ARE YOU A MODERN DAY ACTOR? Part 1!
Are you a modern day actor, or one stuck in days gone by? In a business that is constantly growing and changing, it is important for us to keep up with times. Too often as performers we get stuck in our routine, and choose what’s comfortable, not what is necessary to take our careers to the next level. So here at the studio we’ve created a two part checklist to find out, ARE YOU A MODERN DAY ACTOR?
Do you have multiple headshots that represent the characters you most often get called in for?
Previously actors only needed two traditional headshots: one serious shot for legit/theatrical work, and one smiling shot for commercial work. Nowadays, this couldn’t be further from the truth! Casting has such a limited time to look through thousands & thousands of submissions, your picture has to literally jump out at them as the character they are searching for to get the auditions you desire. So save the pretty, generic looking shots for your grandparents’ holiday cards. And if you have (gasp) any black & white shots leftover, let a young niece or nephew have a field day on them with markers and a good sense of humor.
Did you view your present headshot choices as thumbnails?
More often then not, casting views your photos as thumbnails before clicking to enlarge them. You want to make sure your pics have as much of a wow factor small as they do bigger. When clients purchase our Portfolio selection with Michael, he always views the photos as small thumbnails before checking out how they would look as full sized 8x10s. A smart modern actor does the same.
Do you have an up-to-date resume?
Nothing says out of it like an old resume. Are there credits still on your rez that you haven’t played in a decade? If the roles you have listed are characters you’ve aged out of playing, or from shows that have been off the air for years, it’s time to spruce things up. An updated resume shows casting that you are current, and still actively working! Don’t give anyone an excuse to write you off as an amateur. Be a professional, and professional offers will follow!
Break legs!
Megan