THE BUSINESS OF ACTING
Defining career goals in a seemingly unmanageable market
The acting profession has more facets to it than most others: a vast variety in the world of theater alone, plus hosting, voice-over work, commercials, film (from low-budget student films to multi-million dollar Hollywood productions) and above all in TV (from talk shows to soap operas and from sitcoms to one hour dramas and everything in between). So as not to get bogged down in a seemingly unmanageable market, it is important to define what you want to focus on. This will also depend strongly on your very unique type.
Guidance on actor marketing material: Headshots, resume, reel & about-me video
All individual marketing materials are viewed and analyzed within the class to specify if they are up-to-date with current industry trends or if any adjustments are necessary. These materials are the first and most important “entry ticket” to even get an audition or self-tape invite. If they do not meet the commonly accepted standards, the actor will not be seen as a professional and therefore not considered for an audition - regardless of the quality of acting.
Developing an effective and tailored marketing strategy for the actor
Often times the prevailing opinion is that the film and TV industry is a lottery game and it is up to fate whether or not one succeeds. This, of course, is not true because you can take many pro-active steps to move your career forward. We carve out a personal success strategy through individually tailored tips and suggestions.
Do's and don'ts during the audition process, on set and in post-production
There are countless unwritten laws in the (international) film and TV industry. Often one ends up learning them the hard way by making mistakes and draw lessons from these setbacks in the long run. In order to fast forward your career, you will learn the most important dos and don'ts in this class to save you from falling into the most common traps and help you reach your goals faster.
Self-tape know-how: The new normal of auditioning
Self-taping was already widespread before Covid-19 but now it has become the new normal, especially in the international film and TV industry. That means that you have to be able to wear a lot of hats: Direct and record your own audition (or have someone there to support you), set the most flattering lights, make sure you have quality sound, choose the right camera settings as well as an appropriate background and even know your way around a basic editing software. Detailed assistance is given in all these areas.
Technical guidance on how to set up your own, affordable home film studio
What equipment do you need to shoot professional self-tapes within your own four walls to succeed in the self-tape game? A list of tried and tested light, sound, background and camera equipment is suggested and explained in detail with the focus on its affordability and practicality.
Use the dreaded ‘type casting’ to your advantage
Acting schools usually teach you to be able to slip into any character and play any role. Unlike the theater world, the film and TV industry however mostly casts by type. You can either try to resist that process or learn to understand the ‘type casting’ system and thus increase your chances of being cast.
Get to know your type: How does the industry see you?
To be able to use the ‘type casting’ system to your advantage you must first find out what type you are. This means your ‘external image’, not your ‘self-image’. How the world sees you is more indicative about your type than how you see yourself. Your individual and unique essence is defined through in-depth type surveys and evaluations, which we will all do during this class. This new awareness of your own essence will give you the confidence to step in front of the camera knowing full well that you already possess certain character traits you won’t need to ’play’.
Know-how on national and international casting platforms
Casting platforms are becoming increasingly important. If you don't have an agent yet, they are usually the only way you can submit yourself for audition calls directly. They offer the opportunity to create your own actor profile, including: headshots, reels, resume, skills, training etc. If casting directors are looking for someone with the special skill you have they can find you through the platform’s algorithm without you even submitting yourself for the role. With the sheer abundance of popular casting platforms membership fees can add up quickly. We will help you choose the platforms that are right for you and help you create a striking profile for yourself.
Acting unions, royalties and industry associations
What protection and what diverse training and networking resources do Acting Unions offer and how can you join them? Which national and international organizations should you be a member of in order to be able to claim your residuals or royalties so you keep on earning years if not decades after the actual filming took place? What are the most important associations of the inter/national film and TV industry and how do you become a member? Detailed answers are given to all of these questions.
Social media: A great career tool for actors
In the acting world it has become just as important to build a fan base on social media as anywhere else. But social media also offers great opportunities for targeted networking within the film and TV industry. However, you should always be aware of the foot print you leave on the internet. Because before one is hired, one usually has to pass a social media background check. Help is provided through practical social media marketing tips and explanation of the dos and don'ts.
Linguistic and cultural barriers: European versus US market
Non-Americans often think they know ‘Americans’ and their way of life from Hollywood movies and TV shows. The difference between fiction and reality however could often not be greater. Therefore it is most important to know about linguistic and cultural differences as to guarantee good communication and a smooth collaboration.
Practicing professional live online auditions
Online auditions should not be confused with self-tape auditions. An online audition takes place live via Zoom or Skype. But what makes a great professional Zoom appearance? The dos and don'ts of this virtual version of the audition process are explained in great detail. Your live online auditions will be another great way to make best use of your newly built home film studio!
Mastering interviews with international casting directors and agents
The first few seconds of an interview with a casting director or agent can make all the difference between success and failure. What dos and don’ts should you know in order to be able to execute a successful interview? What catch questions might be waiting for you? Mock conversations are being held in class to shine a light on and get you up to speed for those interviews.
Get behind the steering wheel of your career by creating your own content
Achieving the big breakthrough with your own short film or web series can absolutely work and has worked for many actors. Today, since you are able to make a film on your smartphone, there really are no more excuses not to use this opportunity to get yourself out there to finally play the role for which you have not yet been cast or film the story that is authentically and uniquely yours. In any case, it is very fulfilling to take your destiny into your own hands and kickstart your career.
Maintaining a positive mindset in one of the toughest businesses
Whether you need to overcome your fear of auditioning, not despair after a row of disappointing rejections or fall into a black hole of doing nothing after a great shoot - practical and effective advice for a positive mindset is given on all these topics.