Job Discussion Forums

[Mchristophermsw]

I would like to know if anyone has taught ESL in done any film/acting work on the side or if anyone has actually transitioned from ESL to acting over seas?

If so, would love to hear about your experiences

[Mchristophermsw]

Geez louise! No replies yet.

Okey, I know this real sad but I will answer my own post.
I know a chap that has done some work in hong kong and he making$$$$

I also know of a Probation Counselor who does acting on the side to supplement his income......but thats here in California

[guangho]

Okay, here is my take. In New York I went to some agencies with my headshot and got 2 roles as extras on sets and 1 in a SONY commercial. It's not much but I didn't exactly hound them for work either.

The shoots lasted about twelve hours each and paid maybe a hundred dollars. You do the math. I can imagine being a professional and doing this stuff once in a while (at least until you think you're at the point where you can get steady work and quit your day job) but it's hard because shoots last for the whole day and you can't really tell your boss every couple of weeks that you're off to play a role.

If you get in with an agency, at least in the U.S., you can expect very few calls-some won't call at all.

[Guy Courchesne]

Guess I'll toss in my two cents...not on acting though.

I was employed in a photo shoot for a magazine article in Mexico about a year ago. My sister-in-law is one of the editors and asked me to pose. They ended up publishing 3 photos out of the 40 we took in a 3 hour shoot. I earned a grand total of 75 usd...but it was nice to get into something new.

An ad agency here in Mexico City contacts us now and again for native-speakers. So far, they've only employed a teacher of ours for radio spots. That pays a bit better.

I was also asked to audition for an infomercial. I declined. Who wants to be known as hemorroid sufferer number 2?

Point is, where there's filming going on, there's always a chance.

[Echo]

I've done voice-over work a couple of times and was an extra on "The White Countess" in Shanghai but that's all. Three times in 4 years... don't think I'll give up the day job just yet.

[ls650]

[guangho]

Oh yeah, forgot to add that when I was in Korea I was offered a role in a commercial but declined. Visa regs being what they are in kimchiland, I expected that if I showed up for "work" I would be arrested by immi on the spot and deported.

[Mchristophermsw]

Great stuff everyone, kinda breaks the ol routine and its really cool to have some of those experience. Probably can make for great stories in class.

Guangho,

Wow, immigration must be tough in Korea! Geez, you see illegals walking around and working everywere in California. The odds definatly favor the illegal immigrant here. I was just thinking, WoW, they must have a large immigration department in that country to be so top notch and on top of things.

BTW, Happy Holidays to EVERYONE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Glenski]

I got filmed (briefly) for a short film by a beverage company.

Other than what you've been reading above, I wouldn't get my hopes up unless you are tremendously talented. Just my opinion. You will see people in Japan getting some rare moments of glory -- Patrick Harlan, for example, who gave up his Harvard education in comparative religion to be a local star here on TV -- but by and large it's pretty much the same here as in your home country, I would think. The few, the proud. It's mostly about contacts.

[Mchristophermsw]

Glenski,

In Japan? Cool, what beverage was it for? Like I said I know a probation counselor who has his SAG card and makes good extra money on the side for acting---he has alot of fun at it.