How can I be in a movie?

Being in a movie starts with an audition - and often more than one. Sometimes you have to do many auditions before the director makes a final decision on who is suitable for the role.

But how do you find auditions?

An audition is essentially a demonstration of your acting skills. If you have a talent agent, they'll send you audition opportunities or "casting calls". Then it's up to you to respond and prepare the material, whether that's making a video of yourself performing an extract from the script (a self-tape) or a face-to-face audition, either in person or online.

Other audition call-outs might be publicly available and advertised on social media or the websites of production companies.

After you've been selected for the role, you'll be sent your script. If you're just a small part in the movie, you might only be sent the portion you appear in. If you're a major character, you might be sent the whole script. Either way, your job is now to learn your lines and start planning your character.

You'll also receive a call sheet - this is a schedule of when and where your film will be shot, and when you're required to be there. Then, you show up and do your job when it's time.

Unlike theatre, which often rehearses for days, weeks or months, you may have little to no rehearsal for your film shoot. It's up to you to be super-prepared and ready to go on the day. That is why training to be an actor is so important - in order to know what to do, and what's expected, there are skills you need to learn.

After the shoot is done, it may be some time before the film is finished. Later you may be required to assist with publicity, depending on the size of your role in the film.

For some actors, being in their first movie is a dream come true! We'd love to help you on your journey to become an actor. Try our Acting 101 course to get started.