If you've ever watched famous film actors like Harrison Ford or Jennifer Aniston you might have asked yourself how you can become a film actor. It’s definitely not easy—acting requires massive talent and there’s a lot of competition, but with determination, drive and an element of luck you can become a successful film actor.

As a Film Actor you have enormous responsibility—to entertain film watchers at movie theatres, on DVD and on TV. An actor’s performance can make the difference between a film being a success or a failure.

While many think that acting is simple, the career really isn’t simple at all. A film actor is always on the lookout for the next job and any roles landed will require hours of script memorization and acting talent. Acting can be demanding but also very rewarding, and it is one of the most sought after careers in the world.

Before you decide that you want to be an actor, you will need to learn how to act.

1. Appear in whatever roles you can
   1. Community theater
   2. Cruise ship performer
   3. Theme parks performer
   4. Student film roles
   5. Improvisation shows

Once you have spent some time on stage and know that this is your desired career, emotionally commit yourself to becoming an actor. You will need to commit to:

1. Dealing with rejection
2. Putting your acting career above relationships
3. Prepare to work 14-20 hours a day on set if you get a main role
4. Understand that the path to becoming an actor is filled with both ups and downs.

If you don’t already live in one, move to a large city. Cities such as Vancouver, Montreal, Chicago, Miami or Baltimore are good in your early career, but eventually you will more than likely need to be based in Los Angeles or New York, as these cities contain the heart of the film industry.

The best actors continuously seek to self improve. Enroll in acting classes or take private training.

Get yourself a part-time job in a position you can enjoy. The job needs to be one that is flexible enough for you to leave quickly if you land a good acting role. Jobs such as waiting tables in restaurants often suit this purpose. A non-acting job will also help you stay financially afloat in periods where you can’t secure acting roles.

To be taken seriously you’ll need to have a headshot.

1. Typically an 8" x 10" image.
   1. For film acting, your headshots should be black and white.
2. Your name and contact information will appear at the bottom of the image.

Be selective when choosing a photographer.

1. Check out their previous work.
2. Get opinions from other actors.
3. Make sure your headshots look like you.

Create a resume detailing all of the acting you have completed to date.

1. Keep brief but detailed.
2. Drop entirely or provide one line bullets for lesser acting roles in your past.

An agent is essential to acting success.

1. Mail your headshot, resume and short cover letter to the agents in your area.
2. Make sure someone proofreads it for you prior to sending.

Read the trade magazines and newspapers regularly. In particular subscribe to:

1. Backstage
2. Dramalogue
3. The Ross Reports and
4. Variety

Register on as many Websites as you can, attempt to saturate the Internet with publicity about your profile. Register with and monitor regularly websites, such as:

1. www.actorsaccess.com
2. www.castingaudition.com
3. www.exploretalent.com
4. www.LAcasting.com
5. www.newenglandfilm.com

You are your own best advocate, so even once you have an agent, you should continue to submit yourself for roles.

Network and build relationships wherever possible. Accept invitations to industry events and parties and if you know of a party/event that you’re not invited to then try and get an invite. Try to meet industry professionals whenever possible, no matter what the cost to you, networking contacts can’t be over-estimated.

Follow up with reminders every three to four months to casting directors—update them on your latest situation. Remember that persistence may pay off one day.

Remember, a career in acting takes persistence blended with opportunism and obsession. It probably will take years to land significant roles, so perseverance is the order of the day.

• Step 1: Learn to Act
• Step 2: Emotionally commit to becoming an Actor
• Step 3: Move to a Bigger City
• Step 4: Keep Learning
• Step 5: Get a Non-Acting Part-time Job
• Step 6: Get Headshots
• Step 7: Write a Resume
• Step 8: Find an Agent
• Step 9: Do Your Research
• Step 10: Network
• Step 11: Keep Trying