From the Midwest to Hollywood

From time to time, people ask how successful my pursuit of a film acting career has been so far. The only response that is satisfying to me so far is “I am doing what I have always wanted to do, and that is success in itself.” Answering with greater specificity, I have improved as an actor through acting in short films; I understand the process of film making better because I have done extras work; I am more prepared for auditioning and performing because I have taken some good classes.

My understanding of these successes is that they have been open doors for me as they would be for most people. The short films I have acted in have not been seen by many people besides classmates of the films’ directors. Also, anyone can become a background actor whether he is talented or not. Finally, I paid for those classes, so an open door there is not remarkable.

Now for the flip side: Though these short films were small projects, I nonetheless auditioned for them and was the one selected for my roles. Regarding background work, though anyone can do it, film makers have, at times, chosen me for specific tasks they might not have chosen me for. Finally, though I did not have to audition for the classes I have taken, the plays and student movies I acted in before moving to LA convinced one of the schools they should allow me to take a class that usually required prerequisites.

Putting it all together, I think I have had some successes since I got to Los Angeles. But, perhaps more important, I mean to be one of the people who “shows up:” I shall keep the commitments I make and keep pursuing acting fully until my pursuit is done.

The way I see Hollywood, there are so many people pursuing the roles out there that film makers can usually get just what they want: an actor with certain skills who looks a certain way. As I told someone recently, “one of these days they’ll be looking for an energetic person with a pointy nose,” and when that opportunity arises, I plan to be ready for it.