The art of improvisation is a mandatory tool for any actor. Here are some top notch improv specialists for you to use.

The Second City

The Actor’s Improv

Comedy DoJo

This company provides a studio space with top quality lighting, crisp clean sound, and film you in dazzling HD. All designed to make you look your best so you can concentrate on what’s important – your performance.

You’ve worked hard rehearsing and memorizing your lines. Don’t let technical distractions get in the way of landing your dream role.

Have a look:  Breaking Legs

Working in voice over can be rewarding and very fun. Here are some links to people who can help.

Aliso Creek Productions

Blupka Productions

MJ productions

Kalmenson & Kalmenson Voice

The right headshot makes all the difference in the world. Here’s a few of our favs that we’ve collected over the years.

Duff Images

Actors Headshots Los Angeles

Peter Hurley

Nancy Jo Gilchrist

Lucky Shots Photo

Vandiveer Photograph

Brad Buckman

Paul Landry Photography

UTE VILLE Photography

John Corbett

Mark Husmann

Sara Corwin

Alan Weissman 

Idyllic Photography 

Guy Viau 

Hal Luke Tatlidil 

Phillip Ramirez 

Some sites on the internet that may be able to help you.

Lights Online Film School

Acting Website

The Actor Site

Send your headshot and resume to these fine folks.

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Here you will find the nine key points of importance regarding agents (taken from the SAG website):

1.  Make sure your agent is franchised with SAG before signing an agency contract or accepting verbal representation.

2.  Agent’s client lists are available to SAG members for inspection at the SAG’s Agency Department.

3.  All changes to your SAG agency listing must be made in writing – we cannot accept them by phone. Always include your Social Security Number.

4.  “Verbal” contracts (where there is no written agency contract in existence, or while new contracts are being prepared) can be filed with SAG by the performer sending SAG a written letter stating that they are represented by XYZ talent agent for XYZ field of representation; or by the Talent Agent using the Client Confirmation Form.  This information will remain in SAG’s computer system until we are advised, in writing, to remove and/or change such information.

5.  Improper behavior by an agent should be reported to SAG immediately.  These matters are handled confidentially.  Your name is never used without your consent.

6.  SAG does not have jurisdiction over print work and/or modeling.

7.  With respect to all moneys for TV and Theatrical compensation, the agent has three (3) business days from the time the agency receives the money; and with respect to moneys received as compensation for television commercials, (5) business days from the time the agent receives the money from the employer.  Commencing November 21, 1990, payments received from an employer drawn on a financial institution located in a state other than the state in which the agent’s office is located, the time for the agent to pay over the actor shall be extended to seven (7) calendar days.

When check authorization are executed by performers in favor of talent agents so they receive your moneys, the agent must deposit your moneys in a separate account.  Be sure to examine the checks you receive from the talent agency.  They should bear the words “client trust account” or “special account.”  If they are written on a “general account or operating account,” be sure to contact SAG immediately.

8.  Make sure that you are using the SAG form contract when signing with an agency, and never sign contracts that contain blank spaces or are missing information.

9.  SAG does not regulate Personal Managers.

This is the hallmark to becoming a working actor, here is what you need to know in order to become a member.

HOW DO I QUALIFY TO JOIN SAG?

A performer becomes eligible for Screen Actors Guild membership under one of the following two conditions:

1.  Proof of Employment

a.  Principal Performer Employment Performers may join SAG upon proof of employment. Employment must be in a principal or speaking role in a SAG film, videotape, television program or commercial. Proof of such employment may be in the form of a signed contract,a payroll check or check stub, or a letter from the company (on company letter-head). The document proving employment must provide the following information:
-   applicant’s name
-   applicant’s Social Security number
-   name of the production or name of the commercial (product name)
-   the salary paid (in dollar amount)
-   the specific date(s) worked.

  b. Background Actors may join SAG upon proof of employment as a SAG-covered back-ground player at full SAG rates and conditions for a MINIMUM of three work days subsequent to March 25, 1990. Employment must be by a company signed to a SAG Agreement under which the Producer is required to cover background actors. Proof of such employment must be in the form of a signed SAG voucher, plus an original payroll check or check stub. Such documents must provide the same information (name, Social Security number, etc.) as listed above.

*  Background actors:   SAG is currently revising the entrance for background performers by developing a point system in which union and non-union jobs, along with educational seminars and sanctioned events count toward eligibility.

2.  Employment Under an Affiliated Performers’ Union
Performers may join SAG if the applicant is a paid-up member of an affiliated performers’ union (ACTRAQ, AEAS, AFTRA, AGMA or AGVA) for a period of one year and has worked at least once as a principal performer in that union’s jurisdiction.

For more information visit the Screen Actors Guild

If information is king, then these publications are a vital part of your career. They’ll help you stay in touch with the industry’s every move and let you know who’s doing what and when and where. You can buy these at most news stands, but below you’ll find the links to their websites.

Variety

Backstage West and East

The Hollywood Reporter

Samuel French Bookstore

Once you have “tape on yourself, making a demo reel is the perfect promotional tool. Here are some great companies that can do the job well.

Perfect Reel

Planet Video

Reel Deal Demos

Vanishing Eye Films

DemoReel.com