HOW IMPORTANT AGENTS ARE!

 



     As an Actor, I can't stress how important it is to have or at least try to get a reputable agent.  Back when I was a child or even in my early twenties, I didn't know the first thing about how to even start to look for an agent.  I realized then that two things helped: internet and connections.  I found out about an open call for my first agent about 6 years ago, and even though I thought I did horribly in the audition room while on an appointment, I received notification that my agent wanted to represent me.  I typically like to come out of an audition with little to no hope so I am not as disappointed if I did not get a given part.  Rejection is apart of every Actor's life...including celebrities....YES CELEBRITIES GET REJECTED!  Despite this, it's still significant to have an agent because there will casting calls that are not provided to the public and only to certain agencies.  Not to mention, Casting Directors might only go to agents who have a great reputation for gathering specified talent.  That's how they make their business, as agents get a specified percentage (usually 10-20%) of the talent's earned money.  When I've booked films or commercials through my agent, there was no way that I would have found out anything about them unless my agent advised or recommended me.  From there, you feel blessed and lucky, as good agents are slim pickings. To research reputable agencies within a given city, just Google your city's name along with talent agencies.  See what comes up...  You can also ask around to other professional friends within the business as well as go to the Better Business Bureau to research the history of a particular agency to know whether or not the agency is a legitimate agency or a scam if you are unsure.

 



ACTING IS REACTING!

 

 

Whether if you're acting for the first time or you're a veteran, and no matter if you're a theater or film actor, the concept has not changed in regards to Acting is reacting.  People not knowing much about what it takes to make a performance on screen may think it sounds like a riddle or part of a rhyming scheme in a poem. The truth is, the concept has always been alive, but perhaps never so much more than it is today.  The fact that stars and experienced actors make their job look so easy on screen or a stage is actually a compliment, because again, the truth is...IT'S NOT!!! The hardest obstacles to hurdle is the audition.  No matter who is reading opposite of you, it's the actor's responsibility while in the auditioning room in front of Casting Directors to project the actions in a scene per the script and bring that role to life.  It will not happen by just reading the lines with no vocal variety and not being natural.  Just because an actor is in between lines while the opposite character is speaking off screen or even on screen does not mean you can't react to their conversation.  With no reaction comes fake-action (I just made that term up!!!). I will not dive into the complexities between theater and film yet, but what I will say is that acting on stage can tend to be more exaggerated than on film, because it's the actor's job on stage to reach out to a live audience no matter the size and/or length.  With film, the actors might be a centimeter away or many feet away from the camera, and any expression will need to be at a normal pace depending upon the crew's expectations. The point is no matter the setting, distance away from the camera, or if you're seen on stage, audiences shouldn't be disappointed by the choices actors make due to lack of experience, laziness, or not listening thereby ruining an entire film or play.  Hence, acting is reacting!!!

 

 

Please take a look at acting expert Marci Liroff's interpretation of the concept of acting is reacting, as she instructs many audition bootcamps:

 

 

Marci Liroff: Acting Is Reacting

 

 



The Present Continuous - My Latest Film

BACKSTORY

In May 2013, my agent in Dallas pulled through for me by getting me an audition for a 168 Film titled The Present Continuous.  For those that are unfamiliar with the 168 Film Festival, it's a festival where filmmakers only have 7 days (24 hours x 7 = 168) to shoot and edit a short film.  It indeed was an optimistic challenge.  Since it's a Christianized Film Festival, there must be a biblical theme set for each film that is submitted before the deadline. 

SYNOPSIS

 

I play a judge named Steve who is illegally making an insurance deal with my business partner (portrayed by well known actor Grant James).  Steve's family is waiting outside for him.  It's his daughter's birthday, and Steve was only supposed to be consulting with his partner for five minutes and not any second longer.  This film explores the choices he makes by taking too long and the extreme consequences his tardiness has on his family.  Furthermore, despite the consequences, what would happen if people can redeem themselves by having a second chance??  This film dives into just that. 

 

The Present Continuous will be released in August 2013.  For now, please take a look at the teaser to the film by clicking on the below link:

 

Enjoy!!

  

The Present Continuous Teaser

  

Here are a couple of Still Production shots:

 

 

 

 

The Significance of Actor Slates

Often times, before Casting Directors (CDs) will even considering seeing talent, it's important for a good impression to be made before even being asked to audition for a unionized film by submitting a good Actor's Slate.  Acting is reacting, and before an actor should showcase his or her talents in the role he or she will be developing, if possible, let the CDs get a chance to see who you really are by acting naturally as you would everyday.  For a great example, please click on the below video for my slate, as I provide a wide range of exemplified emotions and personalities within a limited amount of time.  Tell me what you think?? :-)

 



Biography

 

 

 

 

JAMES BURLESON

 

Actor

 

Biography

 

James Burleson was born as a military brat in Kokomo, Indiana while his father was stationed at Grissom AFB, IN. James got the opportunity to move around in approximation every four years to places such as England, Missouri, Texas, and Louisiana. He knew from the moment he was a child at around 5 years old he was destined to be a screen actor. In 2003, James made the decision to enlist in the USAF, and he ended up spending four years on Active Duty and another four years in the AF Reserves. He received his Bachelor's Degree back in 2007 from Wayland Baptist University and is pursuing his MA Degree in Multimedia Communications at the Academy of Art University. James decided not to reenlist in the USAF in 2011 in order to fully concentrate and focus on his film acting career. He can now be seen in various Feature, Independent and Short Films.

 

1. Below, you will find a short film I completed as the lead male in this twisted, yet suspenseful short film:

 

1. Here's a 2012 Monologue I performed in the midst during a tough therapy scene:

 

 IMDb