How to Market Yourself as an Actor

The biggest challenge an actor faces is being taken seriously in the field. There are many people out there who claim to be "actors" but don't do anything to further their careers. The most important thing an actor can do for their career is to network. You need to let people know that you're out there working and actively pursuing your career. You can't just sit home and wait for something to happen because it never will. These tips will help you to establish yourself as an actor and help you to stay ahead of the curve. You need to make sure you do what you can to set yourself apart from the competition. Haing all of the tools you need will give you that professonal edge that not all actors have.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• A Good Resume
• A Recent Headshot
• Postcards
• Business Cards
• A Website
• Trade Publications and Training

How to Market Yourself as an Actor

1. Write your resume so it details your work experience, as well as anything else that makes you a valuable player, such as special skills that you have or any props you might own. It also needs to fit on the back of your headshot, so you should print it on an 8x10 piece of paper or cut it down to that size. It should be stapled in all four corners or glued to the back of the photo. I would recommend picking up a book on the industry so you know how to format your resume. Formats can differ for film, television and theater.
2. Obtain a headshot that is recent and a good representation of what you currently look like. The biggest complaint from casting directors and agents is that the person they called in for an audition looks nothing like the photo they submitted. The industry standard right now is a digital, color 8x10 photo that is not overly retouched. Your resume should be attached to the back. To find a good headshot photographer in your area, you can contact your local actor's union or the tradepapers available in your area. If you are in a major market like New York or Los Angeles, Backstage East or Backstage is a great resource for headshot photographers. You will need reproductions of your photos and can find these companies online by searching in your area for headshot reproductions.
3. Send out postcards to follow up with casting directors or agents to say thank you for taking your meeting or to let them know what you are currently working on. You can order them with your current headshot on them or with another photo so that you have a couple different looks out there for people to see. You can order them from the same company where you get your headshots reproduced. They usually give a discount for multiple orders. Do not mail them more than once every three months, unless you are inviting someone to a production or your contact information has changed.
4. Order business cards with your headshot on them. Business cards are also necessary to avoid carrying around headshots and postcards with you everywhere you go. Acting business cards usually have your headshot on them with any contact information that is necessary for a casting director, agent or producer to reach you. It should also list your website so that they can log on to look at your resume.
5. Create or pay someone to create a website for you. An acting website is an easy and effective way for industry professionals to see multiple photos of you and to take a look at your resume, demo reel and current projects you are working on. It is cost effective and something they can refer back to easily. Purchase a domain name that will identify you such as, www.yourname.com if it is available. It can be a simple or in depth site, as long as it represents you as an actor.

Tips & Warnings

• Pick up your local trade publications on the industry to find auditions and current industry trends
• Read as much as you can about the unions and familiarize yourself with industry jargon
• Read books on the industry so that you get an inside view as to how the business works
• Take as many classes as you can and practice your craft every chance you get