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Can an acting career realistically get launched by non-union projects on YouTube.com?

Question by DayLightSavingsTimeStar: Can an acting career realistically get launched by non-union projects on YouTube.com?
Please Note: I am only talking about the serious actors, the ones who really care about the craft of acting and performing. Not the idiotic people of all ages who submit videos of themselves acting stupid or doing stunts, and acting like they are 2 or 3 years old, these are goof offs. I am talking about the mature ones who really strive to be a professional actor or actress someday, with hard work (very hard work) and determination.

I want to know if someone with a DV ( Digital Video ) Camcorder, friends to act with, and an internet connection with a YouTube account can really get noticed by acting agents and talent agents. Will talent scouts notice the underground actor or not. There are some pretty good non union actors and actresses, and some pretty decent non union projects (films/tv series/shorts) out there. However, Acting scouts/agents tend to go to actors and actresses who are in the union and established. Acting Agencies always represent actors who are in one of the unions (SAG, AFTRA). The actors who are members of the actors unions do not need to post videos on YouTube.com to get noticed or to get some recognition.

Like for instance: The rap group Camp 22 was underground, they uploaded songs and videos on www.youtube.com and got recognized because of how many times the videos and MP3 music on YouTube was “favorited” by other users. They made an account, named it Camp 22 ( the name of their group), posted videos on YouTube.com, and people listened/downloaded/favorited the music they had on YouTube. They recently signed a $ 100 Million dollar contract with a major hip-hop record company. They made it!!

Is it possible that an up-and-coming actor or actress could do the same exact thing (put non-union projects on Youtube.com), and get into Hollywood?

I need your thoughts. Because me personally, I am neutral when it comes to this. I think that it IS POSSIBLE, but I also think it will be a lot MORE DIFFICULT to pull off than a music career on youtube.

Best answer:

Answer by ✿Sienna- Reformed Blonde ;D✿
Hi,
Yes, it is definitely possible, but obviously not as easy it is to become a prominent musician on youtube. The reasoning behind that is that many people who are on youtube are teenagers (majority of which aren’t into serious drama) who are more interested in listening to music than challenging their brains. Many people don’t see acting as a form of art, but me being an actress myself, I do know its very difficult to master the specific coordination, focus and personality change required in acting. You practically have to transform yourself in seconds. Many people have trouble transforming themselves back and can suffer depression and be in the emotional state of their character. True acting is incredibly serious (besides from normal comedy, Shakespearean comedy involves quite a bit of a serious tone.)
Some of the other people on Youtube do take acting seriously and I can bet there are quite a few serious directors on Youtube who may see your video and be interested in your work.
It is possible to become A list, but not likely. I think its more likely that thanks to youtube, you might be in short films and local films, but it is possible to become A list.
Good luck
xx
Sienna

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