Job Discussion Forums

RyznFree · Joined: 10 Nov 2008 Posts: 27

I leave to Ningbo in 2 weeks for a 1 year Uni gig and hope to network there and in Shanghai as much as possible. If anyone has any info into the Acting industry there, I would definitely appreciate it. I'll post an update once I'm there and have scouted the scene myself.

Tutormancn · Joined: 24 Sep 2009 Posts: 3 Location: China

Fellow Actor,

I have been involved in several acting gigs in China.

I agree with previous posters.

Although there is more acting work around, the salaries are low, and have decreased over time because of the willingness of foreigners to try it for the experience and not for the money.

I got paid 2000 rmb for a TV performance this month. I spend 20+ hours in rehearsals with Chinese actors, and got paid around 100rmb per hour. I got perks too. Free local meals, and a few hugs with a beautiful Chinese actress. I only took this job as a favor, and will not give up my daytime job as a tutor.

If you get a TV commercial with say a famous brand like Coca Cola, that pays around 1000 rmb for a full-days work. Whoopy! On that occasion i got to meet Zhang Ziyi, and a wonderful film crew who ordered me around for a couple of days.

10 years ago the salaries for acting/modeling were a little better when the market wasn't saturated with willing volunteers.

It's always best to ask your agent: Who is the client? How much do they offer? That's a bit low, can you increase the salary? It may be possible to get 400 rmb per hour if you can negotiate and only if the client is set on your face. The 1990's, were the good old days of acting in China.

I have met models who get their work from their agents overseas. They are better taken care of, given apartments and all expenses paid. The salaries are better also.

If you are a foreigner and want to make money here acting, then don't take work for less than 3000 a day. That way the market will increase for all of us budding superstars. Tom Cruise watch out.

P.s. There is always someone taller, more handsome/beautiful, who will steal your work.

Sonnibarger · Joined: 15 May 2007 Posts: 320 Location: Wuhan

got offered 300 rmb for a 1 day gig... a buddy and i just did it as a piss take.. chinese voice overs for our parts so we figured it would be good fun to rip into each other... with a little luck.. someone out there can read lips.. with a little more luck we ruined his life forever

A'Moo · Posted: Sun Sep 27, 2009 5:22 pm Post subject:

I have to agree with most posters here. There just isnt that much of a market/interest in foreign faces, much to what people are taught about China overseas. There is almost zero interest in Western music here, and interest in Western movies is lukewarm at best...
Plenty of openings for foreign ladies willing to work as KTV girls or a matress actress...

Hansen · Joined: 13 Oct 2008 Posts: 737 Location: central China

I've been offered a couple of "acting" gigs. One was doing a commercial about a product which I had ethical concerns about. Another deceiving employees of a small company.

I don't do mattress acting, either. Some people have no problem with it.

lerenah · Joined: 31 Aug 2009 Posts: 13

Hi, I've just followed along the forum and wondered where exactly should I look to get started, even if it's only extra work. I don't mind if they don't pay, I'm just looking for experience, but where would someone who's new to Shanghai go to find out where the auditions or classes are? If anyone can give me a number or website, I would greatly appreciate it.

THanks