In my previous posting I pointed out the need for a demo reel. Which is something that's a bit difficult to put together if you don't already have tape on yourself. When I started acting it was all about getting agents to the stage-plays you were performing in. Still not a bad idea, but it can be a hard thing to get an agent to answer your phone call, let alone get them out to your show! There are, however, a number of ways to get yourself noticed.

Here's how it worked for me; When I was in high-school I was approached by a fellow classmate, who had seen me in a couple of high-school plays. We teamed up to make a number of no-budget short films together. He and another friend handled the writing and directing, while I did the acting. We all shared the sweeping, gripping, lighting, sfx, driving and just about everything else. It was hard work, and it was far from glamorous. But before I'd even left high school, I had myself a nice little body of film work. Not only that, I'd learned a ton about how to work in front of the camera. Those early films helped ground me in the technical side of acting, before I'd even had my first "real" acting job. That director (Vincenzo Natali) went on to make Hollywood films like Cube, Cypher and Nothing. I ended up with roles in all of them. Through those early projects and the friends and contacts I made along the way, I ended up meeting a number of other aspiring directors who were only too happy to have a "seasoned" (16 year old) actor for their projects. Again, twenty (or so) years later, these are the directors I'm still working with!

While not everyone is going to be approached by talented young filmmakers (like I was fortunate enough to be) they sure can help make it happen! There are film schools, film departments, film classes and short film festivals everywhere. They generate all sorts of work for aspiring actors. Get out there and volunteer for projects. If they don't need you as an actor, then help them out on the shoot. Even if they "just" want you as an actor, help with the shoot. You stand a much better chance of getting hired (and hired again) if they know who you are and how hard you can work.

Or take it one step further - make you own film! Even if you don't plan on directing for a living, making a film is one of the most valuable experiences you can have as an actor. It's a great way to get a taste for being on set and, more to the point, it's a great way to get yourself some material for your demo reel. My money is where my mouth is on this! I've got a great well-paying gig on Stargate Atlantis and yet I spent my entire holiday (and bank account!) on making a low budget indie film called "A Dog's Breakfast"! You don't have to financially cripple yourself by trying to make a feature film, but for pocket change you could and should get some kind of video short "in the can". Write yourself a good part. Make sure it's a role that is suitable for your age, your "look" (Remember "Who the hell are you?" from my last article) and plays to your strengths. If you really think you've got something, don't just save it for your demo. Agents, producers and Film & television executives don't live in caves! More and more attention is being paid to successful, completely independent web content. If you've got something good to show, get it out there!

Going back to stage-plays for a moment: some people include video of their stage performances on their demo reel. I would strongly advise against it. I think that it's better not to have a demo reel than to have a bad one. Most of the footage of stage productions is awful. Even professional productions I see on local news suffer in video footage. Not a great way to strut your stuff. Why not get the cast together and shoot a scene or two as a short film vignette? Your fellow actors will probably jump at the chance!

If you look at the movie stars of today, for the most part, you're looking at the struggling independent film actors of yesterday. Almost every high paid movie star you see can be traced back to low budget independent films where their talent and determination shone through! I guarantee you that the careers of at least 80% of your favourite stars began by taking a chance on low, or non-paying roles in first-time or young director's films. Get yourself out there and connect with the directors of tomorrow, it's filmmaking in its purest form. There are a million websites for filmmakers out there, find someone in your area and offer to help on their next project. The indie and student films I've worked on (and continue to!) have not only lead to the best connections and had the biggest impact on my career, they are without a doubt the most exciting and fulfilling experiences I've had as an actor.

If you liked this article and want to see more, please spread the word and digg it!

David Hewlett has starred in numerous films and television. He currently stars as Rodney McKay on Stargate:Atlantis on the SciFi channel. He has just completed writing, directing and starring in A Dog's Breakfast which was sold to MGM earlier this year. David is available for "friending" via Myspace.com/dhewlett and his website www.adogsbreakfastmovie.com

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Thanks for the insights Written by geekwannabe on 2008-04-03 13:37:34 Our son has been taking community college classes this year and has been exploring what he wants to do with his life. He's leaning towards sound-engineering, though he's definitely majoring in DVD collecting. He's taking a film class this year and is working on a storyboard for a short film he's supposed to create. He's been sharing some of the films that his class has been viewing. I just watched the surrealistic short film, "un chien andalou" on youtube - without sound since it's not the original soundtrack - don't watch if you're somewhat squeamish. I'm learning all kinds of new things (like where the concept for the death's head moth in the "Silence of the Lambs" photo originated).    For some reason, our son wants to have a cigarette smoking scene in his short film - the smoke will create the atmosphere he wants. I hate seeing cig smoking in movies. I guess I'm not artistic-thinking enough!    Thanks for the insights! I think your comments on figuring out who you are applicable to everyone in every part of life, not just acting. I think that's one of the big reasons you are so good at what you do. I've told my son to read your blogs. Please keep sharing!

Written by davidshands on 2007-07-22 18:21:21 these are interesting insights. i love being behind the scenes, writing, cameras, set design. that is mostly what i enjoy in the plays and goofy videos i make with my friends.

This summer Written by Sunny381 on 2007-05-08 22:43:45 That's so cool, that is what I was going to try to do this summer with some of my fellow video production hopefuls. The writing will be terrible and the videos will probably be worse, but hey why not? LOL!

Thank you, David Written by krysalys on 2007-04-26 00:32:09 I have a friend who did the whole advanced degree and college out the ying-yang bit for directing, and still couldn't find a job in the industry. He's now got his own post-production business going, and it's fun getting snippets of honest-to-god work from him.     Doing VO's and graphics has given me the bug to check things out, but being a Harrison Ford-type, I really didn't have much of an idea of were to begin. You'd think this was common sense, but as my husband pointed out, "you creative types aren't exactly known for your common sense now, are you?"     Hm, he knows me too well, methinks.   Thanks again for the advice.  -----}-@  Kris

Written by pan on 2007-04-21 19:23:04 Thanks for this article! It was quite inspiring to hear.    I myself am going into film after high school. I think it's going to be a fantastic career to get into.

Happy Birthday! Written by allison on 2007-04-19 21:17:06 HAPPY FRICKIN' BIRTHDAY!    Would have posted earlier, but power was out for a lot time last night. Do anything to celebrate on Atlantis? ;D

Thanks :) Written by Phönix89 on 2007-04-18 11:34:14 Hey David,   Thank you for these great advices.   This year I'm going to pass (I hope so) my final exam and afterwards I'm going to visit the drama school and did already write my first screenplay which will be performed by our troup in June.   Your suggestions are very helpfull for my future, thank you!  By the way, I wish you all the best to your Birthday, a lot of presents, a huge cake and have a great party tonight!      Give Jane and Mars my best regards!

Tips on Writing & Producing? Written by candicemg on 2007-04-17 04:13:45 Hi David. Thanks for the articles. I've written scripts for a drama series in South Africa and had an agent for that. I also did directing for stage plays and had to take some acting classes for that too. I want to get into writing full time and was wondering if you have any comments about being a writer? Maybe Jane has some comments on producing and what type of person is suited for producing? I may as well ask if you have any comments on directing! Thanks, Candice

Works for all the Arts Written by joyfulkim on 2007-04-16 23:33:26 David, thank you again for all of these great articles! Consider it dugg.     I've really enjoyed them. The older I get the more I realize that this sort of advice really applies to all of the arts (I'm a freelance author and illustrator)...when we're students we tend to have a more idealistic view of life and our careers, but really doing some small stuff to get your feet wet and have people see you is worth way more than sitting around waiting to be discovered! This is stuff I only WISH my professors taught me. Keep it up.    I also agree with the commenter who suggested writing a book for aspiring actors.

Written by nanook660 on 2007-04-16 12:52:49 Great article David. I like these articles they are very informative. This gets two paws up from me. Consider this dugg.    And yes please more articles like this. I like reading about what you had to go through and how you did it.     Peace and Hugs  Fran

Written by dpainter on 2007-04-16 01:48:23 Thank you.

I agree with crazymom Written by Aten on 2007-04-16 00:37:58 These articles are gems! Here we have "email this article"-worthy material. It's really got me thinking. Yes, that's a good thing.     Dang...the only video footage I've got of myself acting is me speaking in Latin. So much for the future usefulness of the middle school Latin video project...

I enjoy these articles Written by crazymom on 2007-04-15 18:27:16 My acting career begins and ends with being a volunteer role-player at the police academy, but I still enjoy these articles you've been writing. It's interesting to get a glimpse into a profession I really know nothing about. I admire the tenacity of people willing to put themselves through what it takes to be a professional actor.

Written by Vikitty on 2007-04-15 16:18:24 I love the info that you give! Thank you!     I have a question though - what did your parents think of your choice of career? I think I remember reading an article or watching an interview where you said that your parents didn't approve of television and that you had to hide your home-made TV under your bed.

Written by sammy on 2007-04-15 15:21:59 thanks for the advice and info david!  consider it dugg!

Thank you! Written by bethynyc on 2007-04-15 14:15:04 Thanks for writing these, David. Solid, practical advice is sorely lacking these days!

Written by Vive les Unas on 2007-04-15 13:43:29 It's very nice of you to give advice to young actors... I'm sure it'll help a few !    Nevertheless, I've got a question : do you have advices for young filmmakers ? Because I'm about to finish High School (I'm 17), and I'd really want to go to a cinema school, but my parents are scared about all that art stuff, and they want me to go to a political school . I know in the end it will be up to me (right now I'm under age, but I'm french and in one year, I'll be free of my parent's legal influences), and I really don't want to disappoint them by ruining my life. I know you begun your career as an actor, but as you said you've got plenty of experience as far as the filmmaking is concerned, so could you give me advices about "how to don't screw up your career" ?  Thanks anyway, you really are awesome    VLU (and uh...sorry for being so terrible in English, I'm French )

Written by Stargate_Geek on 2007-04-15 12:42:52 Great advice. I act for fun (plan on going into medicine) but still quite useful!

Written by Squonk on 2007-04-15 12:08:53 Again, more great advise.    My friend was really chuffed with the last article so i'll definately print this one off for him too.

Written by Squonk on 2007-04-15 12:07:00 Again, more great advise.    My friend was really chuffed with the last article so i'll definately print this one off for him too.

Written by sueKay on 2007-04-15 06:33:11 Great article!    I've alays loved acting, but I was at High School for six years and there wasn't a single play.    I went to drama classes for about 2 years and we only put on one performance as the warm up act of sorts for a dancing display.    I was in a play a few years back with a theatre company that I really enjoyed, but other than that and being an extra, I've never really done much acting. I know a couple of indie film makers though, and I've been invited to audition before, so I'll keep this article in mind!

The Rowr of the grease paint . . . .The Written by Leopards_Bane on 2007-04-15 05:36:10 I know how hard it is to even get cast in a school play, hell I wasnt even aloud near the stage! (by order of the Principal! only cause my da was a teacher at same school ) I have always wanted to act, maybe someday I will get a chance.     bugger this got depressing . . . . .

Written by Damion on 2007-04-15 04:34:09 Pay me $100,000 upfront and I'll see you in a month or so... LoL!  Then I'll be your work horse after that     Sound advise though David  Want to give us a take on writing? Not only scripts but novels as well? Maybe find us {And force them to post} outside parties?

Written by Haliyah on 2007-04-15 03:28:16 Fab as usual - I always enjoy reading these posts.    Any advice on how someone who is very much out of high school and doesn't have easy access to drama classes can get a start, and how can you tell if you've got the talent for it?

Written by Zerocool on 2007-04-15 03:15:02 We'll keep digging away! Lets see how annoyed we can get them this time!  Any advice for shy nervous people who used to act but became selfconcious about themselves in their later teens but miss the smell of grease paint

Agree Written by Delka on 2007-04-15 03:01:01 Yes, definately agree with this "Get out there and volunteer for projects."    Once people see you want to work-they will give you work.    Its just finding that first job to volunteer for is hard. And then again its always helpful to have someone "on the inside" too.

:) Written by Netty on 2007-04-15 01:50:32 Great stuff. Ill totally remember that...im into the making of films so your article has definately helped

Thanks David Written by animallover on 2007-04-15 01:01:53 Thanks very much for sharing your thoughts & knowledge with us. I have a few relo's that are actors/new actors that will benefit from reading these articles you have taken the time to write. I absolutely enjoy reading it. How was L.A. meetings Hope they went brilliantly for you both.

Wow! Written by Kate28 on 2007-04-14 23:13:43 Thanks for another informative and great-to-read article David! People I know still think that a lot of actors 'make it' overnight; your article highlights that this isn't the case. I'm going to make sure those people read your article!    And definitely dugg!

Written by PB_Gal on 2007-04-14 21:58:09 Wow you really must be getting heaps of people asking for advice, and you're one of the few people who are established that are willing to share the market! Very rare indeed.    If i was even remotely interested in acting this would be a great little tutorial.. *sigh* if only someone would do the same for me while I'm trying to organize my med elective in a developing world's community's hospital. There just isn't enough information around!    Anyway I digress.... Glad to see ADB added to your demo reel!

Written by hannah_alexander on 2007-04-14 21:50:33 You should turn this into an actual book on acting.    In all that copious free time, yeh...but still, it's interesting and practical, two qualities that don't often appear together.

Written by Becky S. on 2007-04-14 21:16:09 Dugg. Thanks for sharing all this info on how you got started. It will help several people, I'm sure.

Good advice Written by Mangst on 2007-04-14 21:11:56 Thanks for taking the time to write and post these articles. The advice is practical and something a young actor (or an old one!) can put to good use.

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