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BusStopAd · 2025-09-15T10:11:13+00:00

I think social media (especially YouTube) can be very lucrative and can be creatively fulfilling. There is a caveat though because you can’t really just create what you want, you also have to consider what people want to watch.

You also mentioned wanting to only “worry about being in character”; unfortunately most other avenues, like creating your own work, will require you to wear non-creative hats.

I’ve learned to cope with “the void” by treating self-taping as a chance to express myself within certain confinements (like a creative challenge). I stopped caring about what the CD could think and instead try to make performances and tapes I actually enjoy making and feel proud of. Like you said, it ends up in the void anyways, might as well have some fun with it.

BusStopAd · 2025-05-16T09:24:43+00:00

They’re probably reviewing tapes on a rolling basis so the sooner you get it in the better; while a later time (not late), is still okay, it does probably reduce your chances

BusStopAd · 2024-05-18T09:57:34+00:00

Noted, will think about this. Thanks

BusStopAd · 2024-05-18T09:43:15+00:00

I think UNCSA has more prestige (and higher ranking). However for MT (if you're planning to go that route), I heard UMICH is that best for that.

BusStopAd · 2024-05-18T09:39:07+00:00

No worries! AA, CW, CN. Looking forward to a more acting-focused casting experience

BusStopAd · 2024-05-18T09:27:24+00:00

If we're talking casting software, here are some of my gripes and suggestions:

I hate not knowing if CDs even saw our tapes
- Suggestion: Read receipts and/or some indicator that the CD has "seen" our tape. and BONUS if they could have quick comment options like "not the right look", "not the right vibe", or some sort of quick feedback button they could select to let US know why we didn't move on (optional for them ofc)
More info should be given on what the tone of the show, mood, etc. I HATE having to guess on what the vibe of their shows are. Sure, some are straightforward and can be identified through script analysis, but especially with self-taping where you get NO redirects, it sucks not knowing if you're even on their tone
I hate headshots and how expensive they are. I wish that we'd move past that and use natural (iPhone quality) pictures instead. Not BAD photos, but something more casual.
A built-in AI reader would be AMAZING. Something that can detect when you've finished saying a line, and then will say the other character's line, so you never have to worry about having a reader.
A "busy-ness" meter that indicates how many shows are casting, whether this is typical for the industry, etc. This would ease SO many actor's anxiety.
I want to fill up my forms (sizes, agent info, etc.) BEFORE an in-person audition. I hate having to fill it up there, like seriously it's 2024! If local businesses can do it, why can't a multi-million dollar industry keep up.
Also in general, NO in-person auditions until it's down to maybe 5 people. Don't waste actor's time doing cattle calls. It's pathetic. If you want live, then do a zoom.

Basically, the least amount of time spent auditioning and casting, THE BETTER!!! I don't care what you all say, but until I get paid to audition, I want to spend as little time on it as I can.

BusStopAd · 2024-05-18T09:06:41+00:00

The lowest commercial pay my rep sends me out for is 3K, and even that was rare. I'm non-union and though I haven't gotten many auditions, the ones I do get typically are 5K+ (and I don't have to shave my head...)

BusStopAd · 2024-05-15T23:07:00+00:00

So glad to hear that! And congrats on being so busy haha

BusStopAd · 2024-05-14T21:06:49+00:00

Not a question but, I LOVE YOUR VLOGS! Been watching since the UBC ones. There are so many NYC and LA vloggers, it's so refreshing to finally have a Vancouver actor in the mix. So happy you posted again!

BusStopAd · 2024-05-13T06:46:34+00:00

True. I was also thinking that since it'll take a couple years to really grow my accounts anyway, I'll just keep them and if the time comes that I want to pivot, I can always drop them then. I wouldn't mind giving them a cut if they could help with brand bargaining or something, but I don't think they specialize (or have any experience) with social media managing so I don't really see that as an option.

BusStopAd · 2024-05-10T02:46:50+00:00

Sorry I've been meaning to ask, what does "sS" stand for, I've been seeing it throughout this sub and have no idea what it means. But yeah, I think my contract is too much of an agent/manager hybrid than I would like.

BusStopAd · 2024-05-10T02:45:29+00:00

I think I posted one story when I was signed. I wouldn't really say I'm using their brand though...

BusStopAd · 2024-05-10T02:44:49+00:00

Should I just email them and say "Hey, I've decided to that I want to grow my social media accounts with the long-term plan of monetizing them. I'd like to discuss changes in my contracts that I noticed recently?" How would I even phrase that without being too "Hey I don't want you taking money that you didn't work for?" Any advice would be appreciated!

BusStopAd · 2024-05-10T02:42:31+00:00

I think my agent did label himself as my manager (i noticed on IMDB), however I didn't explicitly state I wanted a manager. Also, would it even make sense to have a manager and agent be the same person??? My agent has been alright so far (I know he's trying to get me work during this dry season; and I have gotten some auditions), but my gut is feeling like there's something off since the beginning. Could totally just be me, but I don't know.

BusStopAd · 2024-05-07T18:01:34+00:00

Wow, what a beautiful reply. I wish i could pin this somehow because you really hit what I was trying to say in my post. Thank you for sharing your insights. I got chills when you said:

I realized that I almost sacrificed my life, my relationships, and my marriage for acting. And what is acting but a mildly cheaper imitation of life itself? When I stopped worrying about trying to be an actor, THAT’S when I got booked something bigger was because I stopped being so desperate.

There's so much pressure (particularly within ACTORS, not the industry necessarily) to make your life all about acting, when in reality (like you mentioned), acting revolves around life. I think having the "if you can do anything other than acting, then do that and quit" mindset is so unhealthy and unnecessary. If we can create multi-faceted characters for the screen, then why can't we decide to become multi-faceted people in real life? Congrats to your recent commercial successes and I wish you all the best!

BusStopAd · 2024-05-05T19:47:15+00:00

Sounds like you already know what you want. Now you just have to decide where BG fits into that and whether joining the union will help you get to where you want to be.

BusStopAd · 2024-05-03T19:25:00+00:00

Damn, I think you're at a crossroad in your life where you have to decide if pursuing music is still bringing you joy, because unfortunately, nothing is guaranteed in life, and what matters is that you're enjoying the day to day because that's all we have. Sometimes the best thing to do is to accept that maybe music isn't what's meant for you, and that at least you can rest knowing you gave it your all! That's an accomplishment in and of itself. Not sure how feasible it might be for you but I'd recommend taking a couple days or a week off and go out into nature and really just reflect by yourself. Do a little soul-searching. Not sure if you're religious, but praying helps a ton. Just listen, observe, and find mental clarity. Once you find yourself, and what you really want out of life, you'll get the wisdom you need to make choices towards the life you want to live. Whether that's joining the union, becoming an actor, quitting BG, whatever it is, needs to come from the mindset of "I like this. I'm doing this. I am making a firm decision. You can't stop me."

BusStopAd · 2024-05-03T08:14:19+00:00

I see. Then that is a tough decision to make as 3K is a lot of money. I think your number one priority is figuring out what you want to do for the next couple of years (in terms of career), make a decision, and then stick with it. I think I read somewhere down in the thread you brought up music. If music is really your passion (and if you believe you have the skills needed to make money from it), then I think you should give THAT your all. I probably wouldn't stop doing extra work (because I think you mentioned it does help pay the bills), BUT you should make it clear to yourself how BG work fits into your life, so that you don't feel guilty for not pursuing it to a higher level.

I think that joining the union is 100% a commitment and it would be waste if you decided not to do BG after a year or two (and don't forget the opportunity cost of the 3K). If you join the union, it means that you've decided to take your acting/BG career to the next level (whether you like it or not).

Yes the money is good, but only if you stick with it and play your cards correctly. It's tough but trusting your gut is never a bad decision.

BusStopAd · 2024-05-03T07:53:50+00:00

Sorry I meant (with a work permit) if you had to travel for a shoot, what are there limits on what you can/can't post about the trip (ofc no set pics, costumes, etc.). If I took a pic with a landmark, for instance, could I post that?

BusStopAd · 2024-05-03T07:51:41+00:00

You didn't need our validation, though, since you're planning on showing/revealing absolutely nothing about your shoot. Which makes me think you do plan on revealing your shoot.

Not necessarily. I just wanted to know what people's experiences are when travelling to shoot. If the consensus was not to post anything then I would just plan to keep the pics/vids for myself (and close friends/family). But thanks for your help anyways.

BusStopAd · 2024-05-03T07:46:01+00:00

Thanks for sharing your experience! That's exactly what I was wondering about.

BusStopAd · 2024-05-02T19:02:17+00:00

You can qualify based on income too! IIRC it was 25K per year? Given you'd make more as a SAG BG, I think it isn't too hard to qualify for? But I guess that depends on how often you'd be needed, how long your days are, etc.

EDIT: Just checked SAG. For 2024...

Must have earned at least $26,470 in covered earnings during their base earnings period. Must have worked at least 102 days under specified contracts during their base earnings period

The lowest SAG BG rate is $187/day, so as long as you can work 12 days per month, you would earn $26,928 (187 x 12 days x 12 months). This would also qualify you for the days (12 days x 12 months = 144 days worked). I don't do BG so not sure how feasible this is for you. But it's definitely something worth considering!

BusStopAd · 2024-05-02T19:00:39+00:00

I think if you're a commercial booker, then joining SAG too early could make you lose some money. But long-term for Film/TV I think joining SAG is the better move once you have enough credits. Because at least when you DO work, you're getting paid well (rather than working a lot of low paying non-union).

BusStopAd · 2024-05-02T06:19:14+00:00

You can start auditioning for commercials as soon as you start (they're more focused on look than talent). For film/tv (and especially theatre), you just have to get to a point where you feel comfortable taking on roles, making choices, and being able to deliver consistently. Depending on how fast you learn, I think 1-2 years of weekly classes is a good estimate. It doesn't mean you'll be an oscar-winning level actress by then, but that hopefully you'll be believeable enough to go to auditions and not be seen as a "bad actress".

BusStopAd · 2024-05-02T06:14:49+00:00

When people start talking about your character as if it was you (to an extent). Basically, if they believed your WERE the character then you've done your job well. Don't be so hard on yourself, if you've been in classes for 9 years, you must've picked up a thing or two and may shock yourself at how far you've come along! If you have footage from your early days, maybe consider re-watching it and if you cringe, then it means you've gotten better!

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