The Successful Talent: Tips for the Actor & Model

OUTSIDE OF ACTING

You mean to tell me there are other jobs in entertainment besides being an actor or model?  Yes, Virginia, this industry is not run by Santa Claus!  You may realize there are people working with and for your benefit as the talent, but are you aware of what their daily grind is like?  Most likely, you have misconceptions without knowing it.

What does that CD who always seems so stressed out (or nonchalant) deal with every day?  Find out from our fellow industry professional Scott Powers!

It is vital that performers know not only how to act and market themselves, but how the business works from all sides.
 
One of the approaches that we have recommended with great results to abolish this situation is - ready? - go for an internship or be a reader.  Internships are basically unpaid or low-paid or transportation/meal stipend paid positions.  They can be a few hours a week, on a daily basis or for a specified period of time.  Interns open the morning mail and email, field phone calls, file headshots, watch the actors/models coming in and out of the office, interface with the industry, discover what problems the business has to grapple with day in and day out, maybe even sit in on the decision making process.  You will have a great first-hand to generally/specifically observe how the industry - the "other side" - REALLY works.  What a great opportunity you created for yourself!  And if you know THAT, your pursuits and career will absolutely benefit.
 
Being a reader for auditions at a casting company gives an actor first-hand experience on how the casting process works.  What works and what doesn't.  Talk about an eye-opening experience!
 
Are interns all really young?  No.  If you're, say, over 30++, don't worry about it.  You bring to the position certain life experiences and approaches that someone younger hasn't had yet.
 
Be pro-active.  You contact them.  Most offices have a continuous need for interns.  You can approach a company in general or target a specific person.  Want to get in good with an agent?  Offer to intern for them.  Want to get in good with a casting director?  Offer to intern; be a reader for them.  Send them your headshot via email or snail mail and on the outside, mark "INTERN APPLICATION" or "READER APPLICATION" (or on the Subject line if email) and inside have a BRIEF cover note. Tell them what qualities you can bring [to the potential partnership].  Tell them what times/days of the week you are available and how long you can be available.
 
[An experience like this can] change your outlook forever.  Not only will you have a much better understanding of the business, but you will have a much better appreciation of it as well (and there would be a lot less moaning and groaning out there!)
 
Of course, if we could only get the agents and casting directors out on a few auditions and go-sees to see what the actor/model goes through, we might have a nearly perfect world....

And that reminds me of a bet I lost once with an actor.  My pay up was to take Caroline Locorriere's scene study workshop for a month.  It was mostly fun, but also great insight into what our actors grapple with every day.  Learning can go both ways, but you can only choose to learn for yourself!  Internships aren't limited, so think outside the box and find something that interests you as well.  It may be photographry, television, publicity, management, etc.  Your options are only as limited as your imagination!

Where could you intern and how could having done so help you in the casting room or on set?

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FOUR SIMPLE WAYS TO BOOK MORE WORK!

What can you do to book more jobs?  Every talent asks this question and although a lot is dictated by outside variable and other decision makers, some of the easiest things a talent can do are frequently overlooked or dismissed as unimportant.  You are already working on your skill set, building your resume or reel, and developing a bigger network of contacts.  What else matters?

Here is a list of simple things that successful talent do on a daily basis that set them apart from their peers:

1.)  Pick up the phone.  The talent on The Avenue's roster who book the most work consistently answer the phone when the agency calls.  It may sound trite, but being able to access a talent quickly means being able to respond to the client more quickly -- and in many cases, the early bird books the job.  Case in point, last week I called a talent and left a message early in the morning.  I didn't hear back from the talent until very late that night.  The job had already been booked and the late caller not only lost the opportunity, but lost a little of my confidence.  As an agent, we want to know to that we can count on the talent to do their part of our partnership, so the talent who readily respond are always going to be our go-to pick when we are in a pinch!

2.) Follow directions.  You always follow directions right?  Of course, you do!  Well, you mean to anyway.  Best intentions aren't good enough when it comes to following directions.  As an independent contractor, you have many different clients asking for similiar things with different details.  Should you bring 1 headshot or 3.  Did you wear black pants when you were supposed to wear khaki?  Can the CD count on you to listen and then nail their direction in front of the director?  I recently witnessed a well-meaning and very talented actor submit a taped audition for a big role.  The audition was phenomenal, but the file was not sent according to the directions that had been given.  Casting did not realize the tape was there until after the role had already been cast.  A very sad day for the talent who nailed the audition and was never even considered for the part -- and now has created the impression with casting that he/she can't follow directions. 

3.)  Be able to submit a taped audition from home -- immediately!  Our digital age is exciting and has opened up opportunity to a lot of actors outside of the biggest markets.  Those who are self-reliant and respond quickly are booking work all over the place!  The talent who rely on another person, another person's technology or expertise, or even someone they hire for help are missing the boat.  Sure, your agent may be willing to tape you, but do you really WANT them spending time burning down audition tapes?  No, they should be working to get you more opportunities!  Self taping has become so simple that every home has access to some sort of video recording and computer burning device.  It may vary from person to person, but the end result is the same.  The talent who don't make excuses and figure out a way to make it work are the talent who are working.  They are also the talent who the agent is going to call first and when under pressure or time deadlines.  Don't you want to be that first call?

4.)  Be willing.  This is an industry of unknowns.  Models are doing taped submissions for jobs today as often as actors are.  The models who are willing to try working with a video camera instead of a still camera are the models who are working.  And the added bonus is that a lot of them are booking jobs that pay residual, which means they are making a lot more money than they have in the past.  Being flexible and willing to try something that you

Sometimes your bottom line profit is about more than your abilities as a model or actor.  In this high drama industry, everyone is looking for the easiest way to keep their set functional and friendly.  Are you making their life easier and giving yourself an advantage?

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THE GATE KEEPER

Before you storm the castle with swords ablazing, do know who guards the gate?  He or she is more than you might give them worth!  Who is the gate keeper, you ask?  He or she is the person you go through in order to get in contact with the actual person you are seeking.  This might be a coach, a casting director, an agent, a director, or someone at an ad agency.   That person answering the phone, responding to emails, or setting appointments can be your best friend or worst enemy.  Usually, that choice is up to you!

We encounter gate keepers in our every day life, which is a great forum for practice.  If you trip up and lose your temper, it's better done with a postal worker than with someone that might hold the power to help move your career forward.  Keep in mind that whomever you are first exposed to when seeking someone's attention, they are not just a receptionist or assistant.  Anyone who has ever had an assistant or similar help can tell you how important that person becomes to the employers' daily success.  In sales, one of the first things we are taught is how to communicate with our friend, the gate keeper.

An industry professional shared this story with me recently:  My assistant was out on leave temporarily, so I was answering her emails.  One of them was from [names will be spared, so we'll call him/her Tracy].  The email was very hateful and demanding about why they hadn't been able to set an appointment with me.  The emailer accused my assistant of being incompetent. 

Of course, this simple action put Tracy immediately in bad graces with his/her hopeful new relationship.  If and when they ever meet, every action afterward will be tainted with the reminder that Tracy lacked tact and professionalism.  If they never get to meet, it will only be Tracy's own fault.  Sadly, Tracy probably won't ever know why.

We all tend to be on our best behavior with those people with whom we want to maintain a positive relationship and show our best face.  Sadly, we don't always share that same respect with their staff and helpers.  Change your perspective to approaching those who can help your career -- right along with their entire staff and circle of acquaintances -- with the utmost respect.  A friendly gate keeper on your side can ease the transition to getting what you really want in the end!

WEARING YOUR GAME FACE

Did you know actors and models are hired on the most subjective criteria?  No one can ever guess what will determine a decision-maker's mind, but there are some things you can do to swing luck in your direction!  So the question is . . . do you have your game face on?

 

Here's a career tip from a Casting Director which some smart actors use with proven results, but which every actor can employ to their benefit:

To start, assume you're being sent out for an audition.  Your role reads:  happy, approachable, perky.    Can you walk into a room with a big smile.  Do you look perfect; like a winner?  Do you have a good "aura"; are you able to send out positive vibes? Do you turn heads?

That's your "role" as an actor.  You assume this role when you walk out the door that morning.  No thunderclouds over your head (with a permanent bolt of lightening).  You stay in character throughout the day, wherever you go, whatever you do, whomever you meet.  (Do you know how to walk down the street?  REALLY walk down the street?  Stars do - they practiced doing "it."  And everybody gravitates toward them - wanting to be in their aura.)

Keep in mind that you run into "the industry" on street corners, in subways, in the supermarket, in the most unexpected places.  Don't let them catch you out of character, looking disheveled or like you're having a bad day.  It can be a potential deal breaker, sooner or later.  We're always on stage.  Not to mention the emotional weight of being in a funk and then trying to get out of it for the few minutes you are in the casting room!  Energy is more often felt than we realize in subjective and emotional industries especially.  It isn't something you can force or pretend -- it's either there or it's not.

You step out of character only when you return home, if you choose.  Then (and only then) you may assume your evil twin, descend into that terminal depression, morph into a slug, whatever.  But at that point, it's OK.

Tomorrow, repeat steps above if you need to practice this character more.  In this case, it might even make you a more likeable person, build your network, and you could even find new friends! 

Thank you.  And the world will thank you, too.   Not to mention how many more jobs you'll magically get!

THE ORIGINAL SCREEN TEST

After a lot of very hard knocks in the 1930s, Lyle had been given the opportunity to do a screen test for the second biggest studio in town, Warner Bros.

Lyle arrived at the studio looking his best, his dark hair shimmering with brilliantine, his two-tone wingtips just as shiny.  In his years as a travelling theatre actor, [he] cultivated habits that helped carry him through life.  He didn't have the steadiest of moral compasses, or much in the way of self-knowledge, and he would later be undone, more than once, by his love of a strong drink or the wrong woman.  (By the time he arrived in Hollywood, he had already ended a two-year marriage, to a strage actress, and had four more marriages ahead of him.)  But he always maintained his habits of professionalism, and of small ateentions to himself--the sort of ruotines that can hold a person together when little else does.  Lyle always showed up on time, and he always knew his lines.  He never left the house unless he was well turned out, anointed with Lilac Vegetal, a clean white handkerchief in his pocket.

One thing Lyle felt certain of: the material he had chosen for his test was perfect!  It was a scene from "Louder, Please," a play he'd done in Dallas.  He had played Herbert White, a brash and charming publicity man for a movie studio who runs afoul of the studio's obnoxious head of production.  The dialogue was quippy; the pace was modern and frenetic, with a lot of ringing phones and shouting.  In Dallas, Lyle's performance had earned him some of the strongest reviews of his career. 

Did it cross Lyle's mind that somebody in Hollywood might take offense at such an acid portrait of Hollywood?  It did not.  After all, the studio in the play was fictional.  After Lyle delivered all his lines, crisp and fast, the director walked over and said, "Talbot, that scene you did -- was that from a play called, 'Louder, Please'?"  Lyle nodded.  "Well, that play is kind of taboo on the lot here," the director continued. "The man you referred to as King, the one you're having a conflict with, is the head of this studio.  I don't think, uh, this test is something you want the studio head to see."

Lyle swallowed.  "Can we do it over?"   The answer was no.

Opportunity knocks and sometimes we are ready -- or we think we are ready.  Political blunders are rarely intentional, but can quickly kill a great casting, booking, or meeting.  Having advisors close at hand to help you navigate the unknown is one smart move, but being aware of the industry and who's who within it is an equally smart move on the talent's behalf. 

Lyle Talbot went on to become a household name starring alongside Carole Lombard, Barbara Stanwyck, and Bette Davis, despite his poor screen test choice.  You can reach the full article in The New Yorker. 

I am continually shocked by the choices talent make when they get an opportunity to read for an important CD or even meet me as an agent.  Bold and appropriate (or educated) choices excite me; whereas poor or humdrum choices make us want to pass before the actor even gets through their first 10 seconds.  Are you making the best choices to keep us interested and engaged?

GOOD ACTORS. BAD CHOICES.

One of my personal favorite bloggers is Back Stage's Secret Agent Man.  In the following post on his blog, Secret Agent Man poetically clarifies why good actors do bad things . . . and how it ends up sabataging all their best efforts and intentions.

I met Lucifer in a bar the other night, and he confessed that he likes to put bad ideas in the heads of smart actors. Curious, I asked why he did this. The author of all sin smiled. “Creative people annoy me. Just look at the so-called great works of art that claim to capture my image. You would be upset too.”

Lucifer had a point. The man in front of me wasn’t a horned monster with a red tail. He actually looked a little like Jeremy Irons.

We ordered another round. My new friend went on to explain that actors are especially open to suggestion because they’re such desperate beings. “Convincing them to get in their own way requires little more than a whisper in their ears.”

I was stunned. Actors are always cutting their own throats for no apparent reason. Could the devil himself be the root of all that self-destructive behavior?

Just last week, a client shocked me by ruining an opportunity I created at her request. Clara, an established actor in her 40s, had been begging me to get her in the room for one of her favorite TV shows. So when the right part crossed my desk, I convinced the casting director to give her a shot.

The show’s office was on the Universal lot, up in the Valley. Since it was hard to find, casting sent me a detailed map with parking directions. I told Clara to leave early, just to be safe.

After the audition, she was in a state of shock. Everything went wrong, and it was all her fault.

Here’s what happened. Clara barely glanced at the map before leaving her home. She just assumed it would all make sense when she got there. Well, it didn’t. Clara couldn’t find the right parking structure so she left her car in the wrong place, a spot which was half a mile away from the casting office. And this was on a summer afternoon when it gets past 100 degrees in the Valley.

So she arrived at the audition 20 minutes late, covered in sweat. There was no time to waste because the director had to leave, so casting rushed her into the office. Naturally, the audition didn’t go well, and now it’s going to be a hundred times harder for me to get her back in the room.

When I asked Clara why she had behaved in such an unprofessional manner, she wasn’t able to give me an honest answer.

I finished my drink and turned to Lucifer.

“Was that you?”

He grinned.

My mind started to race. I remembered the time I had to drop a young client because he was badmouthing me in public. The idiot had been at a workshop, waiting for his scene partner, when he decided to talk some trash. A passing casting assistant heard him and called me in the morning.

Then there was the time an actor followed me into a restaurant, interrupted my dinner, and begged me for a meeting.

And what about those clients who passed on auditions because they didn’t think they were right for the parts? Why wouldn’t they allow the casting director to make that decision? 

Or worst of all, how about all the actors who write in to Backstage, begging for a meeting with Secret Agent Man when they don’t even know who I am or where I work?

Lucifer stood up. It was time to move on. He explained that Hollywood was keeping him busy.

I had to ask.

“Will I see you again?”

“Perhaps.”

As the Prince of Darkness strolled off into the night, I made a mental note to pick up some holy water and a few crosses on my way home.

To see more of Secret Agent Man's blog posts, visit his site. 

Are you listening to the angel or the demon sitting on your shoulders?  Choose wisely!

I'M SO SORRY . . .

Agents, managers, and casting directors find it amazing that actors and models so frequently start a conversation with the words "I'm so sorry . . . "  Insert any completion to the sentence.  We've heard them all!

 . . . I didn't get the message.

 . . . I haven't checked my email.

 . . . I'm not off book (e.g., I didn't memorize my sides).

 . . . I'm late.  It's the a) traffic; b) I was up really late last night; c) nobody called me; d) my alarm didn't go off; e) I didn't know I had to be on time.

 . . . I forgot my a) headshot; b) resume; c) pen to take notes

 . . . I'm too busy right now to write down the info.  Shoot me an email!

 . . . My headshot is still black and white.  I've been meaning to . . .

 . . . I didn't return your phone call the other day.  Can casting still see me?

According to one New York casting director, these excuses send the deal-breaker signal to those who could hire a talent.  The industry doesn't hear whining excuses daily -- we hear them hourly.  No one with money behind them cares how great a talent looks or how skilled they are if the first thing we hear is multiple reasons why someone isn't up for the job.  There is always another option in the talent pool!

So knowing what NOT to do is only half the battle.  Should you ever find yourself in a circumstance where you feel compelled to start with an apology, bite your tongue.  Apologizing at that point -- after you've already done something blaringly wrong -- will not fix the mistake.  Acknowledge your failure and move past it.  Choose to hear whatever frustration is shared with you from the inconvenienced professional and then choose to only say, "Yes, I hear you.  It won't happen again."  After that, you can move on and give them reasons to change their impression (because you'll nail it despite the stress, right?).  The words "I'm sorry" have no place in entertainment.  After you leave, be sure that you follow through on never letting the mistake happen again -- at all costs.  Actions speak louder than words.  Make yourself heard through people's experiences working with you and your mouth never has to even open!

In this business, the savvy talent must remember that in order to pursue significant well-paying work, there are NO excuses.   Period.   The actor who got the job had no excuses.  Did you?

WHAT SUSTAINS THE CREATIVE MIND?

New York actors were asked what sustains them day after day working in their creative endeavor.  Their answers were uninhibited.

CD Scott Powers says:  Wow! Nobody should look at actors the same way again! The clichéd actor stereotype has bit the dust. Thanks for all the well-thought-out replies - everyone one of them inspiring in their own way. And THAT'S what we mean by us being special - you just proved it.   Below are all the replies; please read all of them, you are sure to pick up some that resonate with you and will sustain you.

 
Writing down all of the things I've accomplished in the past year, and looking at that list frequently.

Doing something everyday, no matter how small, to move forward in creating contacts and making myself more visible.

Saying affirmations while looking at myself in the mirror. It's really hard to do at first, but I think it helps.

Getting involved with projects I care about and being with other artists I care about.

God and His grace are what keep me breathing

Every time a casting goes well

Watching myself improve and gain confidence

Knowing that I am not "just" an actor. To know that if this all goes to hell, I have intrinsic value and so much to offer besidesgives me strength to "go for it" without inhibition.

Loving what I do.

Less is more...If I can't fully commit to something. I simply don't do it. I go in 100 % and sometimes i fall on my face but at least I know I gave my all with no regrets. My time is my most valuable asset and if I'm not going to give it my ALL than it's not worth it.

I watch inspiring documentaries, inspiring bio pic films, visit the museum, reading moving books that feed my spirit. I do work on myself and always work from integrity because it's foundation of life. Without Integrity nothing works. Honoring my promises I make to myself first.

Being connected to the source of my gifts and my life.

Understanding that before I am an entertainer I am a light.

Knowing how to come back home to myself.

Looking for love and acceptance within my own heart.

Faith to stay in the present moment.

The sound of applause after a good improv show. Doing a good improv show is such a success.

Seeing my friends succeed in this business encourages me not to stop trying.

Creating my own work; making things happen on my own.

Meeting industry that already "knows" me.

My parents, who believe in me, and still call me their little star!

Hearing the laughter from the audience when you've just nailed a funny line!

The rehearsal process, joy, laughter, and comraderie

Several community theaters in New England are refurbished churches; and it is so fitting because Theater, like all art forms, feeds the soul.

It took a great deal of maturity, but knowing NOT to take it personally if I don't get a part.  I've done the work. I can act. I just may not be what they are physically looking for. 

I never gave up on anything. I refuse to lose. I dont give up. Ever

When your daughter says, Dad, I was watching a movie last night on TV and all of a sudden You popped up on the screen, WOW. you didn't tell me you were in that one.  Hey, we went to the movies last night and there you were right in the middle of things as big as life. What a thrill to see someone we know personally in a movie.

Hello Peter, This is casting calling to see if you are available tomorrow for a featured spot in 'What's Your Number' as "Uncle Charlie' ?. Ah, let me check my calendar.

Morgan Freeman called me over shared his heater with me on the first cold day of the season. At the end of the shoot when he was leaving the set, he walked by me and shook my hand and said, "It was great working with you."  I said to myself, Wow, What a Class Act."

An understanding of what I bring to the world - bridge building.  I look to connect people, connect "situations" with solutions or resolutions and provide clarity to otherwise confusing and daunting tasks.

Loving the things I do in life which sustain me (even when they're annoying, like my survival jobs and the fact that I, HAVE THEM).

Always seeking a new thing to learn every day.

Mind games with myself.  For example, when someone asks how I'm doing, my normal response usually is "Another day in Paradise".  Most folks usually scoff at that, to which I retort "that's my story and I'm sticking to it."  The responses usually shift to amazement.

Throw folks a curve ball in life that's unexpected.  For example, one of my joys is driving a bus.  I drive a line run to Atlantic City on weekends whenever I'm not doing a show or other artistic endeavors.  When a (female) passenger boards my bus and informs me it's their birthday today, I usually say "oh, that's nice, happy birthday" then they take their seat.  What they don't know is when I reach my last pick-up and make my announcements about Atlantic City protocol, I will walk the length of the bus towards where that person is sitting and just before I finish my announcements, I'll ask the question "Oh, by the way, what's you name again?" to which they'll tell me, then I belt out HAPPY BIRTHDAY.  The responses I get amongst the passengers: PRICE-LESS.

PRAYER/FAITH. These go hand in hand

Optimism- for each No, i'm closer to my Yes.

Determination- there is nothing else for me. Been workin since 14yrs old and I believe Ive been in almost every field from food service to nursing to finance to law enforcement. Since I was 7 I knew I was an Actor/character.

Passion- I eat, sleep, breath my craft and know that its my gift from God.

Perserverence- my drive to excel and never quit. Don't focus on how many ppl doin the same thing but concentrate on the unique talents I have to offer.

No Sense- not enough to even think For one minute that I won't make it. As long as I stay dedicated, there is no failing.

Physical well-being: having a gym, yoga, dance class, etc. routine. Maintain a good diet.

Mental well-being: keeping an audition journal, having an understanding friend/roommate/partner that you can vent to without getting negative feedback, writing your memoirs or an anonymous online blog. Join a book club, check out novels from the library for your daily subway commute.

Creative well-being: watching local TV shows. Taking acting class, voice lessons, etc.

Emotional well-being: making sure you keep up a social life/dating life! Keep it in check (going out is expensive!), but do make time to see your friends and go on dates (or take your partner out if you're in a relationship) - doesn't have to cost money, and you can combine them with other goals such as going out to see a show or taking a walk in the park.

Financial well-being: having a flexible day job or side catering/waitering job. Unemployment. Barter with friends for mutual coachings if you're short on money for lessons.

Weekly one-on-one coaching keeps me audition-ready at all times.

Always maintain curious attitude without being intrusive.

Bringing everything I work on to a higher level.

Seeing I've played my position on the team (shoot) to the best of my ability and have had fun doing it.

Learning for forgive -- especially myself .

I got in this by the back door -- through looking to better express emotions like vulnerability. Finding out I had talent was a major surprise. I learn something new every day which is a hoot!

Jeremiah 29:11 - For I know the plans I have for you", declares the Lord, "plans to Prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Heb.11:1 - Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.

1 Cor. 2:9 - No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him.

Isaiah 30:18 - The Lord longs to be gracious to you; he rises to show you compassion. For the Lord is a God of justice. Blessed are all who wait for him!

Ecc 5:19 - Moreover, when God gives any man wealth and possessions, and enables him to enjoy them, to accept his lot and be happy with his work---this is a gift of God.

Faith

Belief in myself

Belief in the Universe and Natural Law

Family

Friends

Recognizing the strengths of others and knowing I have the ability to surpass what has already been proven possible.

Recognizing the weaknesses in others and knowing i am nothing like them and will never be like them.

The joy and happiness that comes from setting and obtaining goals.

Being lucky and grateful of having the people who inspire me most in my life.

Realizing my potential and refusing to do it injustice.
 

 

What sustains YOU day in - day out?

DOES YOUR FACEBOOK HELP YOUR CAREER?

Social media becomes a bigger factor in booking on almost a daily basis.  Repeatedly in the past few months, I have heard producers, directors, and photographers say things like, "I wanted to know more about [insert your name here], so I checked out his/her facebook page and saw . . . "   That lead in has ended with some really positive statements and translated into a booking for the named talent.  It has also sometimes began a displeasurable rant about politics, sexuality, religion, and other topics. 

Social medias are a new front for marketing, entertainment, and communication.  Like most new things, we are going to have to learn some lessons the hard way before the younger generations are coached on how to use them effectively.  Since most of us are already adults and making an effort to join the technological era, these words from BackStage blogger Mercedes Rose are well-timed.

Social media does make a difference. A producer in the room for final callbacks recalled a recent very negative Facebook posting one of the actor had recently done. The producer immediately said he wasn't "overly excited" about the prospect of that negative energy coming to set. Now, I totally understand that one negative FB status does not a negative actor make. The point is: this producer didn't want to take that chance. And that is his right as the one doing the hiring.

In his new book, Talking Back to Facebook: A Common Sense Guide To Raising Kids in the Digital Age, Steyer explores some of the effects of digital media and outlines strategies for avoiding what he calls RAP — relationship issues, attention/addiction problems and privacy pitfalls — while navigating the digital world.  "Young people in particular often self-reveal before they self-reflect," Steyer tells Fresh Air's Dave Davies. "There is no eraser button today for indiscretion."

There is a place for personal discussions in life - it is between those involved and in private.  There is also a time for venting and bouncing ideas off of trusted sources - it is again, between those involved and in private.  Social medias are too easily accessible, too quickly completed, and too likely to not be filtered based on statistical analysis noted in the book, Talking Back to Facebook. 

There are ways to make certain posts visible to a specific group of friends; say, your family of origin, for example.  Keep in mind, though, that the information you posted may only be immediately visible to those you choose, but it is still accessible out there on the worldwide web.  No need to have haunting things pop up later when you make it big, right?

 

How are you using your social media positively?  What results have you seen?

FACEBOOK, TWITTER, LINKEDIN OH MY!

Ever find yourself overwhelmed by the abundance of social media outlets that are available today? Ever wonder what the do's and don'ts of social media are? As a model or actor, it's extremely important to know that you (maybe more than most people) are always in the public eye. Agents, casting directors, and managers have free reign of the internet so lets just say they have a little free time during the day and they decide to search for you on twitter, would your tweets be appropriate? You don't want them basing a casting decision off of your tweets or facebook posts, so its time to learn some social media etiquette. Below is a simple guide to social media etiquette from NAACT.

1. Don’t bash other people on your social media accounts. It doesn’t matter whether you refer to  them by name; it makes you look petty. Once in a blue moon, people will forgive and forget. Do it all the time, and you’re [labelled] a whiner.

2. Be considerate when you decide whether to post, Tweet or share. I hear people saying “it’s my account, I’ll post what I want” all the time. To a certain extent, that’s true. You should be yourself. But you should also remember that other people have to sift through five million YouTube videos to see what their other friends said – just because you were in a Metallica kind of mood. Bombarding people’s news feeds with anything (whether it be videos or game updates) just isn’t polite.

3. Engage other people in conversation. Don’t just post updates and have conversations on your own wall, comment on your friends’ pictures and status updates, retweet their tweets and share their news stories. That’s the whole point of social media: to be social.

4. Don’t post embarrassing pictures and videos of your friends and then tag them. That’s just mean. Sure, sometimes they deserve it, but you can be the better person, can’t you? On the same token, don’t post embarrassing pictures of yourself either. Eager to show off a new tattoo in an inconspicuous place? Social media is not the venue.

5. Don’t share uber-personal details about your life.   Remember that you’re sharing this info with people you used to work with or went to high school with and haven’t seen in 15 years. I don’t know you like that, and no offence, but I don’t want to know you like that.

In the video below, casting director Michael Cassara, currently casting a movie in our market, gives his opinion on how actors should use today's social media.

 

Hopefully these tips will make you think twice about what you post on your social media pages. What Facebook, LinkedIn, or Twitter posts do you enjoy seeing most?  Are you posting things like that?