Structure of the Business
-Broadway, Off-Broadway, and the bulk of major regional theatres cast out of New York
-All pilots will cast in NYC, even if they then fly you elsewhere
-More and more movies are filming in NYC
-The ability for self-production is thriving and expensive
Los Angeles
-Majority of film and TV work
-Majority of films cast out of LA
-All pilots cast there
-Most theatre gigs are small and low paying
-New musical: Minsky's
-Must own a car
-Tons of commercials
Chicago
-Most theatre low and unpaid
-Theatres: Steppenwolf, Goodman, Drury Lane, Oakbrook, Marriot Lincolnshire, Victory Gardens, The Looking Glass Theatre
-There is commercial work
-You can create your own work cheaply
-Don't have to own a car
[...] Must have an Equity rep. present b. It won't ever be the first audition Talent representatives - Agents negotiate contracts, managers don't - Managers “manage your career” - Few managers are licensed - Most agents take 10% of your earnings, managers 15% - Tell your agent/manager if you've acquired the other so they can work together - Publicists may work for a percentage or flat fee - Look over contracts - Some will alter their percentages based on type of work (film, theatre, TV) Scams - If they've never seen you and want to sign you - References say bad things about them Agents - Agents have to obtain a state license - “Franchised” = educated - Legit agents handle theatre, film, and TV - Commercial = commercials and industrial film - Voice- over = voice-over work - Some agents handle more than one market - Cannot charge up-front fees; only % of your gross - Cannot produce projects - They only get paid if you do 1. [...]
[...] Doctors, nurses, and lab techs - Regions 1. New York 2. LA 3. Seattle 4. State capitols - Know who is paying you, or you could get screwed over Industrial shows - “Live infomercial” for a specific product - Also entertaining for corporate functions Hosting - Live events - Game shows - MC-ing - Look at TV hosting gigs Stunt work - Must be a gifted physical combatant and in great physical condition - Adept at all forms of combat - Actors adept at combat are more hirable Theme parks - Like musicals…on uppers - Disney uses Equity contracts - Advertise jobs in Backstage and at conventions - Con: “faces” and “characters” get paid very little (like $7.50/hr) for long hours - Onstage performers get Equity contracts every time Cruise lines - Advertise at conventions and in Backstage - Must have a passport - Short shows, might do 2 per night - General ensemble members may be in more than one show - Pay can be lucrative - Cruise staff: $1500-2500/month - Small rooms and may be double occupancy; make friends with the ship steward - Food may get old - Work is non-Union - Away from family for a long time - You're around the same small group of performers all the trip - If you leave the boat, you must have a visa for that country 1. [...]
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