How To Break Into Acting And Find Work
Your Calling Card To Success
As an Actor there are several things that you must have to succeed. Every Actor must have profesisonal headshots. Now that may seem like a no brainer, but it’s the one step that many Actors fail to execute or execute correctly. For talent,
headshots are considered yourcalling card to get work. Your headshots are the first thing that a Casting Director or Producer see when casting for a project or event. Your headshot is what will get you in the door and considered for a role. Without one you have no shot. You may be asking what type of headshots do Actors need? Let us explain.
Headshots. The best option for Actors is to have variety of looks when building your portfolio as an Actor. The key is to invest in a reputable photographer that has experience shooting Actors. There is a different vision that you may have that doesn’t fit within the typical headshot requirements.
- You will need a headshot that is commercial. It should be a close up photo from the shoulders up. Make sure the focus is on your face and really shows off your best smile in a natural light.
- You will also want photos of you in a more dramtic light, with darker colors, studio light and a serious look.
- You can have fun with other character photos that showcase the different looks you can protray, for instance a busniess man or woman, a goth chic, a cheerleader, a doctor or cop. Whatever look you feel you can pull off on camera and in person you can try. Who knows what type of role you might get an audition for and having a great photo as an intro is a great way to start.
Building A Reel
For many Actors finding an Agent may be one of the first things they want to accomplish, however you need to walk before you run. Agents have an important job and are very selective with who they take on to represent. They need to see that you have not only the ability to work on camera, but the experience to step on set with confidence and nail the role. Building a reel with Acting credits will be the next most important step to take. You are probably wondering how to do that if you have no experience? Well, that is were having a great headshot and a computer will come into play.
Finding Work. Everyone starts somewhere and landing those first few gigs to start building your reel is no easy lift, but it is surely possible with focus and determination. Take control of your future and research talent online job platforms. There are many online websites that post casting notices for paid and unpaid non-union gigs. When you are first starting out you may even consider non-paid jobs. The goal here is not just to make money, but to build your reel to land an Agent and get higher paying work, eventually. There are many platforms out there to look.
Backstage, Casting Networks and Castango.com are all places to find gigs as an Actor to build your reel.
As an Actor you are going to want to showcase your photos and reel for future employers to discover. Not only does Castango allow you to have an online portfolio including headshots, video reels, and important resume information, this web platform gives you the opportunity to connect direct with future employers. You can find work by searching through new available jobs for talent and then communicate with the companies direct. If you are on a mission to break into Acting and find work check out Castango first.
Building Your Resume: Now that you have your headshots and are building your reel you will want to track all of this success with an upto date resume. When you audtion for jobs and an Agent you will need a resume to give to them so they they can review your experience and do not forget who you are. Here are a few things to include.
- Personal information such as full name, contact information, email address and even the best web platform for your future employer to visit in order to see more photos or videos of you in action. (Refrain from putting your address on resumes.)
- If you are just starting and have few credits your can include a short bio that describes what you do and what you are looking to achieve at the top. 3 sentences or less.
- Your statistics such as height, hair color, eye color, weight and even measurements. Keep all of this information up to date. If you change your hair color make sure to change your resume.
- List any prior professional training or jobs that you have completed in the acting field. If you have taken professional classes or workshops, don’t leave that out. It shows that you’ve had further training. Make sure to update your resume each time you’ve completed a gig or professional training.
Nailing An Audition
Finding opportunities and getting in the door is only the first step to success. You must nail the audition to land gigs. Many Actors fail to study and learn the techniques needed to succeed in the industry. Having natural talent is just the start. You need skill to stand out so find a class and study. There are very specific audition techniques used by professionals to book work. A few tips to remember:
- Preparation is key! Request the sides (script) in advance to rehearse your part and memorize your lines! Tape yourself and watch your performance so you can see if you have any bad habits on camera like akward hand or facial gestures. These little things matter on camera
- Show up early to your audition. Being rushed or stressed out before an audition makes it difficult to get into charachter and perform. Always allot enough time to show up, sign in and do your part.
- Remember that the room is yours. Casting directors are our allies. They are praying that you come in and wow them with your performance to make thier job easier when casting a role. Don’t be afraid to give it 100% and step outside of the box to delight them with your performance. You’ve only got one shot…. that is unless you get a call back.
- Be prepared for a self tape or virtual audition. You have more control when submitting online, but be sure to have the proper set up, sound and space to shoot, edit and submit your video. Do it early if possible so casting directors have time to review. Remember the saying the early bird gets the worm.
Finding An Agent
Once your have successfully nailed some auditions, built your reel, and have great headshots you can being to shop for an Agent. Talent agencies are just another avenue to find Acting opportunities. Getting signed to an agency does not mean your work is over, it just means you now have some help. It isn’t an easy task to find the right fit, but if you have your up to date reel, headshots and resume ready you have a real shot. Having everything in one place online makes it easy to share with a prospective Agent.
Working with talent agencies requires patience and may seem like a waiting game at time as they have several actors to support. Do your full research before signing a contract or putting all of your eggs in one basket. You want to be sure that the Agent is excited about you and will do the job.
Networking Never underestimate the power of your network. Connecting with other likeminded Actors will help open doors. If you have a friend with an Agent that he or she really loves see if they will make an introduction. If you are working on a job and have a good relationship with the Director or Producer ask for a referral. The industry is very small and a lot of work comes from relationships. Do not be afraid to ask for help from people who have witnessed your talent first hand. It is much easier to get what you want from people who know first hand and can vouch for your ability and skill.
In the TV & Film industry you can break into Acting by following these recommendations. Practice the essentials and stay prepared. Remember to keep your resume, headshots and reel up to date at all times. Review your options on how to find work & sign up with Castango.com to start building your reel. Acting is a great career and it’s never too late to cast your dreams. Revisit this blog as needed to learn how to break into Acting and find work. Good luck!
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