It is not necessary to have an acting background to make it as an actor in Hollywood.
Breaking into Hollywood as an actor is not as difficult as you think. It takes hard work and patience, but many actors do find steady work. Before you make the big move, save as much money as you can. Find a flexible job, such as waiting on tables, in the Los Angeles area, where you can earn income while going out on auditions. Also, ideally you need to have your own car because Los Angeles is geographically a large area, and auditions are all over town.
Instructions
1. Move to Los Angeles if you are not living there already. Most of the film production companies and agencies are based in Los Angeles, so more work is available.
2. Attend a local acting class. An evening class at a reputable school is fine. Choose a class that only asks for fees for the class itself. Avoid a class that wants money up front for photos and helping you meet agents. Those may be scams. In a class you meet other actors and teachers which have good advice for novice actors.
3. Pay for head shots, which are an actor's calling card. Ask around your acting class for a good photographer to take photographs of you. A head shot should be only your face and shoulders. On the back you attach your acting resume with personal information, such as your name, telephone, height, weight, hair color and eye color.
4. Audition for unpaid acting work by looking in local classified ads. In Los Angeles, film students, aspiring directors and non-union productions are plentiful. Many are looking for actors willing to work for very little or nothing. It will build up your resume and experience, and some of these low-paid jobs lead to higher paid acting jobs.
5. Sign up for extra work with specialized casting agencies such as Central Casting or Cast Extras. No experience is needed for extra work or background artists. You are paid minimum wage, but you receive invaluable education in how film and TV productions work. You get free meals. Brad Pitt and Eva Longoria Parker began their careers as extras, according to Jodie Burke of "The LA Times." Some extras can also join the Screen Actors Guild union from their extra work, which bumps up their pay.
6. Submit your head shots to agencies and manager who handle actors. An agent or a manager takes a percentage of your income when you get a paying job. Be wary of agents or manager who ask for money up front.
7. Prepare yourself for rejection while maintaining a positive attitude. Enroll in more classes and meet other actors like yourself in your classes and auditions. Join a theatre group or comedy class.
