Photoplayer Hater

Actors often fall into the trap of waiting for someone to make opportunities for them. The prevailing wisdom is that auditioning is the best way to get acting parts. Not only are some actors not built for the constant rejection that is inherent in auditions, many overlook other talents that could serve their acting career well with just a little push. Audition advice is readily available and stories of actors being "discovered" are plentiful, less talked about and encouraged is doing what these actors have done; made their own film.

Billy Bob Thorton

Rather than settle for small parts in bigger movies, Thorton took some initiative and gave himself a big part in a small movie. He was doing what other actors were doing, auditioning, waiting tables, but he was also working on a script for himself. He wrote, directed and starred in "Sling Blade" and afterward his career was thriving. There is inevitable downtime in between casting calls and dinner hour, why not use it in an unorthodox way like Billy Bob to help you reach your acting goals.

Danny McBride

Another Southerner who made his own movie this time as writer and actor. "The Foot Fist Way" was not a hit, critically acclaimed nor even a cult film, but it was a vehicle for him to gain the attention of important people. Will Farrell and Adam McKay, amongst others, saw McBride's performance which led to roles in many films and later the creation of his own HBO TV series "Eastbound and Down". Though he has not reached household name status, he is my favorite comic actor of the moment and could be destined for great things.

Jon Favreau

Before "Swingers" Favreau was just another struggling actor in Hollywood. The movie was not a hit in theaters but became a classic on VHS. He was the writer as well as star of the picture. Since then his career has been on an upswing and has gone from simply acting and writing to directing really big movies.

Matt Damon

Before "Good Will Hunting" Damon had resorted to dropping 40 pounds in an unhealthy manner to secure a role. He and fellow actor Ben Affleck co-wrote the screenplay for the movie and both starred in the movie. After the success of the film Affleck and Damon both have gone on to prolific careers.

You might not like some of these actors or the films they were in, but you can bet their tactics can be used to make any manner of film. Auditioning may get you a break, but why leave it to chance when just a little more effort can help your chances even more. Even if you have no creative skills beyond acting, you can still be an organizer and make things happen for yourself by putting all the elements of a movie together with you as the star.

What stops you from doing something like these guys?