Do I have a shot? (Long post my b)

[u/Klutzy_Touch7490]

Hey! So, I’m a bit newer to this whole posting on Reddit thing but, I really wanted to hear people’s opinions.

Recently I have been interested in perusing acting for movies and TV shows. I had worked as part of the production team for a couple of projects in the past, but I’d really like to be in front of the camera. I’m a 23 y/o female and just really want to give it a shot.

Ive discussed this with my mom (I go to her about everything lol), and got her opinion on it. She basically said that there’s a chance people wouldn’t cast me for a role because of my body, and I don’t exactly have experience with acting.

I’m not thin but I’m not exactly heavy either. And despite my lack of experience acting, I know how show/movie sets work really well since I worked on several projects, including a directors debut film. I was told that in order to get in front of the camera, I have to start behind it.

I guess I’m a little discouraged by my mother’s lack of support?? But I also feel more emboldened to do it. I guess I just wanted peoples opinions on the matter and see what they felt.

If I need to take this post down for guideline reasons or whatever I will. But I could really use the thoughts of other minds right now.

[u/IAlwaysPlayTheBadGuy]

There's roles for everyone of all shapes and sizes. But first ..Learn. To. Act. Take classes. Get training. Everything else you're worried about doesn't matter if you can't do the job. That's amazing you've had experience on set, but in front of the camera is different. It's open, it's vulnerable, it's rewarding, and it's detrimental. Planning ahead is great, but worry about step 1 before you start worrying about step 30.

Get good enough to be cast before you worry if you will be cast

[u/Necessary-Coach-1818]

Do you look like a human? Yes! The film industry needs actors to look like every part of society, there is no 'right' look for acting. Figure out what's unique about your look and lean into it. Aimee Lou Wood was told she'd never get into film with her teeth. Now people want her because of her teeth. Owen Wilson, his nose his wild.

To quote other posters on this question:

There are parts for every look out there. Are there more parts for super attractive people? I'd say yes. Is there more competition for those parts? Again, I'd say yes.

Work on your craft. Work on getting auditions. Do your thing and do it well and do it for long enough, and you will get work.

The best place to start is to go to some local acting classes, try it out. See if you like it. Work on your craft. Make friends with other working actors.

Also, maybe don't ask your mom about acting anymore. Unless she has been actor herself, it sounds like she's not going to be supportive in this endeavour. Do it because you want to.

Finally, check out the FAQs.

[u/Unhelpfulhelpful]

None of that matters. What matters is, are you as experienced as other 23 year olds who have been professionally acting and training since they were kids/teens? No? Then you need to start getting training and experience before you even think about how you look or your behind the camera work (sadly that counts for nothing unless you use it to network with other creatives)

[u/Humble_Employer_4965]

Depends what you mean by “have a shot”?

If you’re asking whether you will make it as an actor; no one can tell you that.

If you just want to get your feet wet and experience the work in front of the camera, you could easily get cast on a student film that shoots next week.

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[u/Zestyclose-Tax-3317]

That’s all irrelevant. Do you want it?

[u/Klutzy_Touch7490 → u/Zestyclose-Tax-3317]

Of course I do

[u/Zestyclose-Tax-3317 → u/Klutzy_Touch7490]

Then go after it, fuck what everyone else thinks. Chase what makes you happy.

[u/gasstation-no-pumps]

Do you have a shot at becoming an actor with no training? Truthfully, not much of one, except in a student film that doesn't know how to find actors—there are many actors with your age and looks who have had training and can show the casting directors that they can act.

Do you have a shot if you get training? Probably, but no better or worse than others in your classes—neither you nor we can tell whether your interest will be sustained long enough for you to learn to act well enough to land a role. There are far more actors (at all skill levels) than there are roles for them, so most will never achieve what they hope for.

Your body shape is not a major factor in whether or not you get roles—though it will affect what roles you are offered, particularly for commercials, less for film and TV, still less for stage.

I believe that whoever told you "to get in front of the camera, [you] have to start behind it" did not know what they are talking about. There is very little crossover between crew and cast—some, because some people like all aspects of the art and want to learn everything, but most people specialize in the aspects of the art that they like best or are best at.

[u/No_Reach_8177]

Your talent is far more important than your body shape or perceived ‘attractiveness’ that is so subjective anyway. Just look at what’s on TV and you’ll see that. I’m sorry your mother is focusing on that. Work on being the best actor you can be and that will get you a lot further than worrying about how you look.

[u/404VitalsNotFound]

Parents have a funny way of preparing us for failure. I think her comment was either a) getting you in the mindset of “it might not work” or b) using this as an opportunity to encourage you to get fit. Either way, your looks literally don’t matter if you can act so start there