Q: From a marketing standpoint is it better to have many different pictures of yourself? Or is it better to use one main picture so that when people see it they know who you are?
AO: The answer to the picture question will vary from person to person. My personal suggestion is to have a variety of pictures that all look like you, in looks you can duplicate.
If you have various of pictures that show you looking glamorous, ugly, worn, athletic, compassionate…then casting directors don’t have to guess if you are capable of playing that role. Casting directors have an innate ability to recognize a face almost instantly on a second or third contact, so the same picture over and over again is really not necessary, I’ve found. This way they see you in potentially different roles, and they’ll still recognize you when you show up for an audition.
Example: we all know what Lindsay Lohan looks like regardless of the color or length of her hair, fashion style, make up etc.
Pictures are crucial when you’re just starting out and don’t have much reel. You know the old saying, a picture is worth a thousand words…having a variety of pictures show cases your range of emotions.
© 2007 Angela Oberer
Monday, July 9, 2007
Do I need to Move to New York or Los Angeles?
Q: I keep hearing from lots of people that "If you want to make it as an actor, you have to get out of N.C. and move to N.Y., L.A., or Atlanta." I guess my question is, should I spend the next two years putting myself out there, hiring a couple of acting coaches, going to auditions, doing small roles for independent films, and getting an agent who knows what they're doing?
AO: There are certainly more opportunities in New York and Los Angeles for actors than there are in North Carolina. However, you'll have more competition in those places as well.
My personal philosophy is to do as much as you can where you are with the resources you have. If you are in a position to uproot and move to New York or Los Angeles and can sustain your lifestyle while there, then by all means go my friend.
If you don't have an agent, don't have a SAG card, don't have a resume, a reel, and don't have any classes under your belt - then you're probably not ready to move away just yet.
Take advantage of a smaller market such as North Carolina and use it as a spring board to expand your resume and skills. The North Carolina School of the Arts in Winston-Salem and has a wonderful film program that utilizes lots of beginning actors. Contact the film department and get your headshot and resume on file with them. They'll let you know about upcoming auditions.
Most NC & SC colleges and community colleges offer acting classes both for theater and film - take some classes and network with both the students and the teachers to find out who needs actors for upcoming productions.
Check the NC & SC film commissions for upcoming productions and find out who is casting those upcoming films. Get your headshot and resume on file with them.
www.Tarheelfilms.com is a great website that will alert you to some independent films constantly looking for actors from the Carolinas.
Yes, do as many small roles in independent films as you can afford to. This will help you build a reel, and get comfortable in front of the camera while trying out new characters.
Once a movie is complete and hits the festival or film circuit - you're going to go places that physically you will never go.
Your name will get out there, people who can hire you will see you in those films, and some of the difficult choices will be made for you almost effortlessly, choices to join SAG, better connected agents, whether or not to move to another city etc.
The secret is like a ball rolling downhill - Once you get the ball started, it picks up momentum, and eventually speed until it rolls downhill on its own. You can get that ball started from wherever you are - just start it.
© 2007 Angela Oberer
AO: There are certainly more opportunities in New York and Los Angeles for actors than there are in North Carolina. However, you'll have more competition in those places as well.
My personal philosophy is to do as much as you can where you are with the resources you have. If you are in a position to uproot and move to New York or Los Angeles and can sustain your lifestyle while there, then by all means go my friend.
If you don't have an agent, don't have a SAG card, don't have a resume, a reel, and don't have any classes under your belt - then you're probably not ready to move away just yet.
Take advantage of a smaller market such as North Carolina and use it as a spring board to expand your resume and skills. The North Carolina School of the Arts in Winston-Salem and has a wonderful film program that utilizes lots of beginning actors. Contact the film department and get your headshot and resume on file with them. They'll let you know about upcoming auditions.
Most NC & SC colleges and community colleges offer acting classes both for theater and film - take some classes and network with both the students and the teachers to find out who needs actors for upcoming productions.
Check the NC & SC film commissions for upcoming productions and find out who is casting those upcoming films. Get your headshot and resume on file with them.
www.Tarheelfilms.com is a great website that will alert you to some independent films constantly looking for actors from the Carolinas.
Yes, do as many small roles in independent films as you can afford to. This will help you build a reel, and get comfortable in front of the camera while trying out new characters.
Once a movie is complete and hits the festival or film circuit - you're going to go places that physically you will never go.
Your name will get out there, people who can hire you will see you in those films, and some of the difficult choices will be made for you almost effortlessly, choices to join SAG, better connected agents, whether or not to move to another city etc.
The secret is like a ball rolling downhill - Once you get the ball started, it picks up momentum, and eventually speed until it rolls downhill on its own. You can get that ball started from wherever you are - just start it.
© 2007 Angela Oberer
Is an Acting Degree Essential?
Q: Hey Angela,
How's it going? I wanted to get your thoughts on something. I wanted to go back to Liberty this Fall to finish school, but I want to pursue acting at the same time. I was planning on finishing my Business degree, but i'm now considering getting an acting minor or even majoring in acting and minoring in business. Do you think having an acting degree would give me a better shot at making it as an actor?
AO: Not necessarily. There are a lot of wannabe actors who have graduated from extensive acting courses and schools who don't know how to market themselves, and thus are out of business even though they are wonderfully qualified to act.
I do think you are on the right track.
If you pursue acting as a full time career - you will be running a business, with you as the product. It is essential to learn as much about marketing and personal promotion as you can. And learning the ins and outs of business will help you make prudent decisions regarding contracts, acting choices, investing the money you've earned, and hiring a team of people who can operate your empire while you are on a stage or out promoting your next movie.
As a professional actor, make it a point to be a student of life. Take as many acting and associated classes as your resources will allow (classes that will assist you in creating and sustaining interesting character roles. i.e. singing, dancing, voice, languages, sports, psychology etc.)
The secret is to focus. Pick a route and stick with it until you have arrived at your desired destination.
© 2007 Angela Oberer
How's it going? I wanted to get your thoughts on something. I wanted to go back to Liberty this Fall to finish school, but I want to pursue acting at the same time. I was planning on finishing my Business degree, but i'm now considering getting an acting minor or even majoring in acting and minoring in business. Do you think having an acting degree would give me a better shot at making it as an actor?
AO: Not necessarily. There are a lot of wannabe actors who have graduated from extensive acting courses and schools who don't know how to market themselves, and thus are out of business even though they are wonderfully qualified to act.
I do think you are on the right track.
If you pursue acting as a full time career - you will be running a business, with you as the product. It is essential to learn as much about marketing and personal promotion as you can. And learning the ins and outs of business will help you make prudent decisions regarding contracts, acting choices, investing the money you've earned, and hiring a team of people who can operate your empire while you are on a stage or out promoting your next movie.
As a professional actor, make it a point to be a student of life. Take as many acting and associated classes as your resources will allow (classes that will assist you in creating and sustaining interesting character roles. i.e. singing, dancing, voice, languages, sports, psychology etc.)
The secret is to focus. Pick a route and stick with it until you have arrived at your desired destination.
© 2007 Angela Oberer
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