Actors spend a great deal of time, energy and money connecting with people who can book them in projects through the mailing of headshots, resumes and postcards.
To get your mailings noticed by Talent Agents and Casting Directors, follow these proven guidelines for the best results.
oDo your research - Submit to agencies and casting offices hiring or signing actors with the same level of experience, training and union affiliations as you have at this time.
oKnow your target - Is it the agent or the agency? Did the casting pro like your read or are you a type their office is always looking to book? Targeting keeps your mailing list efficient.
oKeep a schedule - The industry needs to know you're out there! Mailings every six to eight weeks is a general rule of thumb.
oBe accomplishment oriented - Every mailing must remind the recipient that the industry is interested in you, and they should be, too.
oDon't over picture- 8x10's should go out as an initial mailing or when you have new headshots; use postcards thereafter.
oDon't send show postcards - Unless your photo is on the card.
Use a scanner to create your own show/photo postcard to send to your targeted mailing list.
For the best mailing results when submitting your headshot and resume to indie producers and theatre company's keep these pointers in mind: oSend the right picture - Casting is often done on a per project basis.
Send the headshot that best matches the specific character breakdown.
oUse two-shot postcards - When the call is a general or for unspecified, future projects, to get the most bang for your buck.
oGet mailings out early - Indie projects have tight pre-production schedules.
Get your headshot and resume out asap or it may be too late.
oSubmit selectively - Ask yourself if you can afford to do a low or no-pay project, can handle the rehearsal and performance schedule while working a job and if it will garner press or an audience.
If you can't happily and fully commit to a no-pay project, don't submit yourself.
By making your mailings smarter and more effective, you'll get better results and a bigger return on the investment you've made in the marketing materials that further your acting career.