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Mchristophermsw · Joined: 14 Apr 2005 Posts: 228

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 · Joined: 14 Apr 2005 Posts: 228

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 · Joined: 16 Oct 2004 Posts: 476 Location: in transit

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 · Joined: 10 Mar 2003 Posts: 9650 Location: Mexico City

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? Laughing

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

Echo · Joined: 23 Mar 2003 Posts: 38

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 · Joined: 10 May 2003 Posts: 3484 Location: British Columbia

guangho · Joined: 16 Oct 2004 Posts: 476 Location: in transit

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 · Joined: 14 Apr 2005 Posts: 228

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 · Joined: 15 Jan 2003 Posts: 12844 Location: Hokkaido, JAPAN

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 · Joined: 14 Apr 2005 Posts: 228

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.

darkside1 · Joined: 16 Feb 2005 Posts: 86 Location: Glasgow, Scotland

It does come down to contacts and looks/ voice. I used to privately teach a dubbing actor in Spain (where most foreign films and tv serials are dubbed into Spanish locally) and he got me a few gigs dubbing promo videos into English. It paid about �50 per (1- 2 hour) job, but that was about 8 years ago. Again, not acting, but through an agency I was signed up as an interpreter a few times for business people doing business in Barcelona. It paid about �75 a day, that was again 7- 8 years ago. I actually got one gig interpreting for 'King' Kenny Dalglish, then Newcastle Utd coach, during a Champion's League match in 1997 in Barcelona. Glory Days! Teaching was more reliable for cash flow though.

Cdaniels · Posted: Fri Nov 25, 2005 9:50 pm Post subject: Encouraging

Mchristophermsw, I think you would be perfect for Hollywood. Go for it!

Mchristophermsw · Joined: 14 Apr 2005 Posts: 228

Cdanials,

Thanks for the encouragement! Laughing

But seriously, my post was not about me getting into acting but hearing from people have tried it in addition to their regular job.

I think its fascinating how some people will step out and try things the average Joe will never ever attempt wheather it be acting, simply learning how to play a guitar or whatever else.

ESL teachers are already probably very adventurous people by nature, so it is really cool to hear about yet another avenue or goal they reached.

I will let ya know if I ever land anything on the side, but for now my students are most important to me---but then agian, I think apart of my success in the class room is that I have alot of experience trying new things Wink

Students love to hear a good story every once in awhile...

Did I tell about the time I climbed Mt Ev.......Just kidding! I am afraid of heights and I hate the cold LOL! Smile