Hi to everyone,

First of all, thank you all for answering all the stupid questions like this. If there is some more energy to answer one more, I would appreciate it.

I am currently 20 years old, 5'9 (176cm) and about 165lbs (77kg). Doing first year of an Acting degree, and really looking forward to my future career as an actor.

My question is if anyone knows or can assume what could be the best (most markateble) body shape for an actor like myself? I am currently an average body type, not fat, not lean, athletic and normally muscular, but I wonder: if it's better to bulk up more and have bigger and ripped arms, chest, back, etc (not too much though)... or is it better to get into the shape of, for example, Brad Pitt in movies Fight Club/Snatch (almost zero bodyfat)?

I have been changing my body shape a lot, have been here and there, but now I have two more years to go and I want to settle with the one which would be the best choice, and try to maintain that type of body all time.

Thank you all in advance, guys!

The camera DOES add at least 10 pounds! You see people on TV/Film and then in real life, it's sometimes surprising. People who look bigger on Film/TV can look A LOT thinner than they appear.

Hugh Jackman in Wolverine. I can't see looking like that ever being a bad thing.

If you can get like that, more power to you.

quote:

Originally posted by miss stone:
Hugh Jackman in Wolverine. I can't see looking like that ever being a bad thing.

If you can get like that, more power to you.

I am actually a bit like that right now (bulked up, ready to play a Wolverine), and I was wondering if I really need to get leaner (to more of a Brad Pitt in Fight Club type), because I am afraid that this kind of body might limit the acting opportunities I can get. Of course, you won't get the part which requeres more bulked up body type. So, the question stays - Which kind of body is more markatable? I think it's really just math and statistics, but I have never been in the business, so I really don't know.

Thank you for the answers, Truthteller and miss stone.

quote:

Originally posted by Pavel:
Hi to everyone,

First of all, thank you all for answering all the stupid questions like this. If there is some more energy to answer one more, I would appreciate it.

I am currently 20 years old, 5'9 (176cm) and about 165lbs (77kg). Doing first year of an Acting degree, and really looking forward to my future career as an actor.

My question is if anyone knows or can assume what could be the best (most markateble) body shape for an actor like myself? I am currently an average body type, not fat, not lean, athletic and normally muscular, but I wonder: if it's better to bulk up more and have bigger and ripped arms, chest, back, etc (not too much though)... or is it better to get into the shape of, for example, Brad Pitt in movies Fight Club/Snatch (almost zero bodyfat)?

I have been changing my body shape a lot, have been here and there, but now I have two more years to go and I want to settle with the one which would be the best choice, and try to maintain that type of body all time.

Thank you all in advance, guys!

Pavel

I think the answer lies somewhere between Kevin Bacon and John Goodman.

quote:

Originally posted by lurker:

quote:

Originally posted by Pavel:
Hi to everyone,

First of all, thank you all for answering all the stupid questions like this. If there is some more energy to answer one more, I would appreciate it.

I am currently 20 years old, 5'9 (176cm) and about 165lbs (77kg). Doing first year of an Acting degree, and really looking forward to my future career as an actor.

My question is if anyone knows or can assume what could be the best (most markateble) body shape for an actor like myself? I am currently an average body type, not fat, not lean, athletic and normally muscular, but I wonder: if it's better to bulk up more and have bigger and ripped arms, chest, back, etc (not too much though)... or is it better to get into the shape of, for example, Brad Pitt in movies Fight Club/Snatch (almost zero bodyfat)?

I have been changing my body shape a lot, have been here and there, but now I have two more years to go and I want to settle with the one which would be the best choice, and try to maintain that type of body all time.

Thank you all in advance, guys!

Pavel

I think the answer lies somewhere between Kevin Bacon and John Goodman.

Okay, THAT was funny!!!!!

[/QUOTE]Okay, THAT was funny!!!!! [/QUOTE]

miss

stone,

Glad you

got a laugh. I

do think that it is true,

though. Signed, fat, fifties,

and somehow, still working. Jim

quote:

Originally posted by lurker:

Okay, THAT was funny!!!!! [/QUOTE]

miss

stone,

Glad you

got a laugh. I

do think that it is true,

though. Signed, fat, fifties,

and somehow, still working. Jim[/QUOTE]



I am not surprised at all. I know it takes all types. I guess I got "what is necessary" confused with "What is MY personal preference".

Ah, don't hate me for being a lusty, muscle- hungry female!!

The body type I'll always be striving for is that of Ryan Reynolds. I gotta put on some pounds though before that'll happen.

And as for marketability, just look at his career - action star, romantic comedies, dramas, "normal" comedies... he's been all over the place.

He looks good, no doubt.

This is MY goal-

This is Jamie Eason, one of the top fitness models in the world.

best male body



best female body

Most of those actor's aren't in that kind of shape when they're not filming an action movie. During pre-production they hire trainers specifically to get their bodies in that kind of shape. Take care of your body, but it's a lot more important that you spend your time mastering your craft.

quote:

Originally posted by Jon_K:
Most of those actor's aren't in that kind of shape when they're not filming an action movie. During pre-production they hire trainers specifically to get their bodies in that kind of shape. Take care of your body, but it's a lot more important that you spend your time mastering your craft.

Of course. If you have read many of my posts, you would know I am the first to agree with that!!!!

But now I am getting so fit and in shape, I have to say- I LIKE IT!!!

And this is the health and fitness section, after all.

FYI Jamie Eason is not an actor. She also maintains a very defined look pretty much all year round, as do many.

It can be done. I am doing it.

In light of the other discussion on Favorite Exercises/Workout Routines, I do wonder how all this can effect casting potential. Type-wise, I'm more "the fair Ophelia" and am much more likely to be cast as the damsel in distress than the badass rescuing her and don't think a protruding cephalic vein would help my cause much. I actually got yelled at for it my senior year in high school. I had spent the summer working out with a guy I was dating who was into bodybuilding and was all buffed up when I got back to school. The head of the drama department took one look at me and exclaimed, "What the hell have you done to yourself? I need Rosalind, not a goddamned action star!" He put me back on yoga and light cardio besides the movement work we were doing in class 'til I smoothed back out. Then, I spent my childhood in hardcore competitive gymnastics, so I "pop" very easily. I estimate it'd take around six to eight weeks to get the action look if someone got a wild hair and decided to cast me that way which might be hella fun ...


I think Holly Hunter looks fabulous, but doubt that look would have done her a lot of good in casting for "The Piano" which is more in line with the kind of dramatic screen work I'd like to eventually do. I just checked and she claims she got her physique for Billie Jean King through light weights, pilates, and running. Go figure ... http://www.howcelebritieslosew...r-diet-and-exercise/

quote:

When I had to play Billie Jean King for the TV movie When Billie Beat Bobby, I needed my shoulders to be more defined with more muscle. I worked with a trainer up to two hours a day, five days a week for five months. I did time on the treadmill and weight training. I stuck to dumbbells lighter than five pounds, though, because I wanted to look strong, not overdeveloped. I also did three hours a week of Pilates and ran.

quote:

Originally posted by Fishgurl:
"What the hell have you done to yourself? I need Rosalind, not a goddamned action star!"

Lmao That's an awesome story I was watching an interview with Hugh Jackman once, and he said he was working on 'Australia', but towards the end was already training for 'X-Men Origins: Wolverine'. At one point he got so big the director for Australia yelled at him saying it was going to be impossible to do some of the shots they needed to match from earlier in the movie.

quote:

I spent my childhood in hardcore competitive gymnastics, so I "pop" very easily. I estimate it'd take around six to eight weeks to get the action look if someone got a wild hair and decided to cast me that way which might be hella fun ...

That's a fantastic feature! Sounds like you've got it made; you can be more ingenue if you need, but with some quick training, you can be the badass as well! Keep it up!