Auditioning is obviously something you want to be doing constantly when you are an actor. It doesn’t matter if you are just starting off or an experienced actor, you always want to be going to for new parts! When auditions are slow it can be discouraging for several reasons, but primarily because it would mean you aren’t booking for that time. If you have an agent, and your auditions are rolling in slowly, they may suggest that you should get new headshots.
When your agents give you a suggestion of something you could do to help further your career, it is in your best interest to listen to them and follow their advice, especially if you don’t have a manager taking care of everything. You will find yourself with a lack of love from your agent if you constantly balk at them when they suggest things. I wrote a blog on this a while back, and if you’re having any trouble or uncertainty with your agents currently, you have to read it!
If your agents are suggesting that you need new headshots, there is a reason. Agents, if you have a legitimate one, are not out to get your money and make you pay crazy amounts of money for no outcome. They want you to succeed because when you are successful they are paid and even more importantly, they are a large credit of getting you where you end up! If you need new headshots, that could be a reason that auditions are slow!
Auditions, much like TV and film, change all of the time. There is never a dull moment in television and film and that is reflected by the ever-changing content. With this comes your look, which needs to be adjusted based on what is selling right now in the industry. This doesn’t mean that you actually have to change how you look, but what is does mean that certain clothing, colors, and styles of photography come and go. So you always have to be willing to do whatever the work is demanding. When your agents tell you to try some new headshots, go ahead and try that!
If you get new headshots and your agent still can’t get you out on anything, there are still options and solutions that I will touch upon later! But make sure you try this solution first!