How to cast yourself into a role or the crew in Michigan's film industry

Think you oughta be in pictures but don't know how to make it happen? It isn't as hard as you think.

Since the passage last year of Michigan's film incentive package -- which gives filmmakers who shoot movies in the state up to 42 percent in tax rebates -- there are more opportunities available in front of and behind the camera.

Recently, 17-year-olds Martin Gojcaj and friend Michelle George waited patiently in line with other hopefuls inside the trendy clothing store Dolce Moda in Royal Oak, where Filming in Detroit was holding a casting call. The agency, which was looking to beef up its database of extras, also finds automobiles, animal talent and locations for motion pictures, television, video projects and other productions.

Gojcaj aspires to stardom. "To be famous would be nice," he says wistfully.

But the road to fame can be long and littered with deception. Some agencies are solely out to take money, not to help wannabe stars make inroads in the industry. Some people just don't know how to get started and go about it the wrong way.

Local experts suggest newcomers educate themselves about the industry and get training in their fields of interest. And if a life spent in front of the camera is not optimal, there are plenty of job opportunities behind the scenes. Regardless, there are steps everyone should take.

"The first step in this business is to get representation by a talent agency," says Jackie Kagan, owner of The Talent Shop in Bingham Farms. Her agency has provided talent for Clint Eastwood's box-office success "Gran Torino," as well as yet-to-be-released films "High School," starring Michael Chiklis and Adrien Brody; "Betty Ann Waters," starring Hilary Swank; and "Whip It," starring Drew Barrymore.

Sure you can find opportunities on your own by using the Internet, but having a reputable agency or agent in your corner can protect you from being ripped off, says Kagan. "Also," she adds, "make sure the (agent/agency) are Screen Actors Guild or American Federation of Television and Radio Artists franchised."

SAG and AFTRA are national labor unions that protect the rights of talent. Such agents/agencies would comply with compensation and benefits standards recognized by the unions.

One glaring red flag signaling an agent or agency is not reputable, says actor Tom Mahard, is if you have to shell out money. "They should be getting commission on jobs that they get for you," he says.

The Talent Shop represents 58-year-old Mahard. Most recently, he had a speaking part in "Gran Torino," as Mel, the drinking buddy of Walt Kowalski (Eastwood). Mahard, who often performs at Meadowbrook Theatre, is also a theater instructor at Oakland University.

While possessing raw talent is great, Mahard suggests people get educated about whatever aspect of the film industry interests them. "Get out there and get some training, go to workshops and classes," he says.

Mahard says future actors should also have pictures and a resume prepared. Most of all, he says, make sure that you have a thick skin. "Understand that this is an uncertain business and be willing to accept rejection."

Being a principal actor isn't the only way to make it in the film industry. Being an extra is another way to learn about the various aspects of the movie biz. A role as an extra generally means being one of many faces in a scene where there is a crowd of people walking down a street.

Husband and wife team, Diane Marie and Larry Leach are extras in "Whip It" and in "Demoted," starring Sean Astin. They also traveled to Royal Oak from their home in Flushing for the casting call at Dolce Moda.

The couple isn't just looking for roles in front of the camera. They also are looking into jobs off-camera by taking crew-training classes for film and TV through TicTock Studios, based in Holland.

Crew jobs can include work as a gaffer (lighting technician) or location manager (finding and securing locations to be used in a production).

"If this is something you are interested in, then you have to take the leap," says Diane Marie Leach.

The couple got the idea of exploring the film industry for new job opportunities from son Quentin Leach, 25, who aspires to become an actor. With the bright lights of Hollywood now shining on Michigan, he is optimistic about his dream coming true.

A Troy resident, Leach, who was rushing from the casting call to a gig as the Easter Bunny, says: "Before, there were no opportunities to reach for in Michigan; now they are here in our backyard."

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