One of the big strengths ofFilmSchoolSF is that we have a Film Acting program as an integral part of the school. Our filmmakers benefit from having a deep pool of talented actors to turn to when casting their films and our actors have many opportunities on a wide range of projects from a variety of directors.
From small parts in shorts to leading roles in features, FilmSchoolSF actors get the experience they need to land paying gigs.
I asked FilmSchoolSF Film Acting veteran and talented (and busy) actor Greg Cala a few questions about acting, his experience here at the school and what his plans are for the future.
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How long have you been acting?
I loved making videos as a kid. After college, I traveled around the world working for Club Med where I taught sports in the day and performed in shows at night. The shows were mostly pretty silly and comedic. I really loved the creative process of entertaining but definitely needed some skills to go to the next level.
About 6 years ago, I decided to take improv classes. I had a total blast and really learned to be in the moment and to listen and respond to my scene partner with whatever came into my head. Soon after, I decided to take acting classes where I had to learn lines and follow scripts. I then started searching for an agent as well as finding gigs on my own.
What is your favorite kind of work? Commercial? Drama? Comedy? Why?
I got an agent over 5 years ago. Most of the stuff you get through an agent in the bay area is commercial or industrial (corporate video) work. I have done a lot of film work up here as well but most of those, I have found on my own. Overall, my favorite work would be dark comedies, similar to the film Sideways. I love to do scenes that are both funny and depressing. Financially speaking, the best work has been commercial work. My most surreal gig so far was getting to act in a scene with Sean Penn in Milk. I played Senator Briggs’ Aide. An amazing experience!
What classes have you taken at FilmSchoolSF and what was the most important thing you learned?
I have taken classes at various acting schools in San Francisco and have learned something from each. I started taking classes at FilmSchoolSF a few years ago to keep the acting muscle moving. I like that the school records your scenes so you can review them later. I’ve taken everything from the Advanced Film acting to Improv to the Actor, Writer, Director Workshop… I’ve gained something from each class but the most important thing would be the process of breaking down a scene and making choices that can best suite the scene as well as take advantage of my own personal style.
Advice for new actors?
My advice for new actors is to have fun! Know yourself, what you want and what you are capable of. Be in the moment of the scene. Listen to your partner. Respond to what they give you. Don’t rush the process. Really absorb everything you learn.
Acting is like snow skiing. I use to teach skiing so I know. Often times skiers want to get to the advanced runs as soon as possible even though they don’t have the skills. That is not the way to get better. It’s a slow progression but once you really get it, it feels amazing and you are way more confident. Don’t be afraid to fail. Just learn from it. Oh, and did I say, have fun! 6 years ago, I had a goal to become a working actor and I was pretty clueless to what that really entailed. I have learned so much since and plan to continue to learn and get better.
No matter what, I want to be believable in every scene I do. That is important to me.
What’s next for you?
I play the lead role in an independent feature film coming out next year called “Amity” by Alejandro Adams.
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Check out Greg’s most recent commercial.
[av_video src=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5JyIEcNmhl8′ format=’16-9′ width=’16’ height=’9′]
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Greg’s reel!
[vimeo 5616596]