‘Ms Marvel’ Writer Bisha K. Ali Shares Twitter Thread To Guide Aspiring Actors On How To Find Work. Bookmark Now!
To become an actor is a struggle, no wonder they’re called struggling actors. Over the years, we’ve all seen and met people who wanted to become actors only to see their dreams shatter after years of struggle. Many dream of making it big in the entertainment industry but we know it’s not a cakewalk especially when you don’t come from a filmy background. Having said that, Hollywood is no different. Much like Bollywood, making it big in Hollywood is also a struggles. But there may be a guide on how to do things right instead of sliding into the DMs of producers, directors and casting directors. Recently, Ms Marvel writer Bisha K. Ali shared a Twitter thread for actors who want to land a job but don’t know how to get started.
Taking to Twitter, the head writer of Ms Marvel, Bisha K Ali shared a thread dedicated to all the aspiring actors in her DMs. Sharing that young people from across the world have reached out to her on social media and in various other ways and spoke about wanting to be an actor, the writer revealed that many (including those from South Asian background) have shared that they’re clueless as to how to go about it. She went on to add that this is why she wanted to share some information while warning people that she’s not an actor and cannot share any experience from an actor’s perspective.
or how to approach ‘the industry’.
Many of you from a South Asian background in particular have said you have no idea how to go about this, so I wanted to share some info. With the caveat that I am not an actor, and that I can’t share experience from that perspective:
— Bisha K. Ali (@bishakali) June 29, 2022
Bisha K Ali asked aspiring actors to join a drama school or a drama club or a local theatre and take classes and connect with people who share the same passion. She further suggested that they also follow casting directors on social media as they often share casting calls while urging people to not slide into their DMs unless it’s asked for. She added that it’s best to keep one’s message short, professional and friendly when sending a DM to a casting director while following instructions, if any, mentioned in the casting call.
Make friends, make things with them, rinse repeat. Get learning.
— Bisha K. Ali (@bishakali) June 29, 2022
Don’t do DM slides unless they’re asked for. If and when you ever do respond to something you might be appropriate for, keep it professional, friendly – short and sweet, and follow any instructions they give carefully.
— Bisha K. Ali (@bishakali) June 29, 2022
Also Read: Ms Marvel’s Bollywood Music And South Asian Representation Has Us Going ‘Dil Bole Hadippa!’
The Ms Marvel writer also stressed the importance of community building, learning and finding out if acting is really what one wants to do. Bisha K Ali added that it’s okay for someone to try their hand at it and decide that it’s not what they want. She also pointed out that she understands these people and has compassion for those who feel like an outsider while adding that she knows what it feels like to have “no access at all”.
I understand where you’re coming from and have so much compassion for those of you who feel like complete outsiders to this field but hunger to be part of it. I know what it’s like to feel like you have no access at all.
— Bisha K. Ali (@bishakali) June 29, 2022
The writer further shared that she will probably never cast anyone from her DMs so, it’s not the best way for the aspiring actors to make their case. She also took the opportunity to thank the South Asian people for watching a show that has a South Asian cast while asking strugglers to “skill up”.
I am so thrilled that for so many people, watching a show that has a cast full of people who look like you has you dreaming of learning about this craft and being storytellers.
Skill up and get going – we need you! Love, Bisha x
— Bisha K. Ali (@bishakali) June 29, 2022
We’re glad that the Ms Marvel writer decided to share some much-needed advice with the aspiring South Asian actors.
