[s2000]

Hi, this may be a stupid question but I really need to ask. I am a HK boy living in Australia but I would love to try an acting career in HK.

So, can anyone give me advice on how to get started? What are the processes of finding acting jobs in HK? Do I need agents? acting school etc?

Any help you can give me would be greatly appreciated!

Joe

[HK Guy]

I can put you in touch with a person who might be able to give you some tips as he does work for TVB Jade.

Can you tell me more about yorself and what experience you have and if you can speka flunet Cantonese or Putonghuha.

[s2000]

hey thanks for the reply,

my name's joe, i'm 20, i'm from hk but have lived in australia the majority of my life. i have no trouble speaking cantonese but I rarely do so i'm not good at the slang part of cantonese. however, i pick up a lot when i hang out with my hk friends and i'm sure after a few months i would catch up on the slang.

i'm currently doing a law/commerce degree in university of sydney. i'm planning to come to hk in jan for a month holiday. the only acting experience i have is a few drama productions from school. since then i have concentrated on uni since i thought that was the safest option to earn a decent living. but everyone has to start somewhere right?

however, having had a whole life of academics and having done various work experience at different occupations, i have finally realised that i really really won't be able to handle a 9 - 5 office job. i'm just not cut out for such a lifestyle. so i have finally picked up the courage to pursue one of my dreams!

i really didn't expect any replies to my thread so i am very grateful that you replied even if nothing eventuates from this.

other info: i'm about 176cm tall, not fat, i do a bit of weightlifting, black hair and people say i don't look very hong kongish but can't seem to explain why.

anyway, that is me, thanks a lot for ur reply.

joe

[HK Guy]

Hi Jo,
I thought you might have a bit of experience in acting behind you. I think because you are pretty weak in Cantonese and other dialects of Chinese you will not be able to get anywork with the Chinese TV channels or even the English ones. If I were you, I would push on with your Law degree and look for a laid back job later where you could perhaps use your law skills.

Sorry, but I thought you were a bit more experienced.

[s2000]

I totally agree with you that it will probably be hard to get work but I'm still young and I owe it to myself to follow my dream.

can you get any info of the hk movie and tv industry? like are there Agent agencies? do I need them to get into auditions? Are there open call auditions?

if you know, plz tell me any info possible. i really really want to give this a try at the very least!!

joe

[byronski]

If you are really wanting to get into acting you should consider getting some skills behind you. Have you thought about study? What about the Hong Kong Academy of Performing Arts - Drama School? (Or at a university in Australia) From there apart of acting skills and experience you are given contacts to the industry, audition tips etc.and it's a good starting point. But you need to be at university again and maybe working part time in law....

[s2000]

yeh I have looked at the HK performing arts site, but there was some prerequisite things that seemed a bit pointless yet difficult to do. also i am a bit adverse to such academic institutions, they seem to focus too much on theory and non-practical teachings.

however, i really do want to get some skills, from an acting teacher or something. do you know of any classes or something that focus solely on acting in film and television, instead of covering theatre as well?

thanks for your reply, i'm still keeping my options open and I just wanted to gather information before I come back to HK.

joe

[midnyte2811]

Hi, I am a girl who lives in Hong Kong and I really want to be an actress. If anyone who happens to be here knows how to get an acting job in HK, please reply or email me. misu_3051@hotmail.com. thank you.

[m3default]

Can anyone give me more info on this? I am a ABC going to live in Hong Kong for 3 months.. Jan 2007 - March 2007. I will have money already so I wouldn't need a regular job just to support myself first.

I am interested in the entertainment industry. I have tons of dance experience. I am a hip hop dancer and I want to be a dancer for TVB.. acting.. and such..

anyone can give me advice, that would be great.
thanks

[Donnialda]

These replies are so discouraging! In every other country there are at least Community Theatres, University productions, Indy film work, and Film/TV Extra work. All of these allow a newbie to the profession or to the area a step in the door. And it's all about that first step whether it be for experience or for networking... both are necessary.

It's ridiculous to discourage an artist and advise them to 'go back to law school' simply because they don't yet have experience. Good lord! Tromp on the boy's dreams why don't you? He's TWENTY YEARS OLD for goodness sake.

My suggestion for the OP would be to 'yes, get some of that green outta ya'. But before you go investing a stupid amount of money you don't have, volunteer for the types of productions I listed above. Accept that you will not get paid for the first few very likely. But make it part of the deal that you get a credit and if film, a copy of the reel to add to your video resume.

Oh, and get over the 'I don't want to do theatre' thing. build your chops in theatre where you are forced to invest fully in a character from start to finish, not just roll to cut. Pay attention to e-v-e-r-y-o-n-e around you. From the little old man in the market to the leading lady on the film set you're doing background work on.

And be nice to everyone form the top to the bottom. It's mostly about networking, certainly. Then its about you having chops once your 'pub buddy' gets you invited to an audition.

Much luck!