Gone are the days when actors needed to rely completely on others to further their careers. Knowing how to market yourself as an actor is essential to getting your name (and, more importantly, your work) in front of casting directors and filmmakers. To that end, here are several marketing tools you can’t live without.
Website
Having a website is like owning your own storefront. The basic elements of a good website are updated headshots (you want to show the essence of you—a headshot is you on your best day), a résumé that’s accurate and formatted correctly, and a demo reel—and yes, you can also embed clips instead. If you don’t have a proper demo reel with professional, produced footage, you can use a self-tape—but make sure to label it as such. If you don’t have a website yet, you should still secure your domain name so no one else does. Services to check out include Google Domains, Squarespace, and Namecheap.
How Actors Should Use Instagram, According to Casting Directors Social Media
There are many social media platforms you can use to promote yourself, but you have to remember the proper etiquette. When engaging with industry pros’ accounts, it’s important to remember that social media is like a cocktail party. You wouldn’t just walk into a stranger’s house with your demo reel, shove it in the host’s face, and say, “Here! Look at this!” Be polite, engage in a balanced way, and don’t just talk about yourself, and you’re off to a good start. Over time, some social media platforms come into fashion and others slide down the popularity list. As of the publication of this article, I’d have to say that Instagram and its new Reels feature is a clear leader, so manicure your content there to best sell what you’re bringing to the table creatively. And be consistent and use your name for all your social accounts; you want filmmakers and casting directors to remember your name.
Email Campaigns
Sending postcards to casting directors is no longer the right move; my unofficial poll concluded that most CDs throw them in the trash. Sending an email newsletter, CDs and filmmakers, however, can be a good idea—but keep them to a minimum. You don’t want to clog potential employers’ inboxes. If you haven’t used it before, check out Mailchimp for future campaigns.
READ: Will Being Social Media Famous Get You Cast?
Business Cards
While postcards are out, business cards are always in. Remember that it’s not just you giving a new acquaintance your card; you are receiving their card as well. Make sure to follow up on that connection. You can even print your headshot on the card along with a QR code to lead them to your website!
Email Signature
Your email address should have your name in it, not a silly, random name. Be professional; a proper signature (which you can build for free at WiseStamp) will include a headshot, title, and contact information.
One of the most important elements of marketing yourself, in addition to these tools, is to always remember that you will find more success giving than receiving. When approaching a filmmaker or other industry pro, you should have an attitude of, “How can I make your life easier and richer?” rather than, “What can you do for me?” And at the end of the day, work begets work. When I see a great performance, I want to bring that person in for a chance to get their next job.
This story originally appeared in the Aug. 20 issue of Backstage Magazine. Subscribe here.
Looking for remote work? Backstage has got you covered! Click here for auditions you can do from home!
