By Paul Renier

Cult films are unintentionally remembered and beloved dusty cinematic gems that through the years gather a small following which then grows to be a large one, although compared to blockbuster films it’s still a relatively selective gathering of people who adore each particular cult film, a cult film is loved for a much longer time than the popular blockbuster.

Often times a cult film will be unsuccessful upon initial release and then many years later will warrant some attention because of the number of fans who have drawn to it.

And with this, cult actors attached to these films often have a hard time shaking off the popularity of their cult film characters – but these actors will also benefit from having a following that includes websites dedicated to them as if they were old friends.

Cult films often have elements of b-movies and are sometimes not terrific or outstanding in any sense of the word, but the fans are attracted to the ambition and the originality, sort of an: "I can’t believe they even made this movie" situation.

Although some cult films were blockbusters in their initial release and then have grown to have a following, like JAWS or THE GODFATHER movies or the original STAR WARS trilogy. The cult film fanatics (or freaks) help even those big blockbusters stay alive and will give them an even more endearing status.

There are also the b-movies that are critically panned and which have very bad stories and horrible acting, which then are put into the so-bad-it’s-good category. These are the cult films that usually hit the top of the cut film list because they’ve become the red-haired stepchild in the history of cinema.

An actor will have originally been part of one of these films to simply get a paycheck and then to realize many years later that this particular film has gained a bigger hype then, say, something very popular, which then is forgotten about. In other words, cult films have legs.

Campy special effects, bad acting, bad dialog, inept direction and production – these all make for a somehow beloved cult film, because there is one thing that makes these movies stand-out through time – they engage the viewer.

Big popular grandiose modern films can spend over two hundred million on special effects and will look terrific, but sometimes these movies look so perfect that there is really nothing to love – and the legs only last throughout the span in which the film is popular, unlike a cult film which is often discovered time and time again through every ten years or so, gaining younger fans who weren’t even alive during the film’s original release.

The thing about these so-called bad cult films is that they seem real – they’re too outrageous not to be. A screaming bum is often avoided on the streets, but hardly ignored – and his words might even mean more to somebody years later while something "deep" a good friend tells you is forgotten five minutes after they say it.

Cult films are always remembered – at least by those who refuse to forget them.

By Paul Renier, contributor for www.CultFilmFreak.com. For interviews and behind the scenes info on your favorite cult films, visit: Cult Film Freak

By Pam

Below are some recommended steps to start or try an acting career.

Step One

Know that you are entering one of the most competitive businesses in the world. Even though you are an amateur, it is no place for amateurs. With that being said, take this trial, or new career very seriously. Be professional.

Step Two

If you live in New York, Los Angeles, London, or any other major city, then you are lucky. If you don’t do your best with what you have, but consider that eventually, you’ll probably have to move to a major city. However, no matter where you are, you have to start 99% the time in an acting class. Don’t live in an illusion that you’re skilled just because you think so, or someone else told you so. Skills and experience are very different.

Step Three

Enroll in acting class. Good actors study their entire lives. Just like a professional basketball player is practicing twice a day (no matter how great he is), same go for actors. There is always something to learn. There are many places and individuals that offer acting classes, make sure they are certified, or at least recommended by someone. Just like that a good acting teacher can help you grow, a bad one can hurt your career. Choose wisely.

Step Four

Get a headshot. It doesn’t have to be a great, expensive photographer, but it needs to be a great shot. My first headshot was with a very famous photographer which worked with Brad Pitt, Johnny Depp , and Keanu Reeves, unfortunately it didn’t do anything for me. I wasted a lot of money, and it wasn’t a good experience or a good result.

A few years later, my girlfriend took a few pictures in the back yard with her new camera. Those picture gave me more auditions then any other professional one. So, it is not the photographer, it is the picture. Get a great one!

Step Five

Compose a résumé of all the work you have done so far. As your body of work grows, drop the less professional work (such as school plays) from your résumé. If you are just starting, and don’t have any experience what so ever, then list only your training, and add hobbies (that you’re good at), and other special skills. For more information how to compose an acting resume, read about our Resume tips.

Step Six

Send your headshot and résumé with a brief Cover letter to all the casting directors and agents in your area. Follow up with postcards every four to six months, updating them on your current acting projects. Always remember, you are your best promoter. No one can promote yourself better than you.

Step Seven

Read the trade papers regularly: "Backstage," "Variety," and "The Ross Reports", as well as online publications such as Actors Pages. Know what is being cast where, and send headshots and notes directly to directors and producers whenever possible, requesting auditions. Always seek new information, and also share new information with other actors. Don’t be afraid that they will take the job from you. Only your lack of desire and experience can do that. If you share with other actors, they will share with you.

Step Eight

Always accept invitations to industry events and parties, and meet industry professionals whenever possible. Who you know is extremely important. Be accessible and open. Actors need to be seen at all times.

Step Nine

Believe! Believe! Believe! Don’t get disappointed, depressed, or give up because things don’t go your way. I got my first gig after five years of struggle. My first gig was with Steven Spielberg. I have friends that worked those entire five years, and all they really want is to work with Spielberg. A true actor never gives up.

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