It's not all about New York

I woke up to this email today. It was in the comments field of another post and I felt like I should share it:

Hello Mrs Angela,

I’ve been wanting to be an actress since I was 10 years old. I am 18 years old now, and it has been difficult. I have learned that being financially stable is one important aspect, but I just wish that it wasn’t what seems to stem from all of my problems. I do not have a job, and am currently in school. My mother raises me and my sister, and she works two jobs. Of course there are classes that I want to take, but I can’t take them. Headshots that I want to get done, but I can’t because of money. I try so hard to remain positive, because I never think of anything else....

Read more at the new, improved The NYC Actor website

Ask Me: Headshot, resume and my name?

Anonymous asked

Hey Girl!
Question about headshots: I read all the tips and pointers but do you put your name on the headshot too? Does it get framed out with the name at the bottom. I've seen your resume, do you attach it to your headshot? When you go into a blind audtion how many pieces of paper do you need? haha !

Yes! You must put your name on your headshot because most of the time casting directors actually rip off your resume. They’ll need to have a name to put to that great face they decide they like a year from now.

At the moment (Jan 2011) having a plain white border around your picture is the norm - and it’s the perfect place for your name. I suggest printing it on the bottom right corner. We westerners read from left to right and the eye scans the headshot left to right too, so it makes sense that the name should be down there...

Read more at the new, improved The NYC Actor website

An Actors Toolkit

As an actor who wants to be taken seriously in the professional world (aka entertainment industry, y'all!!) there are a few things you should have handy. Here is a basic checklist if you're just starting out:

HEADSHOT

RESUME

WORKING PHONE WITH VOICEMAIL

EMAIL ADDRESS

WEBSITE

MONOLOGUES

REEL

AUDIO DEMO (IF DOING VOICEOVERS)

ACCOUNTS WITH ONLINE CASTING SERVICES

APPROPRIATE WARDROBE

POSTCARDS FOR SHOWS

PENS

BUSINESS CARDS

For a detailed breakdown and to read more: An Actors Toolkit | The NYC Actor

Headshots: Do Your Research

Here are some pointers I've learned from personal experience that may help you the next time you are in the position to get a new pic:

Do your research!

Don't just go with the first photographer you see. Or the one with a celebrity on his/her website. That doesn't mean anything. Look at your friends photos. If you see one you like, ask your friend about their experience. This is important. Primarily because someone can have a pretty good shot, but it took 4-hours to get and the photographer was distracted and unprofessional.

Read more:  Headshots: Do Your Research | The NYC Actor

Headshots

Ahhh. This is an interesting element to being an actor.

Knowing what a good headshot is is like knowing when to shelve those high-waisted mom-jeans. It is a trend that is as changeable as any you read about in fashion magazines. Black and white shots? Or color? Horizontal framing? Or traditional vertical/portraiture framing? Full-body shot? Or 3/4? OR tight in at the face? Glossy printing or Matte? Border or no? Name on the front?, etc., etc.

Read more:  Headshots | The NYC Actor