U WANNA KNW HOW 2 GET STARTED IN THE BIZ - Wesley Jonathan's MySpace Blog |

ORIGINAL BLOG POSTED: October 4, 2007

WELL ,THIS TITLE I KNEW WOULD GRAB U!!!BUT ITS NOT WHAT U THNK....THIS WILL PROBABLY BE VERY UNFULLFILLING.....IM SORRY IF IT IS....PEOPLE OFTEN SAY,"HEY MAN,IM TRYNA GET INTO ACTING CAN U HELP ME OUT???WELL......ITS LIKE THIS .EVERY ACTOR OR ARTIST HAS THERE OWN STORY OF HOW THEY GOT STARTED....MYSELF, IS WHAT I CAN SPEAK ON.....I DIDNT JUS START 5 YEARS AGO AND BAM IM ON TV AND N FILMS......,I STARTED WHEN I WAS 8....A CHILD ACTOR....COMPLETLEY DIFF THAN STARTING AS A GROWN MAN....THO ITS NOT IMPOSSIBLE,IT IS EXTREMELY DIFFICULT AS AN ADULT 2 BEGAN.....YOUTH IS $........I WAS BLESSED ENOUGH 2 GET STARTED AT A YOUNG AGE....YA KNW THE OL COMMON TALE OF PEOPLE SAYING,"I USED 2 DO COMMERCIALS WHEN I WAS LIL".YEA WELL MY MOTHER CONTINUED 2 TAKE ME 2 MY AUDITIONS WHEN I WAS LIL AND IM STILL DOING IT 20 YEARS LATER....SEE I NEVER STOPPED.....TO STOP AND RESTART N THE BIZ IS ALSO DIFFICULT....THERES ALWAYS SOME1 TO COME AND TAKE UR SPOT.....THERE IS AN OVERFLOODED MARKET OF WANTING 2 BE N THIS FIELD,MAKING IT THAT MUCH HARDER 2 GET IN 2........SEE I HAVE A FORMAL STORY ON MY WEBSITE THAT IS VOICE ACTIVATED 2 TELL U THE LONG STORY OF MINE.IM TELLING YOU INFORMAL FORMAT....I HAV BEEN DANCING B4 ACTING SO AS A KID I TOOK SOME HEAD SHOTS AND AS A KID I JUS DID WHAT I WAS TOLD.......DIDNT UNDERSTAND ,NOR CARE ABOUT SUBMITTING PICTURES 2 DIFF AGENCIES ALL OVER LA/HOLLYWOOD ,AND WAITING 4 THE BITE OF THE BIG FISH.....WHEN I WENT IN 4 A INTERVIEW, 4 A KIDZ AGENCY NO LONGER AROUND CALLED HERB TANNEN,I WAS SIGNED ON THE SPOT.....JUS BY THEM TAKING ME IN A RM ,WITHOUT MY MOMS, 2 GRILL ME.....3WEEKS L8TER I BOOKED MY 1ST GIG 21 JUMPSTREET... 4 ALL OF THOSE MY AGE AND UP...(YALL REMEBER THAT SHOW,LOL)YOUNG FOLK, WHO DONT...LETS JUS SAY HOLLY ROBINSON AND JONNY DEPP BECAME STARS BCUZ OF THAT SHOW........NE HOW...I WAS ADDICTED AFTER WATCHING MY 5TH ,OR 6TH GRADE CLASS FLIP OUT,ALONG WIT THE WHOLE SCHOOL!!!!!!SO I NEEDED THAT RUSH OVER AND OVER.......I HATE 2 WATCH MYSELF ON TV OR FILM...BUT I HAVE LEARNED OVER THE YEARS 2 GET USED 2 IT......AND 2 KNW THAT IT MAKES ME A BETTER ACTOR WHEN I DO....I LEARN FRM MYSELF(WHAT WRKS AND WHAT DOESNT)SO REALLY ,I DNT KNW HOW 2 TELL U,"HOW",2 GET STARTED.....ITS ALL I KNW,AND AS A CHILD I WAS JUS "IN"....ya understand....?8x10 HEADSHOTS,AND OR COMP CARDS(WIT DIFF LOOKS)GTTA BE N LA(2GET ANY REAL PROGRESS)SUBMIT UR PICS 2 SMALL AGENCYS ,REALISTICALLY...IF AN AGENCY ASKS 4 1 CENT FRM U, WALK AWAY........NO SUCH THNG AS THEM BEING PAID NE THNG B4 U.........DOESNT WRK THAT WAY....I DNT CARE WHAT THEY SAY,"O ITS 4 UR HEADSHOTS,BULLSHIT...THEY CAN SUGGEST PHOTOGRAPHERS 4 U ,2 GO 2 ,AND U PAY THE PHOTOGRAPHER ON HAND......NOT THE AGENCY.THEY GET PAID WHEN U GET PAID.....O AND IT TAKES MONEY 2 MAKE MONEY.....UR 1ST CHECK OR 2,U WONT SEE NE MONEY,REAL MONEY ATLEAST....SAG/AFTRA STUFF...ANOTHER LONG STORY....LETS SEE...STUDY THE CRAFT PLEASE...MAN I AM AN ACTOR,AND THE MORE DAYS AND JOBS THAT FLY BY,I JUS GET THAT MUCH MORE SERIOUS AND CRAZY ABOUT MY RANGE.......DNT DO IT 4 A QUICK BUCK..YOU'LL FIND URSELF QUITE DISSAPPOINTED....PEOPLE WANNA ACT BECUZ IT LOOKS,EASY,FUN,FULLFILLING,4 GREAT PAY.....WELL,FUN IT IS,FULFILLING,EHH CAN BE AT TIMES,... EASY,IT IS NOT!!!ESPECIALLY A ROOKIE OUTTA THE GATE.......THEN THERE R SOME WHO ACTUALLY THRIVE OFF OF PLAYING DIFF PEOPLE,CHARACTERS AND STUFF....THATS A GOOD START....ITS GTTA BE HONEST....NOT NECESSARILY CUZ ITS BETTER THAN A 9 TO 5.......SORRY THIS IS SOOOO LONG..I SAID THE SHORT VERSION..I LIED....LOL.U SEE WHY I CANT KEEP WRITING THIS 2 A THOUSAND PEOPLE EVERYDAY....LAST THNG,DO NOT GET UR PASSIONS, CONFUSED WITH UR TALENT!!!!!!!!........I KNW ,U STILL FEEL LIKE BUT HOW DO I START??OTHER THAN WITH WHAT I TOLD U......JEHOVAH GOD MAN....!!!

10:07 AM

29 Comments

46 Kudos

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JUICY

I hear you...People always seem to think acting is easy...just get up there and "pretend" to be someone else...not understanding that acting is pretending to be someone else, it is becoming someone else. I act in NY (theatre) and I DEFINITELY feel you. Also..."Do not get ur passions confused with ur talent" should be patented and placed on a shirt for all to see!!!! lol!! Great Blog Wes!

Posted by JUICY on June 5, 2006 - Monday - 4:30 AM
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JUICY

Posted by JUICY on June 5, 2006 - Monday - 4:30 AM
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Bless 2 Be Me(KIM DIOR)

Hey Wes

I just wanna say that i think you did a really good job; even though it was not really short(LOL) Nah but the advice u gave; i think is some good advice ! I understand what you were trying to say to people that wants to know about acting! Many people think the entertainment business is easy but the truth it's not but like u said it is Fun but it's not all smooth like a baby's bottom! LOL!!! Anyway, i'll Holla Back at ya later! peace and love ya friend Kimmie

Posted by Bless 2 Be Me(KIM DIOR) on June 5, 2006 - Monday - 4:31 AM
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Bless 2 Be Me(KIM DIOR)

Posted by Bless 2 Be Me(KIM DIOR) on June 5, 2006 - Monday - 4:31 AM
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SAY SAY

Senee Taylor

WOW THATS SOME REALLY GOOD ADVICE WESSIE! YOUR REALLY TALENTED CASUE FROM THE SOUND OF THINGS YOU DIDNT GO TO ACTING SCHOOL ITS LOOKS LIKE ITS A NATURAL THING FOR YOU!!! DANCING AND ACTING IF I MAY ADD!! LOL WOW THAT WAS REALLY SWEET OF OF YOU TO TAKE TIME OUT TO TELL OTHERS WHO WANT TO GET STARTED!!

AND OH YEAH JUMP STREET I REMEBER THAT SHOW !! I USED TO WATCH IT W/ SOME FOSTER GIRLS MY GRANDMA USE TO CARE FOR BACK IN THA DAY! I REMEBER THAT SHOW GET A LIFE! AND YOU KNOW WHAT I THINK I DO REMEBER A LIL BLACK KID SLIGHTLY ITS COMING BACK TO ME BUT I THINK I REMEBER YOU! LOL

I DO REMEMBER YOU IN MOESHA YOU LOOKED LIKE AN INDIAN CHEIF W/ THAT PONY TAIL!! LOL

AND IN SISTER SISTER! MAN YOU LOOKED 1O LOL

BUT IN ALL I HOPE YOU MAKE BIG LIKE DENZEL WASHINGTON!! YOU ARE THE MAN!!

Posted by SAY SAY on June 5, 2006 - Monday - 4:34 AM
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SAY SAY

Senee Taylor

Posted by SAY SAY on June 5, 2006 - Monday - 4:34 AM
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Follow me via Twitter@Lino_brown

Lino Brown

Now thats what i'm talkin about! Men u really pereach out da right vibe. everything u said is just real and believable and i'm glad u could take ur time to send out a message like that to some of us still struggling actors, really appreciate it men.
I learn alot from that and so i just wanna thank Bro.
U know i actually made a big step and had big role but in that little mist i had an accident and after i had to start back zero cus i lost ma agent and contacts. but i pray everyday and i know just oneday even if it is 25 years from now i will still make it somehow. just by believing and being patient. all need is just an agent. after doing all this little gigs.
Well West thank again. well gotto go drop me a comment sometime aight
Later.

Posted by Follow me via Twitter@Lino_brown on June 5, 2006 - Monday - 4:39 AM
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NOTORIOUS J.I.M

thats wasnt long/it was very informing/but how come u dont get ya nice sized checks right away/i know what SAG is/i dont know what AFTRA is/ im not tryna get in the biz/i was just curious to see how that works/ thank for taking time out to talk to the fans/ ive been a fan since...i dont even know/boston public ring a bell?/

aight enough of that.

one

Posted by NOTORIOUS J.I.M on June 5, 2006 - Monday - 4:43 AM
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Deo

Well, as I was reading this...it appears that you have been doing this since you were a child and you touched on some impt factors: age; talent; passion or dreams to be an actor; if others will assist another in the biz; agents and getting the hook up and so forth. I think as far as studying the craft, one would have to go to school or take acting classes for this....I know that I have taken acting in the past, but this does not mean that I know my craft. I think it also takes other ppl to see what you have to offer since sometimes you cannot see it in yourself. You had your mother I am quite sure in your corner....but I also think if you are in the right place at the right time, you can have your shot...and just try to get better at it. Since I see a lot of terrible actors and actresses, until they finally get a movie or spot that best suites their character or they get better at the art of acting!@

Posted by Deo on June 6, 2006 - Tuesday - 8:46 PM
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*Nyla*☠PMM☠El~Ey

Nyla Cheri

ha! man everything you just said my drama teachers said the verry same! they were really hard on me and yes acting was hard and i respect those of you that do it. I have to say that drama classes really disciplined me in a major way. I know how to speak fluently and I looove monologues! acting just wasn't my passion....but it was nice having a taste of it in my life. hey wes-layyy! lol

Posted by *Nyla*☠PMM☠El~Ey on June 6, 2006 - Tuesday - 11:51 PM
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Pharaoh MC

Persistance is key. You mentioned your mother, she sets the table for values and kept you persistant. What she expects from you and what you expect from yourself go hand in hand. You are a warrior because of it....

Dont think its a 9-5...sometimes its a 8 am-10 pm...not only that...

Try sitting as an audience member for a televion series. How long is that? 3...sometimes 4 hours? As an audience member, it can be pretty draining just sitting there. But dont forget...the actors...they have to rehearse that episode 5 days a week prior to the audeince seeing them!!!!! 50-60 Hours befor the audience even see's it....It is no quick buck or quick learn....experience, time, experience and time...persistance...dedication....dedication...persistance....time...expereience...passion...talent...oh did I metion practice? Talent...dedication...time...experience...experience...and love for what you do even when it pisses you off and makes you feel like you dont EVER want to do it again. Stick with it....keep DOING.

Wait...thats just mental. What about Physical condition? The amount of energy spent to maintain who you are on a physical level is crucial as well. Thats off Camera by the way...think of working actors as working Athletes...theres only a couple of thousand who make it to the top and its because of their hard work on and off the field. Study, learn, stay aware...be great, dont fantasize about it. Do Do Do, talk is cheap, resume is deep.

Focus...So crucial. Being SERIOUS about what you do....theres no half assing dedication and no Half assing playing a role...you must be SERIOUS about it all.

Wes has always been on the ball.....Heed the words of Wes.....or...just IMDB him and let his Resume speak to you.

Posted by Pharaoh MC on June 19, 2006 - Monday - 11:50 PM
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*~He's My Heart~*

Vanessa Kaye

That is some good advice man, especially the last three words

Posted by *~He's My Heart~* on June 22, 2006 - Thursday - 10:52 AM
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~ T.T ~

nice brother...very very nice!!!

thts all can say.....luv ya!

Posted by ~ T.T ~ on July 3, 2006 - Monday - 11:29 PM
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Brad O

Great advice Wes. I myself am serious about starting a career in acting because its what I enjoy doing, I love entertaining people. I hope I do become an actor in the future, and if I do I'll remember this great piece of advice.
Thx a lot for that advice playa

---.B.R.A.D.---

Posted by Brad O on July 6, 2006 - Thursday - 2:50 AM
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Scott Whyte

WES!

i happen to be a decent looking caucasian male in his late 20's, new to the buisness...do you think i could be an exception to this enture rule, especially your comment about 'it being extremely difficult to being in the buisness'...just recently moved to california to become 'the next big thing'...you are around these actor guys all the time...will it happen to me? or will i be sentenced to a life of gay porn and readying harry potter books while on my smoke breaks at mel's diner????

Posted by Scott Whyte on July 11, 2006 - Tuesday - 7:04 AM
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PrimaVana

Ivana D.

Damn, how great was that? I've heard what you said in different ways but i must say you put it the most simplier and realest way! Thank you! You looking out.

Posted by PrimaVana on July 30, 2006 - Sunday - 5:35 AM
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God's Precious gift

Tia Winchester

wow I always wanted to be an actress when I was like 14 I wish I started out young but I didnt hopefully one day if god allows it I can be an actress

Posted by God's Precious gift on August 10, 2006 - Thursday - 6:07 AM
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Jessica Rock and Roll!

Jessica N.

okay.....question= I'm 17 years old going to be 18 very soon and i sing, I could really sing. I sing in church, talent shows oh yeah and i also dance like u sed u started out real young do u think it is going to be hard for me to get a record deal for da simple fact that I'm like almost 18??? Cause i think it is easier to start off real young. I want to be famous but my parents are forcing me to be a lawyer or nurse since my gpa is so high they feel like I'd be wasting my time if i went out to be a singer..... but the thing is im not gonna listen to them its basically my life. But i have a huge issue I can't make it without my parents support. I need some avice!!! what do u think i should do??????????

Posted by Jessica Rock and Roll! on August 14, 2006 - Monday - 10:21 PM
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c00kii c@ke ♥

Yeah your right about that! lol it sure dont come easy. When I was lil like 6 people always told my mom that I would be a good model I really was not into it until I was 12 because people kept telling me, I wanted to be a model myself. Then I heard about agencies comming to wilmington to pick out kids and turn them into a models. My mom took me and they was at the Marriot hotel. They made it all look good and stuff, they had us walking, checking our nails and such. So at the end they picked a few people and one of them was me. They told my mom oh yeah we can turn your daughter into a model its gonna be $5000 to start but you dont have to pay for it all today. I got excited so I'm like goahead ma pay lol. My mom was like ight we will be back and she never did go back lol. I was mad crying saying that was my chance, cause I did not know better u know? so anyways, my mom was like thats bull because If they really wanted you, they would pay you to work for them. One of my friends was in it too she payed them and she still not a model. So I thank my mom for being smart and loving me, I also thank you for informing people about it because, lots of people dont know this, therefore they are waisting their time and money on scams.

Posted by c00kii c@ke ♥ on August 15, 2006 - Tuesday - 12:57 AM
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★ Mrs. Shawanda Griffith of 5Star Promotions ★

Mrs.Shawanda Small-Griffith

Keep keep'n it Real and let em' know the deal u feel me

I was a child actor too and as an adult it's harder to get in the buisness that's why i change my angle and started to focus on my music because it's easier to get in the music industry and ''Cross Over'' then fly to cali and start working within 2 weeks!

Posted by ★ Mrs. Shawanda Griffith of 5Star Promotions ★ on August 25, 2006 - Friday - 1:18 AM
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MeShawnna

You're so right and i totally understand what you referrin to its not easy to get in the game or any field of work without previous experience I'm sure you worked very hard to get where youa re and therefore you derserve every blessin you received k stay blessed and take care peace

Posted by MeShawnna on September 7, 2006 - Thursday - 4:00 AM
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Laura Rose

I liked this one. Thanks man! I have always been the shy one hoping that "someday" would come and I would be this brilliant actress, that it would just happen. I have done stage work, but I freak out when it comes to film. I was an extra, and even got worked up about that. Stress is a huge deal for me.I freak over the little things. While some people get discovered just by looking right, that usually isn't the case. You have been doing this for many years, and I see that it really takes time and dedication (not to mention the gift you have), to get where you are. I think I will just stick to what I have loved for some many years, the stage. But yes, really enjoyed reading this one. It helps when it comes from someone who is actually doing it. But who knows, maybe I will get my one cameo in a scary film. Haha. That's my true goal.

Peace and Love

Posted by Laura Rose on October 13, 2006 - Friday - 3:04 AM
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BCoop

1st of all.....DANG that must have taken alot of work typing this.good thing i'm doin some actin right now in high school.

Posted by BCoop on February 23, 2007 - Friday - 5:59 AM
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YOUR ROYAL FRESHNESS

thanks 4 the advice

Posted by YOUR ROYAL FRESHNESS on May 11, 2007 - Friday - 12:18 AM
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I am so janet jackson, anita baker & patti labelle

Great Insight on things...I had actually slowed down two years with acting because my immediate family wasn't supporting...and I mean in a way of telling me they didn't think I had the talent for it...passion and talent is two different things in my mind...so I figured well...I have the passion, but if I don't have what it takes in talent, I guess that's a waste of time...though after trying out for a couple indie movies since the New Year, I realize that my family just SUCK...lol...I should have been listening to myself...sometimes listening to yourself is better then the reflections of what others feel...even if they are close to you...i've been approached by two different big movie production companies since the new year...humphf...I could have been in Roll Bounce had i not slowed down...LOL...

Posted by I am so janet jackson, anita baker & patti labelle on August 12, 2007 - Sunday - 11:24 PM
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YOU KNOW HOW MUCH I LOVED YOU KIM!

Humph! Sigh! thanks...
i guess i am on the right track then. okay tell me this then. LA is different from NY. In NY things are just right there and in LA, man everything out here feels like it's "top secret". It's always who you know. What the hell is that about? I am from NY damnit, I don't know anyone out here. LOL!

Posted by YOU KNOW HOW MUCH I LOVED YOU KIM! on December 6, 2007 - Thursday - 12:39 AM
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Heisman < OFFICIAL HATER SQUAD MEMBER >

Appreciate the knowledge my nig, I remember hooping it up with you a couple years back out in the valley, you a cool nigga, stay up

- Heisman

Posted by Heisman < OFFICIAL HATER SQUAD MEMBER > on December 27, 2007 - Thursday - 9:52 PM
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~Released to da public~

Tavarius graves

DAWG, THANKS FOR THIS BLOG ENTRY! U MAY THINK IT'S NOT USEFUL BUT IT IS. IT REALLY CONFIRMED TO ME THAT I'M ON THE RIGHT PATH...I DO UNDERSTAND THE COMPLICATIONS OF GETTING INTO THIS BUSINESS..THATS WHY ONLY THE DRIVEN SUCCEED!!! I'M CONSTANTLY WORKING ON BETTERING MY CRAFT AND EXPANDING MY NETWORK...I FEEL U ON THE "EASINESS" (IF THATS A WORD LOL..) OF STARTING AS A CHILD..I WANTED TO ACT SINCE I WAS 8 AND I STILL DO!!! WITH THAT SAID THANKS HOMIE FOR THAT LITTLE EXTRA ENCOURAGEMENT YOU'VE PROVIDED I APPRECIATE THAT!!! GOD BLESS U AND YOURZ
-TAVARIUS GRAVES-

Posted by ~Released to da public~ on February 14, 2008 - Thursday - 5:09 AM
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Le'Asha

tru, thats why my butt is in NY in acting school...

Posted by Le'Asha on May 29, 2009 - Friday - 10:43 PM
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