TALENT PORTFOLIO SUCCESS STORY
For most actors, nothing is better than coming home to the flashing green light on your answering machine. Within three weeks of placing her talent portfolio in Back Stage West last summer, Gina Bernstein checked her messages to find that someone was interested in her for the short film Twelve City Blocks. The film's producer said, "I saw you in the portfolio and have you in mind for this project. Would you like to come and audition?" Bernstein wound up booking a part in the project.
The calls continued steadily, including one from an agency interested in representing her. "Baxtel and Associates said they saw my portfolio and wanted to sign me," said Bernstein. And indeed, the agency signed her.
An online magazine wanted to interview her about one of her "special skills" listed in her Back Stage West ad: pet psychoanalytical interpretation, obviously a unique skill. Bernstein said she likes to add humor "because there's so many actors that it's hard to stand out." Her portfolio ad also boasts that she's a skilled "ham-and-cheese preparator."
Based on the success of last year's advertisement, Bernstein is back in the current BSW talent portfolio. "I'm very satisfied with the reaction I got," said the actor. "I've found that it's always good to have a face and a resumé associated with a publication. In fact, most of the work I've had has been associated with Back Stage West, including the talent portfolio."