First of all I want to thank you. Your book, Self-Management for Actors, is my Bible. One question though: Once an actor lands a role on the big screen, what is the correct next move to build on this success?
After a lot of work, I finally booked a small but memorable role in a major film. The director has told me that test audiences love my character and that I’m one of the favorites. It comes out in February and I want to take advantage of this opportunity to get more work. Without seeming pushy or desperate, how do I best communicate to the CDs in town, “Come see this movie… I’m in it!” or, do I communicate with them at all? Should I just stay low and see what happens?
Thanks again for your invaluable book and I hope my question is a reasonable one!
First off, big thanks for the kudos. I’m so glad you’ve found Self-Management for Actors to be of value.
Next, I’m going to do a little of what I’m going to suggest you do: self-promote! In the second edition of Self-Management for Actors (due out next month), I added an entire chapter on self-promotion. With good reason!
From the new edition:
All publicity begins with you. Don’t think you need to wait until you reach the level at which one would normally hire a publicist to begin learning the art of publicity and promotion. It’s all part of marketing, and you’re getting very well-versed on that art just by reading this book!
Postcards are great for sharing updates, without having to send your headshot and resumé, which we likely already have (if we’ve seen you recently). For example, my favorite postcard technique for “announcing” a new agent or a particularly juicy role is the “Full-Page Ad” technique.
You’ve seen those ads in trade papers that agents, managers, studios, etc., take out congratulating actors on their new deal with such-and-such production company or on the nomination for whatever award, right? Well, the same thing can be done with postcards, and I think, especially when you’re trying to “announce” a high-profile experience, it really works. Do a very high-end production here, no cutting corners on design or repros. Use the headshot and, in the “free” space on the photo, print details about the big event, as if it’s one of those full-page ads in the trades. Of course, anyone who receives the postcard will know it was self-produced (if they really think about it), but the visual impression is what’s key here. You’ll make an impact, and that’s what you want. Use address labels on the other side of the postcard and send to casting directors, directors, agents, managers, and anyone you’ve worked with in the past. No need to do a personal note unless it’s someone you really want to say “hi” to. The idea is to get the word out that you’ve been a part of something high-profile.
We’ll remember that! You’ll have buzz in place, just from doing the mailing. And, hey, if we go check out your performance, that’s a bonus! It’s like an extra audition!
Congrats on the gig! Enjoy the kudos. Be sure to grab any press you get and add that to your self-promotional efforts. Great reviews can be included on your resumé, in future postcards, and definitely on your website. Enjoy!
Bonnie Gillespie is living her dreams by helping others figure out how to live theirs. Wanna work with Bon? Start here. Thanks!
Originally published by Actors Access at http://more.showfax.com/columns/avoice/archives/000335.html. Please support the many wonderful resources provided by the Breakdown Services family. This posting is the author’s personal archive.