Get a head shot taken by a professional photographer. These are vital to being seen. They are usually black and white glossy images in 8 by 10 format. You want one that looks like you today -- not three years ago with a different haircut or a younger look. Producers want to recognize you from your image when you walk into the audition. That's part of why you will be chosen for a role in the first place: they liked your look.
Attach your resume to the back of the head shot. Keep the combo with you at all times, such as in your car, briefcase, handbag or pack. You never know when you might meet someone who is working on a film project -- you can give them your head shot and resume immediately.
Get an agent. Audition notices go out daily for all types of work through breakdown services. Be open to getting commercial or TV work, too, because those can lead to further auditions and film work. If you aren't sure how to get an agent, seek out resources through books or online to work toward finding one who will represent you. The smaller agencies sometimes put out notices that they are taking on new talent. Keep alert to all opportunities.
Practice your audition pieces until they are perfected. Work with friends, acting coaches, student directors and so forth and screen-test yourself by having someone videotape you. Remain objective while reviewing the video -- what would you change, fix, add? It's a good idea to have at least two pieces in your repertoire: a comedy and a drama. These are best kept to around 3 minutes. Have a joke ready, too, and a song if you can sing, because sometimes a director or producer will ask you for one on the spot. Be ready without hesitation.
List yourself on every actor's website you can find. Some of them charge a fee to get listed, others are free. Post your head shot and resume to raise the odds of being found.
Make a reel. If you don't have actual footage from movie sources, use the best video footage you had taken in your audition piece practices. If you get work on any production, ask for your scenes so you can build a reel. You can always change it and improve it as you get more and better work.
Contact student filmmakers at film schools or colleges. Most of them are required to make a short movie and these happen several times during the school year. Network with students to find out who is filming and who has projects coming up. You won't be paid for this kind of work, but you will gain experience and have some material for your reel, especially if you land a top role.
Buy the trade magazines like Variety, Hollywood Reporter and Backstage to look for audition listings. These are not always held in Hollywood, but if you live in Southern California or New York, your odds go up a bit. So does the competition, though, so keep your skills honed. Contact the production companies posted in the trades. If they list emails or phone numbers, use them. Someone will usually screen your call, but you can also just mail in your head shot to the production company address.
Attend acting and filmmaking workshops and film festivals to network as often as you can. Keep alert to who's already working on their next production and strike up conversations when you get the opportunity.
Continue to work in any role you can get while waiting for an audition. Do theatrical plays. Get video of your performances for your reel. Keep the faith and never give up.