1. One that entertains us. No one in the industry wants to watch an actor working really hard to impress them with their "acting" when the piece is boring to begin with. Choose a monologue you LOVE doing so WE WILL LOVE WATCHING YOU.
2. One that "fits you like a glove" so we believe you.Know your type and range as far as being cast-age appropriate and physically accurate. It's agonizing to watch a 25 year old try to be 45 or vice versa, a guy from Minnesota try to be an Italian Mafioso from Brooklyn or a plain Jane try to pull off being a femme fatale. A monologue is the time to SHOW WHO YOU ARE not add layers of dialects, character traits, a limp or something outrageous to impress. Avoid props UNLESS it is so essential to the scene that it won't work without one. If they can't tell you are "acting", THAT IS GOOD ACTING.
3. One that is serio-comedic - not just comedic or tragic.Show us some change in emotion but keep us laughing. Serio-comedic monologues are my favorite choices. Start with a piece that is funny, quirky and gets people to laugh and then "turn the screw". Hit them with something that's heartbreaking or touching. They're already in your corner and you've won them over! Be compelling to get them involved in LIKING YOU, LOVING YOU, HIRING YOU!
4.One that has an "arc" or story line-it "goes somewhere". Avoid the JOHNNY ONE-NOTE monologues that show one emotion throughout. Boring. Tedious. Nothing worse than watching someone rant and rave angrily at the audience for 4 minutes. EEEk! Tell a story, we all love to hear stories with twists and turns. BRING US ALONG WITH YOU.
5. Keep it short 1-2 minutes is better than 4-5. Every agent I ever met made up their minds about an actor in less than 10 seconds. After 2 minutes they change their mind and it goes the other way. STAY WITHIN THEIR ATTENTION SPAN OR TIME ALLOWANCE AND YOU'LL HAVE MORE SUCCESS.
6. One that has an element of "surprise". If the audience is 3 steps ahead of your "acting" they get bored very fast. Shift gears suddenly and change your mood or voice. Find a way to keep us on the edge of our seats, wondering what will happen next? EVERYONE LOVES TO BE PLEASANTLY SURPRISED.
7. One that shows YOU are a winner.When you leave the room, what will they think of you? What was your lasting impression? Will they cast you? Call you back or shrug? Most importantly don't choose a loser, someone who whines, complains or is a victim. Everyone loves to watch feisty characters. They don't like to watch losers. LEAVE THEM THINKING YOU ARE AMAZINGLY COURAGEOUS- A PIRATE, A REBEL, A SURVIVOR!
8. One that is NOT full of foul language, swearing, rude sexual innuendos unless it is so essential to the character (who in spite of the language is funny as well as in some quirky way a winner). But be careful. Well written monologues like that are few and far between and most actors aren't clever enough to pull them off. You run the risk of alienating everyone within earshot and then looking like a mediocre actor on top of it. CHOOSE GOOD WRITING OVER SOMETHING FLASHY TO IMPRESS.
9. Don't use a recognizable piece that a movie star did really well. You'll be compared to that star and you won't WIN. (Examples: Matt Damon in Good Will Hunting or Angelina Jolie in Girl Interrupted). Those monologues are done badly with actors who simply lacked the personality -YES, personality, NOT talent-to pull it off. Don't go there. YOU are not Matt Damon or Angelina Jolie. Find a likeable character and do the monologue your way. THEN YOU WILL BE A WINNER!
Monday, July 4, 2011
Sunday, April 24, 2011
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
How to make money as an Actor: First, Stop Struggling!
Does this describe you and your marketing efforts?
1. Sending out pictures and resumes to agents, and getting little or no response.
2. Meeting agents and casting directors in those 2-5 minute "pay-to-meets" but no one calls or wants to represent you.
3. Submitting yourself with on-line casting but all you get are student and "indie" film auditions or non-union commercial jobs.
4. Spending too much money on "classes and workshops" to meet industry people who won't hire you except for an "extra job".
Stop! Change your strategy to change your results!
1. Stop All Marketing Activity That Costs You Any Money (so you can start making money)!
Stop mailing, stop submitting, stop spending your hard-earned dollars on envelopes, postage, labels, postcards and those "pay-to-meets". Take some time off. Why? Because if you aren't getting the response that you need, i.e., representation, auditions and work, it's not working for you. Don't worry about what you may be "missing" while taking a month or two off to re-gather your resources and re-plan your attack. Better to do it right than keep wasting time and money sending out marketing material that will just be tossed. Yes, thrown away.
First, you need to re-think your product and clarify your brand before contacting any more Industry Professionals. First Impressions are really important. If you haven't figured out your specific "type" and "brand," guess what? Neither has the Industry. If they don't know how to cast you, they won't call you for auditions. Get advice to define your brand. Ask a career coach. No one buys a product that is not clearly professional.
2.Re-Evaluate Your Marketing Tools - The 4 things that will get you work & Income
Excellent headshot. It's possible that your headshot isn't representing you accurately or maybe you need to re-think your "image". With the money you saved by NOT marketing with your old headshot, get a new one. Avoid the generic headshot, one with a blank smile that looks like your high school graduation picture It says NOTHING so that's the exact response you'll get! And be original. Try not to look like every other newbie, wearing the cliché t-shirt and jeans. It tells every agent that there's nothing special about you - you're just following the herd.
Your headshot needs to be specific and full of your personality and should tell them in a flash the specific roles you can play -i.e., prep-school dude, girl-next-door, lawyer, compassionate intern, tough head nurse, sweet secretary, suburban Dad, bad guy, FBI agent... in a specific market - primetime, soaps, commercials and film.
Professionally designed resume. Follow standard formatting -3 columns (NOT long lines of information running across the page). List training and roles correctly- PLAY, ROLE, PLACE/ DIRECTOR, and don't employ incorrect wordage. Never say things like "stage experience", "lead" role, "student" film, Dr. blah-blah from college was my teacher or add "awards" for runway modeling or winning acting "contests". These things will definitely show that not only are you a newbie but you're still a student (i.e. amateur). Having a resume less than professionally designed may prevent an agent or casting director from calling you.
Great demo reel. And definitely have a demo reel that is amazing. If they can't see your work, they can't hire you. Live auditions are less and less frequent without a preliminary click on your website to see your on-camera persona- type, range, ability.
Website. Have one! (they're reasonable and easily put up these days so there's no excuse!)
3. Create A Realistic Marketing Plan:
Target specific agents who may be appropriate for you. Often we aim too high or haven't researched a specific agency that isn't interested in our type. Look for agencies that say they are taking on "new or developmental" clients. Most agencies, however, want ready-to-book professionals walking through their doors.
Update your marketing tools so they are the best they can be and represent you. That includes; headshot, resume, demo reel, website.
Set Goals-who to meet and when and then follow up.
Work with a Coach to assist you weekly in reaching your goals, stay on track and to get a personal referral. The sooner you present yourself professionally and have an agent, the sooner you'll work and make $$!
Buy A Software Program with a database management system and communicate frequently. Send Email blasts and create marketing campaigns linking to your website. Then the industry can see your work quickly and easily. You'll book more jobs and make more money.
Always have a project you are developing, a play you are rehearsing, a staged reading you are involved in or are producing, filming a short you wrote. If you are focused on developing your talent and letting the industry know your progress, they will definitely be more interested in working with you. Work begets work...and that's how to start making more money!
Successful Marketing!
Gwyn and the TAM Team
Monday, August 24, 2009
HOW TO BE CAMERA READY - Looking Great No Matter What You're Shooting
If you're cast in a daytime or primetime series, film or even a major market commercial, there are usually professional teams of people to make you look great. But if you're on the set of a low budget indie, a non-union industrial, a web series or shooting your own demo reel- there may not be anyone to give you a professional "camera ready" appearance. The difference between good work and mediocre is a few simple things you should learn how to do. No matter what project you're shooting on camera, you need to look your best. Who knows who will see outtakes years from now of your early efforts? Oops! Here are some tips so you can always be camera ready.
1. Bring your own make-up- guys included. Either cream or liquid foundation to match your natural skin tone and powder, especially powder! Everyone looks shiny, greasy, and sweaty on camera! It's either the hot lights or your own nervous energy creating that non-stop sweat oozing through your pores. Unless you're playing a long distance runner or are doing a re-make of Broadcast News (remember Albert Brooks who was so nervous he had "flop sweat" when reporting the evening news?) you don't want to let them see you sweat.
Solution: Use pressed powder in a compact. It has a flat round soft cotton pad that smoothes the powder on your skin- especially on your nose, forehead and chin- where actors appear to be the "shiniest". Or use natural mineral grains with a large brush-both available at drug stores and cosmetic counters.
2. Bring hairspray, gel, mousse, glue. Unless you're running into the wind your hair will inevitably get into your face, your mouth, your eyes. Girls with WAMP hair usually suffer the most. What is WAMP? That long, straight, hanging hair that never stays in place when you start talking. Nothing wrong with long hair. You just don't want to be pushing it constantly behind your ears or flopping it back-it's annoying to your audience.
Solution: Just cut layers, curl it, wave it or straighten it with an electric straightening iron so it has body and is "disciplined" into staying in place, not hanging limply. If you have a buzz or military cut, no worries. You're exempt. Everybody else, spray it. You don't want hair to get in theway of your performance.
3. Unless it's a vampire movie, ladies, please avoid the red, cherry, black, dark brown, blood, wine, crimson, fuchsia, purple, cabernet or otherwise dark lipstick. (if your skin tone is very dark you are the exception and some of these shades might work). But most broadcast quality cameras are highly sensitive and will actually exaggerate the color-it will appear darker. You will appear bloody or just strange.
Solution: Go for a more fashionable natural or warm color of lipstick with a small amount of gloss. Be warned- heavily glossed lips make you look like a rock star about to shriek- too exaggerated.
4. If you're bringing your own wardrobe, avoid red, white or black (depending on your character and the situation). If given a choice, choose more vibrant colors. On a lower budget set, the lighting may not be too developed so red may glare, turn orange, icky pink or appear to be a large blood stain-not attractive. Black just looks dull and absorbs all the light and energy (unless you are an FBI agent, at a funeral, a high powered attorney, etc.)-even then you can always wear a shirt with a warm shade-blue, peach, yellow, green. White may "ghost" - that's a thin green line that appears around you so you look ghostly. These things all depend on the experience level of the director. She/he may have lighting or camera angles in mind to counterbalance the effect of what you're wearing. Let's hope there's a lighting guy nearby-usually not. Dark wine, navy, dark green, dark gray-all these just make you appear to be a conservative, dull or depressed character. (If you've seen the recent TV ads for depression drugs-everyone who is suffering from depression is wearing these shades).
Solution: If forced to wear dull or dark shades, counter the effect by bringing a bright scarf, accessory- handbag, shawl, tie, vest, hat...think around the dreary outfit you may have to wear. Solid colors always make you look thinner, happier, more professional, and elegant-the list goes on. If your character is a dowdy person- then stick to the ditsy little printed dress or blouses, the plaid flannel shirts, or the dull khaki slacks. If not, bring your own vibrancy and colors!
Successful Marketing!
Gwyn
1. Bring your own make-up- guys included. Either cream or liquid foundation to match your natural skin tone and powder, especially powder! Everyone looks shiny, greasy, and sweaty on camera! It's either the hot lights or your own nervous energy creating that non-stop sweat oozing through your pores. Unless you're playing a long distance runner or are doing a re-make of Broadcast News (remember Albert Brooks who was so nervous he had "flop sweat" when reporting the evening news?) you don't want to let them see you sweat.
Solution: Use pressed powder in a compact. It has a flat round soft cotton pad that smoothes the powder on your skin- especially on your nose, forehead and chin- where actors appear to be the "shiniest". Or use natural mineral grains with a large brush-both available at drug stores and cosmetic counters.
2. Bring hairspray, gel, mousse, glue. Unless you're running into the wind your hair will inevitably get into your face, your mouth, your eyes. Girls with WAMP hair usually suffer the most. What is WAMP? That long, straight, hanging hair that never stays in place when you start talking. Nothing wrong with long hair. You just don't want to be pushing it constantly behind your ears or flopping it back-it's annoying to your audience.
Solution: Just cut layers, curl it, wave it or straighten it with an electric straightening iron so it has body and is "disciplined" into staying in place, not hanging limply. If you have a buzz or military cut, no worries. You're exempt. Everybody else, spray it. You don't want hair to get in theway of your performance.
3. Unless it's a vampire movie, ladies, please avoid the red, cherry, black, dark brown, blood, wine, crimson, fuchsia, purple, cabernet or otherwise dark lipstick. (if your skin tone is very dark you are the exception and some of these shades might work). But most broadcast quality cameras are highly sensitive and will actually exaggerate the color-it will appear darker. You will appear bloody or just strange.
Solution: Go for a more fashionable natural or warm color of lipstick with a small amount of gloss. Be warned- heavily glossed lips make you look like a rock star about to shriek- too exaggerated.
4. If you're bringing your own wardrobe, avoid red, white or black (depending on your character and the situation). If given a choice, choose more vibrant colors. On a lower budget set, the lighting may not be too developed so red may glare, turn orange, icky pink or appear to be a large blood stain-not attractive. Black just looks dull and absorbs all the light and energy (unless you are an FBI agent, at a funeral, a high powered attorney, etc.)-even then you can always wear a shirt with a warm shade-blue, peach, yellow, green. White may "ghost" - that's a thin green line that appears around you so you look ghostly. These things all depend on the experience level of the director. She/he may have lighting or camera angles in mind to counterbalance the effect of what you're wearing. Let's hope there's a lighting guy nearby-usually not. Dark wine, navy, dark green, dark gray-all these just make you appear to be a conservative, dull or depressed character. (If you've seen the recent TV ads for depression drugs-everyone who is suffering from depression is wearing these shades).
Solution: If forced to wear dull or dark shades, counter the effect by bringing a bright scarf, accessory- handbag, shawl, tie, vest, hat...think around the dreary outfit you may have to wear. Solid colors always make you look thinner, happier, more professional, and elegant-the list goes on. If your character is a dowdy person- then stick to the ditsy little printed dress or blouses, the plaid flannel shirts, or the dull khaki slacks. If not, bring your own vibrancy and colors!
Successful Marketing!
Gwyn
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
August is Demo Reel Month!
Part 1- How to Get an Amazing Demo Reel
1- Choose Roles That Show Your "Type" And Range. That means how would you be
cast in Primetime/Daytime TV and Films TODAY? Almost all TV series are written in a
consistent format which includes classic types: Interns/Doctors, Lawyers/Criminals,
Detectives/Investigators, Spies/CIA agents, Geeks/Ordinary people and Sexy women
doing something naughty or illegal. That's why we have series like; House, NCIS,
Raising the Bar, Law & Order, CSI, Criminal Minds, 24, Desperate Housewives,
BUrn Notice, How I Met your Mother, 30 Rock, etc... OK, so you need to show
WHAT characters in WHICH of these shows you could play. If the clip you want to
put on your reel isn't in the genre of one of the above shows, exclude it. Simple.
cast in Primetime/Daytime TV and Films TODAY? Almost all TV series are written in a
consistent format which includes classic types: Interns/Doctors, Lawyers/Criminals,
Detectives/Investigators, Spies/CIA agents, Geeks/Ordinary people and Sexy women
doing something naughty or illegal. That's why we have series like; House, NCIS,
Raising the Bar, Law & Order, CSI, Criminal Minds, 24, Desperate Housewives,
BUrn Notice, How I Met your Mother, 30 Rock, etc... OK, so you need to show
WHAT characters in WHICH of these shows you could play. If the clip you want to
put on your reel isn't in the genre of one of the above shows, exclude it. Simple.
2- Don't put "Heavily Dramatic" Scenes on your reel. This is the biggest mistake
of beginners who want something "juicy" and "serious" to show they can act. Wrong.
Good acting is subtle. Did you ever notice that most student films include a lot of
screaming, heavy drama, crying, yelling obscenities and firing of guns? They think
it's cool. The real industry does not. Scenes that are clever, fast-paced, witty or
humorous, entertaining, intelligent and subtle are closer to the real thing. Go for
those.
of beginners who want something "juicy" and "serious" to show they can act. Wrong.
Good acting is subtle. Did you ever notice that most student films include a lot of
screaming, heavy drama, crying, yelling obscenities and firing of guns? They think
it's cool. The real industry does not. Scenes that are clever, fast-paced, witty or
humorous, entertaining, intelligent and subtle are closer to the real thing. Go for
those.
3 - Don't Include the Horror, Alien Or Other Sci-Fi With Special Effects Scenes.
Exclude anything overly graphic, gratuitously violent and unwatchable. First time
indie directors love these scenes because it fulfills their agenda to produce a
sensational, money-making, low-budget first feature. It doesn't fulfill YOUR
agenda. No A-list Casting Director or top Agent wants a client whose tacky
demonstration of talent consists of being pursued across the Mall's parking lot
by a maniac wielding a chain saw. Get something better to represent you if
you want representation and any work at all!
Exclude anything overly graphic, gratuitously violent and unwatchable. First time
indie directors love these scenes because it fulfills their agenda to produce a
sensational, money-making, low-budget first feature. It doesn't fulfill YOUR
agenda. No A-list Casting Director or top Agent wants a client whose tacky
demonstration of talent consists of being pursued across the Mall's parking lot
by a maniac wielding a chain saw. Get something better to represent you if
you want representation and any work at all!
4 - Don't Shoot Or Write Your Own Scenes Unless You Really Are A Professional
Writer who's been writing for years. But then why would you need an actor's
demo reel? Find a company (see TAM below) that can produce, write, shoot and
edit a scene or two for you. You deserve the best so go to professionals. And NEVER
use a scene that's from a REAL series- it's illegal and you're breaking the copyright
law! Besides, you'll never look as good as the original. Don't shoot yourself in the
foot as well!
Writer who's been writing for years. But then why would you need an actor's
demo reel? Find a company (see TAM below) that can produce, write, shoot and
edit a scene or two for you. You deserve the best so go to professionals. And NEVER
use a scene that's from a REAL series- it's illegal and you're breaking the copyright
law! Besides, you'll never look as good as the original. Don't shoot yourself in the
foot as well!
5- Get The Advice Of An Excellent Editor Who Has Worked On Major Primetime
TV series not just edited low budget indies. The style is different, the pacing, the
music,the LIGHTING and the length of scenes. Better yet, find a Career Coach to
advise you on choice of scenes/roles, wardrobe, image and style. The roles
you will be offered are exactly the ones you display on your reel. Get advice.
TV series not just edited low budget indies. The style is different, the pacing, the
music,the LIGHTING and the length of scenes. Better yet, find a Career Coach to
advise you on choice of scenes/roles, wardrobe, image and style. The roles
you will be offered are exactly the ones you display on your reel. Get advice.
6- Make It Short, Fast Paced And FUN! - Show Off Your best traits, personality and
acting ability. Agents can tell in about 10 seconds if they want to work with you.
They don't need to see a long boring dramatic scene. On your website you could
post two or three (1-2 minute) complete "scenes" but if you have a good editor you
should create a "SIZZLE reel". It has about 6-8 (5-10 second) clips that come to a
total of one minute and is much like a fast paced, fun, intriguing trailer to a great
movie. You can even include a clip from a commercial or music video. Agents, CD's,
Film producers - EVERYONE in the Industry loves "SIZZLE reels"! So get one!
acting ability. Agents can tell in about 10 seconds if they want to work with you.
They don't need to see a long boring dramatic scene. On your website you could
post two or three (1-2 minute) complete "scenes" but if you have a good editor you
should create a "SIZZLE reel". It has about 6-8 (5-10 second) clips that come to a
total of one minute and is much like a fast paced, fun, intriguing trailer to a great
movie. You can even include a clip from a commercial or music video. Agents, CD's,
Film producers - EVERYONE in the Industry loves "SIZZLE reels"! So get one!
Successful Marketing!
Gwyn
Monday, August 3, 2009
Marketing Tips for Actors - What You Need to Break Into The LA Market
1- Meet and get to be known by the Casting Directors- a lot of CD's. (There are HUNDRED'S!)
ACTION STEP: Meet as many as possible in one fell swoop- attend an Actor Marathon or get a personal referral to dozens- don't waste 3 years meeting one at a time in a 2 minute pay-to-meet. They won't remember you a week later let alone know your work and "brand".
2- Get an established Agent who can remind them of your existence....so in the flurry of a casting session- they can call you in immediately. No time wasted.
ACTION STEP: Meet a slew of boutique agents who may be looking for developmental clients. Attend an Actor Marathon and meet 50 in one weekend or have a Career Coach personally set up appointments for a few dozen.
3- Know how to audition with "cold copy" (you may have minutes from getting the script to the actual audition).
ACTION STEP: Study with Margie Haber- the BEST in the business.
4- Know where the studios are and how to get there-no "getting lost" on the 405 or the 101!
ACTION STEP: Get a Thomas Guide @ any gas station, book store or on line.
5- Be available and attitude-ready not a wimp preparing to fly back to NY (Kansas, Tennesee, Maryland) because it didn't work out in a few weeks or a few months.
ACTION STEP: Lock into an apartment, a car, a source of income and stay put. Begin an aggressive marketing campaign. Persistence will win out.
6- Have a job or funds available (for the first year at least) that allows you to be free from financial stress. There's no time to negotiate "getting off" from a dumb day job- the casting process is over very quickly.
ACTION STEP: Plan ahead. Set up your personal life. Find and develop a "support" group- both social and professional to hang out with. Make sure you're around working, successful winners.
7- Have excellent marketing tools- a fabulous headshot or 5 showing how you look today and what roles you can play, a resume with TV and quality film credits, not NY showcases.
ACTION STEP: Get the advice of a Career Coach- have her check out your marketing kit before going.
8- Have a great, short, entertaining and brilliant sizzle reel..1-2 minutes with the many (5-6) roles you've played (or can play) ...no student or indie film quality!
ACTION STEP: Find an editor who has worked for a major primetime series and hire him to edit your reel. If you have nothing of quality that shows your work- find a company that shoots demo reels and writes scripts catered to you. Don't leave home without one!
9- Be positive, cheerful, FUN to work with, super trained, aggressively persistent and charming as well! If people know you, like you, trust you- they hire you! Learn to be likeable.
ACTION STEP: Go to charm school? (Just kidding) Remember, you chose to be an actor so tap into the passion and FUN of it all...not just the hard work.
10 - Be 1000% with every interview and audition-know your goals, your niche, your brand and show it!
ACTION STEP: Develop military discipline- every interview and audition is a battle you need to win! Be prepared, have the weapons, be psyched and go for it!
Again, the reason you go to LA in April, June, or December (anytime can be good as long as you are prepared and have your life/network already set up but those are the optimum times) is so you can get settled, sign with an agent, learn your way around town. Then, when a role comes up for which you are right, theyalready know you, can call your agent and you just have to show up. Easy, simple, logical.
Then, just do your work and get paid....plenty!
Successful Marketing!
Gwyn
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
In What Media Will you Work the Most ? Where Will You be the Most Successful??
How Does the Industry see you? What is your strongest talent? Are you camera ready...or highly photogenic? Do you love working on camera? Or do you shine the most while on stage? Where should you spend your energy to develop and succeed at your acting career?
There are FIVE WAYS of determining your most likely successful media.
1- Your physical type
2- Your training
3- Your own option -what do you do best and LOVE
4- Where you get cast (work) most frequently NOW
5- Where you WANT to be in the future (not what is happening in your career right now)
Daytime or Primetime TV requires a "camera ready" appearance and the skill to act believeably on camera. That starts with solid acting training, howevera lot of theatre trained actors find it difficult to make the transition.
Musical Theatre depends on your singing and dance abilities.
Theatre is very diverse and requires all types but the best trained andmost talented actors generally win the majority of roles ...Or TV/Film stars who are Big box office lures.
(*Smart Marketing tactic? Establish yourself in TV or Film FIRST. Then you'll get a starring role in a Broadway show MORE EASILY because you're a NAME- you have drawing power).
Film, like TV requires a specific "look" and photogenic requirements for a majority of roles. But great film actors have one thing in common- they're brilliant in the "close-up" expressing every emotion as a delicate stroke. Most have trained in theatre first.
FYI:It's best to get solid theatre training if you want to work in any media.
Models and really pretty people book modeling jobs, commercials (beauty products) and tons of roles in TV and Film because people like to look at beauty. It's easy on the eye. So instead of just a cop or a detective, who's most often cast? A tall, dark and handsome actor and if the role is for a female forensic expert,she's gorgeous. But, in the last 10 years "character types" (read normal, average looking, very unusual or mature) have been the trend. So Primetime is filled with "real" people not just the "babes". Some shows specialize in being gritty and are very realistic. No pretty or movie star types there.If you want to work, study the market, watch every PRIMETIME SHOW from 7:30 PM - 11PM, Mon-Friday and KNOW where you fit in. KNOW YOUR MARKET!!!
"It's a waste of time trying to meet the Casting Director of a
show that will NEVER hire you because of your type."
Most TV shows are fast paced sitcoms or action series so there's less dialogue and more action. And "type" plays a major factor in the casting process - your charcter is either very good or very bad -sweet girl/nasty girl, evil villain/rescuing hero, geeky guy/handsome guy.
"The reality is- you can work in ANY media if you're trained and professional...but the likelihood of being specifically cast in roles on Primetime TV or in Films is based as much on your appearance as it is on the brilliance of your talent."
Why not go to the market that will give you the most opportunity and work? That means NY or LA if you want to be in the big leagues. To find out in which media you will be most successful, assess your training, your greatest interest, your experience, where you feel you are most talented AND your physical attributes, complete this simple exercise:
CIRCLE YOUR CHOICES
ADD YOUR POINTS
Sex:
M -2 F-1
Age range:
16-21: 5 22-26: 4 27-32: 3 33-42: 2 43-50: 1 50-90: 4
Physical attributes:
Tall-5 Average/short-4
Physical attributes:
Slender/in shape-5 Average-4 Overweight-3
Hair:
medium-5 dark-4 fair-3 white/gray-2 bald-1
Strongest talent:
Musical Theatre 1 Theatre 2 TV 3 Film 4
What do you love to do the most?
Musical Theatre 1 Theatre 2 TV 3 Film 4
In what area is your most experience?
Musical Theatre 1 Theatre 2 TV 3 Film 4
What is your #1 goal - to work in which media for the next 5-10 years?
Musical Theatre 1 Theatre 2 TV 3 Film 4
In what media did you work last?
Musical Theatre 1 Theatre 2 TV 3 Film 4
TOTAL POINTS _____________
Add up your TOTAL points. Which best fits your score? Are you:
GROUP I 15-27
GROUP 2 28-36
GROUP 3 37-42
GROUP I actors are best suited to pursue Theatre and Musical theatre.
GROUP 2 are probably going to work a lot more in Primetime TV.
GROUP 3 should definitely pursue Film work.
What does all this mean in terms of WHERE YOU SHOULD BE?
If you are in Group 1- You should be in NY- for Broadway Musicals, Theatre work and CASTING for all the major rep companies, summer stock, tours and musical tours for jobs outside NY.
If you are in Group 2- you could be in NY or LA but there are thousands more roles for Primetime TV in LA -(about 115 shows - give or take) compared to NY. (15 shows)
If you are Group 3- no doubt about it, LA should be your home.These are generalities and the quiz is based on the 5 points mentioned earlier so you could fall outside the norm...take it a with a grain of salt. But, it might behelpful in deciding where you should be and how best to advance your career.
Next week we'll deal with the LA MARKET...WHEN'S THE BEST TIME TO GO TO LA TO BE SUCCESSFUL?
Successful Marketing!
Gwyn
There are FIVE WAYS of determining your most likely successful media.
1- Your physical type
2- Your training
3- Your own option -what do you do best and LOVE
4- Where you get cast (work) most frequently NOW
5- Where you WANT to be in the future (not what is happening in your career right now)
Daytime or Primetime TV requires a "camera ready" appearance and the skill to act believeably on camera. That starts with solid acting training, howevera lot of theatre trained actors find it difficult to make the transition.
Musical Theatre depends on your singing and dance abilities.
Theatre is very diverse and requires all types but the best trained andmost talented actors generally win the majority of roles ...Or TV/Film stars who are Big box office lures.
(*Smart Marketing tactic? Establish yourself in TV or Film FIRST. Then you'll get a starring role in a Broadway show MORE EASILY because you're a NAME- you have drawing power).
Film, like TV requires a specific "look" and photogenic requirements for a majority of roles. But great film actors have one thing in common- they're brilliant in the "close-up" expressing every emotion as a delicate stroke. Most have trained in theatre first.
FYI:It's best to get solid theatre training if you want to work in any media.
Models and really pretty people book modeling jobs, commercials (beauty products) and tons of roles in TV and Film because people like to look at beauty. It's easy on the eye. So instead of just a cop or a detective, who's most often cast? A tall, dark and handsome actor and if the role is for a female forensic expert,she's gorgeous. But, in the last 10 years "character types" (read normal, average looking, very unusual or mature) have been the trend. So Primetime is filled with "real" people not just the "babes". Some shows specialize in being gritty and are very realistic. No pretty or movie star types there.If you want to work, study the market, watch every PRIMETIME SHOW from 7:30 PM - 11PM, Mon-Friday and KNOW where you fit in. KNOW YOUR MARKET!!!
"It's a waste of time trying to meet the Casting Director of a
show that will NEVER hire you because of your type."
Most TV shows are fast paced sitcoms or action series so there's less dialogue and more action. And "type" plays a major factor in the casting process - your charcter is either very good or very bad -sweet girl/nasty girl, evil villain/rescuing hero, geeky guy/handsome guy.
"The reality is- you can work in ANY media if you're trained and professional...but the likelihood of being specifically cast in roles on Primetime TV or in Films is based as much on your appearance as it is on the brilliance of your talent."
Why not go to the market that will give you the most opportunity and work? That means NY or LA if you want to be in the big leagues. To find out in which media you will be most successful, assess your training, your greatest interest, your experience, where you feel you are most talented AND your physical attributes, complete this simple exercise:
CIRCLE YOUR CHOICES
ADD YOUR POINTS
Sex:
M -2 F-1
Age range:
16-21: 5 22-26: 4 27-32: 3 33-42: 2 43-50: 1 50-90: 4
Physical attributes:
Tall-5 Average/short-4
Physical attributes:
Slender/in shape-5 Average-4 Overweight-3
Hair:
medium-5 dark-4 fair-3 white/gray-2 bald-1
Strongest talent:
Musical Theatre 1 Theatre 2 TV 3 Film 4
What do you love to do the most?
Musical Theatre 1 Theatre 2 TV 3 Film 4
In what area is your most experience?
Musical Theatre 1 Theatre 2 TV 3 Film 4
What is your #1 goal - to work in which media for the next 5-10 years?
Musical Theatre 1 Theatre 2 TV 3 Film 4
In what media did you work last?
Musical Theatre 1 Theatre 2 TV 3 Film 4
TOTAL POINTS _____________
Add up your TOTAL points. Which best fits your score? Are you:
GROUP I 15-27
GROUP 2 28-36
GROUP 3 37-42
GROUP I actors are best suited to pursue Theatre and Musical theatre.
GROUP 2 are probably going to work a lot more in Primetime TV.
GROUP 3 should definitely pursue Film work.
What does all this mean in terms of WHERE YOU SHOULD BE?
If you are in Group 1- You should be in NY- for Broadway Musicals, Theatre work and CASTING for all the major rep companies, summer stock, tours and musical tours for jobs outside NY.
If you are in Group 2- you could be in NY or LA but there are thousands more roles for Primetime TV in LA -(about 115 shows - give or take) compared to NY. (15 shows)
If you are Group 3- no doubt about it, LA should be your home.These are generalities and the quiz is based on the 5 points mentioned earlier so you could fall outside the norm...take it a with a grain of salt. But, it might behelpful in deciding where you should be and how best to advance your career.
Next week we'll deal with the LA MARKET...WHEN'S THE BEST TIME TO GO TO LA TO BE SUCCESSFUL?
Successful Marketing!
Gwyn
Friday, July 10, 2009
Essential Marketing Tips for Actors- What is your Niche/Brand? What makes you Unique?
The best way to successfully jumpstart your acting career is to clarify what you are selling. What is your Market? Niche? Brand? The first step for most actors is getting roles in unpaid off-off Broadway showcases which give you experience on stage or in student/indie films which give you experience in front of a camera. It's good to observe and see the process but not so good for a healthy income or any at all!
When you want to move on and have a real acting career (great roles, income, credibility, status) you need to meet agents to get representation and casting directors of major series and films to get cast. But here's the catch. If you want to be successful at your meetings, you need to bring something crucial to the table-your brand, your unique quality.(Otherwise you just get lost in the shuffle- Agents and CD's see hundreds of actors monthly!)The way to make that happen is simple. Here's an example.
1- Choose your one market and focus on that first. PRIMETIME Drama
2- Then, find your niche - the kind of roles you can easily play and for which you will be called frequently. Spies, Action adventure heroes, CIA Agents
3- Define your unique quality/brand. "Sweet-Looking, but Tough Wise-Ass"
Result: Michael Weston on Burn Notice
The clearer you are about your brand the sooner you will work. Why? Because if CD's see you as a specific type you become memorable, a recognizableproduct. Recognizable products become very popular just like designer fashions because when someone buys your product they know exactly what they're getting.
Guaranteed. Every time. So, if you specialize in "spies, upscale lawyers, nasty teenagers, vulnerable sweet guys, psycho-murderers" those roles will be offered to you, you suddenly get booked a lot, your income skyrockets and you get put on the A list. Then you have control over your career and the roles you want to play. You're in demand! Success! That's how it works.But first, you need to do a little work. You have to figure out your brand.
This exercise works:
Send an email to 10 friends, family members or co-workers and ask them to describe your 3 most striking qualities. You'll be amazed when several depict YOU in the same words - that's your unique quality, your brand.Just sum it up in a short log line and relate it to role in a TV series or film. Here are a few from current clients:
Green-eyed Southern Belle with a husky laugh, war hero gone to seed, “flubby” suburban Dad, chain smoking, adoring Mom, psychic sidekick with a handgun, Hippie biker chick, ditzy office worker, sweet 4th grade teacher-victim, Hot guy with a dorky smile, striking brunette with a passion for shopping, pageant queen turned soccer mom, brainy, arrogant computer geek
FOCUS on making your brand a standout, memorable. Refine it, polish it, and make it sparkling like a diamond. Spiff up. You may have to do some "tweaking" to your image. Long straggly hair not working? Be different- curl it, wave it, cut it, or make it swing and frame your face. Make it work for you. Find a "YOU" hairstyle. Scraggly beard, goatee, shaved head not getting you an agent or any auditions? (The style could be too common right now and unless you have to have a shaved head because you are close to being bald- it's probably a better choice to move on with another look).
The idea is to stand out from the crowd not fit in. If you look like every other actress and actor auditioning how are they going to remember you? Maybe you need to go back to the real you before your current hairstyle OR commit to having a style. Highlight those drab brown locks, grow that hair back in, re-create your image so it's unmistakably yours, not the trendy look of yesterday or what every other out-of-work actor is doing currently with their image. Dare to be different. Different works. Different books. Different is memorable, the goal of every actor. If Casting Directors remember you, they hire you! If you work a lot...Agents come running!
Revise your wardrobe- if your image above the neck has evolved, maybeyour clothes have to be "tweaked" as well. Still wearing your college jeans and t-shirt? Yeah, great! So when you go to meet a top Agent or Casting Director they perceive that you're still in "school" mode (read "student, amateur, unpolished").
"More actors lose roles because of their too casual, unprofessional appearance then because of the lack of training or talent."
Think "professional" as in doctor, lawyer, FBI agent, news journalist, military hero,cop, forensic expert, fashion editor …just like the roles you’ll be submitted for on every current show… unless you're 17 and going out for a role on Gossip Girl. Even then, those kids dress pretty upscale for teens-designer clothes not sloppy blue jeans. You may also have to get new head shots, re-design your resume, re-edit your reel or shoot a new one and update your website. (Moan, groan..."I have to spend any money?" Yeah, you do if you want to be in the running for any major roles).All your marketing tools need to reflect your brand and how you look nowso when you walk in the door that Casting Director holding your picture in her hand and smiling, says to herself, "YES!" That's exactly the guy I wanted for this project." You're in! Now, all you have to do is act. Easy!
Successful Marketing!
Gwyn
When you want to move on and have a real acting career (great roles, income, credibility, status) you need to meet agents to get representation and casting directors of major series and films to get cast. But here's the catch. If you want to be successful at your meetings, you need to bring something crucial to the table-your brand, your unique quality.(Otherwise you just get lost in the shuffle- Agents and CD's see hundreds of actors monthly!)The way to make that happen is simple. Here's an example.
1- Choose your one market and focus on that first. PRIMETIME Drama
2- Then, find your niche - the kind of roles you can easily play and for which you will be called frequently. Spies, Action adventure heroes, CIA Agents
3- Define your unique quality/brand. "Sweet-Looking, but Tough Wise-Ass"
Result: Michael Weston on Burn Notice
The clearer you are about your brand the sooner you will work. Why? Because if CD's see you as a specific type you become memorable, a recognizableproduct. Recognizable products become very popular just like designer fashions because when someone buys your product they know exactly what they're getting.
Guaranteed. Every time. So, if you specialize in "spies, upscale lawyers, nasty teenagers, vulnerable sweet guys, psycho-murderers" those roles will be offered to you, you suddenly get booked a lot, your income skyrockets and you get put on the A list. Then you have control over your career and the roles you want to play. You're in demand! Success! That's how it works.But first, you need to do a little work. You have to figure out your brand.
This exercise works:
Send an email to 10 friends, family members or co-workers and ask them to describe your 3 most striking qualities. You'll be amazed when several depict YOU in the same words - that's your unique quality, your brand.Just sum it up in a short log line and relate it to role in a TV series or film. Here are a few from current clients:
Green-eyed Southern Belle with a husky laugh, war hero gone to seed, “flubby” suburban Dad, chain smoking, adoring Mom, psychic sidekick with a handgun, Hippie biker chick, ditzy office worker, sweet 4th grade teacher-victim, Hot guy with a dorky smile, striking brunette with a passion for shopping, pageant queen turned soccer mom, brainy, arrogant computer geek
FOCUS on making your brand a standout, memorable. Refine it, polish it, and make it sparkling like a diamond. Spiff up. You may have to do some "tweaking" to your image. Long straggly hair not working? Be different- curl it, wave it, cut it, or make it swing and frame your face. Make it work for you. Find a "YOU" hairstyle. Scraggly beard, goatee, shaved head not getting you an agent or any auditions? (The style could be too common right now and unless you have to have a shaved head because you are close to being bald- it's probably a better choice to move on with another look).
The idea is to stand out from the crowd not fit in. If you look like every other actress and actor auditioning how are they going to remember you? Maybe you need to go back to the real you before your current hairstyle OR commit to having a style. Highlight those drab brown locks, grow that hair back in, re-create your image so it's unmistakably yours, not the trendy look of yesterday or what every other out-of-work actor is doing currently with their image. Dare to be different. Different works. Different books. Different is memorable, the goal of every actor. If Casting Directors remember you, they hire you! If you work a lot...Agents come running!
Revise your wardrobe- if your image above the neck has evolved, maybeyour clothes have to be "tweaked" as well. Still wearing your college jeans and t-shirt? Yeah, great! So when you go to meet a top Agent or Casting Director they perceive that you're still in "school" mode (read "student, amateur, unpolished").
"More actors lose roles because of their too casual, unprofessional appearance then because of the lack of training or talent."
Think "professional" as in doctor, lawyer, FBI agent, news journalist, military hero,cop, forensic expert, fashion editor …just like the roles you’ll be submitted for on every current show… unless you're 17 and going out for a role on Gossip Girl. Even then, those kids dress pretty upscale for teens-designer clothes not sloppy blue jeans. You may also have to get new head shots, re-design your resume, re-edit your reel or shoot a new one and update your website. (Moan, groan..."I have to spend any money?" Yeah, you do if you want to be in the running for any major roles).All your marketing tools need to reflect your brand and how you look nowso when you walk in the door that Casting Director holding your picture in her hand and smiling, says to herself, "YES!" That's exactly the guy I wanted for this project." You're in! Now, all you have to do is act. Easy!
Successful Marketing!
Gwyn
Thursday, July 2, 2009
Hi there!
Good news!
The economy is picking up, new shows are casting, things are moving in the right direction. How about YOU? Are your thriving? Booking commercials, primetime guest episodics, film work? OR, are you still struggling - to find an agent, get sent out on Daytime orPrimetime auditions and make a living as an actor? Want to find out why? And how to change that to BOOKING, BOOKING,BOOKING?Are you in the wrong place, at the wrong time, doing the wrong thing ? Do you still do pay-to-meets and get no response? Are you still sendingout postcards and cover letters but no agent calls? Find out why these forms of marketing are not as effective as other techniques. Learn newways to successfully market yourself and discover WHERE and WHEN to be in the RIGHT PLACE, doing the RIGHT THING at the RIGHT TIME!
Join us and transform your career in our upcoming FREE Seminar,
Wednesday July 8th, NYC7:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Learn WHERE you should be - NY or LA? to be a successful, working actor and make a $ix Figure Income! If you're in the right place at the right time, doing the right thing,
Wednesday July 8th, NYC7:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Learn WHERE you should be - NY or LA? to be a successful, working actor and make a $ix Figure Income! If you're in the right place at the right time, doing the right thing,
YOU WILL be successful!
Come to our Seminar and receive your customized
Come to our Seminar and receive your customized
Career Path Accelerator
A short exercise (it's fun!) in defining your best Career Path!
A short exercise (it's fun!) in defining your best Career Path!
"This is an incredible, interactive, informative seminar to help you change your marketing tactics, focus on your specific market andcreate a successful career. Don't miss it!"
Hurry- space is limited! Only the first 50 actors will be accepted!
Successful Marketing!
Gwyn Gilliss
Gwyn Gilliss
and the TAM TEAM
TAM, The Actor's Marketinfo@theactorsmarket.com
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Marketing Tips for Actors
JULY is Finding your Market Month at TAM, so we have 4 weeks of marketing tips about that.
Part I - FOCUS on ONE THING
Part II- What is your NICHE/BRAND? What Makes you UNIQUE?
Part III - In what MEDIA are you most likely to be booked?
Part IV - WHERE should you be to work the most??
The whole point behind finding your market is to make your career more successful and your life easier. Why struggle? If you focus on the ONE THING you do best-and perfect that, you WILL develop a niche, a market entirely your own, for which you are known. AND THAT, is the key to creating a successful career.EXAMPLES? - Robin Williams and Jerry Seinfeld both did stand-up comedy for a number of years before being offered sitcoms which led to being offered films. Their strength was comedy but it opened doors to amazing careers because they just focused on ONE THING until they were really excellent at it. Bebe Neuwirth and Kristen Chenoweth are both singers/dancers as well as good comediennes. They booked broadway shows which led to getting work on sitcoms which led to where they are now- film and TV work. Some of the highest paid actors in NY and Hollywood began as models or doing commercials until they were really good at it and making a living working ON CAMERA. That skill led to getting work on Soap Operas, Primetime TV and major feature films.So, the trick here is to FOCUS- Choose ONE THING (one of many of your talents, I'm sure) and do it repeatedly. If you spend your time and energy going in many directions- grabbing every audition for everything in every media trying to just be a "working actor" you will probably succeed at just that, working ....but not succeeding at your highest potential. Instead narrow down your choices in the order of your priorities. WHAT will make you extremely happy if you could be doing it EVERYDAY?
WARNING: If your answer is-"Whatever makes me the most money so I can buy my parents a house, get an expensive car, not have to have a day job and buy a lot of great things!" - think again. There are easier ways to become rich and amass a lot of stuff other than struggling to be a movie star. WHAT YOU DO EVERYDAY that inspires you, makes you joyous - that's a successful career and life.
Answer these 3 Questions and you'll be clear about that ONE THING.
1. What do you do best? What do you love (or why did you become an actor)?
2. In what media do you work the most RIGHT NOW? (theatre, musical theatre, commercials, daytime, primetime, film, voice -overs, sketch comedy or improv)?
3. Where are you most comfortable auditioning and performing? (on stage, in front of a camera, in a recording studio, with a band, in a comedy club)?
OK, here's the FOLLOW THROUGH for that ONE THING:Make a list of the top 3 medias in which you would love to be working ALL THE TIME. Then, follow through with #1 on your list. Spend most of your time learning that craft, studying with the top masters in that media, taking every course and workshop with those top masters, hanging around that theatre or studio, learning, absorbing, meeting, networking, developing your ONE THING- with an OBSESSION- 24/7. Breathe it, live it, taste it, become a clone of the masters, see how they got there, ask questions, ask them to be your mentor, assimilate. No other profession requires this much commitment. Doctors, lawyers, businessmen/women-they need education, training and have to work hard but they don't have the same level of competition as you. They can get jobs right out of school-you have to fight, focus and be the absolute best in the audition if you want to just get one little booking-not even a full time job! And then you have to do it again the next day and the next to create a career. It's a lot tougher for YOU.But if you follow though as above, guess what will happen? You've just set yourself up for that golden opportunity- the "door-opener" that will jumpstart your career. Being around "greats", being in the right place at the right time with the right skill set is creating your own lucky break. Believe me, it happens!
Successful Marketing!
Gwyn
Part I - FOCUS on ONE THING
Part II- What is your NICHE/BRAND? What Makes you UNIQUE?
Part III - In what MEDIA are you most likely to be booked?
Part IV - WHERE should you be to work the most??
The whole point behind finding your market is to make your career more successful and your life easier. Why struggle? If you focus on the ONE THING you do best-and perfect that, you WILL develop a niche, a market entirely your own, for which you are known. AND THAT, is the key to creating a successful career.EXAMPLES? - Robin Williams and Jerry Seinfeld both did stand-up comedy for a number of years before being offered sitcoms which led to being offered films. Their strength was comedy but it opened doors to amazing careers because they just focused on ONE THING until they were really excellent at it. Bebe Neuwirth and Kristen Chenoweth are both singers/dancers as well as good comediennes. They booked broadway shows which led to getting work on sitcoms which led to where they are now- film and TV work. Some of the highest paid actors in NY and Hollywood began as models or doing commercials until they were really good at it and making a living working ON CAMERA. That skill led to getting work on Soap Operas, Primetime TV and major feature films.So, the trick here is to FOCUS- Choose ONE THING (one of many of your talents, I'm sure) and do it repeatedly. If you spend your time and energy going in many directions- grabbing every audition for everything in every media trying to just be a "working actor" you will probably succeed at just that, working ....but not succeeding at your highest potential. Instead narrow down your choices in the order of your priorities. WHAT will make you extremely happy if you could be doing it EVERYDAY?
WARNING: If your answer is-"Whatever makes me the most money so I can buy my parents a house, get an expensive car, not have to have a day job and buy a lot of great things!" - think again. There are easier ways to become rich and amass a lot of stuff other than struggling to be a movie star. WHAT YOU DO EVERYDAY that inspires you, makes you joyous - that's a successful career and life.
Answer these 3 Questions and you'll be clear about that ONE THING.
1. What do you do best? What do you love (or why did you become an actor)?
2. In what media do you work the most RIGHT NOW? (theatre, musical theatre, commercials, daytime, primetime, film, voice -overs, sketch comedy or improv)?
3. Where are you most comfortable auditioning and performing? (on stage, in front of a camera, in a recording studio, with a band, in a comedy club)?
OK, here's the FOLLOW THROUGH for that ONE THING:Make a list of the top 3 medias in which you would love to be working ALL THE TIME. Then, follow through with #1 on your list. Spend most of your time learning that craft, studying with the top masters in that media, taking every course and workshop with those top masters, hanging around that theatre or studio, learning, absorbing, meeting, networking, developing your ONE THING- with an OBSESSION- 24/7. Breathe it, live it, taste it, become a clone of the masters, see how they got there, ask questions, ask them to be your mentor, assimilate. No other profession requires this much commitment. Doctors, lawyers, businessmen/women-they need education, training and have to work hard but they don't have the same level of competition as you. They can get jobs right out of school-you have to fight, focus and be the absolute best in the audition if you want to just get one little booking-not even a full time job! And then you have to do it again the next day and the next to create a career. It's a lot tougher for YOU.But if you follow though as above, guess what will happen? You've just set yourself up for that golden opportunity- the "door-opener" that will jumpstart your career. Being around "greats", being in the right place at the right time with the right skill set is creating your own lucky break. Believe me, it happens!
Successful Marketing!
Gwyn
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