1 – Headshots
The first thing an actor needs is a headshot.
You need this, even if you don’t have an agent yet, because you can submit yourself on smaller projects until that time; thru sites like LA Casting or Actors Access. There are two basic kinds of headshots. The theatrical shot, which is used for submitting yourself on TV Film and Stage. These are usually more dramatic in tone and don’t usually have you all smiles. It is more of a “this is me” shot.
The other is a commercial shot, brighter in tone with warm smiles. These are used for commercial submissions. It used to be that you would take pictures and have a zillion printed off. But now with the digital formats in full gear you really only need to print theatrical shots. Commercial shots are so rarely asked for that it is a huge waste of money to bother getting them printed up.
2 – A Place to Study Your Craft
Actors need to be able to develop their skills just like any other craft.
Look into acting classes for that reason. You can develop your skills and network with other actors. Obviously the best skills can be learned on set; but being a part of a group on a weekly basis helps you develop while you are getting there. It also helps keep your focus on your goals as you maintain creating on what you want to do. When you are looking for an acting class, you want a place that has the following:
- Students in class that are actually working and booking
- An environment that you enjoy
- And a place where you can improve as well as work on scripts.
3 – An Agent
A big step to success: have an agent.
A production company will hire a casting director to help them find the cast they are envisioning to make the project they are working on. The casting director can approach it in a few different ways. But one thing is certain… a casting director can only negotiate contracts per SAG rules with an agent or an attorney. So casting works with agents, and thus, actors need agents. The agent’s job is to submit their talent on roles and pitch them to casting. They see more of what is coming down the pike than the actor does. Your job as an actor is to be prepared for the auditions and work once booked. The agents job is to get you in on those things you are suited for and negotiate the best possible deal for you as the actor.
I will write my next blog on agents and how to get one, as that seems to be the question a lot of the time.
4 – Demo Reels
Once you have worked your way to a certain level you now have the ability to create demo reels.
On myactingsite.com I wrote a blog covering in detail what a demo reel should be and how it should look. But, in a nutshell, it is your work demonstrated in a small clip which you can attach to your resume on various sites. You want them on your personal website, your Actors Access and your LA Casting websites. You can see demo reel examples on my daughters site jadepettyjohn.com. This is also a good example of one of myactingsite.com templates in action. These are reviewed by casting directors and used by agents to pitch you for projects.
5 – Marketing Yourself
Once you have headshots, an agent and certainly by the time you have demo reels, you need to be able to market yourself.
When you land a good role in a TV series or a film or a major play you need to make it known to the general public as well as industry. You need a PR person. You need a strong bio. You need a website. You need to make sure everything is connected to IMDb.com. You need to be active on your social media outlets. This is the next stage.
Now go forth and break a leg!!!!