Thanks to the internet, there are now multitudes of ways to promote yourself and your acting career. Aside from social media, email newsletters have gained popularity. Programs such as MailChimp make it easy and are now commonly used by actors, but what kind of updates should actors include in their newsletters?
1. Recent successes.
Have you recently booked a role? Booking a gig is some of the most important news you can have to promote your career. By sharing the good news, those on your contact list will be assured you’re a working actor. Whether it’s for film, television, web, or commercial work, write about it in your newsletter. Then, after filming, you can share a hyperlink or embedded video post in your next newsletter. Another way to share your successes is to show pictures of your most recent premiere, print work, or producer’s session. If you feel like you’re lacking in such updates, feel free to share your updated demo reel or what studio you’re studying with and to which level you’ve advanced.
2. Representation and contact information.
Work begets work. Hopefully, your contact list is filled with people who are interested in working with you. If they have the right role or project in mind for you, make it easy for them to contact you! If you have new representation, write about that update!
How to Market Yourself as an Actor 3. Updated headshots.
Remind people what you look like! Use the same headshot that you or your representation are submitting on casting websites. Repetition breeds memorization. It works to your advantage when casting directors see the same headshot because they’ll associate that submission with the successes you write about in your newsletter. Of course, share different looks when you get a new session done, but make sure you have your staple headshot in each newsletter—even if it’s just thumbnail size.
4. You!
Building life experience will also help actors with their craft. If you’re taking a martial arts class, dance class, or something else, these special skills can be added to your résumé and could be used in your next big gig. For instance, if a casting director is looking for a police officer in their latest action movie, it’ll play to your benefit if you share about your latest experience with firearms. Feel free to share life experiences that grow your résumé, but as always, some of your personal life is meant to stay private.
Newsletters are one of the many ways actors can promote themselves. Keep your text to the point, include pictures and/or video if you have it, and share with your friends and industry contacts!
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The views expressed in this article are solely that of the individual(s) providing them,
and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Backstage or its staff.
