30 Aug 2017

Pretty much everyone knows that when it comes to becoming an actor and making it onto the world’s big screens, living in Australia doesn’t exactly give you the best advantage. We’ve got a small population, we’re far, far away, and our film and television industry is still tiny compared to the big guns of Hollywood.

But it’s not all doom and gloom, because you have probably noticed lately that more and more familiar Aussie faces have been cropping up on international screens. Think Margot Robbie, Rebel Wilson and all those Hemsworth brothers. Basically, Australia produces some freaking amazing actors, and the rest of the world is starting to catch on. We Aussies just have to work a bit harder to get them to notice us.

1. Get educated

There are so many benefits of getting yourself enrolled in an acting school. Not only will you be taught all about the technique of acting, but you’ll also have the opportunity to network with others in the industry and start to build those all-important connections. Acting is about what you know as much as it is about who you know, and an acting school can give you a good basis for both.

Screenwise is Australia’s leading school for film and television actors, so it’s a great jumping-off point if you want to act internationally. Screenwise ensures they arm all of their students with everything they need to be successful in the industry, learning how to build industry relationships, a schmick showreel and knowledge of the ‘business-side’ of the acting world, so you can be savvy about finding yourself an agent and getting yourself in front of the right people. Basically, they’ll make sure that you’re actually an employable actor, which is exactly the kind of edge Aussie actors need.

2. Understand social media

Social media is great for a lot of things, and that includes the film industry. Getting connected with other actors, producers, casting directors and agents on the interwebs–particularly when they are overseas–is a great way to meet new people, keep up to date with news and casting calls, and get others familiar with your name. Having active social media pages that showcase your profile as an actor is another way people can get to know who you are–so sharpen up that Twitter and Instagram game. There can be downsides to this though if you aren’t monitoring your activity effectively. In the same way that employers are able to discover part of who you are online, industry folk are able to do just about the same thing. Be mindful of what you post and how you post it – it could be the difference between making it or breaking it.

3. Build and grow

Pretty much every Australian actor in Hollywood these days got their start on Australian Film and Television. These shows are an awesome platform for budding young actors, so there’s no point turning up your nose at an opportunity that’s not in Hollywood or a big budget movie. Not every job you’re going to do will be a critical success, but experience is key and in that sense, every job has its value. I’m not saying you should take every job you’re offered–there are some roles you might downright disagree with and that’s okay. Just don’t be too snobby–if you’re a talented actor you’re going to shine no matter what role is thrown at you.

4. Versatility means opportunity

To have a long-term and rewarding career in any profession, being diverse as possible with your skillset will fuel your ability to succeed and progress in your career. Typecasting yourself into only going for specific roles in Film and Television will reduce your ability to maintain a fruitful and sustainable income as an actor. There’s a world of opportunity out there that includes working as an extra, doing voice over work or presenting on the web or television. Things are only going to get better! With online streaming taking the leap so much more work and opportunity has made itself available to actors–you just need to be open to the possibilities. So stretch out your skills as much as possible–that leads us to our final point.

5. Continuous improvement

 The greatest thing that anyone ever said was ‘I know that I know nothing’. Every artist is always striving for the perfection that they will never achieve, but what drives that need for perfection is a desire to learn and continuously evolve. Opening yourself to new learning opportunities and training can help you make a difference in the audition room or how you approach the industry. You’ll also open yourself to a whole new world of acting theory and some of the latest techniques that will boost your passion for the craft. Get learning and keep improving–there’s always a better and more exciting version of you waiting around the corner.