Motion Picture Magazine (Nov 1916-Jan 1917)

74 HOW TO GET IN! action, before a mirror dozens and dozens of times, until yOur actions appear perfectly natural. At least some of your "inspiration" is bound to show when the scene is rehearsed by the director. I believe that every actor, big or little in his profession, should have an uplifting hobby which complements the work of his profession. Reading, music, sculpture, painting, any or all of these broaden the artistic soul and reflect their refinements upon screen work, and unless a player loves his work, he cant even fool himself, leastwise his audience. The most sensitive organization coupled with the highest art makes the greatest actor. Francis X. Bushman. Metro Studio, N. Y. ANITA KING The Lasky Star, Gives Honest Advice As the head of a department of the City Mothers' Bureau of Los Angeles, in which it is my province to look after the thousands of young screen-struck girls and to send them back to their homes, I feel it my duty to be outspoken. The photodramatic field is no place for the inexperienced, the pleasure-loving and the insincere, and just as soon as this is realized, the better it will be for our art and for the public at large, as well as for the thousands of sincere and clean-living people who earn their livelihood in the photodramatic art. My department o^ the City Mothers' Bureau handles from two to fifteen girls daily who have been led to believe that they could secure Motion Picture engagements and, arriving here, are unable to secure employment. Their funds dwindle and they gradually fall into evil ways. In our investigations ninety-nine per cent, of the charges of immorality have been found to come from these girls, who, altho they may have appeared in only one or two scenes, give their vocations in court as "Motion Picture actresses." The lure of the studios, to my mind, is partially home-made by the girls themselves and partially machine-made by unscrupulous agents. It has come to my knowledge that very recently the government has closed up and is now prosecuting several theatrical agents here in Los Angeles who have been making false representations thru the mails to susceptible young girls about the dazzling opportunities and short-cuts to a career that they can obtain in the studios, the entree to which is obtained by paying a fee to the agent. I would look upon all agents with suspicion who exact the employment fee in advance. The girl whose lure is home-made should confront herself with actual conditions. Sne has to be trained to become a school-teacher or nurse, and she should expect to be trained before she can support herself in the photodramatic art. If a beginner has money enough to support herself for a long period — perhaps two or three years — is willing to visit the studios day after day, has the courage to meet refusals, is well educated, is blest with a strong character and is good-looking, she will probably eventually get in. Of course there are extras and extras, and unusually well dressed or striking young girls may soon be placed upon the experienced list. This means that they may do bits of acting instead of appearing only in ensemble scenes. Bearing the above in mind, if you are determined to have a try at pictures, I should say that starting as an extra is the only way an inexperienced person can start. Here is some general advice that applies: Beauty is not essential, but good and regular features are requisites for leading parts. Most extras are not beautiful, but they should have at least good teeth, strong features, dark blue or dark brown eyes, a shapely figure and small hands and feet. In submitting photographs to either a casting director or to a reliable agent, only unfinished ones should be presented. This is a proof that the photographer has taken an actual likeness of the subject and has not removed blemishes and facial imperfections. Keep away from unreliable agencies, keep a level head about you, be persistent, talk with extra girls that look of good character and get them to introduce you to the studio if possible. Anita King. Lasky Studio, Los Angeles.