So, You Want to be an Actor?

Photography by Val Tannuzzi

It’s been long established that Georgia is film and Savannah is the silver screen, measuring by the A-list of iconic films that were shot throughout the region or that tell a southern story. What might be surprising is how accessible that shooting star of showbusiness is to those who wish to grasp it.  

One example of a well-run and highly “Hollywood” career that is entirely home-based is that of Savannah born-and-raised Mark McCullough. Nestling here in the softer side of life isn’t just the default of a GA native – it’s an intentional choice and informed business model from someone who’s been there, done that, and gotten the tee-shirt. Armed with degrees in political science, theater, and law, McCullough has put all three to use, working in politics and law on Capitol Hill before moving, as one does, to Los Angeles to pursue a passion for acting.  

“Legend has it,” that’s how you have to do it. Leave everything for New York or LA and good luck. McCullough’s current life among backroads and southern backdrops is here to testify that legend is wrong – you can do it all from here.  

Now more than ever in fact thanks to a rise in “self-tape auditions” that increased in popularity during COVID and quickly became the standard once casting directors realized the hidden benefits of a larger talent pool, efficiency of viewing more in less time, and cost savings for all involved.  

McCullough is uniquely aware of these benefits and has become champion for others, occasionally teaching a string of classes many of which revolve around what he refers to as a “grasping mindset.”  

“So many actors don’t believe they’re enough,” he explains, “They’re thinking, who’s going to cast them, and that they’re not interesting, so they overact and push, and it comes out forced and fake. But every human being that exists is needed for storytelling. If they can solve that essential viewpoint, fully embrace who they are, realize no one can be ‘them’ better, then they walk into an audition offering something only they can offer and that reads. Authenticity counts.”  

McCullough makes a unique, determined bet here. “I can take anyone within two miles of my house and if they do a few key things, they can become a committed, working actor in one year. There are steps, and they’re not brain surgery, you just have to do them.” He reminds, “acting is bottom line a business, and if you learn the business, take that seriously, and keep the balls in the air, you can absolutely make a living acting,” something only three percent of SAG actors do.  

The values McCullough teaches may sit under shingle of showbiz, but they’re winning principles in any business and in life, changing the way we do relationships, community, or see our own self-worth and value of voice. Showing his winning cards as so few in any industry do, he’s opening stage doors to unsuspecting participants, creating a butterfly effect as new talent is discovered, new people brave deep ends, and a whole cast of creative characters discover their worth.  That, is a story worth telling. 

But every human being that exists is needed for storytelling. If they can solve that essential viewpoint, fully embrace who they are, realize no one can be ‘them’ better, then they walk into an audition offering something only they can offer and that reads. Authenticity counts.” – Mark M.  

For questions about the film industry or acting lessons, Mark can be found  by visiting his site at savannahactorsstudio.com.

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