Are you an aspiring actor or actress waiting to get your foot in the door? Hollywood casting director Regina Prokop, a Chicago native, says the first step is to be visible. “Prepare some pictures of yourself or your child. Have many copies of clear color snapshots, and make sure to have your name, e-mail address and all phone numbers clearly written on each and every picture. Write a short, introductory form letter for each mailing.”
Prokop, owner of ReginaCast, has cast such movies as “The Watcher,” “While You Were Sleeping” and “Losing Isaiah.”
Over e-mail, she offered these tips to break a leg in show biz:
Seek out work. “Find out about movies and TV shows scheduled to film in Chicago soon. Contact the Illinois Film Office Hotline at 312-814-3600, and the Chicago Film Office at 312-744-6415. They have updated listings of who is filming.
“You may also search online for any productions at these Web sites: sag.com (Screen Actors Guild), HollywoodReporter.com and PerformInk.com. Never offer to pay anyone to be listed for work. There should be no cost to register.”
Act professional. “If you are hired to work on a movie or TV show, you have to be cool and follow directions.
“You will see movie stars and famous people, but it is your job to act like they are just another person. Do not ask for autographs! Pay attention to what you are directed to do, because you may have to do it again and again–up to 20 times!”
Think outside the box. “Have a classic car? Have a great house? You can prepare pictures for your vehicles and property also.” For more information, visit illinoisbiz.biz.
Learn to handle rejection. “There are 1,001 reasons why you may not get a job, and none of them may have anything to do with you! They may want someone taller, shorter, bigger, smaller, older, younger or just different. Do not take it as a rejection of you personally. “
Have a suitcase handy. “Research any opportunities for neighboring states. A movie may be coming into town in Wisconsin, Indiana, Iowa or Michigan. If you have the means to travel back and forth for a few days, it may be worth it.”
Be aware of surroundings. “Pay attention, know where to stand and when to move, and you may be rewarded with more pay or even a speaking role.”
For more tips, check out Prokop’s “4 Actors & Extras: Straight Talk From a Hollywood Casting Director.”
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