I get a lot of questions from people looking for advice on how to get into the acting game. I usually begin by pointing out that if I were to add together all the time I have spent over the years learning lines for auditions, getting to audtions, waiting for auditions and call-backs and studio and network tests, it would average out to a very sad hourly income! Why do you want to do this? Working is only a tiny part of being an actor. If you want to be a star, then that's a whole other thing. I can't help you with that. There are no rules about stardom. Stardom is fickle and fleeting, acting is a career. Actors can become stars, but so do freaks, criminals and sex-ibitionists (I made that one up, but you know what I mean).That said, if you're not to be disuaded and you still want to make the jump from talking to yourself in the mirror to working as an actor, here's what I've got for you:

Who the hell are you?

I've never heard anyone address this before and yet I think it's the most important considerations for anyone planning on acting as a career. I wish that someone had mentioned it to me when I first started! An actor's biggest enemy, is themselves. So, start by getting to know yourself. Beg, borrow or steal a camcorder. Videotape yourself in plain, undramatic light. Don't worry about "acting' per se. Set up the shot so it's wide enough to see your whole body. Walk back a forth a few times, turn left, turn right, smile, laugh, stare at the camera and now stare away from it. Sit and repeat (not the walking, idiot!) Now, do it all again but this time include a little less than half your body height. Now, one last time in close-up (you can skip the walking on this pass too Einstein). What do you look like? Be realistic. What roles are you going to play? This is a tough thing for actors to come to terms with. You may need to show the tape to a few people to help you truthfully answer the question. I wanted to be Johnny Depp, the problem was I looked like the love child of Robin Williams and Quentin Tarantino. Not exactly what I would have wished for, but that's me, and that's what I work with. Everyone has a look. The first step to being a successful actor is pinning it down and making it work for you. When you're starting out, part of the challenge is learning not to fight who you are. The reality is that no matter how good a performance you give, because of the way you look, you are going to be perceived a certain way. Don't take it personally when you do or don't get the role. Everyone is unique. That uniqueness is what is going to keep you working, so stop trying to be someone else. Acting chops are a plus, but this industry is all about the way you look. Make it work.

Photos & Resumes

In business they have business cards, in acting you have head shots and resumes.

The Photo (Headshot)

This is a simple black & white, or more recently color, 8x10 photo of yourself. Some people go for more than just the face. I prefer the good old fashioned black & white head and shoulders approach. The point of these glossy pieces of unwieldy, expensive, photographic material, is to get you in the door for an audition, and remind them who you are once you've left. It's as simple as that. I've heard a million different theories on headshot strategies and how an actor should look in their photos. Some actors shoot a few different photos which they send out depending on what kind of role they're going in for. Perhaps one is a rugged stubbly manly pose and the other a power suited corporate look. For the women it's generally one sexy and one sweet. The thing is you always end up liking one photo more than the other, and that's the one that goes out. Your left holding an expensive stack of second-best headshots that never leave the box. I've used photos both as an actor looking for work, and as a director looking for actors. The way I see it, there's only one approach that works - a simple photo that looks like you on a good day. There is nothing more irritating and off-putting than not recognizing the person standing before you in the audition room, even though you've got their photo sitting on the desk in front of you. You probably have a friend or family member who takes great pictures. Honestly, I've never seen anyone have any luck with photos taken by talented friends or family. You need someone who doesn't know you and who photographs actors for a living. This is a great opportunity to find out how you look to someone with the skills to make it work for you. Use them! The photographer is someone who can look at you without the rosy glow of friendship or family love (or petty jealousy and hatred) and who knows what works for the camera and what doesn't. Bring a selection of clothes with you to the shoot. Be sure to ask the photographer what colors and fabrics they recommend. Everyone seems to have different ideas on this, so work with theirs. If you're a woman, get a make-up artist. If you're a man don't shave. Get a selection of photos taken before you go clean-shaven for the rest of the shoot. It's good to have a variety of looks to choose your favorite from. By the way, headshots are going to cost you. Sorry, but it's expensive to get good photos done well. Still, seeing as they are your only way in the door, it's money well spent. Something else to consider: I am notoriously bad about updating my photos, because, frankly I hate getting them done. That said, in an ideal world I'd get new photos every couple of years at the least (in other words, I need to get mine done again!). If you can find someone who takes digital shots, then I'd go for that. It saves so much time and money running around getting prints. If you insist on seeing my headshot, have a look at David Hewlett on IMDB.com. There are two photos up there: one older "Harry Potter" meets the "Hobbits" - a great example of what NOT to do, and the more relaxed photo I use today. Hopefully you can tell the difference!

The Resume

Yes, in this digital world it seems crazy to have some scrap of paper with an instantly outdated list of credits. Still, this is what jogs the minds of casting directors, producers and directors and helps get you in the door. It also gives you something to talk to them about. Stick to the facts! Trust me on this. There's nothing worse than being on set and having the famous, big time Hollywood director announce that you will be juggling in the next scene. Something you tried once, drunk at a party and happily added to the ever growing "special skills" section of your resume. Even worse is going in for a casting director, only to find out that they were the one that cast the project you bumped yourself up to "lead" for. Keep it simple and keep it real. Everyone has different ways of formatting these things. Project title, type of role (or the character name) and the production company should do it for you. Once you get an agent, you can tailor it to their own specific word processing obsessions.

The Demo reel

I admit that I am a nerd and as such may like to get my nerdly hands a bit more tech-dirty than some. But, quite simply, I think every actor should should cut their own demo reel. There are so many easy to use video editing software programs out there. Failing that, this could be one of those rare times that your best geek friend can come in handy. Nerds love actors and they love editing, it's a fact! There was a time when great technical skill, and crazy expensive equipment was needed to do this kind of thing. It was a time when montages flashing all your varied characters and looks was a unique and interesting touch. That time was the eighties, and the eighties are over! Do not start and/or end your demo with a montage! (I know that I will get some flack from other actors on this, but come on!) Start with at least 15 seconds of clearly readable text that includes your name and contact information (check and double check the spelling!) and end with the same (I might even leave the contact info up longer at the end). You are not a rock star (well, maybe you are in which case don't I feel silly)! You are an actor. People in the position to hire you, allowing you to pay the rent and eat, want to see examples of your work, not of your editing and modeling skills. Lose anything flashy! Forget unreadable, spinning text effects. Your demo should consist of a short five to ten minute (I'd aim for right smack in the middle) selection of scenes from projects that you've worked on. At the beginning of each scene there should be a short title telling people what they're looking at. I usually use a plain, unadorned, MTV-style, rock video title in the corner for the first few seconds of the clip. Use one uniform type of simple transition (fades to black perhaps?). The idea is to spare your potential employers jarring cuts between the selected scenes. Leave it at that! Do not try to impress them with video effects and transitions (your nerd friend will want them, but you must be strong). Irritatingly, archaic VHS copies of your demo are what many casting directors will be looking for. However, you'd be wise to have a much more sensible DVD and digital file of the demo ready to go as well. Here's another tip that I wish someone had told me... Copy the demo yourself. Do not leave the copies up to your agent. Agencies (Big agencies that have multi-million dollar clients and should know better, even!) tend to knock off terrible quality copies of demos. To make matters worse, agents never do a quality control check on anything they send out. Save yourself the grave disservice of a badly reproduced demo by providing the agent with a number of pristine, personally checked dubs on VHS and DVD. I'm serious, check every one of them all the way through! You finally have someone's attention, you don't want to lose it with a blank or faulty tape or disc.

What should you include on your demo reel? This opens up and whole new kettle of worms about how to get work, if you need work to get work. (I know, but I happen to like mixed metaphors!). I'll get to that next time.

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

Comments

I wanted to be Johnny Depp Written by aeilaranna on 2007-11-02 14:26:19 You really, really don't see yourself do you. You are SO much cuter than Quentin Tarantino and Robin Williams it's not funny. Yes your hair is thinning (sorry) an you're not Tom Cruise gorgeous but you do have an utterly adorable look. Makes the girls want to hug you and take care of you the whole babies and puppies thing. Let's put it this way you're WAY better looking than plenty of people who get leading man roles - Jim Carry! Adam Sandler! Frankly I think you could do any kind of role you wanted. So there!

Written by krysalys on 2007-04-26 01:02:33 Considering I am a Hobbit (diminutive stature, check. stocky build, check. hairy feet, ain't admitting anything ), I doubt I'd ever have much of a career as an actor.     That's perfectly fine, though. I'm very happy just acting up. It's funny how childbirth takes away one's sense of personal shame and modesty. *snicker*    Thank you for taking the time to jot these bits of advice down. Now you have one less fan to pester you for advice at the Cons.   -----}-@  Kris

From the other side... Written by bethynyc on 2007-04-04 20:04:51 Thanks for the good advice. I learned a *long* time ago that I didn't have the thick skin needed for acting. However, I'm making up for that now by writing plays. Have to say there is no bigger thrill for me than to watch an actor bring my words to life.     Thank you for being an actor who works so hard and cares enough to spread the word!

Written by vecturist on 2007-04-04 17:51:21 Thanks for the honesty! Although I've never had any acting aspirations, it seems like actors and grad students have a lot in common - long hours, low pay (broke grad student a misnomer, no), enduring the questions and looks (you're doing what?), taking what you can get sometimes (I get to teach bio for non-bio majors again?), trying to impress people who can either crush you or give you the break of a lifetime, hoping you get the find of a lifetime and praying it's all worth it.

Thanks for being you.. Written by Lady of the Lake on 2007-04-04 13:28:00 For me people always say awe you not the type family and friends they look at you and think you nut for doing something you never get but for me im doing something I love not just for the let downs but for trying who knows it take just one person to see you. Never know what God bring to you. But being youself is I think you right on that part and being youself that will get people see you as you not somebody easl...Thanks for the advise....One more question why did you become a writer?? To me writing is acting and im actor in my own world...

don't let those diggers get you down Written by alison_974 on 2007-04-04 00:04:37 I'm really sad about this, i can tell you really put a lot of effort into this article, for the sole purpose of helping people out... not to push your movie or stargate.  Just know that we appreciate everything, and we don't just digg it cos it's you, but cos it was really a good read!

Written by crownglass39 on 2007-04-03 22:52:46 You said at one time you wanted to be Johnny Depp, huh?     How 'bout you throw the fangirls a bone and put on a little bit of black eyeliner?

Darn Digg .... Written by amararti on 2007-04-03 18:06:54 .... and another important life skill to add to the mix - retain your sense of humour at all costs - even when others abandon theirs. Jeez - but the Digg Hit Squad are sooooo uptight ....    Courage mon brave ...  AMx

...-snort- Written by allison on 2007-04-03 17:02:13 "Harry Potter" meets the "Hobbits". I laughed for a good five minutes after that one. My friend was looking over my shoulder as I flipped to the first picture:  FRIEND: My, my. Isn't he a hansome fellow? Another one of your actor heroes?  *flips to dubbed 'Hobbit' picture*  FRIEND: (burst out laughing) Oh my god! That's so adorable. Who the hell is this guy?! XD    I think you just got an extra point on the universal score board ;D

DN'Y BE AN ACTOR!!! Written by APMC4CB on 2007-04-03 16:33:35 Great article! But if I had any advice for someone wanting to be an actor, I would say DON’T DO IT, unless you are incredibly good/incredibly lucky/you just enjoy the process.    Work behind the camera/stage we have WAY more fun.... and are pretty much constantly in work.

You're psychic! Written by Aten on 2007-04-03 16:17:39 Or I'm psychic. One or the other. Either way, I was just talking to someone about acting and being an actor. This is amazingly cool! I'm taking every word of this to heart, even though acting might not be the career I'm headed for. It might come in handy someday, though...

Good Advice Written by Mangst on 2007-04-03 15:14:47 Simple, straight forward advice about getting your foot in the door. I'd recommend it to any aspiring actor I know.

Above all to thine own self be true ... Written by amararti on 2007-04-03 14:26:50 ... your advice is indeed very sound for all career paths. Of course you are quite right that acting along with any career that puts you in the public eye with a potential for fame (or infamy) is just a job like any other. You get out what you put in and if you put in a lot then you you have a great chance of succeeding - in anything you do.    It is a thoughtful and helpful article which I enjoyed reading and was happy to *Digg* for you.    fav quote     Quote: I wanted to be Johnny Depp, the problem was I looked like the love child of Robin Williams and Quentin Tarantino. Not exactly what I would have wished for, but that's me, and that's what I work with     cute ... I have read comments about you looking like QT but I have often caught a similarity to Robin Williams - certain expressions, in certain lights ..... at least you know your limitations .....     Stardom is a two-edged sword and I would agree that anyone who sets out to be a star is likely to be sadly dsappointed at best, and at worst may get exactly what they wish for.     That said David, in the eyes of those of us who know your work (all of it) and appreciate the years of effort it has taken you to get where you are today, you really are a star!    Keep up the good work  AMX

Written by Ed4th on 2007-04-03 11:06:02 a brilliant, honest, witty article. Could apply to life, the universe and everything. Above all KNOW WHO YOU ARE. the best advice anyone could give. As a single parent (divorced mom of 4) I've spent most of my time "acting" having to play good mom/bad mom being one of the most difficult roles to date LOL but SUCH fun now my kids are older and we are great mates its all paid off rather well. BTW the only head shots I've ever had taken were with a football and the occasional bit of furniture.

Written by hannah_alexander on 2007-04-03 10:45:12 This is a great article and fascinating, even to someone like me, who has no acting plans. Definitely not *G*. I get the feeling that a lot of people forget acting is a business.    There is a point in this, bear with me. I took my Collie to the vet last week, and one diagnosis of Lyme Disease, $500 in testing and meds later, we all ended up on the evening news because there was a crew was there doing a story on pet insurance. (If I hadn't been so upset, I would've plugged ADB).     And anybody who thinks the news isn't staged, is sadly misinformed. I had to answer the same three questions over and over again, from more angles than I realized three-dimensional space has. If we hadn't been waiting for MacGyver's test results to be run anyway, I would've left.    Anyway, that took 40 minutes or so for something that edited down to about 15 seconds when it ran. That was enough of a brush with the industry - I knew then that I'd rather be eaten by Uzi-toting rabid weasels than act for a living. It's way too much hard work for a lazy soul like me.

Written by Becky S. on 2007-04-03 09:39:56 Dugg. It is very good advice David. I remember my high school drama teacher telling the class to "Know what kind of role you are not suited for" It's nice to hear someone else give the same advice.

Written by nanook660 on 2007-04-03 09:16:24 Thanks for the fantastic article. Acting is not my thing nor my dream but still was a very informative article.  You are awesome.  Peace  Fran

Written by sammy on 2007-04-03 07:40:55 wow, great advice!  thanks david.    off to digg it!

Written by nakedwesley on 2007-04-03 07:39:10 I've never had any acting aspirations but still found this really interesting, particularly the part about learning who you are. Very insightful. Thanks!    -Kath

Written by Nightsister on 2007-04-03 06:56:02 Wow, that is some sound, practical advice on what it takes to actually find work as an actor. It's very interesting, though, to know that you started acting at a very young age, so your "look" must have changed many times over the years. You pulled off the nerdy, seedy "beatnik" really well, I think.     But now you really have to tell us what's on your demo reel!!

Written by Arlessiar on 2007-04-03 05:47:32 Thanks for writing this background info article (and it seems even more is yet to come ). It was very interesting, and it was nice to hear about the more formal and technical side of acting from an actor’s perspective. Most of the time people only see the (more or less) glamorous part of an actor’s life, and they barely take notice of the hard work behind it, because you simply don’t hear much about it. Acting is a job, but in public you only see a certain part of it, and often it’s a one.    Your article also showed me that I’m quite happy with my boring office job. *g*   For me being an actor is a nice daydream sometimes, because the job has many aspects I really like. The whole challenge of playing a different character, pretending to be someone else and make it work (to put it in a nutshell, I know that it’s much more ) is very interesting and exciting. But it’s really just a dream, nothing I’d ever pursue. A big part of it is about selling oneself, and I’ve already enough problems doing that when it comes to applications in my job department...   Also, I’m far from being such a terrific actor as you are.     Hope you’re enjoying your time off work!   Gave you some puzzles at the Pegasus 2 convention, hope you were able to solve them. But knowing you, you probably gave them to Jane!     Bye, A.

Cool to help the competition... Written by drldeboer on 2007-04-03 05:38:47 ... however, David Hewlett, now a household name with tons of industry contacts, will never need to to do any of this ever again to get hired for projects outside Stargate       Our fave Hewlett movie is still the one where he's up the tree the whole time. Brilliant acting.

Written by Zerocool on 2007-04-03 05:29:16 Some times I feel like giving acting a shot, maybe do some amdram to see if I would be any good. Then I realise I probably would be terrified, then I sit and wait for the feeling to go away. I have a couple of friends who act one is relatively sucessful the other chucked it in to become a database manager!  BTW we would all pay money to see your 'tape' do you still have it?

Thank you! Written by sueKay on 2007-04-03 04:27:25 Fantastic article!    I've been looking for advice on acting for sometime, and had no idea where to go for that advice!    I think I'll start with the headshot, cos I've already seen myself onscreen, and I don't have a resume yet!

Written by Shawna on 2007-04-03 04:04:43 Thanks for that! Wow, great advice. You know, I have a sort-of-friend who's in LA trying to be an actor. He's got a demo reel that begins and ends with a montage. He also apparently thinks he's some sort of hunky leading man type when in reality he's just a goofy sidekick. Sad, really. Hope he figures that out soon.

Written by Netty on 2007-04-03 03:58:45 Great stuff...thanks...i didnt ask about it but thanks anyways. Some great info there.:

Written by Squonk on 2007-04-03 03:00:46 Wow, that's really great! (Not that i have ANY interest in being an actor myself - but some sound advice for those who do, may print that off for a friend...)    "Harry Potter meets the Hobbits" - that gave me a well needed laugh this morning, so thanks!!    Off to digg it now... *crosses self*

Written by Squonk on 2007-04-03 02:59:13 Wow, that's really great! (Not that i have ANY interest in being an actor myself - but some sound advice for those who do, may print that off for a friend...)    "Harry Potter meets the Hobbits" - that gave me a well needed laugh this morning, so thanks!!    Off to digg it now... *crosses self*

thanks David Written by animallover on 2007-04-03 01:17:51 Thanks for your insite on the acting stuff it is very interesting. I always loving reading your blogs they are so great.

Very interesting stuff. Written by Icarus on 2007-04-03 00:44:16 Very helpful, David, especially the information on recognizing who you are and what kind of roles you can play. I'm going to try your tips, not because I've any interest in acting -- I learned a long time ago I'm miserable on stage -- but just out of curiosity. I do a bit of public speaking so it probably is a good idea. Giving a presentation is somehow different, who knows why, maybe because your topic is on stage, not you.     I did a very brief stint at a musical theatre, and while people say show business is superficial and catty (okay, it is), they don't seem to get that, yeah -- your looks are your job. It's not personal. You're paid to fit a particular role.     Great advice.    Icarus

Written by Rebeccasaurus on 2007-04-03 00:39:15 Very informative article!

Written by Linz on 2007-04-03 00:07:55 Wow... great article.

Great article! Written by nlgatefan on 2007-04-02 23:57:28 Many of your points, especially in that first section, (knowing who you are, being realistic about what you can do, being yourself, and using your own unique talents to their best effect) is sound advice for anyone just entering the world of work, as an actor or in any other field of endeavor.     After reading this, I think the folks at "Inside the Actor's Studio" need to get you to do a segment for them! You could give those film students a lot of solid advice.    A question, if I may ask: What role made you "grow" the most as an actor, and have you ever played a part you felt you were "born to play?"     Thank you for another great read!  nlgatefan

Good Article David Written by zwild1 on 2007-04-02 23:16:37 Dugg it! My cousin lived in L.A. for five years or so trying to make it as an actor. But there are so many others out there trying to do that same thing that you almost have to have something different that makes you stand out in the crowd in order to get noticed. Anyway, those are some very good points that you made. Bravo!

Thanks Written by dpainter on 2007-04-02 22:59:01 Oh, god, you're my hero! You answered questions I've had and some I didn't know I had. Except one... if you could answer it sometime in the future: What kind of training do you feel is most helpful in becoming an actor? I mean, there's a lot of different options out there and nobody I know, well, knows anything about it.    Thanks again,  Mel (aka dpainter)

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