The calling card of an actor or actress is the headshot. A headshot is a current black and white photo of the actor. It is usually 8.5' by 11' inches. On the back, the actor's resume is either typeset or stapled. A resume is the experience or qualifications the actor has within the industry. It can be work he or she has done, the school where they studied acting or perhaps special skills such as speaking with an accent or playing a certain sport.
Most resumes are broken down into separate sections, theater, film, and television. Just a hint - Most actors put the section that they want to further their career with on top, just below their contact information. With each entry, you will include: Production Title, Role, and Production Company.
The contact information on your resume is the most important parts of an acting resume. Without it a casting director or an agent cannot contact you. Make sure to double-check all information when making your resume. Don't overlook the obvious! Without your phone number no one will be able to find you to make you a star.
Once you have assessed your skills and gotten your headshot done, the next step is to meet and be seen by people who hire actors or actresses in the industry. Finding local castings or perhaps open calls can do this. You can also mail your headshot out to different agencies hoping one of them has a need for you at the time they get your picture. As a member of One Source Talent, your exposure is not limited to your efforts! Our talent are seen around the world by casting directors seeking out the perfect fit for roles in their next movie.
Don't forget you also have access to all the latest castings from around the country. Be sure to take advantage of this. Even if you don't get the part the first time around, the experience and networking will add up to your favor one day. You can also send your picture to our list of agencies and casting directors day or night.
The next step is to meet and be seen by people who hire actors or actresses in the industry. Finding local castings or perhaps open calls can do this. You can also mail your headshot out to different agencies hoping one of them has a need for you at the time they get your picture. If you are reading this you have the best of both worlds being a member of onesourcetalent.com. Your being scene even when you are sleeping. Those late night casting directors looking to find the perfect look for their next movie. You also have access to all the latest castings from around the country. Make sure you attend a few it helps, even if you don't get the part the first time around. The experience and networking will add up to your favor one day. You can also send your picture to our list of agencies and casting directors day or night. It is a great time to be interested in the entertainment industry.
One Source Talent putting the edge in being discovered online.
The Art of Stealing Scenes & Getting Seen
You've heard about being at the right place at the right time? Well, it just so happens part of your job as owner, manager and publicity specialist for your new career falls under that category! Think of it as part perk, part image-boosting homework: Parties!
That's right, another glamorous part of your job as a model is to get out there and get noticed at chic parties and events. Be prepared to turn heads and dazzle with a smile and a fresh, fun attitude. Not sure where to start? Read your local gossip/society columns or celebrity/gossip-related blogs and take notes: where do the fashionable people hang? Next, pick out something to wear (tasteful but still trendy) and head to the hot night spots and cool bo"tes, pronto! Coax a girlfriend to tag along if you have to-it's always good to feel at ease on untried social ground.
Another great way to get in with the in crowd: become best friends with local event promoters, sign up for events listings and keep your ears open at castings-industry insiders will usually talk up the next party, so it pays to (casually and politely) eavesdrop! Pay attention to where that hip young designer threw his/her birthday party, or what club the stylists and makeup artists are chatting about. And be sure to check OneSource.com's "Events Calendar for updates on fashionable outings and goings on!
Before you step out the door, remember: you want to be noticed, first and foremost, for that special something you have that no one else can recreate-whether that's your wild hair, your killer legs, or your outrageous personality, play up your strength to its most popular advantage. After all, you want to be noticed (and remembered) for all the right reasons and leave a positive lasting impression!
The Model Lifestyle:
Pacing, expectations, and beyond the spotlight Up and running in your Manolos at dawn, pounding the pavement, pacing the runways, and still strutting at dusk...a model's life isn't always pretty. Once your career has legs, you might find that the real challenge lies in not letting it run away with you. Your professional schedule may be filled with appointments, auditions, bookings and rehearsals-with few minutes left to spare, and your day will actually begin the night before, with a call to your agency to find out the schedule for the next day's bookings. Of course, no one can maintain this hectic pace indefinitely-which is why you should be prepared to step out of the spotlight, even for brief periods, to recharge and take stock. Given the proper pacing and perspective, your career can last as long as your interest and energy levels hold out. That being said, should bigger and better things beckon from beyond the world of modeling, you might just find you're poised on the brink of true greatness. From producing films to politics, acting to activism, models around the world have used their unparalleled exposure to advance personal causes and projects, as well as launch successful off-shoot careers. Learning to be prepared is one habit of the successful model that could launch your next big career move (if you decide to make one): hang on to every phone number and contact you make, because you never know when you might need a well-connected friend/associate/business partner!
Model-turned-actress. Model-turned-fashion designer. Model-turned- entrepreneur...the world is full of famous faces who got their start in modeling. From Cybil Shepard to Lauren Bacall, Lauren Hutton to Renee Russo, many a beautiful face has made the transition from model to movie or TV star, becoming a household name in the process. If you'd rather make your name into a name brand, the way has been paved for you already: take Annouck Lepere, for instance: this breathtaking Belgian model was frustrated by the dirth of earring choices to fit her un-pierced ears. So the Belgian beauty started her own line of chic accessories, and voila! A second career was born! Unexpected opportunities are part of what makes modeling such a fun, fabulous, fascinating career. You never know who you'll meet on the next set, site or go see...so making the most of the contacts and positioning your career grants could help you transform a job into a personalized, true calling! Who knows, maybe you're next!
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