Game Smartgirls Magical

Saturday, April 9th, 2011 at 12:32 pm

One of the biggest complaints that I hear from actors is that they wish they could "just get called in." Like many actors, there's a good chance that you have studied for a while and worked very hard to develop your craft, but you just aren't getting the calls for the "real" roles - like the Guest Star, Co-Star and Series Regulars on TV shows. Or a decent-sized speaking role in a big movie. Or even a small union movie for that matter.

Sending photo postcards to casting directors on a regular basis keeps your face in front of them, just like a commercial on TV reminds you to go to Burger King. As your face keeps appearing in front of them, one day they think, "I've seen him somewhere before." You become familiar to them. When you become familiar to them, they are far more like to call you in for roles you're right for.

Here are 7 things you can announce to casting directors that cover a whole range of things that could be happening in your career at any particular moment:

1. When you get a new agent or manager, or simply make changes to your existing representation.

You don't have to have an agent or manager to mail directly to casting directors, but if you do have one, let them know who you're with. Put your agent or manager's contact information on the back of your postcard (not on the photo side) and tell the casting director to call them to schedule auditions for their latest project.

2. You're performing in an upcoming showcase, play, or one-person show.

One of the great things about Hollywood is that there are many opportunities to perform live for industry people. You can perform in showcases. There are lots of theaters to perform in plays. You can even write and produce your own one-person show to showcase your talents.

3. Let them know that a film you were in just premiered at a film festival or that a television show you are in will be airing soon.

After clearing all the hurdles of auditioning, being cast in, and shooting a project, make sure you get some promotional mileage out of it all the way through. Let casting directors know when your film is screening at a festival or when your TV show is airing.

4. You book a new commercial campaign.

Success breeds success, as they say. When people see you are working, it creates credibility and also makes you more in demand. The idea is that if someone else hires you, that's a testament for you being able to deliver.

5. When you have an internet web series and it's "going live."

There are tons of things you can do online to show your work. Let casting directors know that you're working, even if it's an internet series. They may or may not watch it, but it's a reason to pass your head shot in front of them again and it lets them know you're in action.

6. You get "hot new head shots."

Actors are always searching for the perfect head shot. If the latest pictures you took are all that and a bag of chips, make sure the casting director sees how charismatic you are. You could get two or three different postcards and send a different one out each month, noting "here's one of my newest head shots."

7. Let them know you've just started a new class or that you've just completed a notable program.

Casting directors love to see that you're not just resting on your past classes, but are always striving to improve your craft. If you've started with a new teacher or finished a program that you're proud of, tell the casting directors about it in an announcement.

The most important thing when you are marketing yourself is that you DO keep getting your face in front of the casting directors. It's not as critical what you say as it is that you send something. After you do this for long enough, they will start to recognize you, and you might very well be surprised what you start to get called in for.

Melody Jackson, Ph.D., is the founder of Smart Girls Productions, a Hollywood Marketing Company supporting Actors & Screenwriters in moving their careers forward. If you are ready to jump-start your career, increase your confidence, and have more fun pursuing Hollywood success, get "Plugged In" at http://www.TalentAgentMailings.com. Also get your FREE REPORT on "The Top 20 Talent Agents In Hollywood," along with Hot Tips on Marketing YourselfTo Hollywood. Melody has helped thousands of actors land Hollywood agents who can get the actors auditions for the film & TV roles that they would be most suitable for based on their specific type. Go to http://www.TalentAgentMailings.com for more information on marketing to Hollywood.