How to Create an Actor's Portfolio
An actor's portfolio serves as an introduction to agents and casting directors. You have very little time to capture attention, but glitzy or gimmicky portfolios generally end up in the trash. Instead, create a well-structured, professional portfolio that contains only the critical information. Your portfolio contents may vary slightly depending on your previous experience.
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Instructions
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Have professional head shots taken. Modeling shots, prom pictures, snapshots and vacation photos will tag you as an amateur and may result in your portfolio being thrown away. Proper head shots are of your face and neck only. Your expression should be friendly but neutral. Avoid big grins. Professional head shots are black and white, not color.
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Create an acting resume. The resume details your recent experience and lists only the year, role and production company. Do not provide pay details. If you have experience in a variety of media, such as stage and film, create a resume section for each type of experience. Some actors prefer to list roles in chronological order, while others list the biggest roles first.
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Detail your height, weight, eye and hair colors at the top of your resume. Some actors include the age range that they can portray, while others feel this may limit available opportunities. For legal reasons, all actors under age 18 should list the correct date of birth. Some actors also include measurements, clothing sizes and shoe size, which most agents consider optional. Be honest. Taking 5 pounds off your weight or adding 3 inches to your height is a waste of everyone's time.
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Draft a customized cover letter. Although it is tempting to send out a form letter, agents and casting directors appreciate actors who take the time to learn about them. The three-paragraph letter should consist of an opening, body and closing. In the opening, tell the agent why you are interested in working with him. In the body, briefly describe your career and list your three largest or most recent roles. In the closing, express your interest in working with the agent and invite her to contact you.
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Draft a thank you letter. Use two or three paragraphs to thank the agent for reviewing your portfolio and recap why you believe you are a good fit for the agent. Close by inviting the agent to contact you.
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Assemble your portfolio. Staple the resume to the back of your head shot, facing out. Use a single staple in each corner. Place the cover letter on top of the head shot and resume combination, with any additional professional photographs behind. If you have film reels from previous jobs, place them behind the photographs. The thank you letter should be the last item in the package.
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Follow agents' and casting directors' guidelines for portfolio submissions. Some prefer to receive portfolios by mail, while others permit actors to drop them off at the office during certain hours. Always carry your portfolio to auditions, particularly open casting calls.
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