I can't remember Nicole Kidman doing a sequel - other than Season 2 of Big Little Lies. She pushes the envelope and supports directors who make original material. Kudos. What's your favorite Nicold Kidman project? https://variety.com/2024/film/festivals/nicole-kidman-babygirl-venice-standing-ovation-harris-dickinson-1236116549/
Sometimes we get caught up in the TMZ of it all but when an artist does good work it always bring me back to what it’s all about. Not defending the public drama but always glad to see someone digging in and letting their talent do the talking. What do you think? https://variety.com/2024/film/festivals/angelina-jolie-weeps-maria-venice-standing-ovation-pablo-larrain-oscar-buzz-1236115537/
How to Teach Yourself a Dialect, According to a Voice CoachJim Johnson teaches voice and dialects at the University of Houston and has coached actors including Aidan Quinn and Hal Holbrook. He also runs AccentHelp, one of the leading resources for dialect training at home.He recommends that the first thing a student does is listen to native speakers. “Just get used to hearing it, without trying to listen for anything specific,” he says. There are a number of resources for listening to authentic dialects, including Johnson’s AccentHelp courses and the International Dialects of English Archive, a website Johnson highly recommends. “It’s free, and a number of people, including myself, contribute recordings,” he adds.After a few initial listenings, he says, students can then get into the details: “Start listening for sound changes, trying to get the intonation down. Get the rhythm of it, where the pitch moves.”To incorporate the “musicality” of a dialect, Johnson will often have students use physical actions to follow the movement of pitch and rhythm, such as moving their arms up and down with the pitch or tapping out the rhythms. He finds this helps speed up the learning process. “Hopefully, they’re not just feeling it, but they’re seeing it as well,” he says. “They learn it through auditory, kinesthetic, and visual means.”Exaggerate the dialect, study vowel sounds, record yourself, keep practicing, and use your acting skills: In the end, Johnson thinks the most important element in a believable dialect is great acting, with the ability to sell it. #actor #voice #dialect
Kym Jackson, Actress, Producer, Author, & Stage 32 Thought Leader (The Hollywood Survival Guide For Actors, THIS IS US, THE SECRETS SHE KEEPS, N.C.I.S), will be hosting a 24-Hour Ask Me Anything ("AMA") from Wednesday 8/28 to Thursday 8/29 in the Acting Lounge, focused on "Mastering The Art Of The Self-Tape". https://www.stage32.com/lounge/acting/Ask-Me-Anything-AMA-Wednesday-8-28-to-Thursday-8-29-Mastering-The-Art-Of-The-Self-Tape
I am of two minds here. This is a big job for an industry that produces a lot of revenue. That said, I served on some AEA committees in my time. Broadway generates billions and the Executive Director made nowhere near that much. Curious as to your thoughts on this.https://variety.com/2024/biz/news/sag-aftra-duncan-crabtree-ireland-one-million-pay-unions-1236105854/
Heya actors! For the past 10 years, I've been working with, teaching classes and seminars for actors. I've helped thousands of actors make consistent progress in their career and to strengthen their mental fortitude and mindset along the way. In part, because so many working actors and industry pro's helped me along my way when I was first starting out - and still do today! We all need a little guidance sometimes. :) Tomorrow, I'm doing an Ask Me Anything for Stage 32 and I'd love to know if there's a challenge, goal, or problem you'd like some guidance, input or suggestions on. Or if there are just questions you have about 'how things work' in the industry, pop them here and I'd love to answer! Here are two of my prior classes for Stage 32: https://www.stage32.com/education/search?term=Kym+Jackson&h=actors-the-8-steps-to-booking-more-work and https://www.stage32.com/education/search?term=Kym+Jackson&h=actors-master-the-art-of-your-self-tapeSee you on set!- Kym Jackson
Want to Fire Your Agent - Try Saying This Instead https://youtu.be/slBGuzjm4Kk If you ever thought about firing an agent (I have left a few agents) you might want to use the words I share in the video before you make that decision.There are times when it is essential that a change in representation happens, but make sure you are making this decision for the right reasons.Have you ever fired an agent? If so, share your experience with us.
I loved reading this and being reminded just how much stunt performers enhance storytelling from action films (obvious) to comedies. What's the best stunt you ever saw in a comedy? https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-features/the-righteous-gemstones-stunt-coordinator-interview-monster-truck-1235983768/
My mentor, the late Sam Christensen (Casting Director for MASH, Clash of the Titans, etc), cared so deeply about actors, but what plagued him was how few of us knew how to "relax", "do less", and "just be yourself" in the audition.If you're an actor, you've heard phrases like that before. In class, in a live audition, or on set. Jack Lemmon famously told a story from early in his screen career where the director kept telling him to "do less" and he finally shouted “If I do any less, I won’t be doing anything at all!” Exactly.To be clear, you MUST have craft. You must have training. But that's the part of our careers that is more obvious. What makes us unique is something different. What makes our version of Hamlet or Ophelia so different from every other one is what Sam would call your SIGNATURE PERFORMANCE.And as Jack Lemmon discovered that fateful day, you have to get out of your own way to let that signature performance shine through. It's a paradox for most of us. Because we want to DO something when we hear ACTION. We want to SHOW the director, the audience, how well we can put on that character. Oftentimes we want to show the work we've put into it, the years of training we've had...The truth is that in the moment we hear ACTION, it's about letting go and letting the uniqueness of ourselves shine.Sounds so simple, but it's so hard to embrace when the time comes. Quite honestly, we're bored with ourselves. That person you see in the mirror... with all those flaws and "boring" traits.... who wants to see THEM on screen, right?I'd love to chat more about this very topic. If you're still reading, and you're curious, I'll be hosting a Zoom call this Wednesday, August 28, at 7pm EDT/4pm PDT to talk about Sam Christensen and the 4-day process he created as his life's work. We already have about 40 RSVPs, so you can keep your camera and mic off if you just want to be a fly on the wall. That said, we will have a Q&A at the end. I'll leave you with a question: Can you, with specificity, identify what makes you unique? Not just the characters you play, but what part of humanity you bring to those characters. If you're struggling to find your place in this industry, we can help...You can learn more and RSVP for the free Zoom call here: https://www.get-taped.com/sam-christensen
Hey there, it’s Sam from the Far East Land!For the past twenty years, I’ve been crafting TV commercials for names like Estee Lauder, Filorga, and Piaget and dabbling in short films across Asia (mostly China). Shooting a short or feature film in the States is the ultimate dream, but since I’m still a fresh face in that market, I’ll probably have to roll with my own scripts.Being a non-US citizen makes getting a work visa in our industry a real challenge, so a non-union shoot might be my only option. But I don’t want to leave a bad mark in the land of dreams. So, it’s either I get the visa, or I’ll have to take my project elsewhere.Production is pretty universal, so it shouldn’t be too different. But the casting part keeps bothering me. In China, I brief my casting director, and they bring me a list of talents. I’m not sure how it works in the US, especially if I want to cast union actors. Should I go to a casting company or hire a freelance casting director to handle it?As I said, shooting in the US is a dream, but it’s not entirely up to me. So, my backup plan is to fly actors to China, Thailand, or Australia for my projects. My question is, how does that work?I’d really appreciate any insights you can share.PS: You can check out some of my work here:: https://vimeo.com/iwatasam.
I loved Spader as Ultron (one of the few good things about the movie). I would watch him read a phone book. https://variety.com/2024/tv/news/james-spader-ultron-vision-series-marvel-1236116657/
Hi Fellow Actors, I am looking to help a couple actors on here and willing to build a few actor websites for free to get some new web design examples in my portfolio. If interested, shoot me a text or email me to discuss a possible partnership! Thanks!Actor Web Design Examples:https://graycetoon.com/https://iamrissa.com/https://kirageiger.com/https://megsands.com/(201) 380-1019hello@michaelkarpienski.comThanks!Michael Karpienski
It is important to remember that your headshot is the first piece of marketing casting sees, so it needs to do two things:1 Sell your brand2. Grab their attentionThe first part is up to you, but the second part is up to your photographer, and it is no small feat. Not every photographer knows how to shoot actor headshots. They may be great at nature photography, or even corporate headshots, but neither of those things have anything to do with a great actor headshot.Just like you wouldn't get heart surgery from a podiatrist, nor should you get headshots from someone who does not specialize in actor headshots. They are probably more expensive, but that is because more people are trying to book with them because they are good at what they do, so the price goes up. They may cost you $500 more than the lady from your hometown who shoots mostly weddings, but they will be worth every penny. If you have questions about headshots, leave them in the comments below.
I am not a huge fan of Anaconda or creature features of most kinds but I would watch these two do anything together. What do you think? https://deadline.com/2024/08/anaconda-movie-jack-black-paul-rudd-1236046679/
House of the Dragon casting director Kate Rhodes James takes us through her casting process in the below video! Did any of the insights that she shared about her goals and choices surprise you?https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Otw2LuO6lnI
Are actors wasting time and money attending acting school? This is a very complicated question and a difficult decision. Watch the video https://youtu.be/bZNskI1IUtw to help you decide which is best for you.Were you a theater major, studied at a conservatory, worked with someone privately or took local acting classes? If so, without naming the places, please share your experiences with us.
I just found his quote funny. Reminded me of the famous Micahel Cane quote about Jaws 4 , when he said he never saw the movie, but he did see the house it bought him, and it is lovely (paraphrasing). https://deadline.com/2024/08/michael-keaton-batgirl-cancellation-1236043928/
“At minimum, you need good lighting. That means either natural lighting, a ring light, or an inexpensive light box. Most cameras and camera phones have a built-in mic, which works fine, although an additional mic can also be purchased inexpensively. You can hang a sheet on the wall for a backdrop—we even do this in my casting office.Most newer phones have great video-recording abilities—but make sure to record horizontally!A tripod or other support is needed so that the camera remains stable. For me, the essential element for a good audition is a great reader.For my coaching clients, I’ve been patching myself in as the reader through Zoom. Actors will have their cameras set up to shoot, and it generally turns out very well. When it comes to quality, we’re not looking for Oscar-worthy cinematography.We want a good performance, which means your best take and an audition room–level reader—however you can safely make that happen.Don’t worry, we don’t need to see you on a soundstage to know if you’re right for the part.”- Marci LiroffKnown for her work in film and television, producer, and casting director, for decades Marci has worked with some of the most successful directors in the world.#actor #audition
Idil Tekeli (actress and musician originally from Turkey, Istanbul) shares four tips in today’s blog that’ll help you during auditions when you have an accent.www.stage32.com/blog/how-not-to-mess-up-auditions-when-you-have-an-accent-3826
“Performers working in the games industry have spoken of their distress at being asked to work on explicit content without notice, including a scene featuring a sexual assault.Sex scenes are common in modern games - and are often made by filming human actors who are then digitised into game characters.But performers have told the BBC a culture of secrecy around projects - where scripts are often not shared until the last moment - means they frequently do not know in advance that scenes may involve intimate acts.”This use of technology for sexual purposes is not new. There was a recent report citing the use of Generative AI for child sex videos. Those using the technology stated that it couldn’t be a crime, as it didn’t involve and ‘victims’. But as is the nature of AI, GAI has to work from images and videos of child sexual exploitation.With this latest BBC News Report, it would suggest that we cannot be accepting and complacent about the use of AI, whether in film or video game production and actors need to be protected from exploitation. What are your thoughts? What are the rules in the US, for video games and the protection of actors? https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c23l4ml51jmo
Hi everyone! I recently completed PA Bootcamp a few weeks ago and while I’m looking for jobs as a P.A. now (I love watching and learning about everything that goes on behind the scenes to make one project) and am excited to start that, I’ve recently been looking over Location scouting and how one would get started in that area! Please let me know if there are any ways to dig deeper into how to start a career there or if you happen to be one and need a mentee or assistant, I’d love a chance to learn by doing and watching :)
Heya folks! I'm finalising the build on my upcoming Self Tape Mastery course and I'd love to know if anyone has any questions or anything they're stuck on with self tapes? OOORRRR any cool tips on what you do that works that I can include! I want to make sure the course is as comprehensive as possible and covers everything anyone could possibly need to know :)
Artists need to take care of each other and this is a very cool move by Jeff Goldblum. He can only help so many by doing this but the optics are awesome and it makes me like him even more (and I've always been a fan - his performance in THE FLY is legendary). https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/jeff-goldblum-actors-qualify-health-insurance-jimmy-kimmel-live-1235976626/
Is it worth it? That’s a question you’ll want to ask yourself and your agent. If you have an offer for weekly scale but you have to be a local hire in another state, the cost of airfare, accommodations & rental car/Uber will have you barely come out even (taxes & agency fees are other contributing factors). At the end of the day, it’s important to prioritize what it is that you consider valuable to your career. Will this job be your first credit? Will it give you career-changing footage for your reel? If so, it might be worth it.It’s important to know the facts & rules when it comes to being a local hire.Just saying you can be a local hire and having some friends/family in that region may not be enough to fully qualify as a “local hire.” Productions are going out of state due to the many tax incentives offered there and lower cost of shooting. However, in order to qualify for these incentives, they must hire a certain percentage of local cast & crew. Many times, for cast, the percentage that can be out-of-state is reserved for the larger, leading roles. This means that some states will require either a state ID, or a document proving you are resident within a certain number of miles from the shooting location. (these requirements differ by state)#actor #localhire
As requested, here is the follow-up to my first post on things to include on your actor website. Now we will discuss things to exclude.Your Address - there is not a single scenario where a CD, Director, or Producer would need to see your home mailing address on your resume. They only need that if they hire you, at which point you will provide it via a W4 or 1099. Personal info - This includes all sorts of things including your DOB and SS#Production photos that don't feature you - having a bright beautiful photo of the whole cast doing the can-can at the curtain call is great for memories, but unless they can specifically identify you in the photo, it does nothing to help.Pictures that don't sell your brand, type, signal, or whatever you want to call it. If it is not part of your cohesive marketing, then save it for the 'GramConfusing design - This also goes back to your brand and your UX. Make sure everything on your site is there in the interest of telling the story of what you are selling. And make sure the site is as easy to navigate as possible. It is sometimes easy to not realize that you are sending your site visitors on a "link loop." Comic Sans font -Just...don't.
I found this fascinating. What are your thoughts? https://variety.com/2024/digital/news/sag-aftra-ai-narrativ-voice-replica-digital-ads-1236106301/
Hello everyone !I just arrived in London from my hometown Geneva, Switzerland about a month ago.My goal here is to become an actor. I've participated in a few plays and shorts back in Switzerland, on an amateur level. Now I am planning to move on and do it full-time, step by step.I am all new to this big city and I am slowly getting to know it better. SLOWLY.I would love to chat and exchange with you about any projects, tips, and getting to know each other.All the best to everyone !
Have you ever felt isolated, alone and frustrated because you weren't getting enough acting auditions or bookings? If so, then you need to know you aren't alone. Almost all actors, even well-known actors go through down times. Watch the video https://youtu.be/EeQOYQJ7CKUand learn what 2 people can really help and move your career forward.Actors have 2 choices. Sit and wait for things to happen, or be proactive and help make work happen on your own.If you ever experienced down times in the industry, share your experience with us. And, tell us what you did to help move your career forward.BONUS VIDEIWhen you watch the video to the end, you will also receive the link to a bonus video:A Star Acted Unbelievably Unprofessional and Nasty to MeSUBSCRIBEIf you haven't done this yet, don't forget to subscribe (and click the notification bell) to my channel so you have free access to 400 + educational videos.Can't wait to talk again soon.Aaron
Dominic Sessa would be amazing in this role. Is there anyone else you can think of that could play Bordain? Or any other non-scripted TV stars worthy of a biopic? https://deadline.com/2024/08/a24-anthony-bourdain-biopic-dominic-sessa-1236038429/
In 2024, every actor needs a website. Not having one would be akin to 20 years ago not having a headshot. It can be tricky to decide what to include on your website. Personally, I have built countless actor websites, so I thought I would offer some tips for you. This is in no way an exhaustive list, but instead, a great place to start that would get everything a CD needs from you in one place.Things to haveYourname.com. - if your name is not available, some other variations instead of JohnDoe.com could TheJohnDoe.com or JohnDoeActor.com but for SEO purposes, having your name somewhere in the URL is crucial.Landing Page - Your initial landing page is super important. It is introducing you to whomever is viewing the site and the design and style should speak to what it is you, as an actor, are selling. Do you play tough guys? Then bright colors and toothy smiles might not be the way to go. Are you a young ingenue who exudes soft femininity? Selling yourself as a badass rocker girl would be a misstep.Pictures - Headshots are a no-brainer, but make sure they are selling you properly. Other photos you might use could be production stills, modeling shots, and editorial-style shots. Just make sure at each step, you ask yourself, is this photo helping someone cast me in a project? If the answer is no, then it doesn't belong on your actor website.Reel - You have to have a reel nowadays. It is just expected. I've mentioned this before, but for a clip to belong on your reel it should do one of two things - show what you have done (one line on a major TV show) or what you can do (a great performance in an unheard of student film)Resume - Not only should this be on the site, but it should be easy to read, formatted for mobile, and easily downloadable. It should also fit on one page.Contact - I personally hate contact forms, and much prefer the actual contact information. I have heard CDs say the same thing. That said, I am a 45-year-old man who has never gotten by on his looks. If I was an attractive young actress with a bunch of really flattering photos on my website, I might not want to put my direct contact information out there. So this is really going to be an individual choice.I hope this helps. I would be happy to answer any questions or clarify any of the above.
Tom Cruise closing out the Olympic games last night and setting the table for Los Angeles '28 was super cool! Is there another movie star that you can think of who could have done that instead of Cruise? I'd love to hear your thoughts. https://deadline.com/2024/08/tom-cruise-paris-olympics-closing-ceremony-1236037540/
IMDb is incredibly important as it is your international presence as an actor. Not every actor is ready for IMDb, but if you have credits and you are putting yourself out there as a professional actor then you should have a profile. There is not too much you can do to optimize a profile, but at least make sure: - Your resume is up to date. Get every last screen credit listed on there.- Bio. Check your bio is current and showcasing you well. (You should be able to customize this with IMDbPro, it’s worth the cost.) - Headshots. Have a great headshot as your main profile picture. #actor #tv #film #imdb
Intake - 1.10.2024 Duration - 18 months / 12 months Professional Qualification - Theatre Director Semester I: Director's preparation from reading the play until first rehearsal Semester II: Director’s preparation from the first rehearsal until the premiere Semester III: Work on the graduation performance / explication book Modules: 1. The Director and Dramaturgy 2. The Director and Ensemble Building 3. The Director and Method 4. The Director and Form in Performance 5. The Director & Design 6. The Director & Sound 7. Text. Voice. Physical Action 8. Marketing for professionals in the performing arts (only when registering by September 23) Cody Ganger. Graduate of a distance learning course in theatre directing: https://youtu.be/9vIPjFbMnnQ?si=skwaVIllKYamm2db
Lisann Valentin shares three important tips on how you can level up your self-tape auditions. “Paint a Picture With Your Eyes,” “Your Angles Are Everything,” and “Keep Positive Thoughts.” Read more about the tips in today’s blog and feel free to post your thoughts in the blog’s comments.www.stage32.com/blog/3-tips-to-level-up-your-self-tape-auditions-3821
Picasso said to always return your early inspirations. I loved this article: https://deadline.com/video/michelle-monaghan-favorite-movies-the-film-that-lit-my-fuse-series-bad-monkey-true-detective/
Hi everyone. As we've transitioned into Talent Management, we're trying to put up a few more informational videos for Actors. Here's a good one we think: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VI5j0AH6NrQ We've been around Stage 32 for a long time. Excited to get to more of you on the acting side!
Is this common for Stage 32 not to refund for a workshop that didnt take place?? Not asking for a friend!! An email from Stage 32 was sent on July 19 that Kym Jackson was scheduled to teach a self tape workshop on July 30 at 1PM PST which I leave on the East Coast, so of course Live Streamed. I work nights with my little old pay my rent job. So I have adjusted my schedule to take the workshop at 4PM EST even to sign on 5 mins before. I noticed the during the waiting time it noted a class being held August 22, which I won't even be in town, I know what date I signed up for, I keep signing in and out. I checked my email for the date, July 30 CHECK! I looked in my email for the original email Kym Jackson JULY 30, CHECK! I search for any additional emails for date change, NOTHING! i contacted Stage 32. Sent my proof of the email, I hear from Brandy (never met), and this is after looking for phone numbers, even googling the address which is only used as a business address, not an actual place...I am a NYer boogie down and I been in this game long before Stage 32 ever existed, so yeah Spider Senses high alert!! So I hear from Brandy via email, she tells me there are NO REFUNDS!?! So what Stage 32 penalized me for their F'up!?! 4 days later Brandy reachs out after I sent 4 more emails with the screenshot of the original email they sent, this was her request! Then, dead air! I inbox Richard Botto and Stage 32 on social media which I didnt drop a public not until today, for something so minimal to reply and settle. Its only $39. More than the principle of this, i could invest my monies elsewhere. If they think its right to hold my money until August 22, which I didnt sign up for , will be a major mistake on their part. Its simple. They sent out the information. I paid for the workshop. I showed up. They failed to provide the service on July 30.
- Using lines as an excuse - “When I know the lines I’ll be able to perform the scene better” - this is an excuse to cover up many things, mainly inhibitions, the fear of trying something or not knowing what to do because you haven’t read the scene/script enough. As Lee Strasberg (The Method guru) once said, learning lines is about memory and acting has nothing to do with memory. My advice is to play and experiment with the scene. You can only do this by reading it and making justified choices. Find a suitable way of training your memory to learn lines effectively because that’s not the job of your acting coach. - Not reading the script enough - AKA lazy acting. Some actors go through the script, but only to learn their lines. You need to know the FULL story, not just the story of the scene your character appears in or only the story of your character. To get the full picture you must read the FULL script (more than once). Here are some things to think about when reading the FULL script: Why does your character choose those specific words? What do they really mean? What is really going on? What has lead them to where they are now? In the early stages of character development you’re like a detective; you have to piece the full picture together to be able to connect to the character, then you have to figure out what the motive behind the character’s behavior is so you can make clear choices in each scene you appear in.- Forcing emotions/trying too hard - this is usually done to impress, and there is logic in that, but acting should feel effortless. When you try too hard or try to force something, it looks fake, feels strange and just doesn’t make the thing you’re trying to make happen appear. The same happens with emotions. Find inner purpose for what your character is going through and demonstrating through gestures and expressions.
Hey everyone - I'm excited to share that the Stage 32 virtual Global Film & Television Production Summit is now available to watch FREE on-demand! The summit provides important insight into the current global production landscape from top producers, film commissioners, and workforce development executives. This is your chance to join speakers from the Emmy-nominated television show GENIUS (Disney/NatGeo), The Costa Rica Film Commission, Film USA, Film Columbus, and Creative Industries Hawaii who give direct feedback to help you on your career path and on any film or TV production you are planning. You can download the summit and Q&A for FREE now here: https://www.stage32.com/education/c/education-webinars?h=stage-32-presents-2024-stage-32-certification-virtual-open-house
Warning - Actors Never Want to Hear 3 Words From Casting https://youtu.be/hCMwqHGvRegI have learned the need to filter pretty much everything that is said to me.This is true for nice as well as not so nice comments.If you ever experienced someone saying something to you that didn't make sense,please share it with us so we can learn from you.
Beginning of education: 1st November 2024 The final deadline for submitting applications: 25 October 2024. Duration: 16 weeks Form of education:Online Final Examination: Marketing Plan Who Should Enroll: Actors, Dancers, Choreographers, Circus performers, Directors, other artists seeking to promote themselves and their work through marketing The "Digital Marketing for Performing Arts" program is designed to address these exact challenges. This comprehensive 16-week program equips participants with essential skills and strategies to effectively market performing arts. Covering a wide array of topics, from understanding your audience to mastering social media storytelling, and from crafting compelling video content to leveraging SEO techniques, this course can help you become well-prepared to promote your art in today's digital landscape. Key areas include Arts and Culture Marketing, Social Media for Performers, Advertising for Theatre Shows, and Developing a Performing Arts Marketing Plan. Additionally, you'll be able to learn specialized strategies for Performing Arts School Advertising, Promoting Theatre Productions, Digital Marketing for Performers, and Social Media Strategies for Artists. The program also delves into Theatre Production Marketing and Digital Marketing for Dance Schools, ensuring a holistic approach to promoting your performances Learn more and apply now: https://www.nipai.org/programs/digital-marketing-for-arts
Hey everyone! I’ll be a guest on Wednesday the 7th at 6pm EST at David Thompson’s Online acting class. We can meet over there and actually do some fun acting exercises. Check it out! http://www.davidthompsoncoaching.co/ see you on Wednesday!
1. Go pro. Spend money—it’s worth it. Go to a professional who is trained, understands lighting, and takes headshots for a living, not some friend who happens to have a decent camera who “sorta knows a little about photography.” 2. Opt for personality over glamour. Make sure it looks like you. Chill with the airbrushing. Casting directors expect you to look just like your headshot and will not be happy when you show up looking totally different or 10 years older. 3. Remember: It’s all about the eyes. Just like with on-camera acting, it’s all about the eyes and what’s happening behind them. It’s your closeup, your moment. Your eyes should be perfectly in focus, alive, and energized, not dead and glazed over. 4. Pay attention to framing, lighting, and background. In general, a good headshot is chest up with good lighting on your face, and no strong dramatic shadows, unless you are going in for “The Phantom of the Opera.” Three-quarter shots are good for print, and extreme close-ups are good for, well, nothing. 5. Consider natural light vs. studio. Some photographers do both, as they offer a different look and feel. Natural light gives a very real, “film” look, which I prefer. Studio lighting tends to be a little more polished, with a more neutral backdrop. Both can be wonderful. If you are more of a sitcom actor, perhaps a well-lit studio headshot is more suited for you. 6. Don’t go crazy with clothing and props. I once saw a headshot of a guy with a bird on his head. Why? Because he wanted to stand out. Let’s not get crazy here. Keep it simple and classy. Professionalism not desperation gets you noticed. A simple, solid shirt with a little texture that fits you. 7. Go easy with the makeup. Yes, lots can be done with retouching. There is no need to put on tons of makeup. You want to look like yourself on your best day and not look like you tried too hard. Do your hair the way you would for every audition. - Matt Newton is one of the most sought-after on-camera acting coaches. His clients include Tony winners, Emmy award winners, and well-known actors from film and TV.#headshot #actor
https://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/story/joan-chen-profile-didi-awards-insider
hey guys, I just wanted to introduce y’all to what I do and would like to connect with ya’. I’m really interested in any locals is Lansing, Michigan. But I’m open to Collab from afar as well.www.imdb.me/RoseSanchezActress
“It used to be that changing an overly ethnic or difficult-to-pronounce name was virtually essential for Hollywood success. Now, in a way, the reverse is true. Networks and platforms are looking for authenticity, as well as for the opportunity to tell stories from voices and perspectives not often heard. A name that suggests cultural specificity can actually be helpful, given the scrutiny regarding parts being played by actors of appropriate ethnicity.”– President of a TV Production Company“I once hired a guy whose name I not only couldn’t remember — but couldn’t pronounce. I avoided him at all costs and vowed never to hire him again.”– Reality Show Producer“I have never asked a client to create a ‘brand new’ name. I have, however, suggested some folks reconsider their given names, as whatever they were currently using sounded generic, or even had a certain falsity to it. Clearly Cary Grant, Marilyn Monroe, and Lady Gaga have done all right, but my feeling is if people are comfortable with what their parents named them, then so am I.”– A Talent Agent“I love the fact that we live in a day and age where an actor does NOT have to change his/her/their name, because that’s what the industry mandates. I think it’s important for actors to be true to themselves and authentic with who they are. That being said, I have many clients who do have ‘stage names’ and I love that too. And there can be many reasons for that — privacy, for one. My only suggestion is that if you are going to change your name, you do a thorough Google search on that new name BEFORE you change it.”– Liza Anderson, Owner Anderson Group Public Relations“I fully support changing the name if it suits and supports the creative process. Being an actor is a creative endeavor. Performance, delivery, and marketing are all part of the artistic process. If you have a challenging name and you have something you want to use that is easy to remember or visually appealing, then there’s nothing wrong with creating something new. When marketing a film, all components matter.”– Jen Ditchik, Vice President, Strategy & Innovation at WC+A
I recently responded to a question in this lounge about when you should and should not accept roles. The person who asked is in a different international market than I am familiar with, where they have seemingly been finding a lot of success. My advice was the same advice I give any professional actor. A role should do at least one of the three following:FEED YOUR WALLET (it pays well, but does not necessarily excite you artistically or add much to your resume - ex. commercials - which you don't list on your resume, instead putting "conflicts available upon request")FEED YOUR RESUME (it might not excite you as an artist or pay well, but it will look very good on your resume - ex. doing a small part in a play with a well-known director) FEED YOUR SOUL (it doesn't pay well, and it doesn't really help your resume much, but dammit if it doesn't excite you as an artist - ex. a beautifully written student film with a really great part for you)This is obviously a guide post and where you are in your career will dictate how true it is (if you are brand new, take everything you can before getting picky), but it is great to see even Indiana Solo himself is not above taking a role he thinks is silly because it pays well.https://variety.com/2024/film/news/harrison-ford-red-hulk-acting-captain-america-brave-new-world-1236091166/
Weeee, you found me!
I'm your buddy Bottie, I was hiding behind the scenes, but now that you've found me I'd be happy to tell you what I'm doing.
I just wrote a few fun facts about Web For Actors
Would you like to take a look?
Click here to check them out. I hope it will cause involuntary audible response.
