LA Talent Scout Seminar - How does this benefit Perth Actors?

Jason Siner - Los Angeles Talent Scout

There is one thing I know for sure.  I live in a small town!  Yes, Perth. Our growing city, the most isolated city in the world has a small town mentality, which I love in many respects, but when it comes to film and business, it frustrates me no end.

Don't get me wrong, I love Perth. So much so that I don't really want to leave here to forge a career in Film.  I want a Film Industry here, I want to make films here and I will work to help make that happen.  However for many of you, Your aspirations will outgrow Perth fast and it is a fact that you will actually have to leave here to get work and experience.  But you can always come back.  This applies to all areas of film but actors particularly. So how to prepare?

One thing that is tremendously positive about Perth is that due to our isolation, we end up having the most trained talent pool in the world.  Our talent is, raw and fresh and that is attractive to the USA market, but we are also naïve and inexperienced. To work professionally (get paid) we need to be a little more proactive and disciplined.

We are extremely laid back in our approach to things and our commitments.  So how do we break that mentality and start working towards making Perth a thriving Film Industry?  How do our actors prepare to make it in the professional world?  The fact is simple, looks and talent is just not enough.

It’s the Entertainment Business or Show Business as it is also referred.  No matter how you say it, it still means the same thing.  It’s a business and that is a fact you will never escape.  So everyone needs to approach their craft with that attitude and obtain the necessary knowledge to achieve it.

Learning how the Film Industry works and how to market yourself is imperative to being successful.  It’s one of the most competitive industries and you are competing with people who are as good as you.  Sometimes they are not as good as you, but they still got the job.  Why? Because they know how to market themselves.

Acting is probably the hardest profession to break into and you really do need to have the package. So how do you go about learning how to do that?

Jason Siner and Debbie Thoy at the WASA's
(Photo courtesy of Brodie Butler)

 
 My background is marketing and yes, I help actors to set up a plan and learn how to market themselves and that service is available on an hourly rate through the Perth Film Network as well as workshops.  However it always helps to hear it from someone who is in the thick of it all in Los Angeles and actually scouts for acting talent.  Who better to give you advice on how to set up your plan to succeed as an actor?

Jason Siner, a Los Angeles Talent Scout, is currently touring Australia, keeping an eye out for talent and running seminars to help actors to prepare to enter into the professional world of the entertainment business.  He covers all aspects of marketing yourself and how to prepare, as well as the realities of working in the USA as an actor and how to go about setting yourself up to succeed (survive) in the USA, including obtaining a visa. So simply, even if you are not yet ready to go to the US or actually have no intention of going, this will benefit you, even if you choose to stay in Perth.  No matter where you go for work, the principle is the same and you need to know how to market yourself and get that job.  If you believe you know what it takes, I can guarantee you don't! Have a plan!

Jason has already run a seminar here in Perth, in March, through The Perth Film Network. Jason saw tremendous possibilities in Perth and wants to come back again to run another seminar and meet more actors before returning to LA.  So I am happy to announce that Jason will be in Perth next Sunday, 8^th May for another seminar, once again hosted by the Perth Film Network.  So if you missed out on the first one, which I have to say was fantastic and entertaining, please take the opportunity to attend this one.  It is not an expensive seminar at only $60 online or $80 at the door ($10 discount for Perth Film Network members) and a worthwhile investment for your career.



Actors at the first Seminar held at
Murdoch University in March

I am still bamboozled that actors are still getting black and white headshots done, last time I checked we humans are not monochrome and film and TV is primarily colour now.  So logically, why would you want a black and white photo?  It just doesn’t represent you well. I love the look of black and white photos, just not on headshots.  Don’t underestimate how important a headshot is and how it should be presented.  That goes for your show reel also; it is not just simply throwing a group of scenes together. Do you really understand what casting directors, producers and directors look for?

I can’t stress enough how important learning how to market yourself is as part of your acting education.  You need to see yourself as a product because that is exactly what you are.

I am very particular about what workshops, seminars and events I organise.  They need to benefit the actor or filmmaker and be taught by someone who is qualified or very experienced in their field and can make a positive and valuable contribution, offering accurate and sound advice. The Perth Film Network aims to provide quality and I am also very particular about who and what I endorse.  So if you see “Recommended by the Perth Film Network” on an event, then be sure that you will get your money’s worth and will be taught by qualified instructors.

The Jason Siner seminar is one I 100% recommend to all actors no matter what level you are, even if you are just starting out.  It would also benefit Producers, Directors and those looking to be casting directors, agents or even talent scouts. It will give you a valuable insight into how things work. Jason will also be running one on one consultations with actors, which you can book on the night.

This is the last seminar before Jason returns to Los Angeles.

The seminar is in Northbridge this time, nice and central.  It’s at the State Library, 2pm, Sunday 8^th May.  For more information and to book go to: http://www.wizardcorpproductions.com.au/talent_scout_seminar.htm?llr=mo7bc4cab&oeidk=a07e3my7a8jd85417cf

If you would like to discuss this with me, I can be contacted on 041 7508 114 or email wizardcorp@aanet.com.au

Hope to see everyone there.

Debbie