The Five Marketing Tools Every Actor Needs

Take Action To Achieve Your Goals!

In order to achieve your career goals you must know how to properly market yourself to the industry using creative marketing tools. Here are five marketing tools that will help you get in the door more effectively and creatively.

Headshots 

Headshots are the most traditional and professional marketing material for an actor. Every actor must have an 8x10 color headshot that looks like you on your best day. A headshot needs to be professionally shot and printed. This is your key to getting an audition, booking paid work, landing an agent/manager interview and professionally showcasing yourself to the industry. If you do not have a good headshot, the industry will not take you seriously because it shows them that you are not serious about your career. 

Demo Reel and Video 

Video separates the professional actor from the actor with a hobby trying to make it. Every actor must have a demo reel highlighting his or her acting talent, unique personality, and intimacy with the camera. It is the most effective way to be seen without being in the room with a casting director. You can upload your video to YouTube, IMDb Pro, casting sites, websites, Facebook, Twitter, and email video links to the industry. 

Even if you do not have footage for a reel you can take control and use your unique personality by shooting an ActorIntro, which allows the industry to see you on camera in a compelling, honest, fun way. They are a great way to share your story and get noticed by the industry. You can also use existing TV, film, theatre, or commercial copy to make a Showcase Reel that is suitable for your type. This needs to be professionally edited and shot.

The industry wants to see what you look like on camera. You must show them!

Resume

An actor resume is crucial! It is your calling card into the industry. It teaches the casting director how to cast you next and gives you credibility. You are presenting yourself to complete strangers so your resume must look professional and stand out.

It should be no longer than one page and attached to the back of your headshot. Your name and contact information should be displayed at the top of the page so it can easily be found. Do not list everything you’ve ever done. Less is more. Tailor your resume to the part you’re auditioning for. Remember to keep in mind your type and brand when creating your resume. A good resume is vital in order to get an audition. Make a good first impression!    

Postcards

Postcards are the most effective, low cost, small, easy-to-create marketing material to stay connected with the industry. Almost every casting director accepts postcards and enjoys getting them. You can use them to say 'thank you' to a casting director after an audition, follow up after an agent meeting or as a means of keeping people up-to-date. There are no limits with postcards designs. Be unique! Instead of using a headshot photo why not feature photos of you on stage, at a screening, or on set showcasing what you do best. These photos tend to be more engaging and creative.

One-Sheet

A one-sheet is a fairly new marketing material for actors. They allow you to create your very own magazine cover, movie poster, album cover, or an advertising campaign geared specifically toward your brand. They can also replace cover letters and really add a creative edge to your marketing materials because they are designed to instantly share more information about you by showcasing photos, career highlights, testimonials, and recent news.  

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