On set and in acting class put yourself first. 

If you look after yourself, take your space then you will be a good scene partner. 

Putting yourself first is key in your relationship with the collective of film workers making the movie. Each must do their job the best they can making the whole better.

Don’t get confused by

When you feel attacked or put on the spot it’s great to have a good comeback answer. 

Even a simple, common question from a fellow actor can throw you off.

If you meet colleagues every day and answering the usual questions puts you down that makes for a long day of …

Some actors are movie stars.

You may be one now or in the future.

Most of what you need to learn as a movie star is different from what you’ve learned as an actor. They’re two – often overlapping – different jobs.

Everyone knows the things movie stars do. Interviews on talk shows, red carpets, posing for pictures, promoting movies, getting involved with social questions of the day, being famous. You know all this …

If you’re a lead on a series you have a particular responsibility.

A lead is a leader on set. 

Doing your job professionally and getting what you need to do that is the best way to lead. It helps the show. Cast and crew will see that and emulate…

Any two actors who have acted together have a special bond.

You’ve crossed into the imaginary world with your partner and that is never forgotten. You both honoured the agreement to give and take. You held the …

You often hear your fellow actor on set saying that. It isn’t a bad thought but you should watch carefully where it might lead you and if you want to go there.

If the idea of turning the one-episode role into a recurring one takes hold, it may have you trying hard to be liked by the producers, director and series regulars. 

That could ...

You want to do all you can to promote yourself. 

How to do it is a complicated and difficult job.

The producers – through the casting directors and agents – keep a pretty tight rein on how much you can do. For instance, it’s considered a no-no to bypass the casting system and …

Even though the ideas of equality are all there, female actors are still under a lot of pressure. The reality is these ideas are yet to be fully realized.

You see it on set.

Actresses often flirt with the directors. The directors ...

Thank-you.

That’s the best answer to a compliment you receive about your work.

You may be confused as to what to say to a colleague after watching them in a show. If they wanted your reviewer’s opinion they would ask. If they wanted your acting coach’s advice ...

Talent agents are under as much pressure as anyone else.

The good ones work very hard to get you auditions and to get you paid as much as possible.

There are many talented actors ready and willing to work yet fewer roles available. This is the ...