TABLE OF CONTENTS
Can TVI get me work as an actor?
No, TVI is not a casting facility. TVI's mission is to educate the actor
in the areas of business, while also helping talent refine their audition technique,
while educating them on the ethics of the industry.
Should I go to LA or NY?
This is strictly a preferential and subjective choice.
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How do I find acting resources in my area?
Trade papers, your local library, the Internet.
How do I get started in the Business?
After getting training, do theatre, theatre, and theatre! Just getting out
and pounding the pavement provide some of the best experience, in learning about
the business.
I have the cutest (baby, child, etc) how can I get them into the business?
Check in your area, what agents handle children. Call them and ask what their
submission policy is and take it from there.
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What is SAG?
The Screen Actors Guild was founded in 1933 for ensurement of professional
standards for performers.
Do I need to send cover letters with my pics?
Yes
What are the different unions in the United States and how do I join or should
I join?
There are three unions: AEA (Actors Equity Association), SAG, (The Screen Actors
Guild) and AFTRA (The American Federation of Radio and Television Artists)
Actors Equity is the union of American Theatrical Actors
and Stage Managers. You should only think of joining Equity if you plan on doing
much theatre regionally or living in the New York area. Ways of joining:
An actor can be signed to an Equity contract by a producer, or can be a member
of one of our sister unions (the 4As), or you can enter the Membership Candidate
Program.
This program allows non-union actors and stage managers to credit their work
toward eventual membership with Equity. After securing a position at an Equity-approved
participating theatre, the performer registers as a membership candidate by
completing an EMC Registration form and paying a fee. This fee will be credited
against the initiation fee due when the candidate joins Equity. If an applicant
is a current member of a sister union, a waiver must be requested from Equity.
After 50 weeks of work at accredited theatres, the candidate is eligible for
Equity membership. These weeks need not be consecutive, and may be accumulated
over any period of time. After a maximum of 50 weeks of work as a candidate,
however, the candidate must be signed to an Equity contract when subsequently
employed at an Equity theatre. The program is in effect in Equity LORT, Stock,
and Dinner theatres.
AFTRA: represents actors and other professional performers, and broadcasters
in television, radio, sound recordings, non-broadcast/industrial programming
and new technologies such as interactive programming and CD ROMs, this is a
union that is mainly for broadcasters.
Any person who has performed or intends to perform in AFTRA's jurisdiction
is eligible for membership. Contact your Local office for specific information
about AFTRA membership and its benefits.
SAG: The main goal of SAG is to provide competitive wages and safe,
excellent working conditions for members. It's vital to note that SAG does
not function as some other labor unions in the sense that they do not have a
hiring hall and do not directly provide employment for our members. Members,
like all principal and background performers, must take their own steps towards
developing their professional skills, and then getting agents, auditions, and
roles. Through a variety of programs and activities and industry outreach, the
union does everything possible to create an environment in which members
will be hired and look after their welfare once they are hired.
Generally, new members earn entrance into the Screen Actors Guild by meeting
one of the following eligibility requirements: 1) cast and hired to work in
a principal or speaking role for a SAG signatory producer, 2) a minimum of one-years'
membership and principal work in an affiliated performers' union, or 3) cast
and hired to work in an extra role for a SAG signatory producer at full SAG
rates and conditions for a minimum of three work days. In addition, at the time
of joining, a performer must pay an initiation fee plus the first half of his/her
annual dues for that year.
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How do I become an actor?
This again is a subjective experience in the process and
definition. Some just dub themselves actors and others
train for years before they feel ready to go form saying, “I'm studying
to be an actor to I am an actor.”
If I take a workshop, will I automatically get an audition
with the casting director?
No, the workshops are not a guarantee for work of any kind.
Their purpose is to be instructional and educational.
How long has TVI been in business?
TVl has been in business since 1986.
Is TVI a registered institution?
Yes, TVI is registered with the State of California and has been approved
by the State of California to be an acting school.
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Who are your teachers?
Our teachers are Industry Professionals who provide
students with hands on working experience that can benefit them in furthering
their education.
When is pilot season?
Pilot season happens from January until about mid May.
What is the cost of living in LA and what are the best neighborhoods to
live in for actors?
As with any city, the cost of living varies. The best way to find an area that
you like, and think that you can afford is to go there and see how it feels,
and to see what is available. You can expect to pay anywhere from $600.00 for
a studio to for a two bedroom $2000.00.
What are the differences in Headshot styles from NY to LA, and how does one
go about finding a good photographer?
There really isn't much of a difference. See the different kinds of work
between the two coasts check out the TVI Actors Studio online Photographer's gallery. Photographers from Los Angeles
and New York are represented.
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Have more questions?
Contact
us!
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