Everyone has heard of the Cinderella story, it is an important part of our culture. And it is a fairy tale. Most girls grow up in our society thinking that one day “their prince will come …” to rescue them from evil stepmother, rotten childhood, incomprehensible parents, and away from pain, misery, and lack of control. of their lifes. Then they can “get married and live happily ever after.” The glass slipper that ONLY fits Cinderella’s foot is a nice touch.
The fairy tale: Young actors like Cinderella believe that IF they can get the perfect agent who “believes in them” (the prince), I hear this expression about 50 times a week, they can be rescued from a difficult career, be successful and live happily. forever. So the concept has been to find the perfect agent who is waiting for that exceptional person, YOU to fit the glass slipper! So, that agent …
1 – SUBMIT YOURSELF FOR A MAIN ROLE
2 – GET A AUDITION FOR THAT ROLE AND-
3- YOU ARE NATURALLY SO BRIGHT THAN THE “SOLO”
4- GET THE JOB AND BECOME A MOVIE STAR
5- You live happily ever after
Right? WRONG. It doesn’t work that way. “Waiting for your prince to come” and rescuing you is a misconception among most of the actors I know. It is based on fear and the feeling of helplessness: that you can’t do this, an acting career, on your own. Guess what? You can not! But you can change your concept and approach, as well as create a network of professionals to help you succeed.
Reality: Most agents are neither willing nor financially able to represent you for anything (10% of nothing is nothing if you aren’t already booking well-paying TV or film jobs … or no jobs at all!). Given that it takes the average actor 3-5 years to get established, 10 years for a major position in the industry, who would work for nothing for 5-10 years? Would you do it? Therefore, you should be more concerned with building your resume with credits, gaining more experience, and developing your network of industry contacts.
When you have a stronger presentation, you get representation!
Here’s a better concept and a workable strategy
Assuming you have the training, talent, and iron determination to succeed, believe that you are in complete control. Instead of waiting forever to be rescued, become highly “marketable” and attract as many princes as you like!
These are the steps: FIRST, get the best possible marketing tools
TO – Headshots or lifestyle photos
Did you know that agents receive hundreds of photos a week and thousands of submissions online? 2% of the photos received are accepted as “updated”. DON’T think that a mediocre photographer doing cheap “actor headshots”, a friend with a camera, OR the “everyone goes” guy is going to work for you. Go maybe. Spend the money. Bite the bullet. This is your Life. You may not need a glass slipper, but you definitely DO NOT need a muddy slipper. By the way, “lifestyle” wins any day over headshots. (Lifestyle photos are about your personality and uniqueness. They are taken indoors and outdoors and include: a commercial “headshot”, plus 1/2 length, 3/4 length, all taken in the closet appropriate for your top 4 “types”: the roles you will be cast in! The difference between lifestyle photos and just headshots is that you are showing your specific marketability on CDs and agents so that you get a more responsive wide. And you get JOB!)
B- Demo reel (SIZE) If all you’ve got is: nothing, a clip from a bad student movie: horror, sci-fi, or immature video of a scene class on camera … EEEKKK! in all of the above! Go to a company that can produce (write, direct, film, edit) original material FOR you. When casting agents and directors warn you NOT to hire someone to film things for you, they mean NOT shoddy student movies … but if you go to a pro, you will get professional quality. Nobody cares where it came from if it’s GOOD. (We’ve filmed over 200 of these that make our clients work!)
vs. Website
3,4,5+ pages with a video page and a lifestyle photo page to show your rank, your talent and how you will be chosen.
SECOND get a marketing mentor and make a plan!
D. A marketing mentor An MM is someone who goes beyond a life coach or what they would learn in a “biz of the biz” class. A marketing mentor helps you create and implement your personal marketing plan. An MM teaches you how to communicate with the industry and develop those valuable relationships that promote YOU while still working! And a MM refers you to the best agents!
ME. A marketing plan
1- Meet as many casting directors as possible
2- Build a network of people who know you, like you, who trust you: actors, playwrights, directors, filmmakers, producers, ANYONE who likes you and knows your work.
3- Audition for everything you know you can do well. Invite everyone in the business you know – keep auditioning, booking, acting, inviting, it’s a process!
Organizations 4-JOIN … offer to do readings of new plays, movies. Offer to be a CD “reader” so they get to know you. Network, network, network!
5- Put all the information in a database (Constant Contact works).
6- Create email campaigns and communicate with your growing network.
The more people who know you, the more auditions and jobs you will get!
THIRD, audition as much as possible to master the listening and reserve technique. Focus on your special skills or talents preferably in A MEDIUM and be aggressive in building your resume. Use the references you can get and get to know the agents. Start the process of developing the relationship with several. As you continue to work (and refine your talent), they will see what your potential is. Agents don’t ignore an actor who works ALL THE TIME. When you work regularly and earn money, agents leave the construction site. You will have a bunch of “princes” chasing you. The ones you were developing offer representation. AND THEN you can go to the dance … you’re INSIDE!
And this is how the entertainment industry works and how actors are established. Trying to get an agent BEFORE you’re ready is like, well … the proverbial cart before horse.
Do you need help with A, B, C, D or E? That is exactly what we do at The Actor’s Market. We even refer you to the best AGENTS.
The best idea of my life? Get a MARKETING PACKAGE that includes some or all of the above at a deep discount and a monthly payment plan – get all the tools you need, years-saving tips, and agent referrals in one neat package. (Email us at: [email protected] and learn more).
Break out that glass slipper and walk on your own feet! And watch out for the pumpkins!
Successful marketing,
Gwyn
