Photoplayer Hater

I advise actors not to wait for roles to come their way, but actively produce projects with roles for themselves in them. Whatever production you make won't likely be the greatest ever. Even seasoned veteran producers produce a bomb every now and then. This might keep you from making the effort. You might not see the point. You might think making no film is better than making a bad one, but I beg to differ.

An Audition Tape

No matter how bad your film is, your acting will shine through. I'm sure you've seen a boring movie that was saved by a performance. In fact, most movies are made with stars first and scripts second. Most studios insist on stars and only nudge for good stories. Your film will be the greatest way to introduce yourself to people no matter the quality.

Shows Commitment

New actors are an unknown quantity in so many ways. You may be able to act competently, but will you be there when the chips are down? Are you able to handle pressure? Can you work under a deadline or under difficult conditions? You being part of a filmmaking team will show that you have tenacity in a way no words could ever do. Your crappy film will show people you are serious and will do what it takes to be an actor.

Start of a Track Record

This bad film you just made is the beginning of your career. It's the first big thing you did and nobody can take that away from you no matter how many poor reviews they fling at you. You are an actor and are actually acting, there will be no denying that. From here on out you will be making a reputation for yourself as willing to go the extra mile, a track record that will speak volumes in comparison to other actors.

Shows Resourcefulness

Making films isn't easy and every filmmaker knows that. You can't go wrong putting the effort toward making a movie because it will send a signal to other filmmakers. You being a part of a filmmaking crew puts you in a category of actor that is rare. One that is not only involved in the craft of acting, but also interested in the well-being of the whole production. You have more to offer than just acting and it will show.

Can Travel Far

Auditions in front of a casting director, even if videotaped, won't go very far. The approved people might see your tape, but more likely your performance won't be seen beyond the moment it happens. A film of your own, even if sub-standard, can be put on YouTube or file sharing servers and be seen by any number of people in the world without you even knowing about. If you have it somewhere on the internet where people can search for it you have a chance of making a first impression on people you may never have had the chance. It's better than just a photo and resume, that's for sure..

Could Make Money

Even really bad movies can make money, as ridiculous as it sounds. It can be so bad it's good or you might just get lucky and strike a chord of some kind. A distributor might smell money when they see your movie and may even give you a little. Even if it doesn't make it into theaters you still may be able to make a deal to distribute DVDs or maybe sell a few yourself.

Might Want To Do More Than Act

After you are done making this movie you may find a capacity previously hidden from your consciousness. You might find you're a good leader or a great writer. People are complex and we have a lot of abilities inside of us we never unlock. You may have some filmmaking chops deep in you that want to come out and play. Don't argue with your inner filmmaker, let it free.

If you can't find roles, make roles. Make a movie that you are in even if you don't know what you're doing. Learn along the way and the making of it will pay off. From finding money to finding yourself, you can't go wrong making a bad film.