How to Articles for the Actor
Articles you will find on this page
*Ways to get into the Union
* How to look for an Agent
* How to Find a headshot photographer
* How to do a mailout for Agents and Casting Directors
*Ways to get into the Union
* How to look for an Agent
* How to Find a headshot photographer
* How to do a mailout for Agents and Casting Directors
Ways to get into the Union
One of the most important things that you'll do as an actor in Los Angeles is to join the Screen Actor's Guild. It's that famous catch-22. You can't really get work until you join the union, and you can't really join the union till you get work.
If you're a beginning actor and you're looking to join the union - there's a number of things that you'll want to think about - and opportunities that you want to pursue.
What Is SAG Anyway
Well, The Screen Actor's Guild is is a labor union founded in 1933 to protect performers.
Primarily concerned with wages and working conditions, SAG negotiates and enforces collective bargaining agreements that establish equitable levels of compensation, benefits and working conditions for performers.
SAG is affiliated with The American Federation of Labor-Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO) through the Associated Actors and Artists of America.
All Hollywood films come under the SAG rules as they pertain to actors and extras. For example, pay rates, the number of hours that union actors are allowed to work and so forth.
But the one important rule that you care about is the fact that non-union actors are not allowed to work on films. In order to get hired by a union production - you must be in the union.
So, how do I ever get into the union
This is where that catch-22 comes in. In order to be hired onto a union set you must do one of the following things:
#1 Get hired as a "Principal Performer"
Under the SAG rules, if a Performer has worked one (1) day as a principal performer on a SAG project produced by a signatory company. The Performer should have been engaged in a daily, three (3) day or weekly contract and paid appropriate wages. So what does that mean? Well this is usually how most actors become what's known as "SAG-eligible". This is where a production can hire you because of the unique talents that you bring to a particular role and they can "taft-hartley" you in.
Taft-Hartley refers to an exemption in the rules. Congress passed this law so that non-members of unions would have a way to join unions more easily.
#2 Get Hired As A Background Performer
According to SAG if a Performer has worked a minimum of three (3) days, consecutive or non-consecutive, as a background performer on any production produced by a signatory company. The three days of work as background performer does not have to be on the same production. However, the background performer must have been given a voucher and paid the appropriate background wage.
In other words if you work three days as a background performer on a production (or a couple of different productions) you can also become SAG-Eligible.
#3 Come in as a Member of an Affiliated Unions
According to SAG a performer who is member of The American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (AFTRA), Actors Equity, American Guild of Musical Artists (AGMA), Alliance of Canadian Television and Radio Artists (ACTRA) or American Guild of Variety Artists (AGVA) for at least one year and has worked as a principal performer under the jurisdiction of either of the above-named unions is eligible for membership with Screen Actors Guild.
So, in many cases these unions may be a way for you to get into SAG as well.
Article courtesy of The Actors Life
www.theactorslife.com
If you're a beginning actor and you're looking to join the union - there's a number of things that you'll want to think about - and opportunities that you want to pursue.
What Is SAG Anyway
Well, The Screen Actor's Guild is is a labor union founded in 1933 to protect performers.
Primarily concerned with wages and working conditions, SAG negotiates and enforces collective bargaining agreements that establish equitable levels of compensation, benefits and working conditions for performers.
SAG is affiliated with The American Federation of Labor-Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO) through the Associated Actors and Artists of America.
All Hollywood films come under the SAG rules as they pertain to actors and extras. For example, pay rates, the number of hours that union actors are allowed to work and so forth.
But the one important rule that you care about is the fact that non-union actors are not allowed to work on films. In order to get hired by a union production - you must be in the union.
So, how do I ever get into the union
This is where that catch-22 comes in. In order to be hired onto a union set you must do one of the following things:
#1 Get hired as a "Principal Performer"
Under the SAG rules, if a Performer has worked one (1) day as a principal performer on a SAG project produced by a signatory company. The Performer should have been engaged in a daily, three (3) day or weekly contract and paid appropriate wages. So what does that mean? Well this is usually how most actors become what's known as "SAG-eligible". This is where a production can hire you because of the unique talents that you bring to a particular role and they can "taft-hartley" you in.
Taft-Hartley refers to an exemption in the rules. Congress passed this law so that non-members of unions would have a way to join unions more easily.
#2 Get Hired As A Background Performer
According to SAG if a Performer has worked a minimum of three (3) days, consecutive or non-consecutive, as a background performer on any production produced by a signatory company. The three days of work as background performer does not have to be on the same production. However, the background performer must have been given a voucher and paid the appropriate background wage.
In other words if you work three days as a background performer on a production (or a couple of different productions) you can also become SAG-Eligible.
#3 Come in as a Member of an Affiliated Unions
According to SAG a performer who is member of The American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (AFTRA), Actors Equity, American Guild of Musical Artists (AGMA), Alliance of Canadian Television and Radio Artists (ACTRA) or American Guild of Variety Artists (AGVA) for at least one year and has worked as a principal performer under the jurisdiction of either of the above-named unions is eligible for membership with Screen Actors Guild.
So, in many cases these unions may be a way for you to get into SAG as well.
Article courtesy of The Actors Life
www.theactorslife.com
How to Look for an Agent
Actors and agents. It's probably one of the most mythical relationships in Hollywood. It's been portrayed in movies, on tv and even in theater. Agents are usually the sleazy ones in the expensive suits and slick hairstyle closing the deal. But the simple truth is this. Agents are job scouts. They are professional human resources that make money by helping you get a job. Without agents, actors would find it difficult to know about every acting job that was in town.
So, how do you get an agent.
Well locating agents are easy. There are lists and lists available - and even on this web site you'll find a list of agents within the Los Angeles area. But successful actors think through and target the RIGHT agencies before they go in and start dropping off headshots.
Remember that most agents receive dozens if not hundreds of submissions daily from people just like you. They want to get signed. If you walk into any talent agency, you'll see stacks and stacks of unopened envelopes of people who just print out a huge mailing list of addresses, stuff their envelopes with their headshots and generic cover letter and send it in. This couldn't be a bigger waste of time.
simple steps before you start targeting agents:
Know who you are and how you'll be cast.
This is called "Your Type". Type doesn't have anything to do with your acting ability. It's got everything to do with how you look and how you'll be cast. If you are six foot four, and you have blonde hair and blue eyes and look like Val Kilmer, it's a pretty good bet that you'll not be cast as the next "geek" in a John Hughes movie. So, why would you even target an agency that really serves mostly "models".
Your type is going to feed directly into your "Brand" as an actor. Who are you. What are you. How will you be cast. Just like Nike doesn't sell their shoes to ballroom dancers, you should know when and where you are appropriate. This is a time to be very honest, yet not cruel, with yourself. If you're not "model beautiful", you shouldn't be trying out for "model" types of roles.
When you're determining your brand and your type it should how you are most comfortably. How are you naturally.
Now, do your pictures (headshots) represent this look. If they don't, consider getting new pictures that represent what you really look like. If you doll yourself up in your headshot, and you get an interview with an agent who expects a glamour queen to walk in - and you walk in with your baseball cap and sneakers - you'll all but be thrown out on your ballcap.
There are plenty of resources available to start to develop your type/brand. But, you can start with your friends. Ask them who they think you most resemble. Or, even better, enlist a friends help and go to a mall. You go stand somewhere, and have your friend enlist strangers to comment on you. Tell the people you're doing market research on "actors" (people love to help out when they think it's show business) and ask them to comment on how you look - what movie star you most resemble, whether you look friendly, or preppy or whatever. Have fun coming up with specific questions that will really help you determine your type and your brand.
Then, get ready, because it's ready to start targeting agencies....
Article courtesy of The Actors Life
www.theactorslife.com
So, how do you get an agent.
Well locating agents are easy. There are lists and lists available - and even on this web site you'll find a list of agents within the Los Angeles area. But successful actors think through and target the RIGHT agencies before they go in and start dropping off headshots.
Remember that most agents receive dozens if not hundreds of submissions daily from people just like you. They want to get signed. If you walk into any talent agency, you'll see stacks and stacks of unopened envelopes of people who just print out a huge mailing list of addresses, stuff their envelopes with their headshots and generic cover letter and send it in. This couldn't be a bigger waste of time.
simple steps before you start targeting agents:
Know who you are and how you'll be cast.
This is called "Your Type". Type doesn't have anything to do with your acting ability. It's got everything to do with how you look and how you'll be cast. If you are six foot four, and you have blonde hair and blue eyes and look like Val Kilmer, it's a pretty good bet that you'll not be cast as the next "geek" in a John Hughes movie. So, why would you even target an agency that really serves mostly "models".
Your type is going to feed directly into your "Brand" as an actor. Who are you. What are you. How will you be cast. Just like Nike doesn't sell their shoes to ballroom dancers, you should know when and where you are appropriate. This is a time to be very honest, yet not cruel, with yourself. If you're not "model beautiful", you shouldn't be trying out for "model" types of roles.
When you're determining your brand and your type it should how you are most comfortably. How are you naturally.
Now, do your pictures (headshots) represent this look. If they don't, consider getting new pictures that represent what you really look like. If you doll yourself up in your headshot, and you get an interview with an agent who expects a glamour queen to walk in - and you walk in with your baseball cap and sneakers - you'll all but be thrown out on your ballcap.
There are plenty of resources available to start to develop your type/brand. But, you can start with your friends. Ask them who they think you most resemble. Or, even better, enlist a friends help and go to a mall. You go stand somewhere, and have your friend enlist strangers to comment on you. Tell the people you're doing market research on "actors" (people love to help out when they think it's show business) and ask them to comment on how you look - what movie star you most resemble, whether you look friendly, or preppy or whatever. Have fun coming up with specific questions that will really help you determine your type and your brand.
Then, get ready, because it's ready to start targeting agencies....
Article courtesy of The Actors Life
www.theactorslife.com
How to Pick a headshot photographer
The headshot is the most important tool for any actor. It's your business card in so many ways. It's an 8x10 photo that includes your name on front and a resume on back. It must look like you. If you hold up your photo and don't look like that then it's time to get a new headshot. It's normal to have to redo headshots every six months. A headshot you had 10 years ago will never look like you, no matter what haircut or makeup you use. So keep updated with new shots to ensure you look like that photo. Any casting director will tell you that the most annoying factor about someone who comes into audition for them is if they don't look like their headshot.
You have decided it's time to get headshots. Where do I start? How do I find one? Well you're in luck. Photographers are everywhere in L.A. and they are in a business too so it's almost as simple to find a photographer as to get your picture taken. The first thing to do is start researching photos you like. If you are out at an audition and see a headshot you like, ask who did it. Look at a million websites or check out the NotActing photographers link where you can find a list of them and the type of photos they shoot. It's important that if you like a photo that you can either go to a website to see more or that you start making a list of the ones that interest you. These five steps will help to eliminate photographers that you don't need to interview and make finding the right photographer easy for you
*Do you like the photos in their gallery?
*Is the lighting good? Are there shadows or bright parts? Out door or Indoor lighting?
* Does the backgrounds in the photos distract you or put the focus somewhere other than the person?
* Do you need a makeup and hairstylist, does the photographer offer one or will you have to find one?
* Most importantly PRICE. Headshots can range from $200 to $1200. Money will never equal the perfect headshot
Now that you have evaluated the photographers based on this criteria you have a much smaller version of potential photographers to interview. Now is the time to start calling! Start setting up appointments to meet with the photographer and get a better idea of what it will be like to shoot with them. When interviewing with a photographer keep these points in mind
* Do I feel comfortable? Major, if you don't feel comfortable with this person, do you want your photos to show scared, uneasy, or tense. If it's a look you're going for then go for it, but I highly doubt it.
* Do they have a portfolio of other actors (not stars) other actors. It's important to see how they shoot the everyday person like you. It won't do any good to see how they shot Jennifer Aniston.
*If they have a portfolio available to look at or view, do you still like those photos?
* Are they upfront about the backgrounds they are going to use, will it be off location or in their studio?
* Do they agree on the looks you see yourself as? If you see yourself as the girl next door and the photographer sees you as the glamorous vixen in next to nothing on the bear rug, chances are this is the beginning of a conflict that will only be enhanced during the shoot and you'll be out time, money, and have to start over.
* Will there be a makeup and hair person available? Will they be there the whole shoot? What looks can they do? Is the price separate or included?
* Finally their price! It's very expensive to get headshots, It doesn't just stop when the photographer is paid. Don't forget to factor in reproductions, uploading onto the casting websites, and retouching if need be. If you spend all your money on just the photo and don't have any way of 'showing it off' then who cares that you have the best photo in the world if no one can see it!
* Ask if the photographer will be available after the shoot to help you pick out photos. NEVER assume this will happen. The photographer hopes that you have an agent or manager that will do this. Many times you see a picture and like it, the photographer is the photographer cause he has the eye for the "right" picture. They will hopefully be honest if they will help you choose or they want someone else to do that. Some photographers will let you know their only job is taking the picture, they will say " If they knew what agents wanted, then I'd be an agent." It's up to you if you want their help or not. Just make it clear before you decide to shoot if you do want their assistance in choosing.
Choosing the right photographer can be a grueling process but make sure to always make it a learning experience.While looking at portfolios it can be interesting to see the trends of photographs. Take notice to borders, fonts, backgrounds, types, clothing. Look at every person's headshot as you would if you were a casting agent. Ask yourself "what would they play?" and "what would you change about that shot?" The rule is that if you can't look at a headshot and immediately come up with 5 types or characters that peson can play then it's not a very active headshot. You want your headshot to say something about you. Weather it be in your eyes, smile, or clothes make sure your headshot says something.
You have decided it's time to get headshots. Where do I start? How do I find one? Well you're in luck. Photographers are everywhere in L.A. and they are in a business too so it's almost as simple to find a photographer as to get your picture taken. The first thing to do is start researching photos you like. If you are out at an audition and see a headshot you like, ask who did it. Look at a million websites or check out the NotActing photographers link where you can find a list of them and the type of photos they shoot. It's important that if you like a photo that you can either go to a website to see more or that you start making a list of the ones that interest you. These five steps will help to eliminate photographers that you don't need to interview and make finding the right photographer easy for you
*Do you like the photos in their gallery?
*Is the lighting good? Are there shadows or bright parts? Out door or Indoor lighting?
* Does the backgrounds in the photos distract you or put the focus somewhere other than the person?
* Do you need a makeup and hairstylist, does the photographer offer one or will you have to find one?
* Most importantly PRICE. Headshots can range from $200 to $1200. Money will never equal the perfect headshot
Now that you have evaluated the photographers based on this criteria you have a much smaller version of potential photographers to interview. Now is the time to start calling! Start setting up appointments to meet with the photographer and get a better idea of what it will be like to shoot with them. When interviewing with a photographer keep these points in mind
* Do I feel comfortable? Major, if you don't feel comfortable with this person, do you want your photos to show scared, uneasy, or tense. If it's a look you're going for then go for it, but I highly doubt it.
* Do they have a portfolio of other actors (not stars) other actors. It's important to see how they shoot the everyday person like you. It won't do any good to see how they shot Jennifer Aniston.
*If they have a portfolio available to look at or view, do you still like those photos?
* Are they upfront about the backgrounds they are going to use, will it be off location or in their studio?
* Do they agree on the looks you see yourself as? If you see yourself as the girl next door and the photographer sees you as the glamorous vixen in next to nothing on the bear rug, chances are this is the beginning of a conflict that will only be enhanced during the shoot and you'll be out time, money, and have to start over.
* Will there be a makeup and hair person available? Will they be there the whole shoot? What looks can they do? Is the price separate or included?
* Finally their price! It's very expensive to get headshots, It doesn't just stop when the photographer is paid. Don't forget to factor in reproductions, uploading onto the casting websites, and retouching if need be. If you spend all your money on just the photo and don't have any way of 'showing it off' then who cares that you have the best photo in the world if no one can see it!
* Ask if the photographer will be available after the shoot to help you pick out photos. NEVER assume this will happen. The photographer hopes that you have an agent or manager that will do this. Many times you see a picture and like it, the photographer is the photographer cause he has the eye for the "right" picture. They will hopefully be honest if they will help you choose or they want someone else to do that. Some photographers will let you know their only job is taking the picture, they will say " If they knew what agents wanted, then I'd be an agent." It's up to you if you want their help or not. Just make it clear before you decide to shoot if you do want their assistance in choosing.
Choosing the right photographer can be a grueling process but make sure to always make it a learning experience.While looking at portfolios it can be interesting to see the trends of photographs. Take notice to borders, fonts, backgrounds, types, clothing. Look at every person's headshot as you would if you were a casting agent. Ask yourself "what would they play?" and "what would you change about that shot?" The rule is that if you can't look at a headshot and immediately come up with 5 types or characters that peson can play then it's not a very active headshot. You want your headshot to say something about you. Weather it be in your eyes, smile, or clothes make sure your headshot says something.
Before your photoshoot
You chose your photographer and you have your appointment set up..now what? Now is the time to study your face. It may sound crazy but you make facial expressions that you have no idea you make. Look in the mirror and smile. It's strange to see that one smile you have may be too much, or have too much gum, tooth, or your lip does a funny thing. It's okay to admit it, we all have those quirks and then in the next breath notice how you can change most of those issues by either toning it down or making it even bigger. You'll see parts of your face you never even saw. You'll also start to see that you make faces that you never knew you did! It's interesting and fun, but your doing this because if you have this one smirk that you always make and then you see it's not the face you really want to make you will make a conscience effort during your shot not to make it. Do you really want 100 photos of you making the same face that neither you or the photographer like, but you didn't even know you were making it. Also a good note here, a "good" photographer will tell you when something is off in a picture. They will tell you, "can you do a softer smile, or less gums in this picture." When you hear these they are not criticism they are constructive and will make for a much more natural picture.
Now that you have studied your face now it's time to make a list of the looks you want. You can ask fellow actors, friends, family, ask them to be honest. Could I play a lawyer on Law and Order or do I seem more of the witness on the stand? Take these as suggestions and not truth. Some people will always look like the lead and others will always look like the supporting. Decide if that's what you want. Now go through your closet and decide if any of the clothes you have fit some of those parts. For example if you want a look for a businesswoman but don't have a suit then this might be something you want to invest in or find a different type of businesswoman. There is the CEO and then the mail clerk, which one can you see yourself playing?
While going through your closet be sure to notice fabrics and colors along with style and trends. The best colors to look for are :
*RED- garnet,brick, deep rose ,mauve,crimson,watermelon, , maroon, merlot, strawberry, cranberry,carmine,raspberry,watermelon
*ORANGE- mango, tabasco,persimmon, saffron, nutmeg, cinnabar, deep coral, rust, melon, terra cotta
* GREEN- jungle, hunter, emerald, moss, jade, kelly, khaki green (avoid Lime, yellow green)
*BLUES- blueberry, sky, periwinkle, iris, sapphire, indigo, and royal (blues are very camera friendly)
*BLUE-GREEN- teal, azure, aqua, and turquoise
*PURPLES- plum, grape, lilac, lavender, orchid, amethyst, violet, eggplant, royal
*NEUTRALS- camel, beige, wine, warm gray, navy
*PASTELS- mint, aqua, orchid, blue, pink, peach
The above colors are considered camera friendly and usually the most flattering on and also have a psychological impact on
us as well. You'll be surprised to find out that certain colors can have power and an impact you never knew.
*BLUE- instills trust, loyalty, wisdom and inspiration. The color to wear to appear the most confident and credible is blue
*GREEN- very non-threatening and balanced. It's a very cooler, calming and restful color.
*YELLOW- very bright and vivid. It's best used in prints. It induces anxiety and hyperness. also not a favorable on camera color unless you have a tan to balance it out
ORANGE- it's the color of extroverts, genuses, and a sign of good communication skills
PURPLE- it's one of those colors associated with artists, independants, and spirituality. It's a very relaxing color.
RED- the power color, the passsion color, desire, and self sacrifice, this color is a wonderful accent color
Now that you have had some time to look at your clothes and find the right colors for you then it's important to start to evaluate your body. Now is the time to start really taking care of yourself. A healthy person will always look better in a picture than someone who isn't. This includes and not limited to a diet, work out routine, and beauty routine. After talking to countless actors we found the best thing is to make your headshot appoitment at least a week away. It'll give you time to get everything ready.
* Make an appoitment for your hair (never do this the day before, if the style doesn't work then you want time for it to grow out or for you to figure a way to style it that suits you)
*If you don't already eat well or healthy now is a great time to start. It will improve your over health and appearance
* Work out, tone up, ride bikes, swim, run, do something considered active and areobic for youself everyday. You'll see some kind of difference. It won't be drastic, but be something and this will almost always improve some level of confidence.
* You can take this time to shop and buy the clothes you want to wear on the shoot.
* Don't stress, make sure during this time you stay very relaxed and positive (candles, music, books)
* Drink a ton of water. It will always improve your health!
*If you can don't drink alcohol, coffee, and or smoke during this time. It not only is negative on health in large amounts but it will always have a negative impact on your apprearance as well. If you're hungover at the shoot, you'll look it!
It's almost time, make sure you have a hangers for all your clothes or a suitcase to bring your clothes to the shoot. I suggest bringing everything and anything that you think will work. You'd be surprised what the photographer picks. It's usually that shirt you were going to leave behind so bring everything. Always give your photogrpaher options.
Now that you have studied your face now it's time to make a list of the looks you want. You can ask fellow actors, friends, family, ask them to be honest. Could I play a lawyer on Law and Order or do I seem more of the witness on the stand? Take these as suggestions and not truth. Some people will always look like the lead and others will always look like the supporting. Decide if that's what you want. Now go through your closet and decide if any of the clothes you have fit some of those parts. For example if you want a look for a businesswoman but don't have a suit then this might be something you want to invest in or find a different type of businesswoman. There is the CEO and then the mail clerk, which one can you see yourself playing?
While going through your closet be sure to notice fabrics and colors along with style and trends. The best colors to look for are :
*RED- garnet,brick, deep rose ,mauve,crimson,watermelon, , maroon, merlot, strawberry, cranberry,carmine,raspberry,watermelon
*ORANGE- mango, tabasco,persimmon, saffron, nutmeg, cinnabar, deep coral, rust, melon, terra cotta
* GREEN- jungle, hunter, emerald, moss, jade, kelly, khaki green (avoid Lime, yellow green)
*BLUES- blueberry, sky, periwinkle, iris, sapphire, indigo, and royal (blues are very camera friendly)
*BLUE-GREEN- teal, azure, aqua, and turquoise
*PURPLES- plum, grape, lilac, lavender, orchid, amethyst, violet, eggplant, royal
*NEUTRALS- camel, beige, wine, warm gray, navy
*PASTELS- mint, aqua, orchid, blue, pink, peach
The above colors are considered camera friendly and usually the most flattering on and also have a psychological impact on
us as well. You'll be surprised to find out that certain colors can have power and an impact you never knew.
*BLUE- instills trust, loyalty, wisdom and inspiration. The color to wear to appear the most confident and credible is blue
*GREEN- very non-threatening and balanced. It's a very cooler, calming and restful color.
*YELLOW- very bright and vivid. It's best used in prints. It induces anxiety and hyperness. also not a favorable on camera color unless you have a tan to balance it out
ORANGE- it's the color of extroverts, genuses, and a sign of good communication skills
PURPLE- it's one of those colors associated with artists, independants, and spirituality. It's a very relaxing color.
RED- the power color, the passsion color, desire, and self sacrifice, this color is a wonderful accent color
Now that you have had some time to look at your clothes and find the right colors for you then it's important to start to evaluate your body. Now is the time to start really taking care of yourself. A healthy person will always look better in a picture than someone who isn't. This includes and not limited to a diet, work out routine, and beauty routine. After talking to countless actors we found the best thing is to make your headshot appoitment at least a week away. It'll give you time to get everything ready.
* Make an appoitment for your hair (never do this the day before, if the style doesn't work then you want time for it to grow out or for you to figure a way to style it that suits you)
*If you don't already eat well or healthy now is a great time to start. It will improve your over health and appearance
* Work out, tone up, ride bikes, swim, run, do something considered active and areobic for youself everyday. You'll see some kind of difference. It won't be drastic, but be something and this will almost always improve some level of confidence.
* You can take this time to shop and buy the clothes you want to wear on the shoot.
* Don't stress, make sure during this time you stay very relaxed and positive (candles, music, books)
* Drink a ton of water. It will always improve your health!
*If you can don't drink alcohol, coffee, and or smoke during this time. It not only is negative on health in large amounts but it will always have a negative impact on your apprearance as well. If you're hungover at the shoot, you'll look it!
It's almost time, make sure you have a hangers for all your clothes or a suitcase to bring your clothes to the shoot. I suggest bringing everything and anything that you think will work. You'd be surprised what the photographer picks. It's usually that shirt you were going to leave behind so bring everything. Always give your photogrpaher options.
During the Photoshoot
Congratulations today is your day! Treat today as if it is an entire day that revolves around you, cause it does. Make sure you have everything! You will want to be over prepared. All your clothes should be on hangers or folded nicely in a carrying case. This will always make choosing wardrobe much easier than going through a pile of clothes. If you aren't having makeup and hair done when you arrive then make sure that you have products available for touchups. You will be doing touchups through out the day and if you don't have a makeup person then it will be your responsiblity to keep up with the way you look. Men should also invest in a powder it will diminish the appreance of oil and shine on camera and pictures
The next part is something you should be really focusing on and that's staying calm, relaxed, and comfortable. A good way to do that is bring along music you like, candles, favorite perfume, and or a picture of someone close will help to relax you. The photographer will be going over your wardrobe to make the final selection(s.) Be very open to everything they are choosing, you may not like the top but let them pick it. They know what looks good. Always remember you picked them cause they were the professional if you didn't trust them then you shouldn't be there. When your "look" is picked change quickly and make sure to do final looks before you start shooting. During the actual photo shoot listen carefully to what the photographer is asking of you and do as your told. They are trying to get the best shot and trust them that they can do it. Stay relaxed, calm, and laugh when at all possible. This will release facial tension and puts you in a better mood. Your photoshoot might last one or two hours or all day, just depends on how many looks you are doing. However be prepared for the time. It's always ideal if you can take the day off of work. It's just less stressful, you don't want to be on look #2 and realize you need to be at work in 30 minutes, this won't benefit anyone. Try and be patient with lighting and or technical issues that come up, remember it's all about you. The reason lighting is taking 20 minutes is for you, there is no need to get annoyed you're having to wait. When the photoshoot is done. Begin to pack up all your belongings and make sure you leave nothing behind. Take everything to your car and then go back in and talk to the photographer about the next steps.
The next part is something you should be really focusing on and that's staying calm, relaxed, and comfortable. A good way to do that is bring along music you like, candles, favorite perfume, and or a picture of someone close will help to relax you. The photographer will be going over your wardrobe to make the final selection(s.) Be very open to everything they are choosing, you may not like the top but let them pick it. They know what looks good. Always remember you picked them cause they were the professional if you didn't trust them then you shouldn't be there. When your "look" is picked change quickly and make sure to do final looks before you start shooting. During the actual photo shoot listen carefully to what the photographer is asking of you and do as your told. They are trying to get the best shot and trust them that they can do it. Stay relaxed, calm, and laugh when at all possible. This will release facial tension and puts you in a better mood. Your photoshoot might last one or two hours or all day, just depends on how many looks you are doing. However be prepared for the time. It's always ideal if you can take the day off of work. It's just less stressful, you don't want to be on look #2 and realize you need to be at work in 30 minutes, this won't benefit anyone. Try and be patient with lighting and or technical issues that come up, remember it's all about you. The reason lighting is taking 20 minutes is for you, there is no need to get annoyed you're having to wait. When the photoshoot is done. Begin to pack up all your belongings and make sure you leave nothing behind. Take everything to your car and then go back in and talk to the photographer about the next steps.
After the Photoshoot
So you are probably standing in front of your photographer wondering what to do next. It's now really up to the photographer and how they work. Some will have a disk of your images already ready and others you will need to pick up later. It all depends on how they work. The photographer will tell you what's next on their end and regardless what they do always remember your end goal will always just be to get a copy of the images, take them to a reproduction office and have them printed so that you can submit to auditions. That's the whole point of having headshots. So just make sure you will get a copy of the images and how you will be able to obtain them. Some photographers offer retouching included or for an additional cost, it's best to ask. I know some recommend retouching but also be aware that you still need to look like your headshot and if the retouching will change something then it's probably not worth it. The rest of the process will be up to you. You will need to find a reproduction company and decide how many reprints you want. Reproductions are not cheap so be sure you have included this in your budget. If you have an agent or manager the best thing to do is take your proofs to them and let your team assist you in what best markets you. If you don't have an agent or manager or a willing photographer to help you choose then ask a few friends to help you pick out the best shots. It's best you find at least four different and unique shots. Not you smiling over your right shoulder and then you smiling over your left shoulder. It's usually the same picture but if you think one picture says more than the other than pick the one that says more, not both. Reproductions take a 3-5 days depending on the place and some offer a trial picture to make sure you like it before making a 100, it just depends on what your place is offering. We live in a technological world that offers us the ability to submit a headshot electronically but be prepared to have a hard copy of that picture on hand in the wonderful event you get called in to audition. You will always need to have a headshot and resume available when auditioning and always be prepared with at least two. If you can bring more it's always nice to have them in case they are needed or more than one person is in casting. This takes you through the How to's of headshots. It's best that when you take a picture always take the picture with your intended end result. I want to audition, what will get me that audition and your headshot will speak for itself.
How to find a place to show off that talent of yours!
A wonderful way to show off your talent is to do a showcase. A showcase can be a a good chance to perform a scene or a monologue for an audience. The showcase can be a very positive experience or one of complete turmoil. It's apparent in the first few days of rehearsal how the experience will be for you. It's important that all your fellow cast members in the showcase are energetic, positive, and talented. Make sure that Rehearsals and run thrus of the showcase are professional. A showcase is considered a learning experience and never the actors all hanging out and talking. If you find most rehearsals to be more of "social hour' chances are the showcase itself is not a place you need to be devoting your time too. If you are the only person worth seeing in the showcase simply because you bothered to learn your lines then this is not the right showcase for you.
The best way to make sure that this will be a professional and rewarding showcase is to make sure there will definately be publicity. This can come in the form of emails, flyers, and or invitiations. It's important that all the publicity materials were sent at lest 3 to 4 weeks in advance to allow for adequate planning by your potential audience members. In addition to publicity make sure that there is also a folder for each of the agents that will be attending. The contents of the folder should contain headshots,resumes, short biographies, business cards, and or a basic contact sheet for each member in the showcase. The folder will be the most important for the showcase and of course you can always do a program. It's just important that you make all your information available to the agents since that is the main reason why you are doing a showcase.
Some really good tips to consider for the showcase is to pick a scene that you feel a connection with, is age approriate, and the closest to your phsyical type. Remember to always be confident and truthful to the scene and to your partner, if you have one.
The best way to make sure that this will be a professional and rewarding showcase is to make sure there will definately be publicity. This can come in the form of emails, flyers, and or invitiations. It's important that all the publicity materials were sent at lest 3 to 4 weeks in advance to allow for adequate planning by your potential audience members. In addition to publicity make sure that there is also a folder for each of the agents that will be attending. The contents of the folder should contain headshots,resumes, short biographies, business cards, and or a basic contact sheet for each member in the showcase. The folder will be the most important for the showcase and of course you can always do a program. It's just important that you make all your information available to the agents since that is the main reason why you are doing a showcase.
Some really good tips to consider for the showcase is to pick a scene that you feel a connection with, is age approriate, and the closest to your phsyical type. Remember to always be confident and truthful to the scene and to your partner, if you have one.
Some Tips to Audition with
Congratulations you have an audition! You are now sitting in a room going over your sides with a hundred other people who look just like you and it dawns on you that you wish you had a few tips to make this process easier! Well here they are!
*You should pay attention to what you wear! Never to the extent where you don't know lines and your 20 minutes late, but pay attention to clothes. It's best to be appropriate. It's best to not make it distracting or look like a costume. Also be aware that shoes make noise. Wear ones that do not.
*Pay closer attention to how you walk in a room and your introduction. It's your first impression. Your audition starts when you walk into the room!
* Be aware what your body language is saying!
* start and end each audition with the knowledge if you were the casting director that you would pick you for the part!
*You should pay attention to what you wear! Never to the extent where you don't know lines and your 20 minutes late, but pay attention to clothes. It's best to be appropriate. It's best to not make it distracting or look like a costume. Also be aware that shoes make noise. Wear ones that do not.
*Pay closer attention to how you walk in a room and your introduction. It's your first impression. Your audition starts when you walk into the room!
* Be aware what your body language is saying!
* start and end each audition with the knowledge if you were the casting director that you would pick you for the part!
How to do a mass mailing for Agents and Casting Directors
No matter what kind of Actor you are, you will come to a point in your life when you say "I NEED AN AGENT!!" The question then immediately that comes to mind is HOW? No one will ever promise you how to do a mail out and get the response you may be looking for, but I'll give you a quick rundown on how to execute the best mail out and the least costly way of doing it.
The first thing to get together is your headshots. Make sure you have current and up to date headshots. This means when you send your headshot out it looks like you. Not a headshot from 5 years ago, but the shot that most represents you! The next thing to do is fine tune your resume. This may sound crazy, but spell check it! I have seen a thousand resumes with titles misspelled. So take the time and really go over your resume. Also at this time start taking off projects that are high school, college, or some student films that are taking the place of the bigger projects. In some cases less is more. And if your resume is completely taken up with filler, then it may be losing the quality. While putting together your "publicity folder" do you have any media? Some agents appreciate including a reel, while others do not like unsolicited material. You can pick up an agent book at Samuel French that will tell you what agents are accepting and what they like. In my experience most agents appreciate the see through mailing envelopes, but ask that you do not seal them. If you can tape them with two to three pieces of tape. Don't run a whole line of tape over the envelope as that loses the concept of "taping" The envelopes are hard to open when sealed. Why would you make ANYTHING hard for anyone!
Here is a checklist of Materials you will need to start your mail out
*Headshots
*Resumes (cut 8 x 10 to fit the headshot)
*Stapler, glue, or if you've chosen to print resume on headshot
*DVD's (if you are copying your reel)
* Labels for the top of your DVD
* business cards or post cards if in an upcoming play or project
*address Labels
* Stamps (weigh one envelope for cost and then buy the amount of envelopes. Much cheaper than guessing or using a bunch of stamps just to find out it wasn't enough to cover the cost.)
The main key to doing a Mail out is NUMBERS. The more people you mail to the more chance of a response. So if you can at least hit between 50-200 in the mail out. This will garner you the best response.
The best thing to do is attach your resumes to your headshot, set those aside. Then if you making copies of your reel. I suggest either doing the copying yourself or you can take it to someone. Usually runs about $2 a DVD, but that will probably include printing on the label. I found Memorex in OFFICEMAX and designed my own labels and printed them out and copied my reel at home on my computer. Cost for 100 DVD-R was around $20 (Verbatim) the label maker $40 and DVD sleeves about $10. It took about 8 hours to do everything. It's cheaper that way, but time consuming. So if you don't want to do it by yourself then you can always find someone who will. So if you are doing media then consider how you're doing it and once that's done then set that aside. The next thing is Labels. If you have purchased the ready made labels that's fantastic but keep in mind agents go in and out of this town sometimes quicker than actors. Also some "AGENTS" are agents but not for ACTORS. Some are literary, directors, producers..you name it. I suggest picking up an agent book with a listing of agents that are currently looking and they are usually up to date and also can give you a list of what they are looking. Some will even go so far as to put likes and dislikes. Some really like when you submit material, some don't. Some accept drop offs and phone calls. While others do NOT. The good thing is each is different and most will tell you. So now that you made your agency labels it's now time to do YOUR labels. I urge people to not put their exact address on the return label. I suggest street and number of building, but leaving off Apt #. It's for safety reasons and if you have your address anywhere on your resume take that off! I only say this, cause a friend the other day had hers on it!
Now you have labels, headshots, and envelopes. Now WHAT! I usually label all the envelopes and then start almost an assembly line with the stuff I want to put in, that way I'm least likely to forget something. I then tape all the envelopes shut, take them to the Post Office and ask to see how much 1 envelope costs to mail. Mine just recently cost $1.22 and I purchased stamps at $1 and the $0.24 range. This ensured that the package will get there and won't be sent back due to under postage, but since I was able to purchase the $0.24 stamp it did save some on postage. Then place the stamps on and mail. The whole process from start to finish should take around 2 days. I know mine took longer cause I put in cover letters, and for many it was individual to the agent. It all depends on what you'd like to do. I also know of someone who stuck post -it notes of the representation she was looking for. So it's truly a who knows kind of situation.
I can say from experience do not expect an immediate response. Mail actually takes 2-3 days, sometimes longer. Some agents DO NOT open anything and some just don't call. It's life and it's the business you chose, but it's a great first step into getting your name out there and don't give up. If you have anything to add to the article or found a way that really helps you, or even a trick to doing mail outs then we'd love to hear it. Please email info@notacting.com so we can learn it.
The first thing to get together is your headshots. Make sure you have current and up to date headshots. This means when you send your headshot out it looks like you. Not a headshot from 5 years ago, but the shot that most represents you! The next thing to do is fine tune your resume. This may sound crazy, but spell check it! I have seen a thousand resumes with titles misspelled. So take the time and really go over your resume. Also at this time start taking off projects that are high school, college, or some student films that are taking the place of the bigger projects. In some cases less is more. And if your resume is completely taken up with filler, then it may be losing the quality. While putting together your "publicity folder" do you have any media? Some agents appreciate including a reel, while others do not like unsolicited material. You can pick up an agent book at Samuel French that will tell you what agents are accepting and what they like. In my experience most agents appreciate the see through mailing envelopes, but ask that you do not seal them. If you can tape them with two to three pieces of tape. Don't run a whole line of tape over the envelope as that loses the concept of "taping" The envelopes are hard to open when sealed. Why would you make ANYTHING hard for anyone!
Here is a checklist of Materials you will need to start your mail out
*Headshots
*Resumes (cut 8 x 10 to fit the headshot)
*Stapler, glue, or if you've chosen to print resume on headshot
*DVD's (if you are copying your reel)
* Labels for the top of your DVD
* business cards or post cards if in an upcoming play or project
*address Labels
* Stamps (weigh one envelope for cost and then buy the amount of envelopes. Much cheaper than guessing or using a bunch of stamps just to find out it wasn't enough to cover the cost.)
The main key to doing a Mail out is NUMBERS. The more people you mail to the more chance of a response. So if you can at least hit between 50-200 in the mail out. This will garner you the best response.
The best thing to do is attach your resumes to your headshot, set those aside. Then if you making copies of your reel. I suggest either doing the copying yourself or you can take it to someone. Usually runs about $2 a DVD, but that will probably include printing on the label. I found Memorex in OFFICEMAX and designed my own labels and printed them out and copied my reel at home on my computer. Cost for 100 DVD-R was around $20 (Verbatim) the label maker $40 and DVD sleeves about $10. It took about 8 hours to do everything. It's cheaper that way, but time consuming. So if you don't want to do it by yourself then you can always find someone who will. So if you are doing media then consider how you're doing it and once that's done then set that aside. The next thing is Labels. If you have purchased the ready made labels that's fantastic but keep in mind agents go in and out of this town sometimes quicker than actors. Also some "AGENTS" are agents but not for ACTORS. Some are literary, directors, producers..you name it. I suggest picking up an agent book with a listing of agents that are currently looking and they are usually up to date and also can give you a list of what they are looking. Some will even go so far as to put likes and dislikes. Some really like when you submit material, some don't. Some accept drop offs and phone calls. While others do NOT. The good thing is each is different and most will tell you. So now that you made your agency labels it's now time to do YOUR labels. I urge people to not put their exact address on the return label. I suggest street and number of building, but leaving off Apt #. It's for safety reasons and if you have your address anywhere on your resume take that off! I only say this, cause a friend the other day had hers on it!
Now you have labels, headshots, and envelopes. Now WHAT! I usually label all the envelopes and then start almost an assembly line with the stuff I want to put in, that way I'm least likely to forget something. I then tape all the envelopes shut, take them to the Post Office and ask to see how much 1 envelope costs to mail. Mine just recently cost $1.22 and I purchased stamps at $1 and the $0.24 range. This ensured that the package will get there and won't be sent back due to under postage, but since I was able to purchase the $0.24 stamp it did save some on postage. Then place the stamps on and mail. The whole process from start to finish should take around 2 days. I know mine took longer cause I put in cover letters, and for many it was individual to the agent. It all depends on what you'd like to do. I also know of someone who stuck post -it notes of the representation she was looking for. So it's truly a who knows kind of situation.
I can say from experience do not expect an immediate response. Mail actually takes 2-3 days, sometimes longer. Some agents DO NOT open anything and some just don't call. It's life and it's the business you chose, but it's a great first step into getting your name out there and don't give up. If you have anything to add to the article or found a way that really helps you, or even a trick to doing mail outs then we'd love to hear it. Please email info@notacting.com so we can learn it.