAYS AND LAVERNE AND SHIRLEY in the late 1970's to mid 80's. This guy had been nominated for a ton of National awards including Emmys. There were about 10 people in my particular class. But there was this one guy

who had absolutely no experience and no resume that kept on and kept on asking silly questions. On our very first class he interrupted Mr. Marshall with " I've got something I'd like to add to that if I may" Mr. Marshall says, no you may not, you don't know enough, you're not smart enough to ask a question or respond to anything I say, so sit down

shut your mouth, or I will have you removed from the class. And if you think I'm kidding I truthfully hope you interrupt me again."  Several of us applauded, then Mr. Marshall

looked sternly at us and we stopped immediately. This past Saturday we had a new person that we were giving a chance (free classes) and he was very much like this guy.

No resume, no training not SAG/AFTRA giving unwarranted feedback to the SAG/AFTRA instructor. Some, like this guy think studying is like HS, or writing your own little scene at home and playing it out. NO, IT'S NOT LIKE THAT AT ALL. YOU LEARN MORE FROM LISTENING THAN BY TALKING. SOME SHOULD TRY THAT.

THE TRUTH ABOUT BEING CAST IN A COMMERCIAL, OR A FILM

IN MY OPINION:

WILLIAM REYNOLDS:

THE TRUTH ABOUT BEING CAST IN A COMMERCIAL, OR

A FILM:

When an agency is contacted by a 'POTENTIAL CLIENT", about booking (hiring) a 'professional talent for a commercial { that can and do pay just as much as a movie role}  casting personnel

DO NOT submit those that show a lot of potential for doing the job, but those are are already 'trained',, 'great photos'.. and 'responsible' are those that are UP FOR THE JOB and not those that have

listened to those telling them how great they are, or those with dinky resumes' giving them advice on how to be just like them. Agents and Casting Directors work on commissions, which they

WILL NEVER GET, submitting those that show a lot of potential, but those that have taken that potential to the next level. Just like any other business in the world. Business for example,

does not look for CEO's or MANAGERS that were great students in High School, but those that took that skill or gift to the next level, exactly like the one that is hiring them. A good High School

play, or College Play is not quite the same as CAPITAN AMERICA, OR A NATIONAL TV COMMERCIAL.

I know that I write about this same subject perhaps too often, but again and again someone will come into our offices that have made maybe a total of a couple of hundred dollars in their entire

career with questionable training and so so photos that think they need an agent. REALLY? NOT GONNA HAPPEN. Our agency pays for REAL TRAINING...GREAT PHOTOGRAPHER...ALMOST

EVERYTHING NEEDED, AND SOME (NOT MANY) WANT MORE.,, LITTLE OR NO EFFORT REQUIRED, JUST YOUR GOOD LOOKS:: YOU DON'T HAVE TO BE ATTRACTIVE TO BE A CEO DO

YOU? JUST QUALIFIED. WAKE UP AND DO WHAT YOU WERE MEANT TO DO, AND IT'S NOT 'DREAMING'.

ROBERT DE NIRO, 7 TIME ACADEMY AWARD NOMINEE AND TWO TIME WINNER. QUOTE;

IN MY OPINION:

WILLIAM REYNOLDS:

ROBERT DE NIRO, 7 TIME ACADEMY AWARD NOMINEE

AND TWO TIME WINNER.

QUOTE;

I always tell actors when they go in for an audition: Don't be afraid to do what your instincts tell you. You may not get the part, 

BUT people will take notice: Robert De Niro.

Morgan Freeman, dogged determination? You bet.

IN MY OPINION;

WILLIAM REYNOLDS:

Morgan Freeman, dogged determination? You bet.

Morgan spent several years trying to get his feet on the ground as an actor, and it's only thanks to his 'dogged determination' that

'we' have all of those great movies of his that we love so much. I for one am glad that Morgan Freeman is the type to actually stick

with it and see it all the way to the end. If he did not have that 'dogged determination',,,well how many of us would given up too early

with nothing to show for it? And like most successful (yes most) actors did not have someone paving the way with cash.

STUDYING FOR THE SCENE:

IN MY OPINION:

WILLIAM REYNOLDS:

STUDYING FOR THE SCENE:  

 Run the lines with someone many times.

Preferably an actor, not your friend who was an extra on “Blue Bloods” one time, likes to coach you, and keeps reading the stage directions out loud. The first time you run through it, just listen to the words. Focus on pausing between each line, really absorbing what’s being said and going over the scene many times in many different ways, playing with intention, actions, and pacing. Try it sitting and standing, and allow yourself to make mistakes and explore every way not to do it, while also getting more and more comfortable with the lines. Focus on the “why” and the circumstances, which will help you learn the scene on a deeper level. If you forget your lines, you can find your way back because you really understand what’s going on. (Time: Approx. 30 minutes to an hour.)