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 Starting Out Once upon a time there was a girl who wanted to be a star. Every night as she lay in bed, she wished upon the stars to someday become famous. One day her wish came true. Sounds goods, but in reality it is just another fairytale. We all wish we could wake up one morning and have a casting director beating down our door with a multimillion-dollar contract. However, we must wake up to the fact that it just isn't that easy. So where does the newcomer begin? The hard facts are this: 1. You are about to enter a field where your dedication to your dream may end in ridicule. 2. You must be willing to pay the price to get your name out there. 3. You must be able to handle rejection. 4. You must face the fact that at one point you will get scammed. Still interested? You have excepted the challenge, it won't be easy but you are convinced that you will achieve success. Great, you have convinced yourself. That is the first step. If you don't believe in yourself, how can you expect anyone else to? In order to convince others you will need to present yourself in the best possible manner. Professionality is the key to promoting yourself. Don't skimp on the resume and headshots. You can get a good photographer for reasonable cost, but you must be willing to do the research. HEADSHOT: Pick a few photographers to meet with, using recommendations from fellow actors or even access your local yellow pages. Once you have selected these photographers, I usually recommend 5, visit the location. Does it give the appearance of a professional, do you feel safe there, are there other staff members in the studio or just the photographer? These are questions you can answer within the first few minutes after entering the studio. If you get a bad vibe, go with your instincts & cross the photographer off your list. If all seems well, set up a meeting where you can look through the photographers portfolio of headshots. You want a photographer that is comfortable with headshots, compare the quality to the other photographers you meet with. Discuss the rates to establish your total cost. Questions to ask are: How much is the sitting fee? Do you have a hair & make up artist and what is the fee for their services? What is the cost for text in the headshot? Do you have any package deals? Some photographers already have developed complete packages for headshots. Also ask if you can purchase the negatives. This allows you to reprint the photos at your whim, without having to return to the photographer. It is rare that you can purchase the negatives, but it is definitely worth while if you can. Once you have selected your photographer, contact the Better Business Bureau. The BBB will be able to inform you of any complaints filed against this photographer. Finally make your appointment. To ensure the quality of your headshots: 1. Never cut your hair less than 2 weeks prior to the shoot. 2. Practice your make up if doing it yourself. 3. Arrive early & bring several shirts (the photographer will help you select the best one). 4. Relax and be yourself. RESUME: The most important thing about a resume is the first impression it gives. This is not the time to use the copier at your library that has been there since 1985. Use a quality resume bond paper. Try to find something that stands out without being obnoxious. You can print the resumes yourself or to a commercial copying facility. These places have newer copiers, which can provide you with the quality you desire. It is imperative to use an easy to read font & font size. The resume should include a heading, experience (categorized), skills, training, and notable information. The heading fills in the blanks of the black & white headshot. It identifies your name, height, weight, hair & eye color, and contact information. For your own safety never use your actual home telephone number or address. Remember that you never know who these people are. I use my cellular phone as the telephone number and rent a post office box for the address. The experience portion is just that, a listing of all experience in the field you have. It should be categorized and then in chronological order, most recent work first. Categories include Theatre, Film & Television, Voice Over, Commercials, Technical Experience, etc. Skills can be the lengthiest aspect of the resume. It is the area that you would include anything you can do that might be useful in a role. Examples would be stage combat, acrobatics, swimming, skydiving, accents & dialects, roller-skating, alligator wrestling Just about anything can be used here. Training is a disputable aspect. Some people feel it is essential to show where you received your training. I feel, personally, that it is optional. If you received training from a well-known coach or academy, by all means include it. Otherwise it is great space filler, but not a necessity. Notable information is my favorite part of a resume. This is a great opportunity to sell yourself as a hot commodity. Notable information refers to awards you have received, acknowledgments, affiliations to unions & organizations, and any certifications you have. Think of things that made you proud and that you like to boast about. Protein is the building blocks of DNA, the basic structure of the human body. Headshots and resumes are the building blocks of self-promotion, the basic structure of your success. Once you have these tools you begin the real work mailing lists. For more information on headshots and resumes I recommend "The Backstage Handbook for Performing Artists" by Sherry Eaker. Break-a-leg |
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