HEADSHOTS & RESUMES

We’ll keep this short as it can be discussed at great length. 

Yes, you’re still supposed to bring them to every audition including callbacks. Just because you are registered on Breakdown services, Casting Networks, etc., doesn’t mean you no longer have to bring a headshot to the audition.  Why, because you just never ever ever ever know when one is needed.  We sometimes don’t know until the last moment.  And you never know when you may be pulled into another project or when you may want to slip one to that special other actor you have a crush on.  So basically you should always have several headshots with you that have your resume attached on the back. If we don’t need one, we won’t ask for one. Quite often clients will request them or they’ll actually be at the initial audition and want to see one.

The other day we had clients in the room and they requested headshots. We had 3 different actors bring us a Xeroxed photo on a flimsy sheet of paper stapled to several pages of a resume and this is what we had to give the clients. One of the clients asked, “Is this person a professional actor?”  Point taken.

The other thing about headshots is that we prep projects based on your photo and resume. So you need to update your photos – especially if you’ve changed your hair color, cut, gained or lost 10 or more pounds or haven’t had a new photo done in a few years.  There’s nothing more frustrating than bringing someone in because of their awesome hip hairstyle and then when they come in, their hair is totally different. Or bringing someone in because he’s got a rocking body and then seeing he’s gained 15 pounds and is no longer viable for the role. And yes, it’s important to get a great picture of yourself, but please make sure the person in the photo looks like YOU and what you will look like when you walk into an audition room. It also helps to have a nice close-up and a full body shot. Oh and those posed photos of you as a sailor, samurai, nurse, etc. really aren’t necessary unless you are the ultimate character actor. 

As far as quality and types of photos necessary… well we leave that to you and your agent.  And also suggesting headshot photographers.  As a Casting Director we know what works, and who is good, but our job is not to manage your career… it is your agent or managers call.  Please do note that you should always have choices when it comes to who you shoot with and should always interview them for the job.  You are paying them for their services so they better know you, the market you live in, and how you plan on using the shots to fit your abilities, talents, hopes and dreams of roles.

Also, make sure you have updated searchable criteria on those websites.  Sometimes we need to know if you are fluent in French or can powerlift a car and the only way to find you easily is by having those marked.  It’s aids your agents all the more in getting you potential work.