Question about a British actor working in America; visa's etc.,

Question

If I wanted to work as an actor in America would I have to go through a British agent? I presume I can't go over there on a traveller's visa and find a job on my own, or obtain a work visa without an employer. I just remember hearing that Elisha Cuthbert only had a certain ammount of days to find work in America and got the job on 24 a few days before she would have had to go back to Canada and it made me wonder what the process is.

Answer 1

The USA has a special entertainers visa. It allows then to work in some fields, but not permanent.

Answer 2

well you have to go over for work reasons or if you have a relative would be the easiest ways id say

Answer 3

usually registering a limited company & working through that & getting employment sorted out via limited company etc. Lawyers will explain u once u get the contract, not a big deal.

Answer 4

The very first thing you should do it try to get acting work where you are at, in the UK.  You'll need to get your union card.  Hollywood and NY City are union towns and you have no chance without a union card.  There are reciprocal agreements between the US actor's unions and the UK actor's unions.

Answer 5

There is millions of people wanting to do that but don't get the work, you need your actors union card before you can do it and money to support yourself. Even the long term famous actors have got to save for a rainy day as they go months without work, I presume you have been to drama school and uni to get the qualifications?