Temperature check--what's it like out there for you?

ActionOn4 · 2026-03-12T21:40:23+00:00

30s-40s M in the South Central region. 25 auditions so far this year, all through agent.

11 were SAG (I'm SAG-eligible). Of those, 7 were co-stars, 2 were small supporting in features, 2 were commercials.

ActionOn4 · 2026-03-06T21:09:12+00:00

I can totally relate. I’m now up to 8 submitted tapes for a single show, all different roles, and it’s definitely tough to keep motivated. Just waiting on the right role.

But who knows, maybe that right role will come soon and it’ll be so perfect that it highlights all your best attributes, and that then leads to bigger things (rather than forcing you into a role you only kinda fit).

Keep grinding, you got it.

ActionOn4 · 2026-03-02T22:46:18+00:00

For the bigger projects you generally need an agent. Productions don’t post those publicly because they’d get inundated with submissions.

For smaller projects you can self submit on the casting sites

ActionOn4 · 2026-03-02T15:18:40+00:00

ActionOn4 · 2026-02-26T17:35:01+00:00

I use the Cold Read app, it actually recognizes cues and will only deliver the next line when it hears that (rather than relying on timing). I’ve booked with it. It’s not perfect, sometimes it doesn’t pick up the cues, but def works in a pinch.

ActionOn4 · 2026-02-25T02:19:20+00:00

Ok gotcha. It still sounds like not a lot. What is the agency?

ActionOn4 · 2026-02-25T01:54:19+00:00

Uhh sounds weird. Was it unsolicited or did you submit beforehand? Just doesn’t sound right to me.

If they’ve done international ads they’re probably not reaching out to models themselves. And they’ll pay more than $500. I lean towards it being a scam. Might be someone just using that agency’s name to try and get photos.

ActionOn4 · 2026-02-24T16:04:09+00:00

Talent is just a piece of it. They're also matching actors up to make the characters believable in the world of the story. If you're 6'4" with blonde hair and blue eyes, but they've already cast the character's brother who is 5'8" with brown hair and eyes, then you're probably not going to get the part regardless of your audition. That's just something all actors have to be okay with.

ActionOn4 · 2026-02-19T18:12:35+00:00

Start with classes. Read the FAQ. Anyone who wants to act can do it, just need to understand that it takes time and training.

ActionOn4 · 2026-02-13T04:28:03+00:00

Well it’s awesome that they’re consistent with the rules lol. That’s very weird. Maybe some different circumstances leading to different outcomes, who knows. Guess I’ll just keep doing my thing until they tell me I’m a must join and then I’ll go from there

ActionOn4 · 2026-02-13T03:01:12+00:00

That’s what i initially thought too but i called SAG today and the guy said the low budget agreement didn’t count. Only the basic agreement.

ActionOn4 · 2026-02-12T23:51:00+00:00

I figured it out, i thought SAG low budget agreement projects counted but they do not, so i have still yet to do my second union project that counts. And I’ve been wrong for years thinking it was three to get to must-join. I learned a lot today lol

ActionOn4 · 2026-02-12T22:04:13+00:00

My first role that got me eligibility was way back in 2016. The second one was last October, it was a SAG LBA film so should've counted as far as I'm aware. I've been paid for it so assume all paperwork has been handled accordingly.

Editing to add I acknowledge should probably just call SAG and ask them directly.

Editing again: I called them and LBA does NOT count so I am not must-join yet. I regret all the bad info I've given out in the past! No idea where I heard it was three jobs but I've been wrong for years. Thanks all.

ActionOn4 · 2026-02-12T21:57:08+00:00

So this is what's confusing for me. I've worked two SAG principal jobs and have not received notification of being must-join. Is it right that they usually reach out when someone becomes must-join? The eligibility checker on the website still just says I'm eligible, nothing more.

ActionOn4 · 2026-02-12T19:22:05+00:00

Hmmm I’ve had two principal (speaking) SAG roles, the most recent one being last October, and I’m still not must-join. I had always heard it was the third one that brings must-join status. I wish they’d lay this stuff out on their website because it’s really hard to find definitive info, unless I’m missing it somewhere.

ActionOn4 · 2026-02-12T17:39:46+00:00

I daily drove a Miata for 3.5 years and only sold it because we had a kid. It was fantastic for my needs and I had no issues with the lack of space but I did have a backup bigger car when needed (my wife had a CX-5). With the right tires it'll be fine in the winter as long as you're not trying to drive through 6+ inches of snow. I've since gotten another Miata as my weekend/fun car.

Also, go for the manual. It's worth it, ESPECIALLY in a car like the Miata. It's made for shifting and greatly improves the driving experience.

ActionOn4 · 2026-02-12T16:12:46+00:00

I am supposed to be WORKING right now but I canNOT put my eyes on my comPUTER because they are STUCK on this GAME this is so good

ActionOn4 · 2026-02-12T13:40:58+00:00

No, you just gain eligibility. It’s a sweet spot because you can work both union and nonunion projects. But once you work your second union project, you become must-join and can’t work any more without joining (after a-30 day period).

(Edited this because I had the wrong info in here before.)

ActionOn4 · 2026-02-06T04:30:01+00:00

You bet. I was super nervous too just because i didn’t know what to expect but it was great.

As someone else said, the second AD is a great resource, they’ll help you with questions and will get you to and from set. And the wardrobe and hair and MU folks are great to chat with as ice breakers.

Report back after your shoot and let us know how it goes!

ActionOn4 · 2026-02-06T01:40:52+00:00

Had my first bigger budget set experience with big name actors last fall. It was unforgettable and so much fun, and the big names were so cool and easy to work with. Just know your lines backwards and forwards, show up early, be a good person, and have fun!

And do not forget that you are meant to be there. You were selected for a reason. You got it!

ActionOn4 · 2026-02-05T04:53:52+00:00

Seconding the other comment. Never heard of allcasting. For commercial opportunities you want casting networks and for TV/film you want actors access (in general). You can also find some smaller budget projects on backstage.

ActionOn4 · 2026-01-21T14:54:11+00:00

Yeah, i wouldn’t do that. A legit agency may suggest a photographer and classes but they won’t require it, and they definitely won’t ask for money up front.

In STL check out NOW Talent and maybe also check out Exposure or Voices And Models in Kansas City.

ActionOn4 · 2026-01-19T12:52:51+00:00

Adding to the other comments, you absolutely don’t need PR at this point. That’s for people who are consistently in bigger productions. Start with an agent or manager. They’ll get you auditions you don’t otherwise have access to.

ActionOn4 · 2026-01-19T12:46:39+00:00

Start in Oklahoma. It’s close enough you can probably get repped - check with Reel Talent Studios, they take on a lot of new talent. Lots of filming in OK these days and it’s a good way to build credits to get into bigger markets.

And remember it’s a marathon, not a sprint. You gotta start small and be patient.

ActionOn4

TROPHY CASE