Q: I've heard that it's easier to get roles when you're a girl if you'll appear nude. Is this a good way to get casting directors' attention?

A: A: A lot of young women in Hollywood and elsewhere get frustrated when they don't get parts, and start applying for jobs that require nudity. While this can get you more work in the short term, nude scenes and nude modeling can stifle your career before it even gets started. It's true that a lot of films are eager to cast girls willing to take their clothes off for the camera but these are usually made for cable or direct-to-DVD.

You may have made a few bucks but do you really want Kinky Kong or Poison Ivy XVI on your resume? If you start taking those kinds of roles, even in more legitimate films, casting directors will start to assume that you're not a serious actress. They might think you have to make up for a lack of talent by taking your top off.

How many girls from Friday the 13th movies who rolled around naked in pup tents went on to successful careers as actresses? Not many. Relying on nude work also puts a huge amount of pressure on your body image. After a few years there's always younger women to take your place and then you'll be out of luck. Obviously this isn't a strict rule, but it's best to be on the safe side unless a particularly tasteful role comes up.

Nude modeling also isn't going to get you anywhere in the acting industry. It isn't something you should mention on your resume if you're inclined to do it. You can make quick money, but if your acting career starts to pick up those pictures could cause you a headache later in life.

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