DON'T CUT YOUR OWN THROAD BY USING OUT OF DATE PHOTOS:

IN MY OPINION;

WILLIAM REYNOLDS;

 

DON'T CUT YOUR OWN THROAD BY USING OUT OF DATE PHOTOS:

IT'S NOT WORTH IT!!!!!!!

 

#1 Don't send an outdated photo or picture that doesn't look like you.

When you submit a photo, it shouldn't be more than  a couple of  years old. The more recent the photo, the better. I like them 12 to 18 months.  Especially if you drastically change your looks by cutting or coloring your hair. If the only headshot you have is of your blonde hair and you've recently dyed it black, then maybe it's time for a new headshot! The casting department won't be too happy if you come in to an audition looking different than in your headshot. The same goes for when you show up to an audition and you're 5 years older than your picture, and 10 lbs heavier. Keep it all up-to-date.   AND>>>#2 Don't submit a picture of your picture....NO AND NO.

WHAT IF YOU DON'T LIKE THE SCRIPT,, OR THE ROLE?

WILLIAM REYNOLDS:

IN MY OPINION;

 

WHAT IF YOU DON'T LIKE THE SCRIPT,, OR THE ROLE?

WHAT'S NEXT? WHAT TO SAY TO THE CASTING PERSON.

 

Thank you very much for your time and consideration. I enjoyed meeting with you and discussing the role. After learning more about the role and its responsibilities and requirements, I have decided that the part is not something that is right for me. As I result, I would like to withdraw myself from any consideration, in order for you to move forward with another actor who would be a better fit. Thank you again and good luck with the project. >>> And this is so true, every role is not right for everyone, look, talent, time, location etc....but it saves a lot of time and energy, for everyone.

 

DON'T BLAME YOUR FAILURES ON SOMEONE ELSE.

IN MY OPINION;

WILLIAM REYNOLDS;

DON'T BLAME YOUR FAILURES ON SOMEONE ELSE.

No Excuses! Most often heard excuse, on my end  'Family Emergency'

So, you couldn’t learn your lines because you lost your power? Too bad. You were an hour late because you were stuck in traffic? Aw, sorry. You had to rush your dog to the vet and didn’t get the script? Better luck next time. The fact is no one cares that you had any of these incidents crop up. Life happens, and sometimes things go wrong, and in a normal world, this might be taken into consideration. But know that no matter what excuse you think you have to get you out of a particular situation, there are dozens of other people happy to take your place.  Being an actor is not the easy life it may seem. There are often long periods of financial insecurity, huge amounts of competition along with multiple forms of rejection that make the overall process that much more difficult. But many actors will never succeed simply because they ignore some of the most basic elements and can’t get out of their own way. Know your lines, Be on time, Study your craft, Be prepared>>>>Give yourself the best chance at success by following these a few simple rules, and you’ll quickly find that you’re already ahead of the game.

INTERESTING, MEANING SOMEWHERE IN THIS>>>

IN MY OPINION;

WILLIAM REYNOLDS;

INTERESTING, MEANING SOMEWHERE IN THIS>>>

“I think on-stage nudity is disgusting, shameful and damaging to all things American. But if I were 22 with a great body, it would be artistic, tasteful, patriotic, and a progressive religious experience.”

― Shelley Winters.. long ago academy award nominee.

WE WANT SO MUCH AND DO SO VERY LITTLE. WHY IS THAT?

IN MY OPINION;

WILLIAM REYNOLDS;

WE WANT SO MUCH AND DO SO VERY LITTLE. WHY IS THAT?

WE ARE AFRAID TO GET OUT OF OUR COMFORT ZONE.

LACK OF PLANNING.

And when this happens we go right back to what we always did. Go home sit on the couch. Hang with friends,

Send out a few texts...etc.

It all starts with this.

Lack of commitment or motivation >>>>Motivation is the thing that makes us go forward. The strong desire of achieving something special can help us do the impossible and bring out our A game. Lacking the commitment and the motivation are the complete opposite and the signs of underachieving. Finding the required motivation can be hard, but here are some tips that may help.>>>>Solution: My best advice on raising your motivation is to go back to the thing that inspired you and gave you the motivation to perhaps be a model or actor  in the first place. It inspired you once, it can do the same once more. Another thing you can do is visualise the effects of the achieved goals. Paint a desirable picture in your mind about the results you want to get. If you have really hard time reigniting your motivation you may consider reevaluating your goals.

WHY DO BEGINNERS 'BALK' AT GETTING A DEMO REEL TOGETHER??????

IN MY OPINION:

WILLIAM REYNOLDS:

WHY DO BEGINNERS 'BALK' AT GETTING A DEMO REEL TOGETHER??????

What are the benefits of a demo reel? You have the opportunity to showcase your best performances and let others see what you look like on film. Many actors starting out get a lot of one-liners, and you don’t want to put those on your reel because they only last two seconds. But with a demo reel you can show off your range of work with a quality production, and show an agent or casting director what you would look like on TV or film. Not just doing a monologue with a screen in the back, it’s a real scene. Reels are as essential to your career as a resume or a headshot.

WHY THE CAST IS LOOKING AT CLOSELY BY THE DIRECTOR;

IN MY OPINION;

WILLIAM REYNOLDS;

WHY THE CAST IS LOOKING AT CLOSELY BY THE DIRECTOR;

It shall be assumed here that the director is the individual who actively oversees the realization of a film from shooting script to finished product, harmoniously coordinating the creative activities of the key personnel involved in the production processes. He or she will liaise with each of these artists, deliberate over various expressive and/or technical options to be implemented, and arrive at a decision that is commensurate with the requirements of the developing work. Correspondingly, the director will also be answerable to the executive body that finances and/or distributes the work and therefore must ensure that production runs smoothly and within an allotted budget. The director's job, then, is twofold: to maintain a consistency of style and quality throughout production and ensure that the production itself proceeds efficiently and economically. ECONOMICALLY MEANS> YOU CANNOT JUST KEEP DOING TAKE AFTER TAKE WITH SOMEONE WHO QUITE OBVIOUSLY 'LACKS THE TALENT REQUIRED'

THE DIRECTOR (IN  MY HUMBLE OPINION) HAS EASILY THE TOUGHEST JOB OF THEM ALL IN FILM PRODUCTION;

What Skills Do Actors Need to Succeed?

IN MY OPINION:

WILLIAM REYNOLDS

What Skills Do Actors Need to Succeed?

1. Step 1: Know What to Expect. It takes a lot of time and work to land lucrative, glamorous acting gigs. ...
2. Step 2: Gain Acting Experience. ...
3. Step 3: Pursue Formal Training. ...
4. Step 4: Obtain an Agent. ...
5. Step 5: Audition for Jobs.
6. Step 6 Although it's not a skill> cross your fingers.

ACTORS...FOCUS ON WHAT MATTERS:

IN MY OPINION:

WILLIAM REYNOLDS;

ACTORS...FOCUS ON WHAT MATTERS:

Every day in our private and professional lives we are confronted with irritants and annoyances. The problem with these things is that they are as sticky as superglue and if you engage them foreven a moment it is hard to get unstuck from them and then they become more than annoyances. As actors We need to learn to un stick ourselves from these unimportant things before they distract us from the real business we have to attend to, mind over what doesn’t matter is learning to disregard irrelevant things that get in the way of doing the work we need to do sometimes an actor arrives at a audition so distressed by traffic and parking they can’t really think about the audition instead during the audition, all they think about is the parking meter and that’s not going to help the audition so the goal is to to learn how to focus on the important things and let go of the unimportant distractions that crowd the brain

BELIEVE IT OR NOT,,,,THE BRAIN CAN ONLY HANDLE SO MUCH.....

HOW DID THE FILM INDUSTRY BEGIN? INTERESTING>>

IN MY OPINION;

WILLIAM REYNOLDS

HOW DID THE FILM INDUSTRY BEGIN?  INTERESTING>>

The history of film began in the 1890s, when motion picture cameras were invented and film production companies started to be established. Because of the limits of technology, films of the 1890s were under a minute long and until 1927 motion pictures were produced without sound.

It wasn't too long after that, it was discovered that many of the 'actors' couldn't act and had 'not too good voices' and a new revolution began. Auditions started to take place.And here we are today, Same thing>

WHY DID JAMIE FOX CHANGE HIS NAME: WHY TWO XX''S

IN MY OPINION:

WILLIAM REYNOLDS:

WHY DID JAMIE FOX CHANGE HIS NAME: WHY TWO XX''S

When Foxx started performing at open mic nights in 1989, female comedians were routinely called to the stage ahead of the male comics -- and Foxx didn't want to wait that long. He chose "Jamie" because of its gender ambiguity. "Foxx" was his way of paying tribute to one of his favorite performers, Redd Foxx -- whose moniker was also a stage name. (Redd Foxx, best known for his role in '70s sitcom "Sanford and Son," was born John Elroy Sanford.)

Apparently that was the right call because just two years later, Foxx was cast on popular skit comedy show "In Living Color," which eventually led to his own sitcom on the WB Network and all of the other opportunities that ultimately got him an Oscar as well as a starring role in a Tarantino film.

THIS MAY SEEM A LITTLE OFF THE SUBJECT

IN MY OPINION:

WILLIAM REYNOLDS;

THIS MAY SEEM A LITTLE OFF THE SUBJECT, BUT IT'S NOT

WHY DO SOME GET A BREAK WHILE OTHERS DON'T SEEM TO.

I don't want to give you a regular answer saying that you didn't see the effort that the ‘easy achievers’ put in. Let’s take it in a different light.

Consider a rose and a bamboo tree. Plant both of them together at the same time. The rose plant will be up in a matter of few weeks and will start yielding roses very quickly. The bamboo on the other side will yield no result for the first 5–6 years and will suddenly grow-up into a 12 foot bamboo shoot. So what was the bamboo doing all this time while the rose was yielding beautiful results(roses)? Growing its roots to build the capability to shoot up 12 foot high in matter of days.

Bamboo and rose are being useful in their own ways. Comparisons of the sort - Who is great or which is more important is a stupid question because it is very subjective. For a lover who wants to express his emotion, bamboo means nothing. For a person putting up tents/structures, bamboo is the foundation.  Sooo, What's the essence, you ask?

We're all going through our own unique journeys in our own times at our own pace. Lets not poison it with comparisons coz the things that we have to offer to the entertainment community are different to what others have on offer. It's not all luck.     Hope that adds some new perspective.

wr

YOU'RE NOT THE ONLY ONE THAT FLIPPED A BURGER OR TWO:

IN MY OPINION:

WILLIAM REYNOLDS:

YOU'RE NOT THE ONLY ONE THAT FLIPPED A BURGER OR TWO:

JENNIFER HUDSON:

America learned that Hudson had it her way in a past life after a tiff with Simon Cowell. The ever-obnoxious Cowell chided Hudson for not thanking American Idol in her Oscar acceptance speech. Hudson cleverly responded, "If I'd been any better at my job when I was at Burger King in my middle teens, I wouldn't be here either, so should I thank them, too?"

Hudson worked at a franchise on East 87th and State Street in Chicago for the duration of her Whopper-making career. For her high-profile shout out to the BK lounge, Hudson was given a gift card entitling her to unlimited Burger King for life.

So you're not the only one, that didn't just 'jump start' a career:

IN MY OPINION:

WILLIAM REYNOLDS:

So you're not the only one, that didn't just 'jump start' a career:

From Pepsi and Bubble Yum commercials to failed sitcoms and small guest roles, A-list celebrities were once struggling trying to make it in the business, just like everyone else in Hollywood, before they started getting award-winning roles.

Samuel L. Jackson didn't jump right into Tarantino movies. He was trained and started on stage. Johnny Depp was pursuing a music career before he got into acting, and Kerry Washington was popping up in educational videos before dominating in "Scandal."

BEING ON TIME>>>FOR AN ACTOR LIFE OR 'GO HOME"

IN MY OPINION:

WILLIAM REYNOLDS:

BEING ON TIME>>>FOR AN ACTOR LIFE OR 'GO HOME"

Why Be on Time?

• Demonstrates that you are diligent and dependable.
• Indicates that you honor your commitments and you can be trusted.
• Shows that you have respect for other people and that you care as much about their time as your own.
• Sets a good example for your those you work with, and others who look up to you.
• Builds self-confidence and success.
• For actors, in a film, or in a scene many times the production can't begin until everyone (including you) are in place. Being late can not only be a catastrophe for the budget but your career as well, why would a director want to work with you again when you have proven to be a toss up. Better still the directors love you due to your schedule strictness.

GEORGIA'S FILM INDUSTRY IS GETTING EVEN 'BIGGER'

IN MY OPINION;

WILLIAM REYNOLDS

GEORGIA'S FILM INDUSTRY IS GETTING EVEN 'BIGGER'

 

According to reports, Founders Studios, a major film, and TV soundstage complex in Fayette County, Georgia, is increasing their film studio lot from 90 acres to 200 acres. The project is so big it is expected to cost the studio $150 million to complete.

The large film and TV soundstage complex will have 5 different “hubs” which will each have 50,000 square feet of sound stage space, 45,000 square feet of office space, set construction and workspace space and other features. This will allow an entire TV show or movie to film in one location

SAG/AFTRA>>>>GREAT INFO FOR NON MEMBERS

IN MY OPINION:

WILLIAM REYNOLDS

SAG/AFTRA>>>>GREAT INFO FOR NON MEMBERS

When the two unions merged in 2013 after decades of discussion, they created a 160,000-member organization that combines bits and pieces of its predecessors. Look closely and you'll find the old and the new, mixed together, sometimes confusingly.

So what does this behemoth mean for you, the non-member? Most important -- how do you get in?
**Getting Taft-Hartleyed. One way a person is eligible, according to the SAG-AFTRA constitution, is if he or she "(h)as worked, is working or is about to work in a position covered by a SAG-AFTRA (or AFTRA or SAG) collective bargaining agreement." In other words, once you book your first union gig, you're SAG-AFTRA eligible.
 ****That's right: You don't have to be a member of the union to get that first union job. You do have to be a good actor and not just a dreamer through  hard work and getting a little lucky. but you already knew that...right?.. Getting in this way is sometimes referred to as being "Taft-Hartleyed," which refers to part of the federal labor law.

****Background Vouchers 'being an extra'. The rule is different if you're working background. To get in that way, you "must have completed three (3) days of work as a background actor under a SAG-AFTRA (or AFTRA or SAG) collective bargaining agreement." Some background positions on union shows are considered union positions, and others are not. You'll get a voucher if you work a union background job, and your goal is to collect three vouchers.

*****Upgrade to Principal. If you're working a background job (or as an extra in a commercial), it's sometimes possible to be upgraded to principal -- for instance, if you're directed to a line of dialogue. This is rare, but if it happens, not only do you get paid more, but it also makes you SAG-AFTRA eligible.

AND FOR YOU NON-UNION ACTORS...THAT LIVE IN THE ATL>>>>THIS COULD BE YOUR AVENUE FOR SUCCESS 

BE FLEXABLE, LET GO OF PERCEIVED IDEAS.

IN MY OPINION:

WILLIAM REYNOLDS:

BE FLEXABLE, LET GO OF PERCEIVED IDEAS.

There is a process that I would recommend to anyone that is pursuing acting as a career.

We all have an idea of how we look, how we are perceived, and sometimes exactly what our

market will be or should be. Don't be so keen on, say how great your body looks and you are

quite certain that you are going to be an action hero or a fitness person, that you fail to develop

in any other area at all. Or maybe you think you look like an icon of intelligence. But in either

one of these NO ONE ELSE sees you as such. Be flexible, work on your craft and try not to

cast yourself. 

SO YOU DIDN'T DO WELL ON YOUR FIRST INTERVIEW WITH AN AGENT.

IN MY OPINION:

WILLIAM REYNOLDS:

SO YOU DIDN'T DO WELL ON YOUR FIRST INTERVIEW WITH AN AGENT.

There are many reasons this can happen. Perhaps you didn't 'appear' to be serious enough.

Perhaps because you've been an extra in a few films, and although you have very little or no training.

you have a chip on your shoulder. Or you are just so nervous that you completely 'blow' your interview

or audition. There are no-limits to why. But sometimes regarding this last one.you,..'blow' your interview.

but you seemed realistic, serious and motivated, and we see something in you, and will probably invite

you back to try again and then perhaps offer to help you financially with what you need to 'realistically' give it a go.

So, moral to the comments are 'Don't give up on your first oppty, and don't get all taken up with your

perception as to how good you are. And be serious about a possible career. I can promise you that those

that you see in the movies and on tv are.

LIFT YOUR CHIN AND THEN WORK YOUR BUTT OFF>>

WILLIAM REYNOLDS;

IN MY OPINION;

LIFT YOUR CHIN AND THEN WORK YOUR BUTT OFF>>

I believe one of the hardest hurdles to someone entering the acting world at any age, but particularly at an older age, will be changing a life that is not built around the business to all of sudden being flexible around the business. Success in this business is very, very inconvenient. It will come when you are about to go out of town, are already out of town, when you’re tired, or when you simply don’t have the time because the rest of your life has gotten in the way. You will need to have the discipline and heart to say, “This is what I want and I need to sacrifice so that I can do this class, project, short film, etc…” 

But if you are willing to make the sacrifice and work your butt off then you can have a career as an actor.

SURROUND YOURSELF WITH ?????

IN MY OPINION:

WILLIAM REYNOLDS:

SURROUND YOURSELF WITH ?????

We met for a reason, you are either a blessing or a lesson.

Get the negative wannbes out of your life and go after what you want. Successful people like to

be around their kind and not those that always blame someone else for their failures.

Goodness we've had enough of those the last couple of weeks to last a year, maybe two.

NEW ACTORS WANT EVERYTHING BUT HAVE PREPARED FOR NOTHING.

IN MY OPINION:

WILLIAM REYNOLDS:

NEW ACTORS WANT EVERYTHING BUT HAVE PREPARED FOR NOTHING.

“Champions do not become champions when they win the event, but in the hours, weeks, months and years they spend preparing for it. The victorious performance itself is merely the demonstration of their championship character.” 
― Alan Armstrong

WAKE UP AND SMELL THE ROSES;

WILLIAM REYNOLDS:

IN MY OPINION;

WAKE UP AND SMELL THE ROSES;

One of the first steps I’ve seen actors need to take when wanting to break into film, TV, or commercial acting is to seek a talent agent.  But oftentimes, when actors are new, they jump at the chance to be represented by any agent, frequently going with the first one to show interest, and then find out that they want you to pay sometimes a couple of thousand dollars for some bogey classes that do nothing to help you, and that you really don't even want on your resume. Unfortunately, some of the real agents either don't want you and/or find you are not to be trusted.  Think about it… with so many actors trying to get legitimate agents, why would an agent who is good or even recommended be trying to find a newbie or someone with just a few credits? FACT > they won't. Whether you are brand new or an experienced veteran, there are certain qualities and qualifications to look for in an agent, just like a legitimate agent is looking for in you.

I’m too old to commit to two years of training.

IN MY OPINION;

WILLIAM REYNOLDS;

I’m too old to commit to two years of training. I’ll miss out on a career. I need to audition now.

If I had a dollar for every actor (of any age, but especially those in their 20’s & 30’s) who shared this unrealistic fear, I’d have a vacation home. What aspiring actors fail to realize, is that it’s the training that will give you credibility. Do you know how many thousands upon thousands of people flock to LA and NYC to pursue a fantasy? No one – casting directors, agents, managers etc. will take you seriously, or risk a chance on you if you have no training. You’re just someone who thinks acting is cool. Real industry professionals have their careers and reputations on the line. They find talent from the top MFA, BFA, and Two-Year Acting Programs in the United States. I would not base a long, successful career on looks and personality.

IS THE CLOCK TICKING ON YOUR CAREER//

IN MY OPINION;
WILLIAM REYNOLDS;

IS THE CLOCK TICKING ON YOUR CAREER//

First of all, what is a window? In show biz, a “window” is usually defined as the time frame for an actor to achieve a respectable body of work or major credits to establish him or her as a viable product in the entertainment industry.

A time frame for your window could be 5–10 years or longer. Windows are larger for guys. Character actors may have 20 years to get established. Gene Hackman or Robert Duvall didn’t really have major careers until well into their 40s. But for women the window is usually mercilessly smaller—5–7 years, with 30 definitely a cutoff. That doesn’t mean you can’t have a successful career in your 30s, 40s, 50s, 60s—like Kathy Bates, Sharon Gless, and all the Desperate Housewives. It just means you need credits before that age to be competitive. Otherwise, industry pros wonder why you haven’t worked professionally for a decade. “What have you been doing?” they’ll ask. “Showcases?” Yes, in the early stages of your acting career performing in nonpaying showcases, student films, and low-budget indie films is OK, but you have to move on, quickly, to credible paying work.

Most actors think they have a lot of time, years, to become stars >>> SIMPLY NOT THE CASE >>> YOU'D BETTER BE AT LEAST STRIVING.TAKING SOME LEGITIMATE STEPS.  I ask newbees all the time, that say this is all they dream about, and I ask, "What have you done to prepare yourself" Ans >> Well I watch alot of movies and u-tube stuff and practice with my friends.  "Really? Is that what you're going to put on your resume?' Ask for photos, and you get photos taken at their buddys wedding or at a block party...even selfies>  I told a guy (like those above) recently, "Wow, I could just watch Lebron James on tv several times, and try to get an NBA Agent. RIGHT.

IN MY OPINION;

WILLIAM REYNOLDS:

 

COMMENT FROM OSCAR WINNING DIRECTOR.

              

ATLANTA (AP) — Oscar-nominated director Lee Daniels says he’s consumed by fear each time he films a new scene.

Even after Daniels found meteoric success through films such as “Monster’s Ball,” ″Precious” and “The Butler,” along with his popular TV series “Empire,” he still worries that his work won’t live up to people’s lofty expectations.

“Right before I yell ‘action’ in whatever I’m doing, I am as scared as a 9-year-old child,” the producer-director-writer says. “All of my past has given me the courage and confidence on whatever I’m going to do next, because I have to challenge myself. But I’m still scared.”

 

And you probably will be as well.