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Actor opportunities in Japan?

 
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RyznFree



Joined: 10 Nov 2008
Posts: 27
PostPosted: Sat Nov 29, 2008 5:28 pm    Post subject: Actor opportunities in Japan? Reply with quote
What's the haps on this?

I'm a 26 male Teacher/Actor from Los Angeles and positive about moving to Asia for a bit. Just trying to find the best country and fit for both my passions.

1)Is Tokyo the only center of Film/Television?

2)ESL teachers able to do this on the side?

3)Any visa complications?

4)How difficult is it to get started?

5)Casting agencies want headshots? Bodyshots? And is it best to get that done in Japan (their style?)?

Thanks a ton!
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rocket2827



Joined: 12 Oct 2008
Posts: 3
Location: Rochester, NY
PostPosted: Sat Nov 29, 2008 10:49 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
Your best bet would be Tokyo for sure. The major film/television companies all have their headquarters there, and as a non-Japanese, it will be VERY difficult to find opportunities outside of Tokyo.

Are you just interested in tv/film?

You could always combine your two interests, teaching & acting, and work for an eikaiwa specifically focused around using drama to teach English.

Here is a link to one school I found interesting: http://www.mls-etd.co.jp/recruiting_e.html

There are also some Theatre/Acting Meetups listed in Tokyo. You can find them here:
http://theater.meetup.com/cities/jp/tokyo/

As for whether ESL teachers are able to work as actors on the side, I do know that at AEON Amity (and probably AEON as well) does not allow any work outside of the company. However, if you were to do it for fun and not as a side job, that would be fine. Other big-name Eikaiwa might have the same sort of policy.

Sorry I can't answer all your questions, but I hope some of this information was helpful. Good luck.
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markle



Joined: 17 Jan 2003
Posts: 1316
Location: Out of Japan
PostPosted: Sun Nov 30, 2008 2:26 am    Post subject: Re: Actor opportunities in Japan? Reply with quote
I've not actually done any but here are some answers based on what I've seen.

RyznFree wrote:

2)ESL teachers able to do this on the side?

This will depend on your schedule but I think it would be nigh on impossible if you worked full-time for eikawa. Whether the company allows it is up to you. They can't legally stop you if it is in your time but they have other ways of penalizing you.
Quote:
3)Any visa complications?
Yes you will need permission to work outside the parameters of your visa catergory (if you have a teaching variety)

Quote:
4)How difficult is it to get started?

Aside from the obstacles already stated you will need to speak Japanese quite well I'd say.
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Khyron



Joined: 10 Mar 2006
Posts: 291
Location: Tokyo Metro City
PostPosted: Sun Nov 30, 2008 5:46 am    Post subject: Reply with quote
rocket2827 wrote:
As for whether ESL teachers are able to work as actors on the side, I do know that at AEON Amity (and probably AEON as well) does not allow any work outside of the company. However, if you were to do it for fun and not as a side job, that would be fine. Other big-name Eikaiwa might have the same sort of policy.
That is not a legally enforceable clause. You CAN work outside of these eikaiwa companies. Don't buy into their company lies that you are "not allowed" to have side jobs.

Feel free to get as many side jobs as you want within your visa allowance.
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RyznFree



Joined: 10 Nov 2008
Posts: 27
PostPosted: Sun Nov 30, 2008 5:02 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
Thanks for the info!

Does anyone have any personal experience acting in Tokyo?
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williama



Joined: 01 Jul 2008
Posts: 14
PostPosted: Mon Dec 01, 2008 12:39 am    Post subject: Reply with quote
Interesting thread, I'm in the process of trying to make the move to Tokyo and a TEFL job too. I want to save up to invest in a decent HD CAM.

Last edited by williama on Sat Jun 06, 2009 9:42 am; edited 1 time in total
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Sour Grape



Joined: 10 May 2005
Posts: 241
PostPosted: Mon Dec 01, 2008 1:07 am    Post subject: Reply with quote
williama wrote:

As for working while at TEFL school, I cant see what the problem would be if its in your own time. Maybe if you started calling in sick and not turning up, then they might just have something to complain about.


Naturally they complain much more if these side jobs are teaching jobs, in case you poach their students. They probably can't stop you,but they can make life difficult if you have no other regular income source. I think it's best to proceed on a what-they-don't-know-can't-hurt-them basis.
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