The Successful Talent: Tips for the Actor & Model

A TALENT'S RESUME CONTENT

What in heaven’s name is supposed to go on my resume, anyway?

There are countless resume examples in any industry, so if you have found a “talent resume” format you like, ask yourself if it’s easy on the eyes.  Then ask a few friends.  If they can’t easily pick out credits, skills, and coaches, you might want to try a new format.  Your agent might also suggest a format that works well.  One guideline that is not flexible is the fact that your resume should only be ONE page and should fit on the back of your 8 x 10 headshot.

The basic talent resume should obviously include work credits.  Your credits should be positioned in the most flattering way to your experience level.  If you are a seasoned talent with an overflowing resume, categorize your credits to help clients readily find what they want to see. 

Most talent want to showcase their training.  Coaching is a great way to highlight skills that aren’t yet showcased in your credits.  It’s also safe to delete your Training credits if you need more room to add important credits.  In this case, put an asterisk beside the word “training” and add a small note at the bottom that says “training available upon request.”  Of course, be sure to supply your agent with that list if you go this route – someone just might ask for it!

Special skills might be the second most important part of your resume.  What sets you apart from the pack will give you an advantage in the casting room.  Production crews like interesting people – heck, we all do!  Share with everyone what makes you unique.  Be sure you can deliver what you advertise!

Hobbies are things that classify your abilities as a talent, but maybe aren’t totally unique to your demographic.  That doesn’t mean that they aren’t important, though!  For example, we see requests for things like “cool dude to rock out on piano with major artist in commercial.”  Cool Dude doesn’t need to actually make pretty sounds on the piano, but he does need to have the basic knowledge to look like the real deal.  If you put Piano in your Hobbies because you play for family gatherings, you’ll get the call.  If they needed a Mozart level musician, they would have looked under Special Skills. 

Last, but not least, your agent’s contact information and your basic stats should be included.  Don’t forget that when someone books you, all the “thinking” has been done and they have moved on to “action.”  They need to access your sizes quickly.  And more importantly, they need to know how to confirm the booking.  Help yourself by supplying them with all the necessary tools to make your dreams come true!

LOOK HERE!!

Your resume will soon become a bank of important information . . . and maybe a little stuffing to beef it up.  How can you separate the stuffing from the turkey?  (Yes, Thanksgiving might be on the brain.)  We can’t highlight the credits we’re most proud of, but we can position them to be showcased.

Say you’ve done a lot of student films, maybe a few extra or stand-in roles, and some local community theatre.  That’s a great start for a young actor, but it doesn’t sell you as highly respectable just yet.  And then you hit the gold mine – a day player on a major television series or a supporting role in a movie.  Well, first off, congratulations!  We’re proud of you and your success!  Since it’s the most recent credit, it goes at the top of your resume.  You’ll ride the high of accomplishment for a while, but what happens when you book your next gig?  It’s another student film, which you appreciate because it’s a substantial role, but putting that above the major credit is a big bummer!

Well, here’s the deal.  Yes, there are some guidelines that we follow within the industry.  And yes, the most recent work you do is supposed to go at the top of your credit list.  But as some very wise person in the business once said, “Those are just guidelines.”  So if your resume has a great credit worth highlighting, make it as noticeable as possible!

GET THE CREDIT!

Movies, a tv series, that big spread in Vogue – credits on your resume and in your book make all the difference when it comes to getting the next big gig.  In fact, a strong resume is just as important as a quality headshot!

The first thing a client, ad agent, CD, or director sees when considering talent is usually the headshot AND resume.  A great image captures our eye and draws us in, whereas the resume substantiates the viewer’s hope – you really ARE the talent they’ve been looking for!  A resume full of the appropriate credits can open doors into worlds you have until now just dreamed about. 

So how do you build the right kind of credits to get such positive attention?  Good question; but before we broach “how”, let’s agree on what the “right” kind of credit really is.  That can depend on your market.  If you are seeking to book more film work, then movie and film credits are what you need.  If you are hoping to be the next sitcom superstar, adding television credits to your resume would be wise.  There are lots of savvy talent who build empires on being successful commercial talent and who built a resume full of commercial credits.  The young high fashion hopeful girl will want to collect high fashion tears, whereas the commercial face will collect more catalog work.  Find out who you are as a talent first by visiting previous blogs, including WHO AM I AS A TALENT?, then read on!

If you want to build your book as a model, finding the photographers in your area who are interested in high fashion photography would be a good start.  Let them know you are available and willing to test.  If you don’t have a book to sell them on wanting to test with you, set up a shoot with a few of them and build your book first.  Knowing how to present yourself professionally with just a digital “polaroid” snapshot might be enough to peak their interest in some cases.  Commercial models should follow the same steps, but with photographers who focus mostly on commercial work.  Do THE NECESSARY RESEARCH!  It’s not the first time you had to figure out something new, remember?

As an actor, take similar steps to get connected in you field of interest.  Take into account that it may be wise to also focus on the type of work available in your market, even if it’s not a part of your dream.  Credits are credits when you’re starting from scratch!  Connect with local directors, producers, film schools, photography schools, and other resources in your area (see THE NECESSARY RESEARCH). 

Building resume credits is not only a great way to invest in your future and make doors open more easily, its also a great way to practice auditioning, make mistakes where they won’t haunt you, and learn the basic lingo and flow of a set.  Be sure to ask when you do book a job how to get a copy of the footage while you are still on set, too!  Now you’re on your way to building your resume and maybe even a reel!

YOUR HEADSHOT (PRINT QUALITY)

As an agent, I do not profess to know much about things involving printing.  However, what I have learned in a decade of advising talent and watching client responses on thousands of images is that printing is important.  As a philosophy, when I realize something is important, I have two options.  I can learn to master the task myself or I can partner with trusted advisors who have already mastered the task.  In the case of printing, I decided my time was better spent pitching and digging than becoming a quality printer myself.

In working with the printers to create the products that are well received by clients (which is my goal), I’ve learned a few things and have realized that there is so much more than I am able to imagine when it comes to print quality.  I can see a drastic difference between the quality of a proof from a professional and a print from my “professional” color image printer device.  The printer tells me it’s color and press quality – which means nothing to me.  Perhaps it does to you?

The bottom line is that like the restaurant comparison from the previous blog, presentation is what captures our attention in the first place.  Good service and experience keep us coming back, but you can’t show them that until you’ve got your foot in the door.  Trust that your professional printer will know more about paper stock, dimensions, and color and how it will be affected by the press, paper, and other colors around it to make you “pop” off the page.  A headshot that “pops” is like a skeleton key – it will open many doors for you to walk through!

YOUR HEADSHOT . . . DOES SIZE MATTER?

In any situation where a talent is given direction, the first stage of dismissals usually involves those talent who were not able to follow the requests.  In this case, grace may be shown to some who have built a stable reputation as being easy to work with in the past, so this ability is especially important to the green talent or those who might have become complacent and made a few more mistakes than usual lately. 

One simple direction that every talent should know and follow is the manner with which they present themselves through their headshot.  And in the case of an actor’s headshot, size does matter.  If you have a great image and choose to print it through a quality printer, the size of your image shouldn’t be anything to concern yourself with.  But if you would feel better knowing it’s correct, get your ruler and measure each side.  It should be 8 in. x 10 in.  If you chose a route other than the quality printer in your area, do yourself a favor and measure it.  If it is too large, you will need to cut each image down to the appropriate size.  If its too small, you will need to have your image reprinted in a larger size.

Most commonly, I see images that are 8 ½ in. x 11 in. since this is standard paper size.  I’ve heard talent tell me that it gives them an advantage to have their headshot sticking out from the others because it’s more noticeable.  What they don’t understand, though, is that it’s not noticeable for the right reasons.  In reality, that headshot is likely to not fit in the 8 in x 10 in folder that production uses to tote the options around.  Honestly, most talent who have this issue have deviated from the system and their best interest several blogs back, which farther complicates their plight. 

Once your image is the correct size, it’s equally important to have the resume fit that same size, as well.  Remember that your resume and headshot together are supposed to be one material.  The director should be able to pick it up and see your shining countenance on one side and then flip it over to see your resume on the other.   Most talent print their resumes on plain white computer paper and then affix them to each headshot.  In this case, be sure to cut the paper down to the correct size. 

Compare your headshot presentation to your favorite restaurant – a large part of what appeals to the masses is presentation when it comes to food.  Your headshot presentation is no different and like a restaurant, you want repeat customers!

YOUR HEADSHOT: UP-TO-DATE OR OUTDATED?

There are several determining factors that can make a headshot stand out above its competition.  It would be unreasonable to expect any one talent to be aware of all the factors, but you can be sure you are setting yourself up for success by placing successful partnerships (photographers, printers, managers, agents, etc.) around your business of being a talent.

One common question talent ask is whether their headshot should be color or the standard black and white?  It may depend specifically on your market or demographic, so go with your agent’s suggestion first.  However, in most markets it is safe to say that black and white was “then” and color is “now” in the on-camera world.  Models should also rely heavily on color images and tears.  It’s human nature to be attracted to color, so naturally when two equally qualified talent headshots are being debated over for a job, it’s usually the color headshot that wins out.  That subconscious decision could affect your future!

Another common image quandary is the outdated style.  A good headshot can transcend time – literally.  Clothing choices, jewelry and accessories, hairstyles, and even backdrops can date your images, which means that they are useless when the new styles come out a few months down the road.  Choose options that are classic, simple, and minimal, so that your image gets it's full life-cycle!

I am commonly asked about “period” images (you know, having a 20’s show girl image for the next recreation of Chicago, etc.).  Having a period headshot is nice if you have every other possible marketing image available to your agent and casting community, but even taking an appropriate period headshot to a period production casting can be detrimental.  Keep in mind what production will have after you walk away – nothing but a pigeon-holed headshot.  If your image is a dead ringer for exactly what they want, it could help.  But if your image varies in any way from the picture in their mind (which is constantly morphing as any vision or idea could), your efforts will more likely end up in the discard pile. 

Having modern materials is all part of the entertainer's life and a strong predictor of success.  Be received well by putting your best foot forward and giving the community exactly what it needs to push you into the limelight!

QUALITY IMAGE PRINTING

You took the time and made the investment in getting a great image to use for your marketing.  Wise choice!  Now continue down that path of wisdom by having professional printing done.  Is there really that big of a difference between what your cousin does for a few bucks and what a professional press can do?  Yes.  Can you see the difference?  Maybe, maybe not.  But can the trained industry eye see the difference?  Most definitely!

Franchised mass production retailers like Kinkos and WalMart offer the option to print images, but they don’t specialize in it.  Say you want a steak.  You can go to McDonalds and have a “steak burger” or you can go to Flemings and have a nice Filet.  Now can you tell the difference?  Your headshot is the same when it comes to quality.  “Flemings” headshots are much more impressive and desirable than McDonalds.  And these higher quality presentations are what make it the farthest in the casting process.

Professional printers know about the correct card stock.  They know how to manipulate colors to help you pop out of the picture.  They can showcase you as a healthy vibrant option versus the more jaundiced home printer image.  Professional presses are specially calibrated using modern technologies and computers.  You don’t have an image from the ‘80s, so don’t make us wonder if it might have been printed back then.

The best way to identify a professional high quality printer is by asking yourself one simple question:  do they do anything else here besides print pictures?  If you can answer “no” sincerely, you are in the right place!  Cheers to you, your headshot, and your future career!

HEADSHOTS: JUST WHEN YOU THOUGHT IT WAS SAFE . . .

The following blog post has been forwarded from the desk of a casting director.  Take note!

Just when we thought everything that could possibly be written about headshots had been written, multiple times (including here), along comes a real shocker:  actors' headshots are getting worse.  At one time there were about 15 "go to" headshot photographers in New York.  Now it seems there are hundreds, but they are no longer considered "go to" types, more "run from" types.  These observations and now facts, and have been repeatedly confirmed. 

By this time with all the resources and technology available to actors, everyone's headshots should be hand-held masterpieces.  How did this downturn happen?

1.  With cheap digital cameras readily available, many actors are now having their friends take their headshots.  Or doing headshots themselves.

Results:  shots that are visibly inferior to ones that were taken by a professional headshot photographer.  Has "homemade," "amateur," and "clueless" stamped all over it.

 

2. Headshots are now being printed through a home printer.

Results:  poor printing quality compared to a professional headshot reproduction lab.  Black and white shots are becoming amazingly stubborn to eliminate; now we know why.  AND, the size of the "headshots?"  Not 8x10.  Anything but.  How about anything goes.

 

It is common knowledge that a headshot is your calling card to the world.  It is the first thing anybody sees about you.  It is supposed to open doors, not close them.  Agents and casting directors look at a headshot for one second - and the decision has been made to call you in or not.  You don't get a second chance to make a first impression. You could be the most talented, best looking actor on both coasts, but you may never have a shot at the $60,000.00 commercials if the path to that job is not in place.  And the path starts with a headshot.

This is definitely not the area of your career to cut corners.  Simply put, a great headshot in the eyes of the Industry - not in the eyes of your friends, family or fellow actors (they don't hire or represent you) - can only be done by a professional headshot photographer.  It is a definite art and skill, developed and honed over time.  Cheap?  Yes and no.  The initial cost may seem high, but considering the potential, that headshot could be one of the best investments you could make.

Where are the sources for the great headshot photographers?  Not the trades; the "names" don't have to advertise or pay to be listed in special sections that are really masquerading advertising sections.  They shoot actors through referrals.  Legitimate agents, casting directors, and managers are also a good start.

Promise the world the best headshot that our eyes will ever see.  Be easy on the eyes and the Industry will be easy on you.

 

DO YOU KNOW WHAT FLATTERS YOU?

If we can stop and be honest with ourselves for a moment, we can all agree that most talent are their own worst critics.  It’s difficult to look at any image of yourself and not see all the insecurities you deal with day in and day out.  As hard as it may be to believe, though, most of the time no one else ever notices the things that cause you so much concern!

 

Knowing and being able to embrace what will flatter you – and in doing so, will sell you – is imperative to a talent’s future.  Do you know what flatters you in a client’s eyes?

 

Take for example Betty Lou.  Betty Lou wants to be a blonde bombshell and worships the ground that Pamela Anderson walks.  Betty Lou is 5’1” with black hair and would fit into the Asian demographic.  If she dyes her hair bleach blonde, wears 4 inch heels, and has cosmetic surgery, she will still not audition for the same roles that Pamela might have in her early days.  It’s great to have a hero in your field to emulate and study, but it’s unrealistic to be something you are not physically capable of becoming.

 

Betty Lou may be an extreme example, but in the industry we regularly see talent who have skewed views of what fits them physically and skill wise.  Pick materials that are complementary to what your market is seeking and still make you feel good, but spray tanning and having a graphic artist draw shadows to give you a six pack isn’t going to help you build a great career.

 

WHAT ARE YOU SELLING?

Having solid marketing materials is important, but it’s more than just a good picture.  What are your images selling?  It’s evident that they should promote you as the product or service to be hired, but what the client is asking themselves as they flip through your book is, “Can (s)he provide the attitude, body style, effect that I need to sell my products/services”?  Can you?  Well, of course you can, but if they can’t see it, they won’t believe it!

 

Your agent or manager would be the best person to help you identify what you are selling as an actor or model.  Identifying your strengths and then showcasing them will be key when it comes to getting your foot in the door and then sealing the deal after the audition or go-see.

 

Start with physicalities.  What physical traits do you possess that identify you?  If you are long and lean, you will be considered for different roles or shoots than someone who is short and stocky.  Brunettes sell one personality type whereas red heads sell another. 

 

Then move on to your skill set.  What abilities do you possess that give you added advantage.  Be sure to showcase things like flexibility, emotions, and competitive sports or achievements.  If you can do a flying kick, let’s see it!

 

Seeing is believing and when a client puts a lot of money on the line for their advertising or production, they want to know that you are going to help them earn it back, so don’t be hesitant to show it!