L.A. Actor...new glossy mag for performers. Pick up on newstands, now!

Ah, there is a hot new magazine on the stands with a catchy title - L.A. Actor.

It sure is a welcome addition to the local Southern California performing arts scene.

The slick - well-thought out entry - reminds me of the old "Drama-Logue" weekly that used to be a literal "bible" for all the struggling thespians in Hollywood striving for that elusive break in the biz.

The premier edition features Harrison Ford on a glossy cover.

Inside, there are a number of practical features that are sure to add luster to any young actor's tools of the trade.

For instance, there is an insider feature on how to break into commercials. A toughie, I know, since I traversed that well-travelled road in my younger macaroni & cheese days.

There's also a useful guide with audition tips.

In fact, there's also a section on "Casting Notices", in the event a talented few are without a Theatrical Agent doing their bidding, yet.

By the way, don't be disheartened about that.

When I was in-between reps, I submitted myself to casting offices - and on a couple of fortuitous occasions - landed an audition. And - in spite of what the naysayers thought about agent-less-submissions - snatched up the assignment, too!

So, "never say never". Keep the faith, eh?

An informative article on A.C.T. (Actors Comprehensive Training) may be of particular interest to those just starting to nose their way around the lot without much experience under the belt, as well.

One of their staffers notes A.C.T.'s mission is to,

"Bring together the community and help each other network."

When first launching a career in Tinsel town, an unknown actor needs all the help he can get, trust me!

And when they say "trust me", don't!

The industry periodical also has a list of casting directors and agents to submit pictures and resumes to.

Heck, that saves a lot of time going through the yellow pages, or the aggravation of hot-footing it up to the Screen Actors Guild (SAG) or AFTRA (the American Federation of Radio & TV Artists) to snap up a list.

If you're looking for some exposure, or just keen on impressing a handful of friends, L.A. Actor also has a centerfold section where an enterprising performer keen on self-promotion can plop down a few bucks to have a head shot printed alongside other struggling actors in an upcoming issue.

Who knows, you might be discovered - kid!

But, remember what Walter Winchell said,
"Hollywood is where they shoot too many pictures and not enough actors."

Child Actors...publicity stills, agents, et al. You outta be in pictures, kid!

I listened in amusement as a woman next to me gushed about how cute a man's kids were.

"They should be doin' commercials," she insisted.

In response, the fellow grinned and noted that he stopped into an Agent's office one day to discuss representation, but decided to forgo on the idea when the woman in charge of the children's division informed him they would need photographs - which could conceivably cost about $200.00 - or more.

The woman reacted angrily,

"That's not true. It's just a rip-off. All you need is a snapshot or two."

Wrong!

I was a theatrical agent representing child actors several years ago.

True, if you're interested in having your kids schlep around as slave labor doing extra work here and there, one or two of the local casting offices will only ask for a Polaroid (oftentimes for a small processing fee, which I disagree with) to insert into their casting files where clients peruse for nameless "bodies".

But, landing bona fide acting assignments for the young ones is much more specific than that, and the process requires the investment of at least one standard 8 X 10 glossy photograph.

This is the industry norm - for children and adults - alike.

In fact, a quality still of the "talent" amounts to a calling card. And, based on its strengths or weaknesses, the aspiring thespian may or may not get in the door.

When I was submitting performers for consideration, I was constantly amazed by the fact that one particular photo of a client would always land them an audition, while other struggling hopefuls continued to be "passed" over. So, choosing the right photographer is also a key factor in the equation.

For those of you who are not familiar with the process, it goes something like this.

Each day, ad agencies and casting directors send out casting notices with a "breakdown service", announcing parts that are auditioning by appointment only.

Agents - usually franchised by the Screen Actors Guild and AFTRA - then sift through the casting notices and select clients they deem appropriate for the assignment - based on their actual "training", "experience", and "look".

Feature roles may require more extensive credits - but - the criteria varies from director to director. It's a general consensus that stage work is a big plus, especially when Film and/or TV credits are few and far between.

Commercial casting offices are often seeking an "image" to represent a particular product, so experience may not always be a prerequisite in that arena.

A list of the names of the talent, and their overall personal stats (Height, Weight, skills, etc.) - and the accompanying photographs - are packaged up in the morning, and then sent out in the afternoon mail by special courier.

Calls for auditions may trickle in later that day or bright and early the next morning.

So, without a photograph - and especially a quality one to catch the eye of the casting director - the talent may be left out in the cold.

True, some disreputable agents may be associated with an acting school, or a photographer. In that event, stay away from them like the plague, and seek representation elsewhere.

If you hotfoot it over to SAG or AFTRA (both are situated in the same building on Wilshire Boulevard between Fairfax and La Brea) you can obtain an Agent's list. Generally, those listed on the union sheets are professional, legitimate, and above-board - unlike other scam outfits hapless parents and their kids may encounter around Tinsel town in the pursuit of fame and fortune.

In the event your child is able to secure an agent, then be sure you can be reached on short notice; after all, that is also the nature of the beast...things may be slow one minute, then move at lightning speed the next.

And, a word of advice...

Make sure your tot is actively engaged in honing their acting skills and other talents by way of vocal lessons, and acting workshops and/or classes with reputable teachers and coaches on a regular basis.

That way - when the big break comes - they'll be ready for the opportunity and won't blow it!

Break a leg!





No business like show business!