careernav.

Accountabilities and responsibilities

A film, television or theatre production has many people working tirelessly for an extended period of time towards a common goal. That is to make the best production possible, considering time and financial constraints. All a production needs is for one cog in its complex machine to work ineffectively and it can collapse. An actor has the responsibility of doing their work effectively, with a minimum of fuss, to ensure that they add to the success of the production. Unlike in the USA, where money and time constraints are less of an issue, where the stars of the production can cause all manner of complications through ego or a myriad of other reasons, in Australia this cannot happen. Any actor who does cause this kind of problem will invariably find themselves out of work, often for good. It is an extremely small industry and gaining a bad name for oneself can be akin to career suicide.

One responsibility that I’ve found to be important through playing various real people is to tell the story truthfully. When real people are being depicted, it’s imperative that they, or the people close to them don’t feel as if they have been poorly represented, roughly treated or in the case of a posthumous depiction, their memory defiled.

Career Path Options

As an actor there may be many different options you could take with the progression of your career. You may want to further your career in different fields within the industry you are in. There are myriad of different roles on both sides of production. You may choose to begin directing productions for film, television, theatre or for advertising. You may want to become a writer, work in the camera, sound or lighting department. In theatre you may want to enter Stage management.

Some actors have started their own casting businesses, helping other aspiring actors find employment within the different fields of acting.

Employment opportunities

Most actors will have a manager or talent agent that will help them with finding work and sending them to auditions for productions. Work will be scarce at times and during these times actors will have to support their income with other employment.

As you gain recognition as an actor you will be able to find work within theatre, television, advertising, radio or film. As your recognition increases, your work is easier to find. Most actors will work in all types of acting roles as the opportunity for work arises.