Actors in Film: What Do They Do?
When a movie or TV show needs someone to act in front of the camera, they call in an actor. But what exactly do actors do?
Actors don’t just act. They also have to look good. That’s why most actors have personal trainers and nutritionists to stay in shape. They need to know how to deliver their lines believably and how to portray their character. That’s why they practice and research their character.
In this article, I’ll take a closer look at what it takes to be an actor in film and TV.
In this post we'll cover:
Work Environment for Actors
Job Opportunities
It’s a dog-eat-dog world out there, and actors are no exception! In 2020, there were around 51,600 jobs available for actors. The biggest employers were self-employed workers (24%), theater companies and dinner theaters (8%), colleges, universities, and professional schools (7%), and professional, scientific, and technical services (6%).
Work Assignments
Work assignments for actors are usually short-term, ranging from one day to a few months. To make ends meet, many actors have to take on other jobs. Those who work in theater may be employed for several years.
Work Conditions
Actors have to put up with some tough working conditions. Think outdoor performances in bad weather, hot stage lights, and uncomfortable costumes and makeup.
Work Schedules
Actors have to be prepared for long, irregular hours. Early mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays are all part of the job. Some actors work part-time, but few are able to work full-time. Those who work in theater may have to travel with a touring show across the country. Film and television actors may also have to travel to work on location.
Gaining Experience to Become an Actor
Formal Training
If you’re looking to become an actor, you don’t need a degree to get started. But, if you want to be the best of the best, you’ll need to get some formal training. Here are some options:
- College courses in filmmaking, drama, music, and dance to hone your skills
- Theater arts programs or theater companies to get some experience
- Local community theaters to get your feet wet
- High school drama clubs, school plays, debate teams, and public speaking classes to build confidence
Auditioning for Parts
Once you’ve got some experience under your belt, it’s time to start auditioning for parts. Here are some of the roles you can try out for:
- Commercials
- TV series
- Movies
- Live entertainment gigs, like cruise ships and amusement parks
And if you really want to be the cream of the crop, you can get a bachelor’s degree in drama or a related fine arts program. That way, you’ll have the credentials to back up your skills.
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Conclusion
Actors in film have a lot of responsibility and hard work to do in order to make a movie come to life. They need to be prepared for long hours, unpredictable schedules, and a lot of travel. But the rewards of being an actor in film are worth it, and if you have the talent and dedication, you can make it big in the industry! So, if you’re looking to become an actor in film, remember to take acting classes, practice your craft, and don’t forget to have FUN! After all, it’s not all work and no play – it’s SHOWBIZ!
Hi, I'm Kim, a mom and a stop-motion enthusiast with a background in media creation and web development. I've got a huge passion for drawing and animation, and now I'm diving headfirst into the stop-motion world. With my blog, I'm sharing my learnings with you guys.
