Actors...Need Reel? Create Your Own.

I realize this is elementary for seasoned actors, but for those starting out it may just be the ticket. For those of you unaware, IMDB, has a website for scripts. They are great to use in acting class, in an online audition, or just to re-freshen your skills at home. Look up your favorite script or choose something new and challenging. Always remember the passion for what you do. YOU are unique in every way. Don't be a clone of your favorite actor, be genuinely you. 

I realize many actors starting out are trying to figure out how to get reel on themselves. Well, choose a script, set up a Vimeo account, borrow a friend's camera if you have to, and create a piece that shows your diversity as an actor. Stand in front of a blue background and slate for the camera just as it were a real audition. Upload it and...you now have a reel. 

The first thing I want to see as someone who will be casting, is what you have online. Within the privacy of your own home you can work until you get it right. So take your time to get a variety of roles that will show your skills accurately. Now, this should never take the place of your professional reel, but it is something you can use to begin with when you have little to no video on yourself. 

Eventually you will phase this out as you acquire more professional reel. It will be a good start the next time someone ask if you have anything online they can see regarding your acting ability.

You can follow me at: https://www.facebook.com/brytaylor
                                 https://twitter.com/brytaylor_

Thought For The Day...

Don't burn your bridges. I realize people can rub you the wrong way or get on your nerves, but don't be so quick to write them off. You never know when you will need that relationship and it may be sooner then you think. That one person could be the door to the role/job you are looking for. Always show people respect even when they don't deserve it. You never know when that lowly PA will turn out to be the next big producer or director and they will always remember how you treated them.

Please follow me at: https://www.facebook.com/brytaylor
                               https://twitter.com/brytaylor_  

Are You Serious About Acting? Really? (Facebook, Websites, & Social Media)

Are you serious about acting? Really? Very often as I network with those in the entertainment field I come across a couple of things that they are lacking. One is, they don't have any of their links posted in the contact section on their "about" page on Facebook. Second, if they do have links, they are out-of-date, or not valid. This looks unprofessional and will likely tell others you are not serious about your acting career. As your own product you have to sell your image. One of the first things that's going to happen after you audition is that someone is going to look you up on Facebook.  If you are serious about getting the part then you need to look professional. That means if you have a website, a blog, a resume, reel of yourself online, or a IMDB page, you should have those links posted under contact. Make it easy for people to find out about you.  We all lead very busy lives. When a perspective employer wants to know more about you, everything they need should be at their fingertips. Don't make them go searching...because they won't. If they can't easily find what they need, they will move on to the next actor. It's in your best interest to take a few moments and get your Facebook page in order. May I suggest your IMDB page go first. That's the first thing I'm going to look at, because it tells me what you have done and who you have worked with. Next, I'm going to check out your reel if you have one, then your website. All of these should be linked together so that the person looking to hire you can move from one to the other with ease (Again, I should be able to find all of these links on your Facebook page).  Have a Twitter account?  List it too. In fact Twitter...is great for extremely busy people.  Link your Twitter account with your Facebook page then you can manage both at the same time. Not sure how? Google it...or ask a friend, your child, or a niece, or nephew. Kids are pretty tech savvy even if adults aren't.  Don't have a website? Well maybe you should. Wix and Vistaprint both have dashboards that are fairly easily to use, and Wix' basic package is free. For this reason many actors use them (I do as well).  Not sure what to include on a website? Look up other actors and see what they include on their websites. Another suggestion is to create an actor page for yourself on Facebook. Once you have it established, list all of your links on it as well. Make sure to ask all your friends to stop by and "like" it. Do the same with your IMDB page. Ask your friends and other actors to "like" your IMDB profile. Be sure to provide the link for them. Karmalicity is another place you can go to up your rating and support for your IMDB page. Basically it works by trading off with others...you like their pages, they like yours. It only takes a short while to get your cyber life organized, so set a couple hours aside and get that done. You will not regret it. After all it's to your advantage. Check back again soon for more ideas on being the consummate "acting" professional.

Photo credit: http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/images/Other_Metaphors_and__g307-Post_It_Note_With_Act_Now_Text_p87374.html

The Self-respecting Actor

Get as much screen time as you can no matter what size the role. John Wayne played an extra for four years among bit parts and he was in the studio system. It would be a full ten years before he got the break that would eventually turn him into a legend.  Don't be impatient. You are on a path...you're own path. You can't compare yourself to others. Take your time and study. Don't be so anxious to get ahead you sell your soul or your conscience. It's not worth it. You are a human being. You feel, you think, you have compassion. When you forget these things it affects who you are, and that affects your craft. Now is the time to decide what you will and will not do.  Draw a line in the sand and be determined not to cross it.  Don't defile your conscience.  If you do, at some point and time you will look back and regret it. It's the same as selling yourself.  Why is it we are so appalled when we hear of men buying and selling women, but we sell ourselves so short? I can't give you self respect.  That is something you have to have for yourself and exercise it. Don't let anyone push you into doing anything you are not comfortable with.  Many actresses and actors keep their self-respect. If your motivation is fame you will likely do anything to achieve it. If your motivation is to be the best actor you can be, you will recognize that it is a process that culminates over many years of hard work. Surround yourself with people who uplift you. That's one reason why it's important for you to have a support group, because sometimes the people around you are not so kind when it comes to your dreams.  They don't realize how important they are to you. Maybe it's because they don't have dreams of their own. So seek out people who value you...and recognize your own self worth. 

Photo Credit: http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/images/Other_g374-Cheerful_Teen_Girl_With_Clapboard_In_Hand_p162936.html

Follow me at: https://www.facebook.com/brytaylor
                      https://twitter.com/brytaylor_

Basic Audition Protocol

Many times we walk into an audition with a multitude of emotions. Sometimes we're nervous, sometimes we are not in our element...and other times we may be extremely excited. Whatever the case casting agents are looking for people who not only can act, but can handle themselves in a business situation. Because really that's what entertainment is, a business. So though the folks sitting behind the table may be in "very casual" attire it is important to put your best foot forward so to speak. Please shower, fix your hair, brush your teeth, and dress in clean nice clothes. I know it sounds elementary, but you would be surprised what some actors show up to audition in at times. Greet the casting agent...producer(s) with a warm smile, look them in the eye, and if someone extends their hand take it with a firm handshake. NEVER show how excited you are to get the part. What you may perceive a shear excitement may come off to the casting agent as obnoxious, so keep your emotions in check. Show this excitement to your friends and family, but not to the agent.

Another NEVER is...never call a casting agent to see if you got the part. The old cliche, don't call us, we'll call you is correct procedure. If you got the part you will be notified...if you didn't you "won't" be notified. Yes, that is part of the business. Most casting agents are extremely busy and will perceive your persistence of calling everyday to see if you got the part as unprofessional (Many will not call you back in to audition next time they need your type). This is called self-control...please exercise a bit so that agents will look forward doing business with you. I hope you will check back to this blog for other insightful information.

You can follow me on: https://www.facebook.com/brytaylor
                                 https://twitter.com/brytaylor_