BadAss Actor Blog

The Secret to Booking Film & TV

3/13/2015

If you truly want to move into TV & Film, you will. The secret to booking Film & TV:

1. Get a coach to teach you how to use the camera & rehearse before each audition.

2. Work in the regions for several years, learn how to act.

3. Once you've amassed a nice round of regional credits, have the courage to say no to theater jobs and stay in the city. Because while you're away, its very rare that your agents will pitch you for Film/TV if it conflicts with the theater job.

It takes courage and fortitude to make the switch. But if you don't, you'll be settling for less than your heart's desire.

Show your emotional type & have them submit u based on your emotional range which is often against physical type.

Currently sitting in the make up chair on the set of Gotham in a guest star role written for a Shelley Winters type...and me and Shelley ain't never been twins...

My trailer on the set of Gotham...stay tuned for guest star turn in Gotham episode: The Anvil & the Hammer

2 Comments

Karen Stephens

3/13/2015 03:50:01 am

April,

Ok, I really needed this one. Being located in S. Fla. and wanting to secure film and tv work in other (larger) markets has had me baffled. I know many agents allow actors to submit on tape but many want to see you in person in cities like L.A. and New York. I'll be submitting myself for representation in Atlanta soon, but have no idea how to secure that in other markets, or if it's even possible if you live outside the city. Any feedback for me?

Thanks!
Karen

April Yvette Thompson link

3/13/2015 06:46:19 am

Hi Karen:

In NYC, you need a good agent/manager or some really solid relationships based on NYC casting director having cast you before. In LA, you need a very powerful agent and manager and some existing TV/Film credits in order to get seen.

Your best bet would be to keep your ear to the ground and try to get cast in a TV/Film production shooting in South Florida. That credit would go a long way towards building important relationships and getting a meeting with an agent/manager in NY/LA. The general rule of thumb is unless you have a very established career with significant credits, you need to be in the NY or LA and even actors who do, have homes in both NYC and LA so they're available for screen tests or to meet with studio executives, etc.

You gotta live in Disneyworld to make it in Disneyworld...

Good Luck!

April
TheDreamUnLocked.com
AprilYvetteThompson.com

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