Lights, Camera, Action! How to become a Hollywood actor
Every year, thousands of hopefuls head to Hollywood hoping to become the next breakout star. The allure of a huge paycheck, a glamorous lifestyle and maybe a star on the Walk of Fame never grows old. Although becoming a Hollywood star is by no means impossible, it’s not necessarily easy either. However, if you’re willing to work hard, make a lot of sacrifices and hone your craft, conquering Hollywood is possible.
Training
In theory, you don’t need any formal training in order to become a Hollywood actor. Many people have “natural talent” and are immediately comfortable in front of a camera. Training does have many benefits, however. For starters, acting schools can open many doors. Teachers might have connections or be aware of opportunities you wouldn’t find out about otherwise. If nothing else, going to school will put you in touch with the right people.\
Training as an actor has other benefits as well. Some agents or casting offices ask for a resume, and having graduated from a prestigious acting school can have some weight on whether you get a call back. A good acting coach can also help you tap into your natural talent, helping you refine dialogue, acting techniques and even details such as professional behavior.
Location
Although this might seem obvious, the first thing you need to do to become a Hollywood actor is to move to Hollywood. Not to California (unless you’re willing to drive long distances on a regular basis), but to Hollywood itself. This is because Hollywood is full of opportunities for networking. Many of the biggest casting directors, agencies and studios are located in Hollywood. If you live in the area, you have more chances of getting invites to parties or events, attend conferences and find casting calls in local newspapers or bulletin boards. In Hollywood, part of the road to success is who you know. And you’re not going to know anybody important if you don’t live right there.
Be Willing to Start Small
Sure, you want a big breakout role and an Oscar nomination. But even big-name actors started with small roles. Tom Hank’s first film role was in the horror film “He Knows You’re Alone,” where he played a very small part. Matt Damon’s first film appearance was in the film “Mystic Pizza,” where he had only one line. And Harrison Ford’s first film appearance lasted less than a minute. He played the part of a bellman at the end of the movie “Dead Heat on a Merry-Go-Round.” Many famous actors started as extras or had non-talking parts in films. Small early roles might not be glamorous, but they help cement your credibility as hard-working and willing to grow. They also help enhance your resume.
Work on Your Portfolio
A portfolio is an actor’s enhanced resume. It includes not only a list of your appearances and training, but also head shots and body shots, press clips or articles written about you, and anything else that showcases your talents. Many aspiring actors also have an acting reel, which is basically a collection of clips showcasing your previous acting gigs.