My plan is to use this podium to educate and inspire.
Subsequently you'll find a variety of topics addressed.
I wanted to alight on a few more thoughts pertaining to being an Actor and some of the things to do (and things to avoid) to foster success.
So...
a few more thoughts.
As I mentioned previously, this is a BUSINESS.
Treat it that way.
Be professional be courteous, educated, prepared, and have the right marketing tools.
Notice how we could be referring to any business at all? In the global age of the internet and instant marketing and branding, it is easy enough to create an internet presence.
From the perspective of someone who has seen a great deal in this business, and is still learning, these are things to be mindful of.
Headshots.
You've made a commitment to pursue a career in the industry, whether it is Film, Television, or Theatre, and you need headshots.
Please be mindful of these things.
Talk to others.
Find out what their experiences were with a specific photographer.
I recall walking into the office of an agent I had at the time and on the wall in the middle of a field of hundreds of headshots stood one that jumped out at me.
I did know the person, but I was also amazed at the composition.
I called and asked and he gave me her number and a high recommendation.
When I got my first headshot, it was done by a friend, and we were both happy with the outcome, but looking at it now (I do have copies of all my headshots) I can only wonder what I was thinking.
They did not look nearly as professional as they need to, and that is one of your man business tools.
In fact, your headshot is your first impression, even before you get a chance to talk to anyone.
Agent, casting director, director, coordinator - they all look at the headshot before deciding whether or not they want to look at you.
If they don't give it a second look, you won't get a first look.
Decide how you're marketing yourself.
There are different kinds of headshots.
Some lean towards commercial while others lean towards film, and yet others lean towards print.
There are headshots, three-quarter, body, action, and wardrobe specific.
Once again, feel free to seek out other opinions.
When you decide to go with a photographer, after doing your due diligence, meet with them before the shoot if possible (take them out to lunch) and get an idea of their personality and let them get to know you.
Ask what they expect from you, and tell them what you're looking for.
Bring some sample headshots if you've seen something that you feel would really work for you.
All of this is very critical for being able to shoot you just right when the day comes.
The point is the headshot is a very important part of who you are.
Same applies to the resume.
The resume / CV is another picture of who you are, because it shows not only what you've done, but who you've worked with (and not in a celebrity sense).
It's a small community out there, and directors and coordinators you are trying to get hired by will call the folks on your resume to ask how you were to work with.
See how much like any other business this is? Your past is a reference for your future.
In this and any other business.
And just like in any other business, don't put things on your resume you haven't done.
Everybody has put scene study on their resumes when they first start out, and I'm not here to lecture you on whether or not to do that.
I will tell you if you claim to have worked with someone and you did not, nothing will work against you more than when word gets out.
Same on the stunt side of things.
The saying "don't take the call if you can't do the fall" has serious implications.
There are countless ways to learn a skill.
Trying to figure out what a header is when you're on a set and five seconds from an "action" call is not one of them.
Dangerous for you, dangerous for everyone else.
I mentioned when you're first starting out to get involved in local or community theatre, and to sign up with an agency to be an extra on a film set.
Also consider putting your name into the hopper at film schools, since they always need performers and extras.
On a film set you will get a fine education on what goes into making a movie, as well as how critical every role is, both above and below the line.
When on a set - observe.
Listen and watch.
And make yourself available.
I've seen plenty of times on a production where someone was approached and sometimes asked their acting experience.
Sometimes these folks have resumes and hand them over, other times they simply talk about what they've done.
And then they're in the film.
With lines.
This is one of the many places where continued education is a must.
Whether it's theatre or film, acting or stunts, your body is a tool you want to maintain in the best condition possible.
When you start working on your acting, watch commercials.
I know you're groaning over this and asking what the purpose of a DVR is, but this is why: Told well, a commercial is a story.
Start, middle, and end in a minute or less.
Watch what the actors and stunt people do to tell the story.
If you believe commercial work is beneath you, you may not want to be a part of this business anyway.
Not just because of the Stanislavsky quote, although that does figure in, but because principal performers in a SAG commercial get residuals.
That's something to think about.
Build yourself and you'll build the business of you.
And remember to be professional, courteous, and respectful.
These are good life lessons to carry beyond the arena of performance into everyday life.