As actors we dream of seeing ourselves on the big screen, doing brilliant acting work in a film that is intelligent, funny, meaningful, or just plain wonderful. But how do we ever get there? In the past, it was necessary to get agents, casting directors, and networks to see your reel which would ideally be made up of beautiful moments from all the other film work you've done. But how do you get that other film work that you are supposed to show in the first place?  Actors spend thousands of dollars and hundreds of valuable hours auditioning, sending out pictures and resumes, acting in small independent films, student films, or even homemade films just hoping to get something to show to someone someday. Sometimes the projects are never finished, the production company disappears, or the final product is not something you'd even want to show your friends, let alone someone in the Industry. So what is an actor to do?

The Time Has Come...

I believe that the time has come for actors to take back their power as performers and create the kinds of projects that they dream of being in. I am happy to announce that we have finally found a way to do just that! In New York City, the Elizabeth Browning Studio and Front Box Film are collaborating to create revolutionary new ACTOR DRIVEN FILMS! These are films with original scripts, custom made for each actor, professionally shot and edited, and delivered ready to be submitted to film festivals around the world. But I get ahead of myself... where did this all begin?

The Reason...

As an acting coach who has worked with professional actors in theater, film, and television for 24 years, I began to notice how often actors worked on projects that didn't inspire them and in circumstances that left them feeling powerless, frustrated, and unfulfilled. This troubled me because I know that most actors love acting and have a vision of something wonderful that they know they can bring to the world as a performer if given a chance. I started asking questions that I intended to find answers to. Questions like "What might happen if we created an opportunity in which actors could work in an optimal environment on projects that they loved and were inspired by?  What kinds of projects might emerge and what brilliant acting might result from actors being allowed to work on something they really cared about?"

In January of this year, I found an answer to many of my questions. I met a brilliant young cinematographer from Front Box Film who has worked on a number of feature films and shorts, has all of his own equipment, and who loves to design projects around the individuality and gifts of each actor involved in the film.  When I saw his work, I was sold. His films were beautifully shot, sensitive to the humanity in each actor, and told powerful stories that had the capacity to move and inspire others.  To my delight I learned that his company specializes in creating projects that look like Hollywood and can be shot on a shoestring budget. Michael and I met and shared our common vision, and a professional partnership was born!

The Creating Process...

To create these films, we first find out about the actor and what he or she most wants to show and the story they want to tell in their film. Using each actor's personality, passions, and preferences, an original script is then created to fit you personally and the material is customized to show off your strengths as actors. The film is professionally shot and edited, and delivered ready to submit to film festivals, agents, casting directors, and to post on the actor's website in usually less than a month's time from the date of the shoot.

Here is the astounding part of our story... we have found a way to offer all of this to actors for the price of a good head shot. Currently, Elizabeth Browning Studio and Front Box Film are only charging $800 for the entire process from beginning to end. People find it hard to believe that they can get all of this for only $800, especially given that the price includes all of the following:

	Actors work with a top writer, director, and cinematographer.
	Included is the rental of all camera, sound, lighting, and film equipment needed to create a powerful short film that looks like it was shot in Hollywood or for television.
	Actors receive their film simply edited and delivered ready to share, as well as retain all rights to the film as executive producer and all the rough footage as well.

The Criteria...

The only criteria for making the film are that all films must be shot in a single location and in a single day. To see samples of some of the short films already created in this manner, click here. The film is limited to a 4 page script or less (between 4 - 10 minutes in length...perfect for short film festivals) and must have only 2 actors in the shoot. Some actors choose to go in with a friend and share the cost which means that they can star in their own short film for only $400!

The Time Is Now...

Many agents, casting directors, and production companies now want to see your work online or on DVD before even meeting you; and we’ve found that this is a wonderful way of introducing yourself that you can be really proud of. At the end of 2009, I made a decision to make the year 2010 a positive, productive, and memorable one. I didn't want another year to go by with everything being the same or with me going on automatic without stopping to really ask myself what I wanted to create for myself. If you have ever dreamed of being in film and have decided that 2010 will be your year of action...now is the time! One of my favorite quotes from an anonymous author is "To have what you have never had, you must do what you have never done."

At last there is a way to make the film you've dreamed of making, and it is up to you to make your vision into a reality. The most recent film coming out of the Elizabeth Browning Studio, Coming Home, was screened to an audience with rave reviews, and it was suggested at the screening that the story should be developed into a full length feature film because everyone wanted to see more of what was going to happen.  This is not just a marketing tool, it is an actual work of art that one owns and can submit to festivals. Be the star and be the executive producer. Own your own film and introduce yourself to the world on your terms and with something that you love and care about. I'll be shooting my own short film this summer or in the early fall, and I can't wait! Hope to see you all on the set!

Click to watch a Demo of our newest project, Coming Home

Learn More...

To find out more about this exciting new prospect for acting in your own wonderful film, go to www.ElizabethBrowningStudio.com or www.FrontboxFilm.com.

Front Box also professionally shoots live performances, feature films, and edits existing material into 1 to 5 minute demo reels; and the Elizabeth Browning Studio offers acting training, private coaching and assistance to actors in auditions and on the set for an additional fee.  Long distance coaching is also available around the country via Skype.