Getting more principle and supporting roles

Replies to This Discussion

Industry ProPermalink Reply by Bradley J. Van Dussen on May 16, 2016 at 11:52am

Hi Joanie,

A topic many an actor has in his or her mind IMHO.

Like any other work in an industry or field; preparation, training and networking are all part of landing a principle (principal?) role. Oh yeah and who one knows and a bit of luck or God's timing.

My suggestion:

First impressions are huge in life and this industry, thus:

+ get a professional head-shot.

+ take acting classes at Boston Casting and/or CP Casting

+ get together with other actors and make your own dramatic or comedic acting clips

+ get involved with student films -New England is a wonderful place for these opportunities.

+ get involved with theater

+ train, hone, train, hone, train

Permalink Reply by Joanie Catalano on May 16, 2016 at 12:12pm

Thanks Bradley,

                 I have started signing up for more workshops,they do look educational and fun!

Bradley J. Van Dussen said:

Hi Joanie,

A topic many an actor has in his or her mind IMHO.

Like any other work in an industry or field; preparation, training and networking are all part of landing a principle (principal?) role. Oh yeah and who one knows and a bit of luck or God's timing.

My suggestion:

First impressions are huge in life and this industry, thus:

+ get a professional head-shot.

+ take acting classes at Boston Casting and/or CP Casting

+ get together with other actors and make your own dramatic or comedic acting clips

+ get involved with student films -New England is a wonderful place for these opportunities.

+ get involved with theater

+ train, hone, train, hone, train

Permalink Reply by 3jdrrvnvxtbhe on June 15, 2016 at 9:44pm

Good evening Joanie,
After hitting say my 5th background work after entering into the film industry in 2011 I was feeling the same exact way as you were. What I've learned from the people I've done background work with and just by networking as well is that starting with student films and working your way up is the best route to go. But don't just do the student films, audition for the roles in the independents films as well. Thus, giving yourself a broader spectrum of chances of possibly scoring roles on a student film or an independent film. Start out with the smaller roles first and then work your way to the top at your pace.Also take acting workshops, get a good headshot, and pretty much practice your craft in delivery lines.  One key advice that I tell most people network, network. That includes if working as a background on a major motion picture film or independent film network with your fellow background. Also, what my buddy Bradley Van Dussen says is also true. Strong patience is one of the key qualities in this business as well.

Permalink Reply by Joanie Catalano on June 25, 2016 at 1:44pm

Hi Van,

      Thanks for the reply.I do lots of feature films as well as independent and student films,music videos,etc.I almost never turn down a job unless it's too far (if it's a volunteer gig) or I'm already booked.I know that I should try to network more on set but I always think don't bother the director,asst dir.,anyone that doesn't talk to you first rule  because I don't want to get fired,lol.I mostly try to get to know the pa's because they're the ones that I see the most and they're generally friendly and open to conversing.

Van Brockmann said:

Good evening Joanie,
After hitting say my 5th background work after entering into the film industry in 2011 I was feeling the same exact way as you were. What I've learned from the people I've done background work with and just by networking as well is that starting with student films and working your way up is the best route to go. But don't just do the student films, audition for the roles in the independents films as well. Thus, giving yourself a broader spectrum of chances of possibly scoring roles on a student film or an independent film. Start out with the smaller roles first and then work your way to the top at your pace.Also take acting workshops, get a good headshot, and pretty much practice your craft in delivery lines.  One key advice that I tell most people network, network. That includes if working as a background on a major motion picture film or independent film network with your fellow background. Also, what my buddy Bradley Van Dussen says is also true. Strong patience is one of the key qualities in this business as well.

Permalink Reply by 3jdrrvnvxtbhe on June 25, 2016 at 2:48pm

I mean network with the other people that you are doing background work with. On major motion films you can't even get close to networking with the directors, producers, and or certain PA just because they are all on a timely based schedule and that you risk getting kicked off the set. Independent films different set of rules usually.

Joanie Catalano said:

Hi Van,

      Thanks for the reply.I do lots of feature films as well as independent and student films,music videos,etc.I almost never turn down a job unless it's too far (if it's a volunteer gig) or I'm already booked.I know that I should try to network more on set but I always think don't bother the director,asst dir.,anyone that doesn't talk to you first rule  because I don't want to get fired,lol.I mostly try to get to know the pa's because they're the ones that I see the most and they're generally friendly and open to conversing.

Van Brockmann said:

Good evening Joanie,
After hitting say my 5th background work after entering into the film industry in 2011 I was feeling the same exact way as you were. What I've learned from the people I've done background work with and just by networking as well is that starting with student films and working your way up is the best route to go. But don't just do the student films, audition for the roles in the independents films as well. Thus, giving yourself a broader spectrum of chances of possibly scoring roles on a student film or an independent film. Start out with the smaller roles first and then work your way to the top at your pace.Also take acting workshops, get a good headshot, and pretty much practice your craft in delivery lines.  One key advice that I tell most people network, network. That includes if working as a background on a major motion picture film or independent film network with your fellow background. Also, what my buddy Bradley Van Dussen says is also true. Strong patience is one of the key qualities in this business as well.

Permalink Reply by Lori Magoon on November 20, 2025 at 2:50pm

Im a new non-union 50 plus actor in NH and am running up against the same thing. I do believe that if we had more experience working with students is a great way to make this happen. Like I said, Im in NH and am an hour from Boston, that is where most of the schools are, from what I understand. I plan on hitting the ground running this spring. Good luck in your venture. I am loving every step along my way.

Best,

Lori Mason

Permalink Reply by Noël Ramos on November 21, 2025 at 2:57pm

Student films are indeed a fantastic way to gain valuable experience on set and possibly significant speaking roles. Just be sure to always keep in mind that they are all learning too, so being prepared for an inexperienced crew is important. Safety is the most important thing to consider, and inexperience may create situations where #SetSafety is not being prioritized as it should. This may be due to lack of knowledge and experience so always strongly advocate for yourself, and never take any uncomfortable risks. Your personal safety is much more important than any speaking role.

I have worked with a number of student projects from Emerson College and I've consistently been impressed with their professionalism and positive set environments. I can highly recommend their student projects.