Acting

You probably already know this to be true. Or you've surmised it. But now it's even more glaring, and actor Robert Di Niro is one of many investors stepping up to make it so: New York City is the new Hollywood. And this makes an awful lot of east coasters beyond happy. Outside of the already bustling industry, there's this: "De Niro is part of a group of investors, including his son, that is purchasing a five-acre lot in Astoria, Queens “to build a sprawling production and film studio,” r...

So there I was, minding my own business (not really) in a Facebook group filled with actors when I came across a thread where a fellow actor posed the following question: “Do I really need a brand as an actor? I see all of these posts where it says we need to brand ourselves and I’m freaking out. Does it really matter?” The answers that followed the question were varied, to say the least. And of course they did; this is social media we’re talking about. You can say whatever the hell you want...

Not everyone who lives in Hollywood is from Hollywood. The industry is mixed with folks from all over the world who want nothing more than to fulfill a dream. Making the move is a massive decision, and can ignite a number of mixed feelings, including (but not limited to) excitement and absolute fear. These feelings fester from the moment you cross the city limits. Once in, you look around and you ask yourself, "Now what?"What was once a place that seemed so far away and out of reach is now a rea...

Welcome back! When we last parted, my friend Brian gave up two hours into the day. I made sure not to tell my mother that he ditched me for fear she would not let me go back to the set alone. I am not sure I actually lied about it. Well,l I guess there are lies of omission, so maybe I did lie. But I did tell her I saw people using things I considered to be toys as equipment on the set, and I was obsessed with these man-children and their toy box. Boys and Their Toys How many of you rea...

For the past few years we've been doing a mid-year check in to see where all of you are at. What kind of projects are you working on?Have you been killing it with auditions?Where are you with writing? Networking? Pitching? Let's take a minute to do a mid-year check-in and see how - and what - you’re all doing thus far. Are you on track? Do you need a push? Did you change direction entirely?   Let's talk about it in the comments section below. And, of course, if there is the opportunity...

Though filmmaking and production are an art and a craft, they’re also a business, especially if the project is a commercial or industrial. So being as professional as possible in your written communications to talent is important and will further your working relationships. Your goals should be to make it as easy as possible for actors (and crew) to work with you and show them you know what you’re doing. 1) Ensure All Communications are Well-Written and Clear What you write and send into the...

Extra, extra! Read all about it!I wasn't always such a twisted and depraved soul. In many ways, it was the world of background acting that opened me up to the fun and fascinating film industry and all the sordid bits that entails. For those who are curious about what goes on behind the scenes or want to get involved, let this serve as an introduction (or perhaps an admonition) to those considering making the leap into the wild world of background acting. For the legions of people who know m...

Hi, Everyone! Welcome back to the Dear Bradley Vlog. Every month I'm going to be answering your most burning filmmaking questions. If you have one, please submit your questions in the comments below or via Instagram @Bradley_Gallo. Be very specific and I will personally answer your question the best I can. Some answers will come in long form and others in a lightening round (multiple questions with 15 second answers). Some of you will have the same question and so we will combine those. So ask...

As an artist, you live in a very unique world. You get to express the fullness of who you are. You have the opportunity to leave something meaningful behind that will impact generations. It’s a privilege to bring value to the world simply by expressing and living your passion. At the same time, you take on unique challenges. Your artistic life is filled with pressure, rejection, competition, and unknowns. You have to have courage, show up, and take risks... You also have to know when to say “...

When the book Van Gogh Blues was brought to my attention, I read it with fervor. I was still in my 30's and struggling to understand why creating, writing, and being artistic made me so damn sad sometimes. Not when I was in it, but when it seemed to reach an "endpoint." I allowed myself to accept that creativity and depression were linked, and carried on through my creative endeavors with as much positivity and freshness as possible. Of course, there are times I still struggle. Perhaps we...