Making it in Hollywood: the dream of so many young (and not so young!) aspiring actors looking for their “big break”. But what does it take to turn the dream into reality?

What it takes is hard work, skill, talent, drive, determination, lots of paperwork and a healthy dose of luck. And if you’re looking to boost your chances, this in-depth workshop with Australian actor and filmmaker Luke McKenzie will walk you through the steps required to set up in the US, and what to do (and not to do!) to give you the best chances.

In this accessible, interactive and highly practical session, Luke will be revealing the secrets behind when you’re ready to go, how to get your visa in order, getting a job, and secrets of the US system – whether it is developing ideas, behind the camera, or as an actor on the “big screen.”

Key takeouts will include:

• The current status of Hollywood - and where actually is “Hollywood” anyway? How the US “system” works
• Timing is everything - what you should consider before moving to the US
• The dreaded paperwork: visas and green cards for “people of extraordinary ability”
• Where to find work - the crucial resources to hear first about US castings
• Practicalities - agents, managers, headshots, self tapes, showreels - what works? what doesn’t?

Luke has himself navigated the intricacies of the US screen industry as an actor and filmmaker and is ready to share his knowledge and insights so YOU can learn from his first-hand experience and ask your own burning questions about navigating this tricky but potentially very rewarding area of work!

Luke McKenzie’s Bio:

Luke McKenzie is a versatile actor turned writer/director based in Melbourne and Los Angeles. His career spans comedy and drama in theater, film, and TV, with roles in productions such as Wentworth, Home & Away, Conan O’Brien, Wyrmwood, Jack Irish, The Flip Side, Winners & Losers, Underbelly, and currently the Binge premium drama High Country. Luke has written and directed award-winning shorts and a sold-out Off-Broadway play.

A graduate of AFTRS screenwriting with a 99% High Distinction, he has written for Home & Away, a Marvel Avengers coffee table book, sold an original drama feature to a U.S. company, optioned a comedy feature, and his expanding slate covers factual to feature and TV including an original lifestyle series currently in presales with an international distributor. Luke's approach to filmmaking emphasises empowering creatives through collaboration, reflecting his dynamic career and adventurous spirit.

Read more: LINK TO WEBSITE and IMDB HERE

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If you have any questions please email us on takeoff@mediamentors.com.au