May Insights, Tips, & Discounts

Tune Up Your Tools
by Jodie Bentley

Summer is fast approaching. Whether you're heading off to do a show or going on vacation or, yes, even staying in the city, now is the time to begin the reevaluation of your tools of the trade. It's funny, even when you're out of school you realize that the world essentially functions on a school schedule. Even for actors. The new season starts in September, so let's be ready and begin now.

When we are in the midst of the day-to-day, we may think that one headshot isn't working, or our reel needs editing, or our resume needs reformatting, or our audition tracking needs upgrading (or creating if it doesn't exist!), but we put it off. Life intrudes. Believe me, I understand, I live through it too. But if these tools represent the absolute embodiment of who you are as performer, and should reflect you as you change and grow, don't they deserve a little attention?

This is the perfect time to be a savvy business person and process the strengths and weaknesses of our marketing tools.

Here's a list of tools as well as some tips and questions to consider.

1. Headshots - A headshot should be a natural looking photo of you on your best day, of course. But what about type? An ugly word to some, but not everybody should be wearing tank tops or button down shirts.

2. Resumes - Are you a leading lady, but still have a lot of sidekick credits on your resume? Is your resume a representation of the real you?

3. Video Demo Reel - Do you have a reel? Do you need a reel? Do you have enough footage to create one?

4. Audio Demo Reel (Singers) - Do you have an audio reel? When might you need one?

5. Voice Over Reel - Do you have too many spots on your reel or not enough? Do you need a voice over coach?

6. Press Kit for Interviews - If you want to make an excellent first impression in agent interviews, a press kit is the way to go. What should it contain to nail that interview?

7. Postcards - Should your postcard photo be the same as your main headshot? Are you using postcards properly? Do you have a postcard system? (This system is one of the most effective marketing tools you can use, believe me.) Come to our free Marketing & Mailings Demo on the 28th if this area is lacking for you.

8. Business Cards -Are you using business cards properly? Our free Marketing & Mailings Demo on the 28th covers this, too.

9. Website - I am an advocate for actor websites. Is yours designed to promote you most effectively?

10. Bio - I include this here because you should always have one or two ready to go. Don't waste your time writing a bio while you are in rehearsals; get ahead of the game.

11. Cover Letters - Is your cover letter too business-y? Does it embrace your personality? Is it designed for maximum effect?

12. Chorus Call sheet - Ever go to an Equity chorus call where they make you write your credits on a little colorful card? Plan ahead to wow them even here, have something printed.

13. Submission websites - Are you registered on submission sites? Is all your info up to date? Do you track your submissions?

Three very important questions to ask yourself about each and every tool:

Are you proud of it?
Does it truly showcase who you are and what you do?
Does it market you properly, cater to your strengths and show where you fit in this industry?

How do you do this efficiently, effectively and make smart business decisions? We always say erase the go-it-alone mentality. Don't lock yourself in your apartment and try to get it done all by yourself.

Take a class. There is no better way to understand and embrace your marketing than by taking a class with someone you trust, where you know you will get individual feedback and time. The Savvy Actor has two classes in June that we are very excited about and are filling up fast. You can read the sidebar or check out Classes & Seminars on our website.

If a class is not financially viable, create a mastermind group of four actors you trust and respect and walk through all these tools and questions together and support one another with honest and open feedback. If all of you are a different type in the business, even better.

No matter how you approach it, don't try to accomplish everything at once. Create action steps to transform and tweak each tool. By September you will be ahead of the game and ready to jump back into the "acting school year" with focus, ease, and confidence. Now that's how to get savvy.

Helping Our Community

Someone You Should Know

Performer Reels
www.latourdeforceproductions.com
212-462-9125

Been meaning to get that reel done but not sure where to turn? Well, we have known the forces behind Latour de Force productions for many years now and we know that they will create a reel that will book you the job!

By using your existing footage, they’ll isolate the scenes that best showcase you; input titles, captions, transitions, and music; apply basic color/sound correction, author/burn a DVD with a jewel case label; and an Internet version of your reel. They’ll also keep an archived version in their files for future editing sessions. What's better than that! We highly recommend Latour de Force for their integrity and their impeccable quality.

Tip of the Month - Relax

Many of us are always going going going and it isn't long before our energy is gone, we get stressed out and struggle to stay healthy and on top of it all. That's not productive. To be savvy is to be in balance and to feel prepared for anything. So here is this month's tip--RELAX! Seriously. As we take this time to perfect our marketing tools, let's also take the time to create positive habits for a healthy mind and body.

Let's all start by taking one hour a day just for ourselves. One hour. One hour with no phone or emails or responsibility. One hour to stare off at the Hudson or lay in the grass at Central Park, or read a trash magazine or play video games, whatever. No guilt. Just one hour where you can do anything you'd like. Here's the catch, even when things get busy, still take that hour. I can't tell you how powerful this is. I did it for a long time and then stopped. It gives you such a peace of mind when you allow your brain to be quiet for an hour a day. It replenishes.

Here's the other thing. Take one full day a week off. A full day. I still struggle with this, but when I do I am much more grounded and grateful then when I don't. If we all can ingrain these positive habits into our bodies and brains this summer, think what that will do for you in the fall. Let's lay the groundwork for success and simply relax.

Classes & Seminars:

For more info or to register:
seminars@thesavvyactor.com

"Turn Your Craft Into Your Business"

It's time to stop struggling and take active steps toward building your business and having the career you want. You will create a clear cut business plan full of success strategies to keep you on track in your career and life.

Day: Mondays
When: June 2, 9, 16, 23rd
Time: 6:30-9:30pm
Cost: $325

"Hit Your Mark - Manage your craft and business for a life long career."

With 2 mock auditions we will show you the before and after of marketing yourself in and out of the audition room. Be a master at interviews and learn the key to mailings. NYC acting coach and Broadway/Film actress Kathryn Rossetter will coach your monologues.

Day: Wednesdays
Date: June 4, 11, & 18th
Time: 6:00pm-10:00pm
Cost: $299

Our actors get a 10% discount and pay $270!

Two Books We Love:

Savvy Testimonials:

"The Savvy Actor is just what an actor needs to sift through the mounds of information that is available for actors. Its resource section is fantastic and their SendOutCards database service is a quick and easy way to look great for the industry and keep track of your contacts. I give TheSavvyActor.com a big thumbs up!" -Leslie Becker, author of The Organized Actor®

"Being new to the entertainment industry, The Savvy Actor is, without question or embellishment, heaven-sent. Just one quick testimony: In the seminar, Jodie & Kevin asked us to write down our goals & explained the power of vision. One of my goals: "have an agent" - within 10 days of writing this down, I was called in by Archer King's office for a visit! I was extremely confident during the visit AND knew exactly how to present myself because of the meticulous coaching I received from Jodie. I could go on. Thank you Jodie & Kevin for being unselfish givers...it shall be given back to you!" -Sandi Holland

"I'd never been very good at the business side of our business. For me, an objective, and supportive outside opinion was key in my contacting The Savvy Actor. I found myself lacking direction as to what the next steps in my career were. I'd just signed with a new agent. Now what? I wasn't getting the response I wanted at auditions. What should I do to change it? Jodie Bentley's insight and creative, focused ideas really helped me figure out the right path I should take to market myself more effectively. The Savvy Actor's coaching service is invaluable. I am now on my way to becoming a better business woman!" - Jessica Mary Murphy

Jodie & Kevin
The Savvy Actor creators

Together, Jodie and Kevin have almost 20 years experience in the business. They are both signed (and working!) with legit and commercial agents, and book work consistently in all areas. They have learned a lot from trial and error over the years and put what works into The Savvy Actor.