Failure #5: Not Having The Right Tools

As with any job, you must possess the right tools, training, and the ability to grow. In Entertainment you are your own brand, business, and best marketing tool. So how do we use this knowledge to give you an edge in this competitive market?

"Give ordinary people the right tools, and they will design and build the most extraordinary things." – Neil Gershenfeld

Do the Research

First impressions are lasting impressions. Many people think that just showing up and winging it based on raw talent and appearance is enough, or maybe because you have been coached by the best in your home city you feel ready. However this is far from the truth of what it takes to make it. Both your headshot and acting reel is currency in the business, so make sure your tools are created by professionals that have a proven track record in the entertainment business. Your headshot has to be on par with what agents/casting want to see in the major markets and your reel should be as diverse as possible.

Scenario

Resume: Does it provide enough uniqueness to make you stand out? Are you on all of the casting sites? Are you well-coached with credentials to back it up?

Proper Headshots: Do you have a headshot that matches the person they are currently meeting? Are your headshots consistent across all casting platforms?

Professionally-produced Demo Reels: Do you have high-quality demo reels that highlight the types of roles for which you would like to be considered?

The Actor's Marketing Checklist

Gwyn Gilliss is the founder of the Actors Market and suggests 9 Tools You Need in order to properly market yourself. You can read the full article on the Backstage website at the link, here. Please, feel free to leave a comment below.