How to Get Started as an Actor - 5 FREE and easy tips to get started!

I get asked a lot, how to get started in acting and how to get the momentum rolling. I figured I would try to help by offering some quick and simple tips, based on what I've seen and learned after 20 years within the entertainment field. 

I have given several seminars on these types of subjects, especially within the professional wrestling field, including writing, acting and television production.

Getting started - Things have changed over the years and we are now able to reach and see a lot of people. People are constantly saying "I need extras" on social media. Most people, probably have gotten their starts this way...I did. Look for groups that focus on acting. There are plenty of groups on FB that focus locally, and these are a great way to meet filmmakers that are local. Just do a quick search and interact. Head to film festivals to meet filmmakers. Go to conventions and make contacts. You never know who you'll meet. All these tips will help you create a worth or value in your skills, ability and your impression. 

Things I would recommend -

Business cards - I can't stress this enough this classic form of professionalism. Would you take someone seriously if they wrote their name on a piece of scrap paper or on a business card with all their info? Think of it, it makes sense and is easy to look professional. Vistaprint.com can get you 500 cards for like $25. Invest in yourself. Research what types of business cards are recommended. RESEARCH!! Make your 1st impression a memorable one.

Website - This is another easy, no brainer. Creating a website based around what you're doing will let people know more about you.. What you like. Photos. Social Media platform info...all of this are ways for people to discover you. Again, you can buy a domain for $12 from GoDaddy and there are a bunch of free website builders. Look at other actors sites, try to make things clean and professional. 

Head shots - This is a bit more expensive, but well worth it. Having professional head shots available are a HUGE plus when looking for work. This will separate you from others. Be original, have fun and create different looks for different roles.

Demo Reel - if you have already done some work and have some things to show off, this is a great way to showcase all your acting chops for everyone to see. Plus, this can be shared on all your social media platforms. You never know who will see it and think of you with a role in mind.

Acting/Improv Classes - again, not free but a million times worth it. Getting comfortable in front of a crowd, learning to tap into your emotions and doing it on command are vital with being an actor. Remember, acting is a profession. You have to work hard at it to succeed, just like anything in life.

Things to stop doing? 

* Worrying about "likes" on social media. As a society we have become obsessed with "Likes". Likes do not mean anything. Speaking to people does. Having 5,000 friends on FB means nothing since only 2-4% see your newsfeed, which most times is new "friends" you've made and/or people you normally interact with, based on the algorithm. Think about these things. 

* Watch how/what you post and keep your cool on your social media. This will lose you any opportunity quicker than you realize. If you're troublesome online, people will think you are, a potential pain to deal with on set. Speaking from experience, based on some interactions I've had, I won't work with certain people regardless how "great" they are.

These are just some easy tips to start with to help you break into acting, if that is your goal or dream. These tips are enough to hopefully get you noticed by someone and get you going without feeling overwhelmed. I hope this helps anyone who was looking for guidance.


About me - I got my start over 20 years ago, when working for the Warner Brothers Network. I have written commercials, award winning short films, plus countless blogs, like this one. I have acted, performed and worked hard at honing my craft. I have also given numerous seminars based on these basic tips, plus crowdfunding. Make sure you check out my youtube page www.Youtube.com/RobDimension 

Monster-Mania haul and more!!

Monster-Mania haul and more!!

Hey gang, just figured I'd check in and share this past weekend's Monster-Mania experience. First off, let me start by saying this Monster-Mania is definitely in my top 3 of experiences. Ive attended 28 Monster-Mania's as an attendee, a vendor and then, as a guest and I'm always blown away by the fandom and how great everyone is. Dave Hagan and family put on a fantastic convention and I am always thankful to be there.


Kim and I arrived Friday to start setting up our table, luckily she's the brains in this operation as she always does a great job setting up and honestly, I typically walk around and talk to people I only see every 6 months. It's truly become our family. I wander around, check out the things I'm gonna grab before the con even starts and I'm typically broke before the con opens..haha.


Our main agenda, for those who know us, was to meet the Japanese guests, collectively who played

Godzilla and Ultraman. Kim, since we've been married has become a HUGE Godzilla fan. So much so, that we literally saved money for this con and knew we would have a lot of opportunities to grab what we wanted. She was like a kid in a candy store and smiled from ear to ear.


This weekend was also the release of our newest film, Mortimor Tromblay. This is our 5th film, not including the Journey documentary and for a change, we opted for a dark comedy. Matt, unable to be there, was again back on board for this project and we all were ecstatic. What we all really enjoyed was the fact that we felt some sort of freedom to make and create exactly what we wanted and had no real restrictions. Our main goal, as team was to make something to be proud of, we all feel we succeeded.

On Friday, Kim couldn't wait to get in line for Harou Nakajima (original Godzilla), Tsutomu Kitagawa (mostly know as Millennium Godzilla), Bin Furuya (Ultraman) and Shinji Nishikawa (concept artist and designer for Godzilla). She immediately wanted Nishikawa-san to sketch her favorite Kaiju, Little Godzilla. I, on the other hand wanted Millennium Godzilla (Godzilla 2000 is my favorite design and suit) and I would never forgive myself if I opted to go without asking for a sketch of Booska. Booska is a playful character that I fell in love with when my daughter was younger. I was able to grab some VHS's of Booska and we would sit, watch and laugh. Booska will always hold a special place for me, as it means great memories for my daughter and I.

Next, we stopped by the Vampire Robots booth and had to grab our Limited to 200, CCP Burning Godzilla vinyl exclusive. Then I noticed that Michael (the owner) had the exclusive Booska and Chamegon set. My jaw hit the floor and instantly, I knew I HAD TO OWN these vinyls. Once Kim saw them, she knew that money was as good as spent. I plopped down my duckets and then included a Hedorah vinyl to cap off our shopping event. Sigh...so many vinyls to buy, so little cash.

On Saturday, I was set to host a few Q&A's including Mitch Pileggi, Denis O'Hare and the Halloween 4 panel with Danielle Harris and George P Wilbur. Again, as a horror fan, this is always an amazing opportunity and I love the opportunity. This time around the Denis O'Hare, known recently from American Horror Story, really blew me away with his open discussion on acting and the way he approaches playing characters. Absolutely crushed it and it felt like an actors studio and I sat like the student and took in all he said. Of course Danielle Harris is really all Horror fanboys crush and really a testament to Scream Queens of yesteryear. She takes it serious and really is always a delight to talk with. So much fun. I also was fortunate to catch the Kaiju actors panel and just loved it. This is where the fanboy in me shows...I'm sure I was smiling quite a bit.


A few years ago Dave asked if I wanted to help judge the costume contest and its quickly become a very fun part of the convention. This year was jammed wall to wall with all kinds of creatures of the

night. From kids, to ordinal and creative to the sexy...they have a bit of everything. I'm always taken back by the amount of effort that some put into this event. Most often, the non typical designs and outfits are winners. It's a fun evening to close out Saturday night (at least for me).


Sunday afternoon's at Monster-Mania have become something very special to me the last 7 years as I'm host of the Yorkies auction. This is where you can see how much promoter Dave Hagan cares and dedicates space for this auction that is the con's best kept secret. Marilyn and her team from the Yorkie rescue go above and beyond and have shared stories about how much their rescue really helps families save these pups. When I first started we would be happy to raise a few hundred dollars, this past convention, we raised over $5,000. Without your support, we could never do this, so I thank you for being there and offering your hearts.


Kim and I, in closing that everyone who stopped by our table, grabbed our newest film. Those who asked about our son, Curt Robinson's recent surgery and wished him well. It's amazing to me that people actually care, maybe it's cliche but I am always thankful that you all care about us, our projects and want us in their lives. Thank you.

Our con haul!

Below is a video blog we did that takes you along for the weekend and see it through our eyes!

I take a second look at Rob Zombie's Lords of Salem

I take a second look at Rob Zombie's Lords of Salem 

I have a love and hate relationship with Rob Zombie. I love the atmosphere he creates but I often feel like he unnecessarily dirties characters that may not need it. Not every killer or victim is white trash or so unorthodox that they would stand out in any crowd. 

In walks Lords of Salem into my life. Now, lets be kind and rewind about 6 months when I first, initially saw this. I never did make it to the movies to see this, as that might have helped my opinion, but we will get to that in a minute. When I first saw Lords of Salem, I literally hated it. I felt it was so vague and was a long dream sequence that had no vision....but I was wrong. I know...here I go again, apologizing to Rob Zombie...

On Tuesday I saw the LoS dvd on sale for $10, me being the completist I am, thought, hey, I should grab it anyways and maybe rematch it. Just like the Lords delivered the record to Heidi in the film, I think I was delivered the dvd. Just like her, I was sucked back into the film...but this time, I did something different. This time I listened to the commentary by Rob Zombie instead of the dialogue. 

Listening to Rob I quickly learned of the issues in making the film. I was captivated by Zombie's honesty about having holes in the script due to not being able to film sequences or a death of an actor. I loved hearing how he set up at a prop shop, used doors to no where and made shots with lighting and texture...this my friends...this is what makes me want to make more films!! Creativity...making things work to the best and creating some amazing sights with lighting and haze. I was instantly inspired. 

Upon my second viewing I must say I saw the beauty. I saw the light and I fell in love with the film...like, completely. I felt his desire to make this, using his best judgments and really feeling restraints like many of us other filmmakers feel. The feeling of being rushed...the certainty of knowing how to make the best looking shots but only having time for 1 or 2 takes. It was relatable.

For me, aside from the script...this is Rob Zombies best film. Its visually stunning and is remarkable to watch. I really hope if you've seen it and hated it, you give the film another chance with open eyes and see the beauty.