Zoom auditions, virtual callbacks, and remote digital projects are a few of the many new normals brought on by 2020.
As the world continues to transition to being as online as possible, having a digital presence as an actor and artist is more important now than ever before.
So, if you find yourself with a bit more time on your hands in the next few days…weeks…or months, why not consider focusing on your actor website?!
Your actor website can be an important and useful marketing tool for you and your career. It showcases who you are as an artist and as a unique individual to casting directors, agents, and industry professionals. It’s an opportunity to connect and network with people who might not know you or your work. Here are 6 things we think every personal website should include.
1. Resume/Headshot
The great thing about having your own actor website is that you aren’t limited to using just one headshot. Maybe you have three or four shots that you like, or editorial “fun/creative” shots; that reveal your personality. As for your resume, make sure that it’s clear and downloadable so that agents and directors can print and pass your information along. Having a website also gives you the opportunity to post multiple resumes. You might have a resume that highlights your theatre work and another that highlights your on-camera credits. Update your information regularly to make sure that your newest projects are listed. Check out some of our other blogs if you need help with your resume or your headshot.
2. Contact Information
You can list your personal email if you like, but we suggest that you create a business email address. If you have an agent, be sure to list them as well. Unless you have a business phone number, we don’t suggest that you list your personal phone number for all of the reasons that you shouldn’t.
3. Sizzle Reel
A sizzle reel (demo reel) is a short, dynamic “trailer” of your clips from your on-camera work. It can include clips from commercials, short films, industrials, anything that showcases what you do. It’s usually 1-3 minutes long and it should be fast paced and fun. Choose moments from your work that showcase your range and type. Try to stay away from overly dramatic scenes or scenes from horror or sci-fi projects. An agent can typically tell within the first 10 to 20 seconds whether or not they want to work with you. Make sure your reel really highlights who you are as a performer. In addition to your reel you can also post individual clips on your actor website. These individual videos/clips might be longer than the clips on your reel, or might include projects that you elected to not include on your reel. The Video Page on Gail Rastorfer’s website is a good example!
4. Promotional or Behind The Scenes Photos
This is where you can really make your website your own. Post photos of the events you attend, the plays you see; promotional photos for shows you’re doing or have done; you having fun and being yourself. Agents and directors want to see who you are outside of the audition/rehearsal room. Showing that you are consistently working on new projects and that you socialize within the industry can only enhance your marketability as a performer. It’s also an opportunity to connect with your visitors from the other side of the screen. Don’t forget to express your unique personality and show how much fun it would be to work with you!
5. Social Media links
Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and other social media platforms are a great way to market yourself as a performer. Be sure to include links to your personal pages so that people interested in your work can follow you. It’s good to connect with your peers and industry professionals because networking is a huge part of a successful path in this industry. Having these accounts also keeps you abreast of casting calls, industry news and auditions.
6. Showcase Your Other Actor-Related Skills
Are you a hyphenate? If, in addition to your acting career, you are a stage-combat choreographer, director, solo-artist, teaching artist, private coach, etc., consider including these other types of expertise to your website. While you don’t want to confuse your audience, knowing that you are a trained stunt performer, in addition to your work as an actor, just might peak a viewer’s interest.
Before you create your own website, be sure to study other websites and check out various styles and presentations. Remember you don’t have to spend thousands of dollars for a good website, there are plenty of platforms that you can use which are free. Creating your actor website is a great way to show off your individual creativity & market your career!
Here are a few free platforms that can help you get started.
Good luck and Break a leg!
If you’d like to find out about upcoming blog posts, make sure to follow us!
