How do I go for becoming an actress?

Fame and Mass Popularity: How would you go about becoming well known as an actor/actress?

• Very quickly; please do not comment if your aim is to quell my ambition - I understand the extreme competitiveness and favouritism in the industry but as it is what I am passionate for I am willing to go through the pain. I'm 18 years old, I live in NSW Australia (approx. 2 hours from Sydney), I have a Talent Agent but am searching for another as I am deeply disappointed with the one I have currently, I don't look stereotypically Australian, I am capable of a Standard and Southern American accent as well as Russian, Irish, English (Standard), English (Cockney), French, and obviously Australian. My main question is: how do I go about reaching for the stars that are Cate Blanchett, Nicole Kidman, Hugh Jackman, Heath Ledger, Geoffrey Rush, Rose Byrne etc etc? I have not been in any main productions so you can kind of almost definitely without a doubt say that I am an unknown in Australia, haha. I would just very much appreciate any tips you may have for me - how to get more auditions, how to gain a go-see with another Talent Agent, whether Australia is even the right place to be in accordance to Acting etc etc. Thank you very much for taking the time to read all this, any tips or info would help wondrously.

• Answer:

  I would not for one moment try to quell your ambition. I encourage it and wish you the best. Here are some suggestions I'd make based on my own mistakes as a screenwriter and my observation of the industry in general. 1. Can you act? It may seem a silly question - but there are a lot of actors out there who simply can't act very well. Even if you are sure you can, take classes anyhow to keep your hand in. You will also meet other people who are serious about film and theatre and they can become the people you grow with throughout your career. This industry is all about connections. People want to work with people they know and like. Actors, directors and producers forge alliances that they often carry through their lives. 2. Find a respected amateur theatre and join it. Do every job there is to do there. Later, this kind of street cred will pay dividends both in your understanding of how productions work and also in your networking success. 3. Can you sing and dance? If not, you can get enough info off the net to learn to  sing adequately but you might want to take some dance lessons. Dancing doesn't only assist in making your movements fluid, natural and attractive, it's also a very sought after set of skills. http://www.investopedia.com/financial-edge/0112/5-triple-threat-performers.aspx It's been said that the Australians who make it big overseas very often get there because they have 2 things - 1) at least a working knowledge of these three skills and a standout talent in one area and 2) a workman-like attitude their career. That is, they do a stand-out job without the prima donna attitude. 4. I agree with - work towards moving closer to Sydney. 2 hours out isn't too bad. I tried to conduct my career from North Queensland because I didn't want to raise my kids in Sydney and I don't regret it for that reason - but I missed a few excellent opportunities because of distance. People want to see you in the room, often ASAP. Yes, this has changed somewhat with the digital revolution but in any of the arts, business connections are personal connections. Most people work on instinct - they see you, they like you, they get a feel for whether you're right for their project. It's much harder to make a real connection quickly over Skype or the phone. You're 18 - you have plenty of time so don't make the move until you're able to do so comfortably. Look for a job and a nice place to live first. 5. I guess you have a show reel and good photos etc? If you can't afford these things, look for photographers and filmmakers who are still training or just starting out, and offer to model for their art shots or act in their short films for free in exchange. You should be able to find candidates for this barter on bulletin boards at film schools. 6. How did you get your first agent? I'm not sure about acting but I know literary agents aren't easy to sign with so don't let go of one till you get another. Send your best photo and an email written with the level of passion and determination you put into this question to half a dozen agents. If you have good handwriting, write a letter instead - a handwritten letter is rare in business now so it can give you a slight edge as far memory-sticking power goes. 7. Do you keep an eye on websites like this one? http://castingsandauditions.com.au/castings/index.php?%2Fsearch&category=Singers%2FMusicians+wanted 8. Join your industry guild or union and attend their functions. Become a volunteer at conventions. You will meet people through these channels who can help you enormously with both advice and information on who's doing what in your area of interest.