After concluding that I have been my own roadblock for far too long, I've decided to apply for representation from an agency.
Specifically, I am applying for representation as an actor and/or voice artist.
For the former, I need to submit an application, acting resume, and headshot.
For the latter, I need to submit an application and "professional demo in MP3 format."
This is admittedly an ignorant question, but what exactly does a "professional demo" entail?
Thank you for your help.
I apologize in advance if this comes off in a rude manner, but just a thought beforehand: I don't mean it that way.
To be honest, professional demo literally means what it says. Whichever field(s) of acting you're deciding to get into (i.e., screen acting, voice-over, stunts, etc.) are what you need to record demos for so you can show your abilities. Also, if you have other recorded work, it probably would not be a bad idea to include this.
I'm assuming you want to be a screen actor, so I would personally include a monologue, a scene with another actor (or multiple, although doing screen-test like demos may work just as well, if not better), and show what you can do with voice-over. With that in mind, the best words of advice I can give you in the professional world of entertainment are these:
*Open yourself to all opportunities that you are capable of taking up, whether you're interested in it or not. If you're athletic and have experience doing stunt work, martial arts, etc., definitely use that. If you're inexperienced and do not know how to properly perform stunts- in other words, have not been taught by a professional- if you have not been taught by a professional,
DO NOT.DO NOT.DO NOT ATTEMPT TO DO STUNT WORK. I've worked professionally as a stunt man for live shows, and you'd be surprised as to the stories that arise about both children and adults who see what we do and decide they can do that, and try it all at home despite our warnings... Anyways- if you can dance or sing, show that too. If you're efficient with make-up and prosthetics, send in a portfolio.
*
NEVER make enemies in the entertainment industry. During my time as a professional actor and stunt man, I had the moronic habit of thinking that I had to be the spokesperson for how much of a screw up the guy who thought he was running our show was, and that if there was someone arguing with him, that I always had to come to that someone's defense. Just gonna lay it out right now for you- if you want a pro career in entertainment, shut up. Unfortunately for me, despite having no respect among his peers or ability in our field, and due to a series of wild and really damning circumstances days prior to my next opportunity with that company, somehow the aforementioned *guy* got a job running that particular show that I had been a part of. And yeah, you guessed it- I haven't worked there since. And to add insult to injury? The guys who I backed up and who said they'd help me out didn't do either. Your career is more important than your co-workers thinking you're a badass or that you'll back them up- because they won't back you up. I'm sure you have experience in this industry, and professionally or not, it will become incredibly cut-throat.
So yeah, with that in mind, just put together what you can do, be willing to listen and not to speak, and be the first to volunteer to do whatever may need to be done. ****e yourself out, man, and keep us updated.
