The Business of Acting: Marketing and Self-Promotion
Expert-defined terms from the Executive Certificate in Acting for Film and Television course at Stanmore School of Business. Free to read, free to share, paired with a globally recognised certification pathway.
Actor’s Resume #
Actor’s Resume
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An actor’s resume is a concise summary of an actor’s professional training, expe… #
Related terms include headshots, casting directors, and agents. An actor’s resume typically includes the following information:
* Contact information #
Include your name, phone number, email address, and union affiliation (if any).
* Physical description #
List your height, weight, hair color, and eye color.
* Training #
Include any relevant acting classes, workshops, or degrees.
* Experience #
List your acting credits in reverse chronological order. Include the name of the production, the role you played, the director, and the production company. If you have extensive experience, you may choose to categorize your credits by medium (e.g., film, television, theater).
* Special skills #
Highlight any unique talents that may be relevant to acting, such as singing, dancing, or stage combat.
Here is an example of an actor’s resume: #
Here is an example of an actor’s resume:
**JOHN DOE** #
**JOHN DOE**
123 Main St #
123 Main St.
Anytown, USA #
Anytown, USA
Phone #
(555) 123-4567
Email #
[johndoe@example.com](mailto:johndoe@example.com)
Union #
SAG-AFTRA
**Physical Description** #
**Physical Description**
Height #
5’10”
Weight #
160 lbs.
Hair Color #
Brown
Eye Color #
Blue
**Training** #
**Training**
BFA in Acting, Anytown University #
BFA in Acting, Anytown University
Meisner Technique, Anytown Acting Studio #
Meisner Technique, Anytown Acting Studio
On #
Camera Workshop, LA Casting Director
**Experience** #
**Experience**
**Film** #
**Film**
“The Big Picture” (2023) – John #
“The Big Picture” (2023) – John
Director #
Jane Smith
Production Company #
Big Picture Productions
“Small Screen” (2022) – Bob #
“Small Screen” (2022) – Bob
Director #
Joe Johnson
Production Company #
Small Screen Productions
**Television** #
**Television**
“The Anytown Show” (2021) – Guest Star #
“The Anytown Show” (2021) – Guest Star
Director #
Mary Miller
Production Company #
Anytown Television
**Theater** #
**Theater**
“Hamlet” (2020) – Hamlet #
“Hamlet” (2020) – Hamlet
Director #
Tom Thompson
Theater Company #
Anytown Shakespeare
**Special Skills** #
**Special Skills**
Singing (tenor), guitar, swimming, basketball, horseback riding, stage combat #
Singing (tenor), guitar, swimming, basketball, horseback riding, stage combat
Actor’s Website #
Actor’s Website
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An actor’s website is a personal online presence where actors can showcase their… #
Related terms include domain names, web hosting, and content management systems. An actor’s website typically includes the following features:
* A homepage that introduces the actor and provides an overview of their career #
* A homepage that introduces the actor and provides an overview of their career.
* An about page that provides more detailed information about the actor’s backgr… #
* An about page that provides more detailed information about the actor’s background, training, and experience.
* A resume page that displays the actor’s resume in a clear and concise format #
* A resume page that displays the actor’s resume in a clear and concise format.
* A reel page that showcases the actor’s best work in a video format #
* A reel page that showcases the actor’s best work in a video format.
* A headshots page that displays the actor’s headshots in high #
quality images.
* A contact page that provides information about how to get in touch with the ac… #
* A contact page that provides information about how to get in touch with the actor or their agent.
Here are some tips for creating an effective actor’s website: #
Here are some tips for creating an effective actor’s website:
* Choose a domain name that is easy to remember and reflects your name or brand #
* Choose a domain name that is easy to remember and reflects your name or brand.
* Use a clean and simple design that makes it easy for visitors to find the info… #
* Use a clean and simple design that makes it easy for visitors to find the information they need.
* Use high #
quality images and videos that showcase your best work.
* Optimize your website for mobile devices, as many casting directors and agents… #
* Optimize your website for mobile devices, as many casting directors and agents will view your website on their phones or tablets.
* Use search engine optimization (SEO) techniques to improve your website’s visi… #
* Use search engine optimization (SEO) techniques to improve your website’s visibility in search engine results.
Agent #
Agent
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An agent is a professional who represents actors and helps them find auditions a… #
Related terms include managers, casting directors, and unions. An agent typically performs the following tasks:
* Submitting actors for auditions and casting calls #
* Submitting actors for auditions and casting calls.
* Negotiating contracts and fees #
* Negotiating contracts and fees.
* Providing career guidance and support #
* Providing career guidance and support.
* Building relationships with casting directors and other industry professionals #
* Building relationships with casting directors and other industry professionals.
* Handling administrative tasks, such as scheduling appointments and managing fi… #
* Handling administrative tasks, such as scheduling appointments and managing finances.
Here are some tips for finding and working with an agent: #
Here are some tips for finding and working with an agent:
* Research agents who specialize in representing actors in your area and in your… #
g., film, theater, television).
* Prepare a strong actor’s resume and reel that showcase your talent and experie… #
* Prepare a strong actor’s resume and reel that showcase your talent and experience.
* Network with other actors and industry professionals to get recommendations an… #
* Network with other actors and industry professionals to get recommendations and referrals.
* Attend workshops, seminars, and networking events where you can meet agents an… #
* Attend workshops, seminars, and networking events where you can meet agents and showcase your talent.
* Interview potential agents and ask about their experience, clients, and approa… #
* Interview potential agents and ask about their experience, clients, and approach to representation.
* Build a strong relationship with your agent by communicating regularly, being… #
* Build a strong relationship with your agent by communicating regularly, being professional and reliable, and following their advice and guidance.
Audition #
Audition
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An audition is a tryout for a role in a film, television show, or theater produc… #
Related terms include casting directors, callbacks, and cold readings. An audition typically includes the following steps:
* Preparation #
Research the production, the character, and the audition requirements. Prepare your audition material, such as a monologue or a scene, and practice it until you feel confident.
* Registration #
Arrive at the audition location and sign in with the casting director or their assistant. Provide your headshot and resume, and fill out any necessary paperwork.
* Waiting #
Wait for your name to be called. Use this time to review your material, warm up, and relax.
* Performance #
Perform your audition material for the casting director and any other decision-makers. Be prepared to take direction and make adjustments.
* Feedback #
After your audition, you may receive feedback from the casting director or their assistant. Take this feedback seriously and use it to improve your future auditions.
Here are some tips for acing your auditions: #
Here are some tips for acing your auditions:
* Be prepared and confident #
* Be prepared and confident.
* Dress appropriately for the role and the production #
* Dress appropriately for the role and the production.
* Be polite and professional #
* Be polite and professional.
* Make strong choices and commit to them #
* Make strong choices and commit to them.
* Listen carefully to the casting director’s feedback and adjust your performanc… #
* Listen carefully to the casting director’s feedback and adjust your performance accordingly.
* Follow up with the casting director after the audition, thank them for the opp… #
* Follow up with the casting director after the audition, thank them for the opportunity, and express your interest in the role.
Branding #
Branding
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Branding is the process of creating a unique and distinctive identity for an act… #
Related terms include personal branding, image, and marketing. Branding includes the following elements:
* A clear and consistent message #
Determine what makes you unique and different as an actor, and communicate this message consistently in all your materials and interactions.
* A professional image #
Create a polished and professional image that reflects your brand and your personality. This includes your headshots, resume, reel, and website.
* A targeted audience #
Identify the types of roles and productions that align with your brand and target your marketing efforts accordingly.
* A consistent voice and tone #
Use a consistent voice and tone in all your communications, such as social media posts, emails, and interviews.
* A strong network #
Build a strong network of industry professionals, such as agents, casting directors, and fellow actors, who can support and promote your brand.
Here are some tips for developing a strong brand as an actor: #
Here are some tips for developing a strong brand as an actor:
* Identify your unique selling proposition (USP) and communicate it clearly and… #
* Identify your unique selling proposition (USP) and communicate it clearly and consistently.
* Invest in high #
quality headshots and other promotional materials that reflect your brand and your personality.
* Create a website that showcases your brand and your work #
* Create a website that showcases your brand and your work.
* Engage with your audience on social media and other online platforms #
* Engage with your audience on social media and other online platforms.
* Attend industry events and networking opportunities #
* Attend industry events and networking opportunities.
* Seek feedback from industry professionals and fellow actors #
* Seek feedback from industry professionals and fellow actors.
Callback #
Callback
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A callback is a second or subsequent audition for a role in a film, television s… #
Related terms include auditions, casting directors, and cold readings. A callback typically includes the following steps:
* Preparation #
Research the production, the character, and the audition requirements. Prepare your audition material, such as a monologue or a scene, and practice it until you feel confident.
* Registration #
Arrive at the audition location and sign in with the casting director or their assistant. Provide your headshot and resume, and fill out any necessary paperwork.
* Waiting #
Wait for your name to be called. Use this time to review your material, warm up, and relax.
* Performance #
Perform your audition material for the casting director and any other decision-makers. Be prepared to take direction and make adjustments.
* Feedback #
After your callback, you may receive feedback from the casting director or their assistant. Take this feedback seriously and use it to improve your future auditions.
Here are some tips for n #
Here are some tips for n