The first image that might pop up in your head when you think of Pattinson is that of a scruffy-looking young man with glasses, who looks, well, just like Edward Cullen.
In the 22 years since the publication of “Twilight,” the “Bella” universe has grown exponentially; today, it’s a thriving environment, home to a wealth of opportunities for aspiring filmmakers.
Pattinson gained worldwide recognition for playing the aloof, yet lovable, vampire Edward Cullen in the “Twilight” films, which were based on the best-selling novel by American author Stephenie Meyer. Since then, he’s carved out a niche in Hollywood as a serious, yet relatable actor who rarely bites off more than he can chew. He’s starred in notable films such as “The Lost Symbol,” “Cosmo Canyon,” and “Water for Elephants,” and is currently filming the sci-fi thriller “Eclipse,” due out in September 2017.
Here, we’ll discuss the ins and outs of making it in Hollywood as a young actor and what you need to know if you’re thinking about pursuing a career in the film industry.
The Industry Is Growing
The film industry is expanding and evolving, and not just in terms of the number of movies being produced. Gone are the days of the blockbuster — thanks, in part, to technology like virtual reality, which allows for an immersive cinematic experience, and the rise of the MCU (Marvel Cinematic Universe), which brought a new level of appreciation for movie magic.
VR filmmaking has been around for a while, but only in the last few years has it become commonplace. Companies like Google and Facebook have taken a serious interest in virtual reality, which has led to a huge boom in the VR filmmaking market. Major Hollywood studios have also waded in, with Warner Bros. releasing the Vive VR camera last year as well as the Oculus Rift, which was first unveiled by Facebook in 2012.
Virtually exploring a location is nothing new. The concept can be traced back to the days of stereo, with early pioneers using large, bulky equipment to provide viewers with an immersive experience. Thanks to technological advancements, the equipment has gotten far more portable, and the process more economical. As a result, many established film studios have jumped on the VR bandwagon, with productions such as “Jurassic World,” “Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice,” and “Men In Black: International” all employing VR techniques, either during production or as a post-production finishing touch. In fact, the latest film from Disney, “Aladdin,” is set to be released next year fully in Virtual Reality.
It’s An Enabling Environment
Meyer’s “Bella” novels have sold over 65 million copies worldwide, and the “Twilight” films have still not lost their popularity. It would seem that in this day and age, there is no bigger name than that of Bella’s creator, as several of her famous characters have gone on to star in their own films. Alice (“New Moon”) and Jasper (“Eclipse”) have both starred in films adapted from Meyer’s books, and several others, including Edward, have appeared in a movie about themselves.
It’s an industry that welcomes newcomers. On the set of “Eclipse,” Pattinson experienced what every aspiring young actor dreams of: an experienced casting director who took a shine to him and gave him a shot at one of the small, but iconic, roles in the film.
Keep Trying
Just because you don’t succeed doesn’t mean that you should give up. There are plenty of roles out there for aspiring actors, even if you don’t fit the typical Hollywood mold. Keep looking, and don’t be afraid to reach out to influential people for help.
Pattinson had a solid supporting role in the 2017 hit comedy “Wonder,” and is in the middle of filming a new movie, “The Circle,” with Taika Waititi, director of the popular “Hunt For The Wilderpeople” film. In addition to his Hollywood career, he’s also a musician; in fact, he’s played with bands such as the Wild Reapers and Fuzz.
You’ll often hear actors, especially those who’ve made it big, credit their agent as the person who got them their first role. In the case of Pattinson, it was his former agent, Joss Whedon, who introduced him to the “Twilight” film and television communities. After completing “Eclipse,” he’s landed another high-profile role in the upcoming Ridley Scott film, “All the Money in the World.”
Being a good actor isn’t enough these days; you have to be a great person as well. If you can combine the two, then there’s a chance that you can carve out a niche for yourself in Hollywood.
An expert agent can get you work, negotiate your pay, and even get you an audition for the role you want. If you’re looking to start your career, then find an expert, and don’t be afraid to ask questions. Good luck!