QUESTIONS FOR Edgar Struble

There was just not enough time to respond to all of your questions in our club meeting, so we are posting additional questions and answers here.

Is it possible for anybody (literally anybody) to make a living in the acting/film industry? Starting from high school age...

~Ariel G

 

It is very possible for anyone, even someone in high school, to at least get started in the film business and eventually make that a career. You start by finding folks who are making films. At this level, it doesn't really matter if they are 50 million dollar films or $50 films, you just want to help and learn. You offer to be a PA (production assistant) and you do all the crappy grunt work on the set. But you do it with a smile and a can-do attitude. If you do a good job, you usually get asked back when this group does another movie. You might even get a paid a little the second time, maybe not. But every time, you learn, and you ask questions when it won't disrupt workflow, and you keep doing a good job. After a few turns as  PA, you might ask to be placed in a specify department that interests you, such as the script department, or talent, or camera department. And you find, by doing these various tasks, where you fit. And you build a career on those experiences. There are no shortcuts, even as an actor. Very few actors are good right out of the box. Most work very hard to learn their craft. Same with directors and producers. A career in the arts is a process, not an event.

From Aaliyah F

1.What made you realize what you really wanted to do with your life?

Ever since I was in high school it was pretty clear to me that I was gifted as a musician, but I did have a lot of doubts about a career path as I did have other interests. But the one thing that pushed me over the edge and into music school at college, was a wonderful high school band director who encouraged me to become all I could be as a musician.

2.Have you met any movie stars/music stars that you think would be an inspiration to children/young adults such as myself?

The one who keeps coming to mind is Dolly Parton. She's just a delightful gal, who came from poverty and became very successful as a singer / songwriter. 

I've also worked for a few years with a young man, Derek Brandon, who is a great actor. I believe he will have a great career as an actor, and I would say he's an inspiration to young folks. He's dedicated, hard-working, and a very personable young man.

3.If you could would you do anything differently?

Yes, absolutely. I had issues with substance abuse (drugs and alcohol) in my past. I wish I could do that over, as I lost quite a few years to that idiocy. Once I got sober, my career started to take off, and so did my life. 

4. Now I know you are a wonderful producer, but do you think there are some movies/films/music that would encourage young adults to pursue their dreams of making movies and/or acting in movies?

I've found that film makers are usually pretty good about encouraging young people in the business. Not everyone, of course. But for the most part, film makers remember when they were young and trying to figure things out, and most of them enjoy working with dedicated, ambitious young folks.

5. In the future how many of the young adults do you think/wish you could meet after they pursue what they want?

If you're pursuing a film career and would like to reach out to me after you have some experience, I'm totally open to that.

6. If you were to compare the films from the 1970's/1980's to the movies now which do you think would be more appropriate for young adults?

Definitely the ones from the 70s and 80s, although there have always been raunchy films. Moral standards have relaxed a lot in the past 40 years and what is playing on television and film now is much more morally questionable than what was offered back then.

7. Is there a possibility that you can choose to pursue your dreams as well as becoming a doctor/lawyer/engineer?

Well, one can always be a film maker. But how good do you want to be? Being a great film maker or actor requires just as much time and devotion as being a doctor. Pretty hard to do both. I have known some successful songwriters who had full-time jobs in other fields.

8.I have looked at classic Disney movies and compared to the movies Disney makes now and I like the older ones better, Do you think there is a reason for that?

That could be because the animation is "softer," as in not as much detail. I think that leaves more to the imagination, and that's a good thing. It may be that the messages are more lighthearted. I can't exactly put my finger on why, but i agree with you.

These are all I could think of at the moment but if I think of anymore I will not hesitate to send them to you. I appreciate you accepting me into your club and i am sorry I was late today but I was in a Musical Club Class Connect. I am very pleased with your club it is definitely something I am interested in. If you have any questions for me please do not hesitate to send me a mail.

You sure have a lot of questions, but they are all good ones! It is obvious to me that you are a very creative kid! Keep at it, and you will reap the rewards of a career that you'll truly enjoy. Not many people can earn a living doing things they love, but creatives can!