The owner and president of Gersh Agency told more than 60 aspiring Northwestern actors, writers and filmmakers Friday in Louis Hall that breaking into the entertainment business is a piece of cake for college students.

“The (film) business is so open to young people it’s ridiculous,” said Gersh, Communication ’70 and the newest member of NU’s Board of Trustees.

Gersh Agency is the fifth largest motion picture talent agency in America. Gersh said the agency represents “lots of interesting new talent,” including Tobey Maguire of “Spider-Man” and Seann William Scott, known for his role as Steve Stifler in the “American Pie” movies.

Gersh discussed the balance between the business and artistic aspects of the film industry. The movie production business constantly is dealing with internal conflict, he said.

“It is a business, but most people involved view themselves as artists,” Gersh said.

Breaking into the acting business is the most difficult part of the industry, he said. He advised each student to get an agent who believes in his or her work.

“You may not have talent, but if you believe in yourself, you can do it,” Gersh said.

He also said aspiring artists must take advantage of every contact they have, including valuable NU connections.

Gersh recommended actors and actresses get their faces on film clips that present themselves in leading woman or leading man positions. This is more important than a diverse portfolio, he said.

“Head shots and resumes will not be taken seriously if they come in cold,” Gersh said. “But if you get them into the hands of the right people, they may be helpful.”

Getting noticed as a director is harder but still realistic, Gersh said. His suggestions for career advancement include get an internship, produce a film or documentary, go to graduate film school, direct commercials or music videos, or write a script and then direct the film.

Gersh discussed other business aspects of the profession. Producing a film can bring unexpected results, as many blockbusters barely break even in the end.

Karen Tang said Gersh’s speech was eye-opening.

“There’s this image that Hollywood is all glamour and riches once you make it there,” said Tang, a Communication sophomore. “But I think he did a good job of revealing how it’s not. We already know that to make it in the production field you need to be at the right place at the right time. I guess we are all just figuring out how to do that.”

For Communication senior Joe Tuttle, the presentation about breaking into the business did not teach him anything new but did reaffirm past knowledge. But he said he was grateful for the business aspect of the profession.

“I wish the film and theatre school would get stuff like this more often,” Tuttle said. “Most speakers are not nearly as informative as (Gersh) was.”