How Can I Break Into The Entertainment Industry?

20 Nov

I’ve been wanting to do work in the entertainment industry such as fashion modeling/acting/tv commercials ever since I was young. I’ve always wanted to be on tv or perform. I have very little experience but am willing to take it serious. I am 19 years old, 5′1 and in college.
What are some steps or tips to help me start out?
How do I set up a portfolio and who do I send them to?
Do I have to live in a big city to be discovered?
I would love if people with experience answer most of the questions!

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4 Responses

docbritt

November 21st, 2009 at 1:01 am
1

ok fashion modeling is totally out- you are 8 full inches too short, and you would not be able to work in ANY division of modeling. to model clothing you must be 5′9 or TALLER. theres a reason for it- tall, thin bodies make clothing look its best; if you are that short, they would have to tailor the sample sizes to your short legs, which is not gonna happen. an agency wouldnt even consider a girl that short. also, modeling has NOTHING to do with acting. so, in short, dont bother paying for a portfolio; you just dont have the body to model- thats the story for most women. not only that but youd have to have very specific measurements and very long legs, which obviously at 5′1 you cant have. ive been with 3 agencies in my career and not one ever signed a girl shorter than 5′7.5, and those 5′7 girls only modeled commercial, never fashion. im 5′11 and all the girls in the fashion division with me were around my height- the shortest being 5′9.
Erica G

November 21st, 2009 at 2:06 am
2

at your height, you couldnt be a model, but lots of actresses are really short in person. experience doesnt tend to matter too much now, its mainly about looking the part and being able to take rejection because you will have to do probably hundreds of auditions before ever getting a gig. living in la is best, lots of opportunities, ny also, but thats mainly modeling and broadway stuff. just remember that fame is not always what it may seem like from the outside
Mike J

November 21st, 2009 at 7:15 am
3

create a positive buzz for urself
build a fan base for whatever it is u want to do
If the people wit the big money dont come lookin for u go find them while u continue to build ur fan base
b.clsix

November 21st, 2009 at 7:52 am
4

You need to find your niche and run with it. “entertainment industry” is SO big, you need to be specific. Like if you said the auto industry, you could want to be anyone from a CEO, to a line worker, to an engineer, to a dealership owner, to a dealership salesperson, to an auto financing underwriter, etc.
You need headshots and a portfolio. Don’t pay for them. Instead, find an aspiring photographer willing to do the work for free in order to build HIS portfolio. You can find one on modelmayhem.com
I would take some drama classes (for free if possible) as well as acting classes. It wouldn’t hurt to buy a book that explains the industry.
You do need to be in a city like LA or NYC because thats where all the talent agencies are (Big ones include William Morris, ICM, CAM, Endeavor, etc. but you’d probably work with a smaller one). You need to go to castings and auditions, which are held in metro areas of those cities.
5 1 is a little short, but it depends on your looks, if I could see some photos I could give you feedback, I have a sibling who is a professional talent manager.