PART 2 – Get Your Arsenal Together

There is so much material to cover in this article that I’ve pared it down to the bare bones. I will definitely be covering in more detail the steps for a great headshot and a professional looking resume and how to put up a website and what a demo reel should look like… But for now, I’ll at least get you pointed in the right direction.

Step 3: Get Your Marketing Materials Compiled

You are going to need certain tools to start and sustain a career out in LA; tools that you just can’t go without. And the number one tool: Your Headshot and Resume. These are crucial. Well, both are crucial, but your headshot is absolutely vital. Your agents cannot submit you without it. It should look like you (not like you 10 years ago or you at the glamour kiosk at the mall) but the real you. And it should represent your type. Are you the “Girl Next Door,” the “Hunky Frat Boy,” the “Nosey Neighbor,” “Everybody’s Favorite Grandma,” a “Serial Killer…” Find out your type and get some shots taken. Start here at reproductions.com. Reproductions is a headshot repro house that has an online comparison of some of LA’s top headshot photographers. Or pick up your latest copy of Backstage West and take a look.

Next, you need a resume. Even if there’s “nothing” on it, your headshot needs a backside. It should have your name, your agency info (or personal contact/cell number if you don’t have an agent) and your vitals: height, weight, hair color, and eye color. This info was more vital back in the days of black and white headshots, when you couldn’t really tell what color a person’s hair was. But I still include it so casting knows that I’m not hiding a 200lb body underneath supermodel cheekbones. Don’t be ashamed of anything, just put it on there. They’re gonna see it all when you friget into the room anyway… Then it should include whatever work that you’ve done, training you’ve had, classes you’ve taken, and any special skills you possess. For a simple example, check out my site, because it’s up there.

www.apple.com/ilife/iweb

Speaking of websites, you might want to have one of your own; a place where people can go to for info on all your exciting acting adventures. Or at least where casting can find some pics, a resume, a demo or two, and your contact info. Keep it simple, keep it classy. And don’t get a domain name like TheGreatestActorSinceMerylStreep.com (ps email addresses like this are also a bad way to go.) Something with your name in it should be good. I have a Mac and did my own website. But if you don’t have iWeb, start looking at friends’ sites that you like and ask them for references.

www.vistaprint.com

You’re also gonna need postcards and business cards. Again, I design my own with Photoshop and then go to VistaPrint.com for cheap printing. Send a post card after each audition or meeting. Have business cards handy for meeting a random producer at a SAG screening. You don’t want to be stuck looking to put your number on a cocktail napkin while the producer waits impatiently. Have the appropriate marketing materials, this is your business. And everything you send out needs to have your name, contact info, and picture (my opinion.) I like to send out odd-sized postcards (3 x 9 inches even) and put a regular stamp on them so they literally stick out in a casting director’s mail. But that’s just me.

Finally, you need a demo reel. Or a few. The market is now calling for 1-minute demos showcasing a particular niche or type. I have my comedy and my drama reels, sure. But they could even be broken down into my “white trash,” “kooky co-worker,” and “guys’ girl” character reels. Again, look around, ask a friend, and gather your footage. If you don’t have footage just yet, submit yourself for student films, through Actor’s Access & Backstage West, or shoot something yourself. I’ve done all three.

Step 4: Get Registered

In order for you or your (soon-to-be) agent to submit yourself for projects, you have to be registered on the appropriate sites. Time to put your headshot to good use! Hardcopy submissions are still around but they’ve almost gone way of Black and White headshots (um, to the grave, that is) and I’m pretty sure 100% of commercial submissions are online now too. So get yourself online and head to these websites:

• Actors’ Access – Register for free! You can upload several headshots, resume, and videos for an extra cost. Worth it if you’ve got something good to show. Connected to your agent’s account so they can submit you for the Breakdowns. You can also submit yourself for $2 to $5 a pop or you can spend some $ over at Showfax and have unlimited submissions for free.
• Showfax – Where $68 a year can get you free submissions, free sides for your auditions, and updates for your sides. Definitely worth it if you think you’re gonna submit for more than 20 projects per year. That’s not even 2 projects per month… If you’re not submitting this much, you should be.
• Now Casting – Also basic registration for free. $5/month to $20/month depending on if you want or need more intricate features including casting databases, production reports, and web pages for yourself.
• LA Casting – Most important site for commercials! This is also where your representation will be submitting your materials for auditions. Free if you’re already with an agency on LAC, $8 to $10/month if not. Also, there is a fee when you upload new headshots or change pictures. It’s all in there, take a look.
• SAG Conservatory – This is where AFI students pull actors for all of their projects. If you are SAG and you don’t have a lot on your reel and want more experience doing professional student work, sign up. They also have great classes and seminars!