Gwyn Gilliss -Marketing Tips For Actors

What Makes a Good Monologue?

2011-07-04T13:16:00.000-04:00

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!

Marketing Tips for Actors -In What Media Will You Work the Most ? Where Will You Be the Most Successful?

2011-04-24T03:05:00.000-04:00

Marketing Tips for Actors -In What Media Will You Work the Most ? Where Will You Be the Most Successful?

How to make money as an Actor: First, Stop Struggling!

2009-09-08T20:58:00.000-04:00

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

HOW TO BE CAMERA READY - Looking Great No Matter What You're Shooting

2009-08-24T08:57:00.000-04:00

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

August is Demo Reel Month!

2009-08-05T23:55:00.000-04:00

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.

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.

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!

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!

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.

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!

Successful Marketing!

Gwyn

Marketing Tips for Actors - What You Need to Break Into The LA Market

2009-08-03T12:46:00.000-04:00

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

In What Media Will you Work the Most ? Where Will You be the Most Successful??

2009-07-22T17:47:00.000-04:00

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

Essential Marketing Tips for Actors- What is your Niche/Brand? What makes you Unique?

2009-07-10T14:14:00.000-04:00

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

2009-07-02T10:12:00.000-04:00

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,

YOU WILL be successful!
Come to our Seminar and receive your customized

Career Path Accelerator
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!"

To RSVP email your name and phone number to
seminar@theactorsmarket.com

Hurry- space is limited! Only the first 50 actors will be accepted!

Successful Marketing!
Gwyn Gilliss

and the TAM TEAM

TAM, The Actor's Marketinfo@theactorsmarket.com

Marketing Tips for Actors

2009-06-30T09:42:00.000-04:00

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

How to book commercials-What's a BUTTON?

2009-06-05T06:54:00.000-04:00

Just as the first 4-7 seconds of your SLATE determines whether or not you may be hired in a Commercial Audition, so does the last 7 seconds or so. You see, in the "PLAYBACK" process of Casting- there are 50-100 actors, your competitors, ALL saying the same lines so the "decision makers will probably NOT listen to each audition completely. The Advertising Exec's, the Producer, the Director, the Client and any other production staff invited to view taped commercial auditions (rarely is that the Casting Director by the way)- will watch 3 things:
-Your SLATE
-Your First LINE of COPY
-Your Last LINE of COPY

(That's also why Casting Directors tell you to memorize these so you don't have to look away from the camera to "read" a line from the board. You need to keep your eyes focused looking directly into the lens as you talk to us. It's more believable).

Sometimes, of course, if they hate your SLATE, your face, the color you're wearing, the color of your hair, your eyes, your freckles, your nose or any other detail- they'll just FAST FORWARD. Happens all the time. Audition over. Maybe they're just not looking for your type or coloring.

So what makes them stay on your audition/your read? Something compelling, something appealing, attractive, fun or amusing. If they have already FAST FORWARDED then you have to put those qualities in the LAST LINE. When you are wrapping up a read with the last line you generally will put a "finish" on your performance. It could be a spontaneous nod, smile, giggle, wink or anything physical-subtle or not that makes your point. It could just be a shrug of your shoulders or a smirk. It's "performance punctuation" just like a period, an exclamation point or question mark at the end of a written sentence.

But that little move, sound or ad-libbed word is called a "BUTTON". Why is it so important? Out of all the actors with whom you are competing it's your last chance to be remembered, to stand out, to really sell YOU. If they remember you and like you, they HIRE you! Maybe your SLATE was boring or your READ average but you did something hilarious, outrageous and very charming with your BUTTON. That could give you a callback which could then put you in the running for a booking! It could also book you! If you are compelling (not cloying or annoying) and FUN to watch, people like you. If they love watching you, they hire you. Some actors are just plain lucky with a face that is funny or an expression that is hilarious or charming or beautiful. Whatever it is, YOU NEED TO KNOW how to exploit that!

So many times I've heard from complaining actors saying that they blew their audition, that it was horrible, they'll never book the job only to BOOK the job! So maybe their read wasn't very good. Maybe no one ever saw it! One thing to keep in mind-" It ain't over until it's over!" Your last shot is your BUTTON!

So to review, you have 3 shots to sell yourself during your taped Commercial audition:
your SLATE, your FIRST or LAST LINE, your BUTTON!

And if your read is natural, fun, spontaneous with great eye contact and we really believe you (you've gotten "off the page" so it doesn't sound like your "reading words") you probably will have a callback. That presumes, of course, that they WATCHED your READ! Develop your BUTTON as you develop your SLATE. Or adapt a number of appealing small physical moves, facial expressions that are truly unique to you. It should be spontaneous and NATURAL!PLEASE DO NOT START MUGGING AND DOING EXAGGERATED OR PHONY EXPRESSIONS-That is the exact opposite of a BUTTON and what amateurs do....EEEEK! They hate that! Just learn your own facial expressions when talking to people. That's what a commercial is - you talking to someone. See yourself a lot on camera and get the feedback of a Pro who can say- "That works! That's fun to watch and believable!" It's tricky.

Happy Auditioning and Successful Marketing!

Gwyn

The Most important Part of your Commercial Audition - Your Slate!

2009-05-14T14:26:00.000-04:00

Why is a slate so important?
A slate is your golden opportunity to book a major market commercial. A slate is the 4 second chance to blast your competitors out of the market. A slate is telling us who you ware.
"Hi ! I'm Blah-Blah!" But there's more to it than that.

1 - What is a slate?

Contrary to what a lot of actors think, a slate is not just saying your name or the name of the product before taping a commercial audition. A slate is the first 4-7 seconds of your audition. It is the introduction of yourself to the client, the producer, the director and all those "creative-writer-advertising-agency-type" people sitting around watching the playbacks of 50-100 auditions- your competitors - and deciding WHO will be booked for the job. Guess what? They decide in those first 4-7 seconds if they want to see your audition or if they're going to pass on you. A bad slate and they'll never see your wonderful prepared commercial performance. You're out of the running. Audition over!

2 - What not to do in your slate.

A - If you say your name in a bland or dull way-that's what they think of you. Fast forward and they never see your "read", your audition. Oops! Audition over!

B - If you say your name indifferently and then look down at the copy and come back smiling, "acting" and selling the product, they'll think you're phony because you haven't connected you with the copy about the product. It should be seamless-no gaps in between. Who you are and how you talk about any product should be in the same voice, the same personality. They'll probably fast forward. Oops!

C - If you say your name too fast or mumble or your name is very foreign sounding to the average Midwestern American, they will most definitely fast forward. Middle America, West of the Hudson and East of the pacific- buys 95% of all commercial products!!! Say your name slowly, clearly, repeat if necessary!!!!! If you can't say your name and be understood- it's over. No one will spend a few million dollars on an Ad campaign if the actor representing the product and the corporation can not be understood saying their own name! (Happens all the time!!) Oops! You're wasting your time coming to the audition.

3 - What to do in your slate.

So the trick is to grab them with your smile, your warmth, your personality and your energy so they will watch your audition. Even then, they'll probably fast forward after the first line, skipping to the last line. They wrote the copy, know it very well and certainly don't need to hear all 50-100 actors say the same thing over and over. They want to be "blown away" by someone in the first few seconds or the last. Time is money- lots of money- in the Advertising world. Provide the solution in a hurry and you make the money!

A slate is the time to charm them, wow them, enchant and motivate them to hire you. Sometimes that's all you have to audition with, the slate. How so? If you go to a commercial audition and there's no copy, no lines, how do you book the job? 30% of all commercials have no lines, just a storyboard. The actor is doing something with a product. You're a teenager at the pizza parlor, a housewife dusting the furniture, a happy couple on a cruise ship, a pretty woman brushing her hair, some guys drinking beer at a bar. So how do you book a job where you can't act, can't speak or say anything? Your slate. You can be the character they are looking for by the way you say you name and introduce yourself. No law against what you can say in a slate. So think outside the box. Be creative!

4 - How Do I Do That?
There was a Volkswagen spot a few years back-very retro where they were looking for a couple of hippies from the 60's. I suggested to one of my clients that he go dressed in a tie-dyed t-shirt, wearing beads or a headband. OK. That's easy. Wardrobe choice. When he got to the audition-no copy. So what did he do? When it was time to slate his name, he raised a fist, turned it into a "V" sign for peace and said,

"Like wow-Peace, man, I'm Stephen" and then mimed smoking a joint.

That did it! They could see the behavior as well as the "image" of a hippie and Stephen got cast. Network spot. Five figure income in the next 6 months. The slate got him the job. (well, of course he wouldn't be smoking a joint in a real TV commercial but it suggested 60's behavior.) A good actor has imagination and that's why he got booked!

Another example: For a Baby Shampoo, one of my clients mimed washing her baby who was obviously splashing soapy water in his bath. Wiping the imaginary soap from her face and eyes, she used her best "Mommy" voice and said during the slate,

"Whew, no more tears even on my face- Hi, I'm Jenny and this little splasher is Joey...mmmm?"

Again, the behavior, the Mommy voice during the slate and introducing an imaginary baby using the product, BABY SHAMPOO did it. She booked the major market spot and and made a $6 figure income. Sound ridiculous? Well, that's how commercials work and that's why your slate is so important. Besides having fun and being creative as an actor, you make a lot of money!

To Sum up:
Just saying your name won't get you the job. Using the slate to portray the character will. Can't argue with a few hundred thousand $$'s in residuals, can you??

Happy Auditioning and Successful Marketing!
Gwyn

Why "Skills" Is An Important Section on Your Resume

2009-04-29T13:44:00.000-04:00

Often actors will neglect one of the most important parts of their resume, SKILLS.We all know that Experience, Professional Training, Education is MAJOR-the main categories that tell the industry you have what it takes to play a role. But WHY is it important to have a STRONG skills section?

Many roles from commercials to Movies require some skill or the appearance of a skill, talent, language or artistic ability. It's important to let casting directors and your agent know what you can do comfortably.

Athletic Skills- playing golf, swimming, diving, racingKevin Costner really does play golf and did many of his own shots in Tin Cup and the famous Johnny Weissmuller did dive off cliffs and stay underwater a long time in jungle streams for all the Tarzan movies. Paul Newman did drive race cars in a movie as did Jason Statham in The Transporter. Many actors do dangerous sports and stunts in their own projects. But for most action adventure movies there are stand-ins. For casting purposes they still need to know that you are relatively in shape and can move, run and do some "appearing to be dangerous" stuff. If you DO play golf or tennis bring your clubs and racquet to the audition and dress in your best golf shirt or Wimbledon tennis togs.

Dialects and Languages If a film or series is set in a different country or your character is from there, you DO have to sound authentic. Yes, Meryl Streep and Even Robert DeNiro got expert speech coaching for some roles to learn an accent or get rid of one but it's great if you're already skilled in dialects.

Musical talent- singing, playing an instrument
Sometimes a character will sing, play the guitar or be in a rock band. Kris Kristofferson sang and played in more than one film and of course Barbara Streisand sang in Funny Girl and others. But not everyone remembers that Meryl Streep sang the film's theme song, Amazing Grace in Silkwood. You might just get hired to sing the theme song or appear within the movie as YOURSELF performing in a cabaret or nightclub.

World Traveler- can you handle traveling or have a passport?So many films are shot on location. If you've traveled there you'll be familiar with the language, the customs and will certainly have your passport. I've met actors who got smaller roles in adventure films because they had been on safari in Africa, had surfed on the Great Barrier Reef in Australia and climbed the Himalayas.

Other hobbies or artistic pursuits Are you experienced in painting watercolors, sculpting, gardening? These may be part of a character so it's more likely you'll be called to play them if you ARE a painter, sculptor or have a real garden. You'll even have the appropriate paint/mud splattered wardrobe for the audition!

Degrees in other professions- nursing, medical degree, MBA-business
These things will help if they need someone on the set of a Soap as an "advisor" and to speak the jargon/lingo for Corporate videos and in house training films.

How skilled must you be REALLY?

Never lie. Be competent but not necessarily professional in your skill or talent. For example if you're on a sailboat for a toothpaste commercial you don't have to "crew" but it might be best if you don't get seasick easily, especially in close-ups. If you have to play the piano for a coffee commercial, be able to do so for at least 8 bars. The whole commercial is only 30 seconds so it's not going to be necessary after that. (I know!)

If you state that you are "conversational or fluid" in a language that might be sufficient for a 30 second commercial or short scenes in a movie. Fluent means you are really up-to-speed.

Any other sport-biking for example, even if the movie is about a 3,500 kilometre bike hike, the Tour de France, you'll probably have a stand-in. You're being hired as an ACTOR not a biker. The extras might have to be better than you or actually be real pro's.

If they want a gold medal Olympic athlete for the movie or TV series they'll probably hire one or have HIM stand in for your stunts while YOU act. So although you should be "proficient" at your sport or skill you don't need to be brilliant. Even Ingrid Bergman didn't play a note in her Academy Award winning role in Intermezzo where she portrayed a concert pianist.

So add all of your talents, skills, sports, languages, dialects and special "activities"-ballroom dancing to salsa and you might just double your auditions and bookings!

Successful Marketing!
Gwyn

The Best Way To Get A Major Legit Agent After Training and Talent...CREDITS!

2009-04-24T11:40:00.000-04:00

Most actors who are seeking representation are not aware of what requirements they need to get a really Major Legit Agent. There are so many talented and trained young actors with BFA's and MFA's who think it's easy to walk into an established agency and get "signed". It's not. Unless you have a close friend or relative in the biz (and even they will tell you, you need CREDITS, CREDITS, CREDITS) you're not ready for representation until you've built a substantial resume! It's a catch 22-you can't get in to audition and GET WORK on all the major shows unless you have an agent and you can't get an agent until you've worked.

What's the answer?

The first is the long haul- Put the time in, pay your dues and build your resume the old fashioned way- WORK for it. Meeting (or Paying to meet) an agent before you're ready is a waste of time and money.This is what's expected for a top Agent to handle you.
At least, ONE major credit in a ONE major market.

THEATRE : A leading role in a classic or well-known modern play at a Major LORT A, B, C Rep company, like Blanche in "Streetcar Named Desire" @ The Guthrie, Edmund in "King Lear" @ Syracuse Rep, Abigail in Arthur Miller's "The Crucible" @ Seattle Rep or a solid supporting or co-starring role in a legit "off-B'way" production. A Broadway credit, of course, would be best.
TV: A recurring, supporting, guest starring or featured role on a Primetime series, like a featured character appearing in 1-2 scenes on Ugly Betty, House, Grey's Anatomy, Gossip Girl or a day player/recurring or contract role on a Daytime series, All My Children or Days Of Our Lives.
FILM: A co-starring, supporting or "featured" role in a feature film opposite "names/stars". Even a network commercial will give you some "credibility". (There are exceptions and the standards might be a little less strict for a Legit Agent in LA. They are seeking actors with more TV/Film experience so the theatre roles might not have as much weight in their evaluation of you.)

Why do you need one of the above ?

Because any of these credits will have earned you a sizeable check, given you the status of a major player and are a "handle" for any Agent to sell you for future roles. That's what agents do-they sell YOU.

If all you've done are showcases of new, unknown plays or student and "indie" films -those credits you're so proud of and think are "really great"- you don't have much to offer an established Agent. They already have tons of clients with more experience and CREDITS than you- and they're out of work. Don't get depressed. You have to start somewhere. But Agents need to see potential AND current income/bookings to feel confident about representing you and most importantly, to make their 10%. Can you BOOK major work? Have you DONE SO?Just keep going, keep training and keep developing. Persist. But, have a "realistic" view of your current professional "status". You don't need an agent until you have something to sell-your credits.

Other possibilities:
1- Find a younger newly franchised Agent who is just filling their roster. They're the best people to approach because they're developing just like YOU. You can build your careers together and it won't matter if you don't have the heavy duty credits above. If they like you, they might just work with you!
2- Hire a CAREER COACH who can create a marketing plan, prep you on your office interview (if you can ace that you might get anyone to represent you!) and CALL a top Agent who might want to "give you a shot". It's always smart to "cut to the chase". You'll save several years of struggle.
3- Sign up for the upcoming "HOW TO GET AN AGENT ...in 30 DAYS or LESS! 6 week Teleseminar Course starting May 7th..it's GUARANTEED! (and get a $50 OFF DISCOUNT!)

Successful Marketing!
Gwyn

Are You Looking To Get An Agent NOW?

2009-04-05T10:13:00.000-04:00

Hi There!

There are just a few spots left for the FREE
How to Get an Agent in 30 Days...Or LESS!

Seminar Wednesday April 8th 6:30pm-8:30pm NYC

Learn: How to find your unique Type/Brand

When and how to communicate to the Industry

How to Ace an office interview (this one is the MOST important!)Learn insider tips from someone who's been in the biz for over 20 years in this very practical and Fun Seminar! ! She's made every mistake you can ever make and STILL had a highly successful career. You can too!

"Amazing!"

"Learned the basics of the Agent World I NEVER knew..."

"Now I'll know how to win at my NEXT agent interview!"

"Very very valuable."

"Every Actor should take this course before they even THINK about auditioning or interviewing with the Industry- a great time saver!"

We WANT to help you succeed! Don't miss this important information that could CHANGE YOUR CAREER!

Email:freeseminar@theactorsmarket.com
to reserve your spot ! Space is limited- Only 5 spots left! Don't live in NYC? Can't make it to the LIVE seminar?

Join us for a teleseminar on Wednesday April 15th and find out everything you need to know about getting an agent- all from the comfort of your own home!
Email: teleseminar@theactorsmarket.com for information on how to listen in!

Happy Marketing!
Gwyn, Lisa. Allie, Victoria, Reid, Jared and Everyone on the TAM Team!

www.TheTAMStore.com
www.theactorsmarket.com
To find out more about events at TAM The Actor's Market, check out our CALENDAR

Marketing Tips For Actors - How to Figure Out Your BRAND!

2009-03-23T17:07:00.000-04:00

1. First, Figure out your "TYPE"

What is your type and why is it necessary in the casting process for roles on TV or in Film and Theatre? Because it's the easiest way to narrow down the choices for a Casting Director to screen and audition potential actors. Sometimes in the description on the "Breakdowns" - a service that lists all roles being cast in the industry on any given day- a character is defined by 4 criteria: SEX, AGE RANGE, PHYSICAL TRAITS-height, weight, hair, eyes- or ETHNIC BACKGROUND, and "QUALITY" (meaning PERSONALITY).

So for example, let's say they are casting a role on a Soap Opera or Primetime Drama. The breakdown for a new role of a Doctor might read:

Male/Female, 40'-50s, tall and attractive-any ethnic background, wise ass, impatient/temperamental personality...a sort-of younger Dr. House.

The Casting Director may receive submissions for both men and women who look at least 40-60.

Hundreds/thousands of actors fit into this category or description. The decision is then up to the Producer, Executive Producer, head writer or a committee of the above. The casting director just follows the order of finding someone in this RANGE.

So, break down your 4 criteria: SEX, AGE, PHYSICAL TRAITS and QUALITY. The first three are pretty easy. You know that about yourself.

Some examples of "QUALITY":

If you are shy or soft spoken that usually implies Upper class, elite, delicate, refined.

If you are loud, have a booming voice and a commanding presence you might play: a tough professional (lawyer) or a blue collar, middle class person (policeman, construction worker), plumber, cab driver

If you have a quirky off beat personality you might be cast as a computer geek, a nosy neighbor, a goofy office worker or a comedic hairdresser.

2. Then, Add your "UNIQUE QUALITY".

What makes you totally unique? Ask 10 friends, family members and associates from what ever recent job you've had. If you get 3 or more similar "words" to describe you-that's your "unique quality".

Examples of UNIQUE QUALITIES:
Luscious big curly red hair
very petite or skinny
ridiculous laugh
foreign accent
super tall/big
high pitched or squeaky voice
sexy, sculpted body
goofy smile
weird murderous look in your eye
mellifluous voice

3. Put the two together and what have you got? YOUR BRAND!

FIRST , Write down your four Criteria, add your UNIQUE QUALITY and then define your BRAND in one sentence:

Super tall girl-next-door with luscious red hair and a goofy smile and a deep voice= Brenda Star meets Rhoda

SECOND, Match your self-description to the Specific TV SERIES out there on which you could appear.

Ugly Betty? Weeds? How I Met your Mother?

If you can define yourself in one sentence you can write your own breakdown description which means you can:

1- Make a match to any show
2- Tell an agent the above (they'll work with you sooner!!!)
3- Market yourself ACCURATELY through your marketing tools-headshot, resume, demo reel, email blasts, website, postcards.

Successful marketing!

Gwyn

Gwyn Gilliss is the Executive Director of TAM,The Actor's Market (http://www.theactorsmarket.com), a marketing firm for actors. They provide every marketing tool an actor needs - HEADSHOTS, RESUMES, BIOS, DEMO REELS, CAREER COACHING, MARATHON SEMINARS to meet the Industry- AGENTS & CASTING DIRECTORS - as well as FREE monthly seminars, FREE weekly marketing tips and access to top photographers, graphic artists and videographers to create great demo reels (sizzle reels). There are Training courses via teleseminars, downloadable Podcasts and Home study courses with DVD's and the Actor's Mastermind a monthly FREE teleseminar for all actors globally. (check for more products and services at http://TheTAMStore.com Gwyn's acting career spans several decades during which time she appeared on and off-B'way, in classical roles in American Repertory companies, in over 18 contract and recurring roles in Daytime/Primetime TV, Films and dozens of network commercials and voice-over's. As a Career Coach she is available to work One-on-One (teleconferencing) with actors at ALL levels on ALL continents

10 Secrets That Casting Directors Won't Tell You

2009-03-22T22:09:00.000-04:00

1. Be the character from the moment you leave your home. Stay focused no matter what happens on the way to the audition.

2. Don’t try to prove that you can act. Amateurs spend all their time trying to impress people so they will be taken seriously as actors. Professionals just show their best work.

3. Don’t ask numerous questions about the director, the shoot, the pay, the cast members, how to play the part, etc. Getting the part doesn't mean aggrevating the casting director.

4. Try to cope with fear or anxiety—run around the block, jump up and down--do something to focus your energy. You can even do vocal exercises in the bathroom.

5. Be polite, humble, and gracious—get rid of the ego! Have fun! The point of an audition is to show your product-- your talent, your personality, your professionalism.

6. Be prepared--bring the script, know the lines, suggest the character by your wardrobe, but don’t wear a costume.

7. Be able to perform on the drop of a dime-emotionally as well as with a dialect, accent or specific character choice. Do not stand in the corner and prepare.

8. Take direction and change the reading if the casting director requests you to. Showing flexibility is a sign of a true professional.

9. You may be auditioning opposite a "reader" but you still have to be believable—no, it isn’t their job to provide you with an excellent "scene partner."

10. Make the strongest choice you can! Casting Directors love to be amused, surprised, and entertained. You'll have a better shot at getting the job!

Happy Auditioning!
Gwyn

Gwyn Gilliss is the Executive Director of TAM, The Actor's Market (http://www.theactorsmarket.com)/ a marketing firm for actors. They provide every marketing tool an actor needs - HEADSHOTS, RESUMES, BIOS, DEMO REELS, CAREER COACHING, MARATHON SEMINARS to met the INDUSTRY-AGENTS & CASTING DIRECTORS - as well as FREE monthly seminars, FREE weekly marketing tips and access to top photographers, graphic artists and videographers to create great demo reels (sizzle reels). There are Training courses via teleseminars, downloadable Podcasts and Home study courses with DVD's and the ACTOR'S MASTERMIND a bi-monthly FREE teleseminar for all actors globally. (check for more products and services at The TAM Store) . Gwyn's acting career spans several decades during which time she appeared on and off-B'way, in classical roles in American Repertory companies, in over 18 contract and recurring roles in Daytime/Primetime TV, Films and dozens of network commercials/V.O.'s. As a Career Coach she is available to work One-on-One with actors at all levels.

Marketing Tips for Actors- Remember the Fun!

2009-03-11T12:57:00.000-04:00

Remember the Fun!

Can you remember the first time you saw a stage production of "something" and it hit you like a bolt of lightning? This is wonderful! Whether it was a musical under the stars in an outdoor summer tent or a production of Shakespeare that was thrilling even though you had never heard the 16th century language before. Everyone looked so intoxicating on stage in those period costumes. Or maybe you saw a comedy. You know the moment. You fell in love! And you said (not out loud to your parents but in your heart), THAT'S WHAT I WANT TO DO! You didn't mean that's what I want to do at summer camp or after school. When everyone else was hanging out in Latin club or at cheerleader practice you were rehearsing a play and you wanted to do this for LIFE. Everyone else in junior high or high school was just passing the time but you KNEW that it was for life. And it became your identity.
I am an actor. And you made the commitment to yourself- "When I finish school, I am willing to go without a 9-5 job, financial security and all the things that "civilians" take for granted-an expensive car, a house, a mortgage, luxury trips, and statusy things if only I can do the work I LOVE. I don't live to make money so I can play at acting as a hobby." I act because that is my life, my profession, my passion.

OK. So then you rehearsed your first play-something like "A Date with Judy" or "Our Town" and you probably were cast as the old man or the middle-aged Mother and your family had to come to see you and applaud. "That's lovely, dear, you're so cute in the school play!" But you bided your time. You were developing. Next season it was Bye Bye Birdie or West Side Story and then your first Shakespearian production, "The Tempest" and it was so much FUN. The time struggling with the dancing, the singing, memorizing lines was worth it as you rushed from a boring science class to get to the high school auditorium to be with the "gang" to rehearse. Geez! What FUN! And then opening night and those all night "opening night" parties where you all took turns playing the other parts to hilarity and absolute joy. What fun! And then waiting impatiently until the next casting session of the next play...onto to college... ditto...the same thing but at a more professional level and finally the real world! Your first summer stock job, an Equity card and a role in TV series or Film and YOU MADE IT! You're finally a professional! What FUN!

Segue way to a years later...Now that you are older and have struggled to pay the rent or mortgage, get that Soap or Primetime contract, book another free-lance job in a commercial or a 6 week run in a play out of town or another role on a TV episodic and you truly hope your Indie film makes it to Sundance... OK, after all the hard work can you think back to the first moment when you decided to became an actor? And can you fondly remember the years that followed where you learned your craft, studied everything from Meisner and Stanislavsky to film technique, got really good at auditioning and read all that dramatic literature from the Greeks to Chekhov, Shakespeare, Moliere? Then you mastered fencing, stage movement, dance, voice, speech, dialects, learned how to walk in 18th century costumes and how to build a set or design a costume (ok-Carnegie Mellon was thorough). But, just for a moment, remember. After all the study and effort, was it worth it? You bet your booty it was! It was the RIGHT decision! You're an actor. You love your work and your life!

Just try to remember the FUN!

Successful marketing!
Gwyn

Season's Greetings!

2008-12-29T17:12:00.000-05:00

Hope everyone had a wonderful holiday and that the new year be a prosperous one for all! Look for new marketing tips coming soon!

Love,
The Actors Market

Obstacle or Opportunity

2008-12-05T10:12:00.000-05:00

Crisis! It happens in everyone’s life…how to cope? See it as a disaster, a threat, an obstacle ….OR as a OPPORTUNITY to grow and learn.

THE Potential STRIKE …I’ve gheard so many actors say in a dire voice-well, that will screw things uop. I won’t get any auditions, It will delay my finding an agent. Sigh! Sigh!
They’re missing the point. Astrike is a turning point-no goingback…there is new media and a need for new contracts, new jobs and NEW THINKING!

There is a ton of casting for new mini-series on the web…a slew of new producers creating shows- mobisodes & webisodes while there is still an open market…new words for new platforms. THAT is what the strike is about. As actors we can explore these markets, audition for, get cast, and even WRITE, create, produce OUR OWN series so easily if we are technically adept or can hire a friendly” techie” to help.

We can update our marketing tools-headshots that are older than 9 months/ a year…get a new image (haircut or grow it in, shave that old goatee), update the wardrobe, shoot a new scene for your demo reel… our SIZZLE REELS will be bi-coastal as a production company starting in January so you can order an original scene that looks like you were just on Grey’s Anatomy, House, Shark, Law & Order, CSI or Weeds….

Once you plan and take new steps the energy starts flowing . The SECRET to ATTRACTING wealth and happiness is nothing more than FOCUSing on exactly what you want. Energy in the right direction instead of energy drifting randomly.

THE STRIKE IS A BLESSING-It’s about change and It’s awake up call… a wonderful time to re-think, re-organize your goals and your tools for getting them.

Email me, send me a note...I’d be glad to give you a mini-career coaching session or a quick tip. gwyn@theactorsmarket.com

2008-11-26T09:13:00.000-05:00

Marketing Tips for Actors-The Yellow Brick Road...

2008-11-19T11:22:00.001-05:00

Marketing Tips for Actors-
The Yellow Brick Road…

I don’t know of anyone in the last several decades who hasn’t heard of the Wizard of Oz, that wonderful musical journey down the yellow brick road with a teenage Judy Garland singing her heart out. It’s brought out of the MGM archives every now and then and played to another generation who are delighted with the story. Besides being entertaining it teaches us four valuable themes about life.

First, that life seems better elsewhere - like over the rainbow. But in fact, there’s no place like home. What you have and have been given is usually pretty good if you can recognize and accept it. Dorothy wanted to explore the world beyond Kansas but after experiencing it realizes the farm with loving Aunt Em and the farm hands is pretty wonderful.

Secondly, no one is ever really alone. When lost in a strange world and you need friends in life there will always be a Tin Man, a Cowardly Lion and a Scarecrow to stand by you.

Thirdly, there will always be threats and challenges in life- from the spooky forest to the Wicked Witch of the West. But there’s always good in the world as well. That’s why Glinda, the good witch comes to help Dorothy when she truly needs her.

And Fourth, Wizards are not always infallible. Sometimes they can lead you astray. The journey itself down the yellow brick road was actually more valuable for Dorothy than finding the wizard because she learned so much about life and herself. She gained confidence and learned to trust her friends, finally finding her own way home.

How does this relate to an acting career?

1.Over the Rainbow-I’ve never met an actor who didn’t at some time resent that another actor had gotten cast in a role he wanted or got a contract role on a TV series or a B’way audition or achieved movie star status. Things always look better when someone else possesses them.

Lesson: A smart actor has to be wary of jealousy and resentment. You rarely see the real or downside to being a movie star or what it would be like playing someone else's role. Accept that who and what you are is wonderful and that your path is yours alone. Enjoy the work and the path. That is real success!

2.Friends- are wonderful if they support your agenda-what you’re trying to accomplish-as the whimsical trio did for Dorothy. They dropped everything to help her get home.
Lesson: Make sure your “friends” are true friends. When your “crowd” however consists of other out of work actors who are resentful and hostile, beware! They can definitely pull you down. Hang around with winners and you become one! Join a Mastermind of like-minded, success-oriented actors!

3.Threats and challenges- Fortunately, there really aren’t people in this world whose goal is to destroy actors but there are some industry pro’s including acting teachers/divas, casting directors, film directors or others who may discourage, demean or insult performers. They’re to be avoided “like the plague” and ignored. The Wicked Witch of the West shouldn’t have any control over you. Tell them to "be gone!" or you’ll "drop a house on them!" (That’s what Glinda the good witch advises Dorothy to do).

Lesson: No one can tell you if you’re good or bad or even if you should consider another career. An acting teacher or casting director shouldn’t use a class or a paid workshop in which to damage your spirit and psyche. Thankfully, there are very few of these people left in the business. They seem to have died off with the “studio” era.

4.Wizards- Perhaps we can translate that to mean hotshot agents, managers, those who promise to get you there but can’t seem to get the balloon off the ground. Or when they do, you’re not aboard. Most agents I know want to see you succeed but some don’t have the connections to get you in the door, don’t understand your type and range or just don’t “get” you. Nobody’s perfect.

Lesson: Don’t trust any one person or agency to make your career happen. Move on. Dorothy eventually didn’t need the wizard to get her home. She had the power of the ruby red slippers all the time. And by wishing and expressing her goal, she made it happen on her own. So can you! Finding a good agent takes time and you need to be selective. Don’t rush to find that “match” any more than you would to find a personal “Match” in your life. It’s too important a decision to just “grab the first offer”.

So…the allegory of The Wizard of Oz is a good example for actors or anyone on a life journey. Just find your team-your tin man, scarecrow and cowardly lion to help you on your way. Your team is your acting coach, headshot photographer, videographer/editor, graphic artist,webmaster and Career Coach all of whom can guide you, give you advice, drop everything to help you on your path and even rescue you from mean spirited “witches”. So if you're not in Kansas anymore-it's OK. You can safely get down that Yellow Brick Road.

Successful Marketing!

Gwyn

Gwyn Gilliss is the Executive Director of TAM, The Actor's Market (www.theactorsmarket.com) a marketing firm for actors. They provide monthly FREE seminars/teleseminars, FREE weekly marketing tips as well as access to top photographers, graphic artists and videographers (www.sizzle-reels.com) who provide every marketing tool an actor needs to be successful. Gwyn's acting career spans several decades during which time she appeared on and off-B'way, in classical roles in American Repertory companies in over 18 contract and recurring roles in Daytime/Primetime TV, Films and dozens of network commercial and V.O.'s. As a Career Coach she is available to work One-on-One with actors at all levels.

Learning When to Say "NO"

2008-08-21T15:55:00.000-04:00

I once had a very powerful agent at a major agency with movie star clients. At the time, I was a “soap star” client making a hefty six figure income. He stopped me one day and asked if I wanted to move on, get to the next level. I thought he was talking about leaving the agency and HIM. No I said, things are going well. He took me aside in his office and we had a heart-to-heart.

“If you want to get to the next level in your career you have to finish your Soap contract and never do another soap!” I was stunned. “Tell them –the agency- that you’ll turn down any future offers. You only want to do Primetime TV and Film roles. You have to say NO!” At the time, I didn’t see it clearly. I thought he was crazy. “But I’m making good money- a six figure income! You don’t walk away from that, do you? And I’m enjoying the roles I’ve gotten-I’ve been nominated for Emmy’s!” He smiled, shrugged and let it go. Obviously I wasn’t going to be a movie star. He chalked me off his short list. He promoted another actress similar to me for a starring role in a film that I wanted to do. When the call came in for the audition/screentest, I was stuck on the set of the #1 Daytime TV series until 8PM. The other actress went to the audition in my slot, got the role and became very successful, a major star. Then I understood where he was coming from.

Sometimes it’s wiser to stop what you’re doing, re-evaluate your goals and say NO. You have to move on in your acting career. Although there’s nothing wrong with staying on a Soap Opera as a contract player or in any satisfying role be it on or off-Broadway or in a Resident Theatre Company, you may be missing greater opportunities for growth and professional recognition by NOT BEING AVAILABLE FOR THE HIGHER LEVEL JOBS! A more dramatic example? A lot of my actor-clients accept student films, low-budget indies with not so great scripts or roles in summer stock, national/bus & truck tours and dinner theatre, even print jobs. They’re not excited about the offers but accept them anyway because they have the fear of being out of work, being poor or struggling forever! And while they’re out of town or on the set of a student film THAT CALL comes through for a major audition for a MAJOR job. Oops! By continuing to accept jobs that don’t offer career growth OR by staying in one area of the business as I had in Daytime TV, you could be making yourself unavailable for that special opportunity that will propel your career! The same is true for staying in a relationship with a particular agent when it’s obviously not working. Being stuck is no fun. How to move on?

What’s needed here is a change of MINDSET. Courage! Just believing that you can succeed and that your career will go forward can make a huge difference. We’ve all heard of the power of positive thinking and visualizing what you want in life to manifest it. Where do you start?

Well, you could join a “MASTERMIND” GROUP- not just a chat room or a social network but an actual LIVE monthly teleseminar where you can interact, discuss your goals, learn techniques for networking and marketing, share your vision and TALK about it. (Why not sign up for ours? It’s FREE, a 90 minute monthly teleseminar). Or you could find a Career Coach, a mentor to guide you through the steps of developing your career. Whether it’s one person or a group, brainstorming works. Two minds or 200 minds are better than one. Discussing your situation with a knowedgeable mentor or professional group is the first step to re-evaluating your dreams, the vision for your life which then can lead to creating the practical ACTION steps to make it happen.

NO can be a great word- releasing you from past decisions, feelings and attitudes. “NO, I’m NOT accepting that sort of work ever again.” NO can be the stepping stone to “YES, this is My vision of the future.” NO forces you to end the pattern of behavior that created your current and past career. By having the courage to say NO you’ve opened the door to the possibility of something NEW, something better, maybe something you’ve wanted all along. Try it! What have you got to lose?
Successful Marketing!

Gwyn Gilliss is the Executive Director of TAM, The Actor's Market (www.theactorsmarket.com) a marketing firm for actors. They provide monthly FREE seminars/teleseminars, FREE weekly marketing tips as well as access to top photographers, graphic artists and videographers (www.sizzle-reels.com) who provide every marketing tool an actor needs. Gwyn's acting career spans several decades during which time she appeared on and off-B'way, in classical roles in American Repertory companies in over 18 contract and recurring roles in Daytime/Primetime TV, Films and dozens of network commercials/V.O.'s. As a Career Coach she is available to work One-on-One with actors at all levels.

Getting A Great Headshot- Just Be You!

2008-08-14T15:57:00.000-04:00

What makes a great headshot?
It’s the simplest thing in the world but most actors get it wrong. And photographers get it wrong and ironically, many headshot photographers working specifically with actors get it wrong.

What’s the secret?
Nothing. Doing nothing. All you have to do is be yourself in front of a camera. Simple. And yet very difficult for most actors who are incredibly SHY when it comes to being themselves. If they can’t focus on being another character- something we all spend years learning to do as actors- then there’s confusion, insecurity, fear and tension which makes for a lousy headshot. Adding to that is the frustration of most photographers I’ve met or worked with who don’t know HOW to get an actor to RELAX. So they say things like “Relax, chill, be more calm, stop biting your lip or squinting your eyes!” or “Relax your forehead-there are lines and wrinkles where you’re frowning, lower your shoulders, breathe!” The list goes on. The result? An actor gets more self-conscious, upset, more nervous and more tense. It’s a downward spiral.
What to do?

Five Easy Steps To a Great Headshot

1- Choose a photographer that YOU feel comfortable with not the “trendy” hot guy to whom every actor goes. (“Oh, if only I had a HEAD SHOT with this top guy I would be successful, too!”) NO, not true.

2- Go over your “type” and range-the kind of roles in which you will be cast and play BEFORE you decide on the wardrobe. There’s nothing worse than a generic headshot, one with an actor dressed in a boring white shirt or a black sweater with a phony smile. Know your roles. Doctor, Lawyer, Businessman, Teacher, Mom, Dad? Dress it or suggest it. Wear your favorite colors-solids are generally better than prints. Another mistake? An actress wearing too much jewlery, make-up or choosing outfits that are more suited to a disco, a beach party, baseball game or just hanging out at a bar. That’s OK if that’s what you’re selling as your brand. If not, casting directors are confused about how to cast you or call you in for a role, so they don’t! (Get the advice of a Career Coach if you don’t know your type or what to wear).

3- Explain thoroughly to the make-up artist and hair stylist EXACTLY how you look every day. All too often a stylist will do your hair they way they see you not the way you usually look so you end up with photos that don’t accurately represent YOU. This is especially true for women but may apply to men with longer hair that can be altered with mousse, spray, a curling iron. For women with curly hair-if that’s how you look don’t straighten your hair just for the headshot unless you want to do that everyday of your life henceforth. Casting Directors want to see the real you not how you “could be”.

4- Bring a CD or several with music you love. Create your own “space” and place within the studio. Bring water or your favorite juice, snack, food. Bring your favorite photos of your pets, children, family or partner so you are thinking about positive images and memories. Focus on just being comfortable.
THEN, take a half hour or even 15 minutes to sit still and just be- yourself. Don’t arrive late and rush into a shoot with the stylist fussing, getting dressed, photographer clicking, lights blinking. All that creates tension. Relax BEFORE you sit in the chair or stool on which you will be photographed.

In my experience with over a dozen top headshot photographers in as many years, the best shots I ever obtained were taken by a photographer who was a part of a husband/wife team. He greeted you at the door and offered refreshments leading you to a peaceful dressing room where you could unwind with soothing music. She sat and talked/laughed with you for a full half hour BEFORE you heard a click from her camera or saw a flash of light from the strobe. Of course they knew lighting and were skilled in the art of photography but their success as a team was understanding the psychology of relaxation and harmony for their actor/clients. Brilliant!

5- Use your acting “technique” while you are being photographed. Think Fun thoughts (your subtext or inner monologue). Talk about your life. Tell a story about your family or your travels. Let the relaxation of JUST TALKING show on your face. That’s being You. Talk, tell a story and then let it go. Sit still and “glow” in the memory or the laughter. Then, you are giving the photographer something to capture. YOU. Your energy. Your joy of living. The joy of being YOU.

And THAT makes a great headshot!

Happy Marketing!

Gwyn

Gwyn Gilliss is the Executive Director of TAM, The Actor's Market (www.theactorsmarket.com) a marketing firm for actors. They provide monthly FREE seminars/teleseminars, FREE weekly marketing tips as well as access to top photographers, graphic artists and videographers (www.sizzle-reels.com) who provide every marketing tool an actor needs. Gwyn's acting career spans several decades during which time she appeared on and off-B'way, in classical roles in American Repertory companies in over 18 contract and recurring roles in Daytime/Primetime TV, Films and dozens of network commercials and V.O.'s. As a Career Coach she is available to work One-on-One with actors at all levels.

When’s The Next Swan? or Getting your Ducks in Row…

2008-08-01T13:24:00.000-04:00

When I was studying theatre at Carnegie-Mellon there was a classmate who had a famous father, an opera singer well known in Europe. He was very talented and had a huge following. I heard this story about one of his opening nights while performing in a Wagnerian Opera.

Always friendly and outgoing, the tenor was chatting with someone backstage when the orchestra started playing and in the darkness the curtain went up. Obviously, he was pre-occupied with telling a joke or some story when there was a hush over the audience, total silence. Then the orchestra stopped and suddenly- hilarity. Everybody was screaming with laughter. Looking out at the almost empty stage, he realized too late that he had missed his entrance on the back of a HUGE SWAN. Without missing a beat he turned to the stage manager and asked, “When’s the next Swan?”

Often when I speak to actors I mention our upcoming NY or LA “ActorMarathons or our Sitcom, Film, Commercial bootcamps taught by celebrity guest directors I’m always amazed that so many have to think about it for a while or they ask the question, “When’s the next one?”

I wonder if they really WANT to be successful working actors or if they just want to keep doing the same old, same old- having a day job and putting off attaining their real career.

What is it that keeps good talented actors from achieving success??
Not lack of talent or training. There’s plenty of that out there. Is it fear, poverty mentality or just the disbelief that a specific opportunity would really make a difference? I don’t believe its fear. If somebody really wants something they overcome the fear whether it’s asking someone out on a date or cutting off their long hair. And it’s not lack of funds. If someone really wants something, they’ll find the money. I’ve even had actors tell me that they couldn’t afford good headshots because they had booked a vacation to the Caribbean. Somehow they found the money for the trip but not for necessary marketing tools. Gee! Priorities were off there!

I think the reason that good actors are not successful is a perception that they have a lot of time- that opportunities are plentiful and that they’ll stay young forever. PROCRASTINATION. “Oh, NEXT year I’ll go to LA to get work on a primetime show.” “I’ll get a demo reel in six months when I save some money.” “I’ll get around to taking that class next semester”. There’s an assumption that everything is on hold for them, that nothing ever changes. This is an incorrect assumption. It’s also the assumption of people who never get what they want out of life. Somehow they just miss the boat or the swan because they don’t make a COMMITTMENT.

Winners are able to make decisions FAST. They can see the “possibilities” in every opportunity so they get to that audition, hop on that plane, get there-they find a way! They COMMIT. And they have their lives set up so they can go forward. In short, they have their ducks in a row.

How do you set up your life so that you can be a winner? What “DUCKS” did you need to get in a row?

These are the 6 things WINNERS seem to have in common:

1- A SAFE PLACE TO LIVE that’s pleasant, clean, NEAT, and SAFE. Create an office, a place where you can have a computer, database and marketing tools. You are your own one-person business.

2- A SYSTEM of consistent communication with the Industry. That means that every week you DO something to further your career: a class, a professional meeting, a self-submission, updating your tools, shooting a new demo reel. WORK daily at building a career.

3- A CONSISTENT INCOME from a day or evening job to pay for marketing tools, classes and still allow the availability for auditions. If you’re broke and desperate when you go to an audition, you’ve already lost the job.
(I can’t begin to tell you the number of actors I’ve met who are always broke, can’t afford to get the tools they need or meet the top agents who could change their career/LIFE! What are they thinking??)

4- Good PERSONAL HABITS- staying physically and mentally healthy-being happy and optimistic: daily exercise, eating properly, getting enough sleep. Maybe your 9-5-er friends are able to party all weekend and show up at their offices Monday morning tired, hung over. It may not make any difference to them- they have a guaranteed weekly check. But you may have the audition of a lifetime! Looking great for that audition and having energy to spare may make the difference between a major career break and unemployment. You can’t afford to blow it. You need to COMMIT to yourself to always be in top form.

5- A MENTOR - someone to advise, encourage and inspire. Absolutely no successful person got there ALONE. Everyone needs encouragement and advice.

6- A PLAN- goals for the short term and long term and a schedule to carry them out. This includes further training, networking with industry contacts, auditioning for everything you can, developing as an actor by getting into as many shows and performance groups as possible whether you’re paid or not. Revise your plan monthly. If a market or goal isn’t working change it or change your location, tools, approach. Get advice!

OK! Here’s to hoping you get your ducks in a row so you won’t miss the boat!

Meanwhile,
Successful marketing!
Gwyn

When’s The Next Swan? or Getting your Ducks in Row…

2008-07-18T15:45:00.000-04:00

PROCRASTINATION

When I was studying theater at Carnegie-Mellon there was a classmate who had a famous father, an opera singer well-known in Europe. He was very talented and had a huge following. I heard this story about one of his opening nights while performing in a Wagnerian Opera.

Always friendly and outgoing, the tenor was chatting with someone backstage when the orchestra started playing and in the darkness the curtain went up. Obviously, he was pre-occupied with telling a joke or some story when there was a hush over the audience, total silence. Then the orchestra stopped and suddenly- hilarity. Everybody was screaming with laughter. Looking out at the almost empty stage, he realized too late that he had missed his entrance on the back of a HUGE SWAN. Without missing a beat he turned to the stage manager and asked, “When’s the next Swan?”

Often when I speak to actors I mention our upcoming NY or LA “ActorMarathons or our Sitcom, Film, Commercial BOOT CAMPS taught by celebrity guest directors I’m always amazed that so many have to think about it for a while or they ask the question,“When’s the next one?”

I wonder if they really WANT to be successful working actors or if they just want to keep doing the same old, same old- having a day job and putting off attaining their real career.

What is it that keeps good talented actors from achieving success??

Not lack of talent or training. There’s plenty of that out there. Is it fear, poverty or just the disbelief that a specific opportunity would really make a difference? I don’t believe it’s fear. If somebody really wants something they overcome the fear whether it’s asking someone out on a date or cutting off their long hair. And it’s not lack of funds. If someone really wants something, they’ll find the money. I’ve even had actors tell me that they couldn’t afford good head shots because they had booked a vacation to the Carribean. Somehow they found the money for the trip but not for necessary marketing tools.

Instead, I think it’s a perception that they have a lot of time to become successful-that opportunities are plentiful and that they’ll stay young forever. PROCRASTINATION. “Oh, NEXT year I’ll go to LA to get work on a prime time show.” “I’ll get a demo reel in six months when I save some money.” “I’ll get around to taking that class next semester”. There’s an assumption that everything is on hold for them, that nothing ever changes. This is an incorrect assumption. It’s also the assumption of people who never get what they want out of life. Somehow they just miss the boat or the swan because they don’t make a COMMITMENT.

Winners are able to make decisions FAST. They can see the “possibilities” in every opportunity so they get to that audition, hop on that plane, get there-they find a way! They COMMIT. And they have their lives set up so they can go forward. In short, they have their ducks in a row.

How do you set up your life so that you can be a winner? What “DUCKS” did you need to get in a row?

These are the 6 things WINNERS seem to have in common:

1- A SAFE PLACE TO LIVE -pleasant, clean, NEAT, convenient to the industry with an office, a place where you can have a computer, database and marketing tools. You are your own one person business.

2- A SYSTEM of consistent communication with the Industry. That means that every week you DO something to further your career: a class, a professional meeting, a self-submission, updating your tools, shooting a new demo reel. WORK daily at building a career.

3- A CONSISTENT INCOME to pay for marketing tools, classes and still allow the availability for auditions. If you’re broke and desperate when you go to an audition, you’ve already lost the job.

(I can’t begin to tell you the number of actors I’ve met who are always broke, can’t afford to get the tools they need or meet the top agents who could change their career/LIFE! What are they thinking??)

4- Good PERSONAL HABITS- staying physically and mentally healthy-being happy and optimistic: daily exercise, eating properly, getting enough sleep. Maybe your 9-5-er friends are able to party all weekend and show up at their offices Monday morning tired, hung over. It may not make any difference to them- they have a guaranteed weekly check. But you may have the audition of a lifetime! Looking great for that audition and having energy to spare may make the difference between a major career break and unemployment. You can’t afford to blow it. You need to COMMIT to yourself to always be in top form.

5- A MENTOR (give me a shout, glad to help gwyn@theactorsmarket.com)- someone to advise, encourage and inspire. Absolutely no successful person got there ALONE. Everyone needs encouragement and advice-call me/email, write!

6- A PLAN….goals for the short term and long term and a schedule to carry them out. This includes further training, networking with industry contacts, auditioning for everything you can, developing as an actor by getting into as many shows and performance groups as possible whether you’re paid or not. Revise your plan monthly. If a market or goal isn’t working change it or change your location, tools, approach. Get advice!

OK! Here’s hoping you a get your ducks in a row so you won’t miss the boat!

Meanwhile,

Successful marketing!

Gwyn

Follow your heart but know what’s right for you…

2008-07-07T14:11:00.000-04:00

My first Broadway audition was for a musical. I was very young and the experience –now it seems hilarious- at the time, was a nightmare. I was not as prepared as I should have been. I made four tragic mistakes:

✓ Accepting an audition for a role that wasn’t appropriate for me
✓ Not being ready for the audition…I whipped together a song two days before
✓ Choosing the worse material-a song from the actual show that was not within my range and ability
✓ Not knowing when or how to leave (or just not going in the first place)

I could chalk it up to youthful exuberance, false courage, wishful thinking, optimistic delusion or just GREED. I WANTED so badly to get work as an actor that I put myself in an embarrassing and ridiculous situation. Instead of telling the agent who called that I wasn’t really a strong singer, not ready for a B’way audition and losing the trust of that agent I instead jumped in and said, “Great! I’ll be there! THERE was the Shubert Theatre-the most respected and classic of the old theatres on 46th St-the heart of B’way. Almost every famous actor in the history of New York Theatre had appeared on this stage. I was awed!
I had the chance to audition to replace the leading lady in a long running successful rock musical (an era long gone), so I naturally chose the “hit” song of the show made famous by many great singers. It was a passionate love song requiring a strong belt voice. I was a light lyric soprano with a weak/non-existent belt voice…wrong choice!
I went with my coach who drained my confidence when he asked every 10 minutes if I really wanted to do this?
They called my name. I stood on the stage feeling euphoric. Broadway! My coach stood in the wings as the accompanist started. Why wasn’t my coach playing? Why is the tempo so fast? Why is it in a different key? Oops! Why was the piano on wheels rolling across the stage in front of me? I had to keep stepping to the right to avoid being hit by the piano while I also attempted to keep up with the unfamiliar pace, hit the notes and breathe and…and wham! Gasping, I came to a final line in the song, the lyrics of which said it all…” KNOWING WHEN TO LEAVE MAY BE THE SMARTEST THING THAT ANYONE CAN LEARN…GGOOOOOOOO!”
Within seconds I heard a strong voice from the back row of the orchestra yell,
“RIGHT!”
Audition over. Silence. My face was red, blushing, humiliated, close to tears, still out of breath, gasping. Through the mist I felt the arm of my coach who had stopped the rolling piano and was leading me out of the theatre via the backstage door.

Lesson Learned?
Know your abilities and your limitations.
I NEVER accepted an audition again for ANYTHING unless I knew I could play the part, aand knew in my heart that I was going to WIN and book that job. And I stopped trying to be a B’way belt singer when it wasn’t me-didn’t have the chops and wasn’t interested in the work in the first place. No more time and money wasted on expensive musical coaching!
It would have been equally disastrous if I had tried to audition for Chorus Line as a dancer NOT being a dancer!
Instead, I focused on the areas in which I was trained and which suited me-Classical and modern theatre, TV and Film…and I never stopped auditioning, booking, working and succeeding.

This is the checklist I created to make sure I was always ready and I want to share it with you:

1. PREPARATION - get the script and know it. Make the strongest possible “decisions” about the character, the motivations and emotional arc of the scene. Having a strong structure gives you freedom during the actual audition.

2. VISUALIZATION - see yourself clearly performing the piece with joy, energy, awareness.

3. ENTRANCE - Walk into the room with an aura of confidence and strength. No doubts. Say to yourself, “I can do this excellently. You are going to hire me!”

4. BEING IN THE MOMENT AS WELL AS IN THE CHARACTER - Play it as it lays, go with the flow, be open to all possibilities during the audition. Know that there will be surprises with any audition partner or reader.

5. ENJOYING THE PROCESS - Whatever happens find pleasure in it. If the director asks you to do it differently -OK, that’s cool. If they ask you to come back –good, that’s cool. If they say you are the wrong type, sorry! - That’s cool. Just leave. You did your best work. That’s all you have to do. Having the right attitude brings amazing results and future jobs. People remember people they like, respect and trust. There’s ALWAYS ANOTHER DAY, ANOTHER ROLE.

6. KNOWING WHEN TO LEAVE…AND HOW. Learn to say thank you, smile and head slowly to the door. Never look back. On to the next audition. Never dwell on how it COULD have been.

Good auditioning! Successful Marketing!

Gwyn Gilliss is the Executive Director of TAM, The Actor’s Market, a marketing firm for actors. They provide monthly FREE seminars, teleseminars, FREE weekly marketing tips as well as access to top photographers, graphic artists and videographers who provide every marketing tool an actor needs. Gwyn’s acting career spans several decades during which time she appeared on and off-B’way, in classical roles in American Repertory companies, in over 18 contract/recurring roles in Daytime/Primetime TV, films and dozens of network commercials and Voice-Overs. As a Career Coach she is available to work One-on-One with actors at all levels.

©Copyright Gwyn Gilliss 2008.
All rights reserved.

Knowing how to play the game...And WINNING!

2008-07-01T14:37:00.000-04:00

OK, QUICK QUIZ:
Which is the better option?
Going around the board and collecting $200 as you pass GO?
or
Owning BOARDWALK? (with little red hotels on it) ?

As kids you might have played MONOPOLY as we did. Since I was the youngest I thought the point of the game was to shake the dice and move my little shoe around the board. I was thrilled to be given $200 even though the paper money was useless. What did I know? I was a 5 year old.

My older siblings and cousins, however, were cut-throat game players and knew the real strategy for the game of Monopoly. And what was the strategy? Buy all the property, put hotels on everything and squeeze everybody out of all their cash. (If you go to the official site for MONOPOLY they even tell you the object of the game is: to bankrupt all your opponents). You trade your mortgage cards until you get a set-3 green or 3 yellow or the 2 ultra luxury blue- Boardwalk and Park Place. Then, you sit and wait. Success is yours. You have a SYSTEM for WINNING!

OK, segue way to years later…
After having a successful acting career and now that I’m a Career Coach, I look at actor’s marketing strategies and I see a parallel. Some actors remind me of the way I used to play Monopoly-when I was rolling the dice and moving my shoe around the board:

Answering casting ads in trade papers (non-paying showcases, student films, extra work)
Submitting themselves on-line (non-paying showcases, student films, extra work)
Sending out postcards or hundreds of resumes monthly
Writing cover letters stating the obvious, “I’m an actor seeking representation…”
Paying to meet casting directors and agents one-on-one

These things may have worked in the 80’s or 90’s but in the 2000’s they don’t seem to be as effective. Very few actors tell me that they’ve gotten quality work or agent representation by using any of the above techniques. They’re just going around the board wearing out their “shoe”. Very frustrating!

So, how do you cut to the chase and do something that will get you Boardwalk, i.e., An Agent? Major auditions? A Successful Acting Career?

Time for a NEW strategy. A SYSTEM for WINNING.

Why not find a Career Coach? A Mentor? Someone who’s been there, done that and knows a lot of major industry people…a successful actor who’s made a $6 figure income from decades of ACTING credits in all medias?? (Hey! That could describe me!)
O.K. Career Coaches. What are the options?

There are a lot of “coaches” out there- businessmen/women, ex-“managers”, acting teachers, casting directors, even psychologists. It’s great that they can help you in some way but they may not be YOUR best choice to guide you to a successful ACTING CAREER. They haven’t been there- done that!

There are a lot of Life Coaches out there. They’re terrific at inspiring you and even assisting you to get your life organized (I’m totally for that), but they may not be YOUR best choice to guide you to a successful ACTING CAREER. They haven’t been there or done that either!

So, where do you find the perfect Mentor for YOU?

Well… If you’re an ice skater and you want to WIN A GOLD MEDAL at the OLYMPICS,
who do you hire? A businessperson? A psychologist? A spectator? A Life Coach?

OR…

The toughest, most disciplined ex-Olympic ice-skater you can find who is now a COACH?
Someone who won the GOLD or at least was a finalist garnering the SILVER or the BRONZE in years past?

It’s a no-brainer!
Give me the guy with experience any day. They know the ropes, the in’s and out’s, the specific path, the downfalls, the best technique, the best rinks for practice, the best partners, the tricks, the strategy. They even know all the top people in the arena because they were there!
So by hiring a master you’re not only getting the best training, the best information, the best connections but by association it might be assumed that as their protégé, YOU will be the next GOLD MEDAL WINNER!

So, this is a SYSTEM that works…for OLYMPIC ice skaters. Does it work for YOU as an actor??
Of course it does. You can apply a SYSTEM to any career. That’s why medical students compete to get residencies at major hospitals specializing in their area of expertise and why law students clerk with Supreme Court Judges and prestigious law firms. Work with the best and you become the best. Simple.

So, to review. What is the SYSTEM?
Understanding how the game is played and working with a WINNING PLAYER- a Coach who’s already achieved what you want to achieve.

If you have a Career Coach you can develop a marketing strategy, get the best marketing tools, make connections to the highest level of the industry and get an amazing agent who will then get you amazing auditions from which you’ll get amazing jobs!
You can’t do that by sending out postcards every month.

Now it’s time to make a decision.
Do you want to keep going around the board?
or
Do you want to draw the CHANCE card
that sends you directly to Boardwalk?

Give me a shout…would love to help! You can come in for a FREE Career Evaluation.
(just click ONE-on-ONES) No obligation. Find out if you want to work with a Coach and
how to go about it.

Boardwalk is just around the corner.

Meanwhile,

Successful Marketing!

Gwyn

Gwyn Gilliss is the Executive Director of TAM, The Actor’s Market, a marketing firm for actors. They provide monthly FREE seminars, teleseminars, FREE weekly marketing tips as well as access to top photographers, graphic artists and videographers who provide every marketing tool an actor needs. Gwyn’s acting career spans several decades during which time she appeared on and off-B’way, in classical roles in American Repertory companies, in over 18 contract/recurring roles in Daytime/Primetime TV, films and dozens of network commercials and Voice-Overs. As a Career Coach she is available to work One-on-One with actors at all levels.

Special thanks and acknowledgement to Hasbros for
providing information about MONOPOLY.

©Copyright Gwyn Gilliss 2008.
All rights reserved.

Whatever it Takes! The Story of Jason

2008-02-04T16:01:00.000-05:00

My very worse client…ever…became one of my biggest successes! Is he a movie star? Yes! Is he a household name? almost! Is he Brad Pitt or Tom Cruise-close! No. But I respect his privacy as I do with all my clients so he shall remain anonymous...for now.

When an actor requests an interview for the opportunity to work with me as a Career Coaching client, I always require a headshot and resume first. Is this person serious about their career? I ask. Do they have marketing tools? training? talent? Do I want to spend months of my time helping them?

Jason didn’t have any of the above. He had one quality, PERSISTENCE. Even without the requisite resume/headshot he called and pleaded about 20 times tricking my assistant to get through to me on the phone until I gave him an appointment. We met. It was scary. He carried enough weapons to set off alarms in any high rise building in NYC, except mine obviously. He seemed young and enthusiastic but totally ignorant of what an acting career entailed. But the scary part was-He lived almost on the street. He said he had just quit his “gang” but had scars and tattoos all over his face, neck, baldhead, hands…well, it was fascinating! It was hard to understand what he was saying except when he said “my dream-acting career-movies”. Those were almost the only words I could understand.

After we met and spoke, I gave him a list of things to do. I told him to take 6 months and complete everything on the list or not come back.
These were the things on Jason’s list:
Get into an acting class or two,
Get speech training,
Get a headshot,
Get cast in a few off-off b’way plays to build a resume and credits,
Lose about 40 pounds-too much pizza and beer, I thought
Grow in his hair-he had a young boyish face and was only 18 but looked 28 with
the bald head and the weight
Get some kind of wardrobe other than army guerilla fatigues and a blood-
stained t-shirt…
Work on his incomprehensible accent.
He was almost impossible to understand and I don’t mean mumbling like the charming Sylvester Stallone- I mean, impossible to understand more than one or two words in a sentence. And the guy wants to be an actor? A communicator?
“If you do all these things, you can come back and we’ll talk,” I told him.
He answered with confidence, “Whatever it takes!” That I understood.

I thought if I wrote out all these requests he’d re-consider acting as a career or just go away. But, no. He came back in 6 months.

His hair was grown in, no tattoos-ANYWHERE! He had them removed. That must have been difficult or painful!
He was wearing a Ralph Lauren blue oxford shirt and khakis, expensive designer shoes and an Armani jacket. He had a resume which stated he had studied with 4 of New York’s most respected acting teachers. He must have been in class 7 days a week. And he must have spent thousands on voice and speech training. Must have. I could understand what he was saying. He sounded almost like an actor from the Royal Shakespeare Company. He looked like he was about to enter Harvard. I was stunned. This was a guy from the streets who’d been in knife fights and a gang when he last had shown up for an interview.

How did you do it, Jason? He just laughed gleefully. He knew I was impressed. “Whatever it takes! He said. I calculated that he must have spent at least $10-20,000 in the last 6 months. God knows where and how he got the funds. I didn’t ask.
“Now, can I be your client?” He asked. He did his monologue for me. He did 5 monologues-one was with an Italian accent; one was Shakespeare…he was excellent. And he was funny-he could do comedy. I laughed and I actually cried. I was so touched that he did all that. And I was impressed. He really wants to fulfill his dream.
“You can be my client,” I said.”
How much? I’ll pay you…whatever it takes!”
For FREE, I said…you deserve it. I’ll go to work for you.”

And we did. We wrote scripts for him and shot a demo reel-in 3 very different challenging roles. He was brilliant in each. He must have taken an on-camera class as well. I sent him to our photographer for current headshots. I introduced him to agents and managers at the LA Marathon, which he attended a month later. He got something like 12 offers for representation with major agents and we had to decide with whom he would sign. He got a film within 2 weeks –his screen test blew them away and then another film role and another. This was about 4 years ago. He appeared as a guest star in a few top TV primetime shows-always unbelieveably good.

But just a few weeks ago I saw him at a preview screening of a film he’s in.
“Jason…it’s amazing …what you’ve done!” Congratulations! I said.
“Thanks…only with your help!” he said.

What can I tell my other clients about you? What do you want me to say to them?
He laughed and mumbled,”smvlsmvmnvfmm!”
What? I couldn’t understand him-it was the way he used to speak.
He was putting me on…and laughing.
“Whatever it takes!” He winked and walked on. The press scurried to follow as did fans seeking his autograph.

So, I tell my current clients…if Jason can do it…what excuse do you have?

Orange Crates to Mercedes

2008-01-28T12:12:00.000-05:00

Growing up in a small town in the Midwest one of the most exciting things about the approach of Spring was the beginning of “orange crate” race season. Kids would get free orange crates from a grocery story and with a little ingenuity, a hammer and some nails (plus some wheels and an axle) make orange crate “race cars”. They were pretty primitive but really exciting to a 7 year old. So, slap-dash- we built these frail devices and had downhill races…you had to drag your feet to stop. They didn’t last very long. The balsa wood fell apart. And they weren’t very useful for going anywhere but downhill but when you’re in the 2nd grade- it was very cool. My brothers and I had a riotous time.
As grownups, we now all have good cars-Mercedes and Jag’s. Obviously, an orange crate isn’t going to work …to get to work.

Sometimes when I look at actor’s marketing tools I’m reminded of the orange crate racing car days. Does this sound familiar? DO YOU HAVE:

 Headshots from a “friend” NOT a professional photographer ?
 No Demo reel or one shot by a student/Indie director –script full of
expletives, technical aspects-lighting, sound, make-up, set design less than professional? Or scattered “scenes” never edited?
 Resume self-designed without getting advice from a Career Coach?
 A Monologue from a monologue book that’s outdated or one you’ve
been performing for years ?
 No Website?

It’s so easy to think that your talent or theatre degree is all that’s important in order to market yourself as an actor. Believe me, I’ve done all the above in the name of saving money or because I was just too lazy to change things. The comment I hear most often? “I’m just not good at that…marketing, the business of the biz”… or “ I don’t know where to go or who to ask to get this done!”
(Ask me! I’m a Career Coach! I’d be glad to help! Career Coach )

Today’s market is so much more competitive, faster-paced, more high-tech…with on-line submissions, bi-coastal agencies, and multi-media projects. EVERYONE needs video of a high quality, a website on which to present everything from headshots and acting clips to voice-overs and personal blogs. Agents and Personal Managers simply won’t work with an actor who can’t provide them with these marketing tools.

I think the “light bulb” went off for me when a top agent –MY AGENT-asked me flat out where my demo reel was or “did I have a link to my website” he could forward to an Academy Award director who was interested in seeing my work?
“But I’m starring on a TV series-a Soap Opera! I said. “He could watch me next week on blah-blah ….and I’ve got all these scenes from hundreds of hours of different TV series, but it needs to be edited….”
My agent just looked at me pathetically. Too little, too late. Missed the interview, the audition and the starring role in a major film. THEN, I got my act together- LESSON learned. My advice?

Go for the Mercedes not the orange crate:

1- Hire the very best photographer-don’t just go to the one that everyone else is going to-DON’T FOLLOW THE HERD!

2- PAY to have your resume designed by a great graphic artist and get the advice of a Career Coach so the credits you DO have can be arranged to really sell YOU!

3- Find a professional company that can write original material FOR you and shoot a demo scene (Hey WE do that! @ sizzle-reels) if you don’t actually have real shows, TV series, and film clips.

4- Get the website up ASAP…there are soooo many companies on the Internet who can do this reasonably.

In short, move out of the slap-dash, “orange crate” level of marketing …unless, of course you want your career to go racing DOWNHILL.
(Just remember to drag your feet to STOP).

Meanwhile,

Successful marketing!

Gwyn

Color Me Blue

2008-01-25T11:55:00.000-05:00

The key word for this week is BLUE.
Why blue? Why a color? Colors are a form of energy. When you communicate, you’re expressing ideas through energy-your personality, your voice, your appearance…and the COLOR you’re wearing! When you appear on camera the lens pick up the energy of that color. Certain colors have more energy and attraction than others. Bright reds and oranges may have a lot of energy but to most people these tones are not very appealing. Red can represent passion but also fire, fear, blood and anger. Dark somber colors-black, evergreen and brown are usually perceived as depressing, cold, sad. Dull shades of gray, navy, and cranberry usually represent the corporate world- serious business. Vibrant and pastel shades are generally the most popular. They’re used frequently in nurseries, schools and hospitals, as they are perceived as happy, relaxing and healing.

And guess which shade is the most popular with most people? You guessed it. BLUE. Why? Blue is the color of the sky and water-lakes, oceans, streams. It is the most frequent color used in nature…at least on our planet. Not green. And it represents a positive energy-HAPPINESS…think about it. Blue skies, blue moon, blue screen, jetblue, TV blue… On any day you’ll see more of the color blue than any shade in the rainbow so it’s the most universal, the most COMFORTABLE. It puts people at ease. Sky blue, French blue, aquamarine, turquoise, and baby blue…these colors are everywhere. Now, you’re asking- how does this relate to ACTING?

When you audition on camera the first thing that anyone sees is the color you’re wearing. Wear something depressing, annoying or threatening and no matter how brilliant your performance, THEY are going to be affected by the color FIRST and the performance second…especially when you are auditioning for commercials, daytime/primetime TV or film roles. It’s subliminal-first impressions and all that.

If you are portraying a psychopath/murderer, a desperate housewife, an aggressive district attorney or an FBI agent…OK, choose to wear the more aggressive colors. But if you’re portraying a professional-a doctor, lawyer, corporate spokesperson or even a happy Mom/Dad, use blue in your ensemble and you’ll book more jobs. Strange, but true. Try it!

Years ago when I auditioned a lot for network TV commercials, I had a blouse that I bought for all of $15 at the Gap –my favorite blouse. It was somewhere between sky and french blue-a warm ocean-lake blue. I booked more spots wearing that one top than any other piece of wardrobe I owned. It earned me million$ over a decade! In more than a few screen tests for the roles of lawyer, doctor, Mom, I wore the blouse. Did I have a successful career because I wore blue? Yes and NO. My audition had to be good and I had to “look the part” and be the right type as well. But when competing with dozens of other actresses who were all talented, attractive, pleasant, professional with comparable credits, how did I have the edge? Ego says it was my talent. But the final “booking factor” might have been the blue blouse.

I was even asked, “...could I bring that blue blouse as wardrobe for the final shoot?” One commercial casting director who had sat in on a final casting session told me that the client (Procter and Gamble) had insisted they hire ”that actress in the blue!” and so I booked that high paying network TV spot…one of hundreds. True story.

If you guys want to book a lot more on-camera jobs, get the advice of a color or image consultant or a Career Coach. What are your strongest/best colors (there are many shades of blue), what hairstyle really sells you and what wardrobe best suits your type? Auditioning is an art-every detail is important. A Career Coach can advise you on all the above. (Give me a shout-be glad to help!).

FINAL TIP*
For on-camera auditions, avoid wearing red, white or black.

WHITE is a no-no for the camera because it tends to create a green shadow around you and glares! Skin tones are then “off”- you do not look good!

RED can be exciting and beautiful to wear in person for a special interview/audition or for a gutsy song-dance number but on-camera, it’s a disaster! The color may turn beet-red, dark, dried blood red, orange or ugly purply pink fuchsia. No matter what your skin tone-eeek!

BLACK looks like a shadow and literally sucks all the energy from you on camera. (Especially if you have dark skin tones-all the more reason to wear something VIBRANT so YOU stand out.)

These colors can be great in an actual shoot-a film, commercial or TV series BECAUSE during the real thing there’s a person called a “lighting designer” who can add thousands of overhead lights with “gels” to soften/tone/perfect the look or he’ll take a whole day to create the mood and make the lighting fabulous. That’s why film stars look so good.

But during an audition in a casting director’s studio, you usually have one camera and one little light stand with an umbrella reflecting the strong beam. So these 3 colors come out weird making YOU look, well, less than attractive. You’re just shooting yourself in the foot to defy the law of lighting and color. You just won’t win…or win very infrequently. (this applies to headshots too, by the way).

I’ve had several clients who wore the classic “all black” outfit- a black t- shirt, ripped or distressed jeans, black boots to every audition and then wondered why they never got a call back…for ANYTHING!

Instead of assuming it’s your performance or blaming the casting director’s “lack of imagination”, change your wardrobe and see if you get a different response. I’d be willing to bet on it. You’ve all heard the classic line-“dress the part”. Now, just remember, “dress the COLOR”. First rule of marketing is making YOU, the product, desirable, so how you dress is the wrapping on the product, YOU.

Your choice:
Dark green glass bottle of brown cola OR

a flashy RED CAN of COKE?

Ten billion people a day buy the RED CAN.

Next time we’ll go into TYPE…what is your type? How do you figure that out? (Give me a shout-be glad to help or go to our site www.theactorsmarket.com and sign up for a career session with me. We can go over YOUR personal marketing tools and presentation).

Meanwhile,
Successful auditioning!

Gwyn