Film Commissions Offer Roles In Movies Filmed In Your State

It is possible to get into a movie or TV show that is filmed in your state or hometown, but as with many issues in modeling and acting, it is easy for college guys to head down the wrong road and have their time wasted.

So, before we give you the best, smartest way to get into a movie that is being filmed in your state, you should understand these facts:

1) Before you try to get in a movie, attend at least one small independent acting class. Read why acting classes are important.

2) The movie you appear in may be a small low-budget film, so don't expect every movie to be a huge Disney or Miramax production.

3) Don't rely on audition and casting websites to find opportunities in small towns. Get answers through researching on your own.

Monitor Your State’s Film Commission Website

To get in a movie, find the closest film commission in your city or state. Most film commission lists productions and casting notices. Keep checking back each week. If the commission does not offer a casting or “news” page on their website, phone or email the commission to ask if any productions are coming up and say you are very available. However, do not pester the staff of the commission. They are probably have a small staff. Your desire to appear in a film is not as important as their need to take a phone call from someone calling from Hollywood. Remember this rule of thumb: People who can actually do something for you do not have time to talk to you.

If a large production arrives into your town or a nearby city, you should be willing to take a role as a non-speaking background actor. Sometimes these background roles may turn into speaking roles, but do not expect this.

Information about local productions you obtain from film commissions will naturally be more valid than information you find on Craigslist or audition sites. Why? Because anyone and everyone can post a bogus casting notice on Craigslist or an audition website. We won't go into the many, many shady angles that are possible if you respond to opportunities that did not come from a film commission. Just understand that shady bastards won't succeed in posting on a film commission, so these opportunities are already screened for you.

Get Listed in Your state’s production directory

Some film commissions publish production guides or directories. Try to get listed in these. Often if you can get into a production behind the camera, you can also appear in front of the camera when they need someone.

Check Nearby States’ Film Commissions

Check the film commissions in adjacent states and cities. For example, a guy in Ohio would want to check film commissions in Kentucky, Michigan, and Pennsylvania because these states border Ohio. The same advice applies where you live.

Volunteer at your film commission

Finally, consider volunteering to work (without pay) at your film commission. Why? Because you will receive insider information that is not available by being that irritating person who simply sends and email or phones the commission. Plus, if you cannot find 8 hours per week to contribute to the commission, you clearly do not have time to work on a movie. Appearing in any movie requires you contribute a large number of hours per day or during multiple days during the entire production.