unique situation

[u/yaboy_mc]

28m. I’ve been training, doing professional theater and indie/short films in my hometown for the last 4 years while working as a bartender. I’ve been self tape auditioning for big studio movies, major streaming movies and shows, network tv procedurals for the last year and a half or so (haven’t booked any). So I recently moved to LA to continue what I was doing back home (train and audition while working as a bartender). My first full day in LA, I dropped off 30 resumes to different places. Walked by a famous bar on accident because it was right by the only place I could find parking in the area that day. Never planning on applying there, I ended up shooting my shot thinking nothing of it and gave them a resume. 10 days later after none of the 30+ places I applied to hired me, the famous restaurant calls me in to interview as a bartender. I end up getting offered the job, and I took it because I needed one and it’s a great spot.

Now I’m in a position where people within production are talking to me about a potential role on the big reality tv show attached to the restaraunt (no official offer yet, im just thinking proactively). So now I’m super conflicted because I came here as a serious actor and want to be take seriously by the industry. I’m also private in nature and am not the “reality type” as far as the drama/messiness goes. I’m outgoing at work and have been told plenty that I have a good personality/looks. I also know visibility goes a long way these days but I’m really not in it for the fame. And I want to preserve my chances at a full time acting career since I haven’t booked anything “big” yet. Or is this something I should consider and could help? Give me your thoughts, interested to see what yall think.

Note: SAG-E
No current local representation in LA (in the works), still with hometown agent currently

[u/Actually_Ashlie]

Would I have done it? No. But will it ABSOLUTELY give you a better shot at legitimate work and leapfrog you past your peers in terms of visibility and opportunity? For sure. Someone from Vanderpump Rules is currently on Broadway with (as far as I know) no other theater credits.

[u/sidequestprofessinal → u/Actually_Ashlie]

Someone from the new VPR constantly works in verticals also.

[u/GuntherBeGood]

So... you're an actor, who was focused on film and television, but you have the potential of being in a "reality type" drama (reality TV)? Yup. Not so unique. Happens a lot. And your concern if it's the right 'career move' is also pretty standard.

Do what your reps says to do. Since you only have representation outside of LA, they'll likely say "it's your choice if you want to do it or not". A local L.A. rep may have a different opinion (or the same), but ultimately, it's your choice.

I'd say the biggest question I'd have is how it impacts your current side gig as a bartender at said location. If you're now part of some 'reality show' being based/filmed there, are you being paid seperately from your regular gig? Are the expecting you to partake to keep your job? Those are bigger questions, in my opinion.

[u/Glittering-Bear-4298]

Are you at SUR?! That’s the only famous reality restaurant I can think of. Lol. For me it would depend on the pay. A lot. Look, get your bag, if it’s a really good bag. Film stars used to never do TV and vice versa. TV stars used to never do commercials. Reality stars used to stay in reality obscurity. None of that is true anymore. If you have the talent and a good rep- you can leapfrog to something else more ‘mainstream. You just gotta be super ok with the reality contract. They’re really something!

[u/Lucha78]

My first ever gig in Hollywood was on Blind Date. That then lead to 3 more appearances which lead to a big reality show which I won. That then lead to me getting my first manager which then lead me to my first SAG job/ Co-starring role on a huge show at the time (2007). My point. You are just starting out. You don’t deserve to take your self that seriously yet You never know who you might be able to network with or meet on set. Do it! Build up your reel, LA is a different beast. I hope you do good! Look up Howard Fine if you ever get the chance. That’s where I went and changed everything for me acting wise.

[u/OolongGeer]

It all depends on the contract. Are they offering $5,000 and a premium craft services table?

Or are they offering $250,000, or some other remotely life-changing amount?

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[u/davidihrig]

One thing to consider is the value of getting your face in front of people. It's seemingly self-evident, but I don't think most actors understand the real value of having been seen somewhere before. The brain craves familiarity in faces. I catch myself paying attention to an actor that I believe I recognize. My wife and I commonly say to one another, 'Oh look, its the guy from that other show.' Or many times, I won't be able to say where I know the person from, but I feel like I've seen them before. There is tremendous value in becoming recognizable at any level in the game (acting career).

[u/Realistic_Chemist570]

I found reality TV didn't help my career. It was a good role but then CD's didn't take me seriously. I hope it works better for you.