Table of Contents
- Why do I need a headshot ?
- Why do I need an ACTING LESSONS ?
- Why do I need an agent ?
- When do I need an
agent?
Why do I need a headshot ?
A headshot is 1/2 of your 'calling card'...it's the most important TOOL you can have. It can make a good first impression--it can loose you the job! A picture is worth a thousand words...so make sure yours says at least that many!
Most professional agents won't sign you unless you have a headshot, and most will want you to 'reshoot' headshots every 6 months to a year. Your headshot represents you--so it better look like you...and when you walk through the door with your headshot, be sure you resemble your picture!
As a beginning actor, many -- in fact, MOST of the auditions you will be sent on are based on WHAT YOU LOOK LIKE.
Here's how it works:
- Your AGENT gets a phone call from a CASTING DIRECTOR.
- The casting director will give the agent a 'character breakdown' which tells the
age range and personality plus any physical characteristics of the characters they are
looking for.
- Your agent goes thru their files of headshots and, if you fall into a category they
are looking for, sends your HEADSHOT over to the casting director.
- The casting director goes through the stack of pictures sent to them by not just
your agent, but by every other agent in town...and picks who gets to come to the audition.
- The casting director then calls your agent--
- Your agent calls you (if you were picked)
- You show up at the audition with your headshot and resume (I don't care if they
already have it--you ALWAYS take another one--keep extras in your trunk)
- They look at your headshot and resume while you are auditioning. Sometimes
they ask you questions about your credits/interests/whatever you've put down.
- After you leave, when they are deciding who to cast, they look at your headshot again...and remind themselves who you were...and how terrific your audition was.
Now...do you believe me that headshots are IMPORTANT?
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Why do I need an ACTING CLASS.. ?
All your friends think you're very talented? You've had the staring role in your 5th grade melodrama, so why do you need lessons?
That's like asking me why a talented shower singer needs to take singing lessons in order to be successful singing opera.
THINK ABOUT IT!
The very best actors are gifted with tools you can't possibly know about UNTIL YOU STUDY. They make it look EASY. They make it look so NATURAL. They make it look like ANY ONE COULD DO IT. It's not, it's not, and they can't.
Ever wonder why so many ENGLISH actresses are always nominated for BEST ACTRESS? BECAUSE they are THEATRE TRAINED. They have STUDIED.
If you are going to compete in a business where only TEN PERCENT of the 'actors' are working full time as actors, then you MUST...absolutely MUST TRAIN.
Once you get 'out there' looking for work, if you are lucky enough to get cast, if you are not ready...if you don't know what you're doing...you may never work again. Don't count on 'on the job training'. There is usually too much money at stake. It's cheaper to recast than to train you. And there are tons of out of work actors to choose from.
Give yourself a break. Be as prepared as you can be...physically, mentally...and know how to do your actor's homework!
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Why do I need an agent?
Because, unless your Arnold or Bruce...nobody is going to call you and give you a part. You will have to audition.
99% of all legitimate auditions FOR FILM, TV, INDUSTRIALS, AND COMMERCIALS are done through talent agents.
It's tough enough to get auditions with an agent. Don't put a weight around your neck and then jump in the pool! GET a GOOD AGENT!
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When do I need an agent?
When you're ready to start auditioning. After you've got some good acting classes under your belt, some decent credits on a resume, and a good headshot...then start looking for a good agent.
This is not a hard and fast rule. If you have some terrific look...and unusual talent...you could be the exception