Headshot
This is a headshot sample for theatre. There are far better ones out there, but just for reference. There are a few things to adhere to when finding the right headshot:
1. Know the work you are going after, film/ TV/Theatre
2. The headshot should always be kind to you as well as the casting director
3. Your headshot should show off a very comfortable, clean image of a personality we want to work with; your personality
4. Seek out and shop for photographers and don't settle. Some specialize in glamour, themes and so on, find the one that will focus on you.
5. Always find good contrast in your photo sessions. You will pay alot get your money's worth
6. It is always safe to wear dark and solid colors when photographing. You want emphasis on your face and how personable and inviting you are.
7. If you wear facial hair, be sure to have another done without facial hair
8. Have a make-up artists on hand or check with photographer to see if they have one. Make-up can make or break a good headshot
9. At the end of the day what we look for is the headshot that says the most about you and sells "you" .
10. Remember this is one of the many investments you as an actor will make, make it good and do not short yourself.
The Resume
Below you will find a resume of a seasoned actor in L.A. The resume should only fill one page and be attached to the back of your headshot. If you have more information or credentials, as I am sure the below actor has many, only list those that sell the best "you."
1. The sample has been done many different ways, it depends on the work that you are getting; The sample below does not list commercial or industrial work, because this actor has plenty of featured and star roles to fill the space needed.
2. Always list in order of importance, not date. If you did a movie directed by Ron Howard that might be at the top of your list
3. List the production companies or networks or theatre as you see below that you have worked with it shows you off.
4. Stay away from listing school productions below college and only list college if you really have nothing to list. A professional resume should show you in the " real business" world of acting. Of course you have to start somewhere.
5. Like your headshot, keep everything clean and SIMPLE. Do not overkill on listing the roles you have played, by that I mean do not list anymore detail than needed. A "jumbled" resume is one reason that a resume may get put down as a director is sifting though the pile. Keep it simple and highlight your best and most professional and recognized work.
6. If you have an agent and or management then you may not need to include your own contact info. Most agencies have certain ways they want to prepare your resume
7. Uniion affiliation is SAG screen actor's guild, AEA Actor's equity assoc, or AFTRA american federation of television and radio associates. These are unions that are required once an actor gets into the business and wants to maintain solid work and protection as a laboror.
8. After you list roles in Film, Theatre, TV etc., which by the way should be in order of your work preference, meaninng if you are getting the theatre work list you theatre credits first. Next you should list your education and training: MFA, actor school, classes etc, If you took classes with anyone with credentials in the business, be sure to list their names as you teachers. Any connection to the real world is good.
9. Then you list Special Skills; this could be anything, but first should be talents that you could perform on the spot if asked, because we will ask and things like dialect, speech, other languages, anything that could be applied to a character. Then there are the "other" things abilities you may have that may show you off like stage combat, horseback riding, scuba diving, these could basically be activities or hobbies that you are good at. You might list these because a film may require something to those effects and may get you a job, never know. It also shows off your personality and characteristics in such a short time.
10. At the end of the day you have 2 minutes, sometimes less to show me who you are, what you can do and why I should hire you over anyone else and the only way you can give me all of that info. as clean and concise and convincing as possible is with your headshot/ Resume. Goodluck