Are You Ready for Hollywood? - A chat with Matthew Barry
Matthew Barry is one of Hollywood's top rated casting directors. In fact, he is not only a successful casting director, he's a successful actor. This has
awarded him a tremendous amount of experience and knowledge by working both in front of the camera and behind it. His familiarity of the inner workings of this
industry makes him the perfect acting coach. If you are interested in acting and learning what it takes to be successful in this business, be sure to check out
Matthew Barry's "Are You Ready for Hollywood" acting course. This traveling acting
class may be coming to a city near you.
We caught up with Matthew and asked if he could offer our visitors a few quick tips. Here's what he had to say:
General Acting Advice
Acting is like any other profession. You have to learn the basics, then expand
your knowledge. Too often I hear "I can do that." Yeah, well, have you ever
tried hitting a golf ball? It ain't easy. Neither is the craft of acting. It is
a "craft." Just like carpentry, being a lawyer, or even working in your local
7-11. You have to know what you're doing BEFORE you do it.
Classes and Instruction
Each actor has his or her own "method." Some are stronger in improvisation, some
are stronger in comedy, others in drama. The best in Los Angeles I've found for
Drama is Leslie Kahn, the best for Comedy is Margie Haber and the best for
Improv is Second City (many think Groundlings is the best, but it has become too
much of a machine over the past few years). BLATANT PLUG: If you're out of town,
come take my affordable ONE DAY course. It will teach you everything you need to
get started.
Schools or Colleges
UCLA is aces. Carnegie Mellon and Yale back east.
The Realities of Acting
If you're acting to become a "movie star" then continue doing what you're doing
now. You'll be a lot happier in the long run. If you're becoming an actor
because you love acting, then you've just taken the first giant step. Like
everything in life, acting is a struggle. But don't give up on your dream. Work
hard. As a successful actor and now a successful casting director, I'll pass
along a piece of advice given to me a long time ago: "Every year 10,000 people
come to Los Angeles to act. After the 1st year, 1,000 are left. After the 2nd
year, 100 are left, and those are the ones that don't give up and work. You have
to understand something. There are 15 Networks (Fox, UPN, WB, CBS, ABC, NBC, HBO,
Showtime, FX, TNT, USA, Lifetime, Oxygen, MTV, VH-1) who all cast original programming
and many others as well. They need GOOD actors and they are ALL competing for the
same talent pool. As casting directors, we WANT you to be good, we WANT you to be the
next star. But it all starts with you!
Acting Obstacles and Hurdles
Finding an agent, getting the job, keeping in shape - all things you have to do.
Mentally and physically. You're creative, right? Figure out a "creative" way to
get yourself noticed. But you had damn well better be sure to have a good
product. Once you have a bad reputation, you're done. Casting directors keep
meticulous notes. One agent said "you LOVED them the last time you saw them," I
looked in my computer database, and my comments were "can't act. period!" - Do
you think that actor got another shot in my office?
Please be aware of scams as well. There are TONS of people who claim to be
"producers" or "managers" and most of them either want your money... or your
body. TRUST YOUR INSTINCTS!!! They've gotten you THIS far, why stop now???
Child Actors and Parents of Child Actors
Personally, I've seen THOUSANDS of parents who all say "my child wants to act."
NO THEY DON'T!!! The problem is THE PARENTS want them to act! My opinion is,
let a child be just that. A child. Don't do it. Your kid will be
happier in the long run. Just look at Michael Jackson.
Legal Info
When in doubt - contact a lawyer.
Work Averages and Payment
SAG daily Scale rates are around $630.00 per day and weekly is slightly under
$3,000.000 per week (check www.sag.org for
proper rates). Non Union pays less and who knows what those rates are.
The Casting Process
We send out a "breakdown" which tells the agents what we as casting directors
are looking for - we've consulted with the director and producer so we know who
to cast. Then the agents submit who they think is right based on what we've
asked for. Then we'll weed through all the pictures and resumes and choose the
ones we "think" will be able to do the job - then we call them in to audition.
If we like them, most likely they'll get a "callback" for the producer and
director. If they like you, a deal is made through your agent, and you're on
your way!
Acting Technique and Warm-Ups
Get together with friends. Read plays. You can buy plenty on
www.samuelfrench.com. Hey, if Tiger
Woods can hit 500 golf balls a day, you can read and perform plays with your
friends.
Audition Advice
Be prepared, or you will die!!! ASK QUESTIONS!! So many actors don't and I wish
that they would. BE PREPARED TO ADJUST - This biggest mistake actors make. My
partner and I always have our actors stand (the energy is better), but many of
them have rehearsed SITTING DOWN! Guess what? If a producer does this to you and
you can't adjust, what makes him think that you can adjust on the set? Say
"thank you" and leave. Don't be insecure and say "can I try that again?" or
"that was awful" - Do the job. Leave. It's like ANY job interview. Oh, and
PLEASE show up on time. In our office, if you're late, we re-schedule you or let
everyone else go ahead of you. Don't waste our time, we won't waste yours.
Cold Reading Instruction
I have the single best exercise, but I can't do it in written form, you'll have
to take one of my classes, but I guarantee, you'll be 250% better at cold
reading than you were the hour before you did this exercise.
Wardrobe Info
You do NOT need to dress like a doctor when playing a doctor. However, if you're
a gang dude, don't wear a suit.
Fun Acting Stuff
Hell, you're acting for someone today! You SHOULD have fun! Learn IMPROV! Many
comics are landing lead roles in films and the other actors had BETTER be able
to IMPROV. I do it in my office as well. The scene may be over, but I'll keep
going just to see what you can do.
For more information about Matthew Barry or his acting course, visit his web site,
AreYouReadyforHollywood.com. You'll be able to read Matthew's extended biography, look up course locations and times, and read several of his success stories.
Copyright © Matthew Barry. All rights reserved. Used with permission of the author. Not to be reproduced or distributed.
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