Actor Marketing Archives - David LaPorte Studio

Oct 22

by davidlap0rt3 in Acting Tips & Secrets, Actor Marketing 0 comments tags: Auditions, Breakdown Services, Call Backs, Casting Directors, Readings, SAG

How Hollywood Works

There is a way in which Hollywood works. It helps to know the mechanics of how things get done. With more knowledge you’ll be a step ahead of those that haven’t given it much thought. First of all, Hollywood is built on trust. Ultimately, it’s a small town relying on reputation and consistent good work. But there is a process that precedes the audition that you should know. For instance, if a TV show is looking to add a new character they put a call out through Breakdown services. Daily breakdowns then go through SAG franchised agents and managers. (Usually, it’s the early morning hours that agents go through breakdowns.) Some pick up the phone and call the casting office directly to make a pitch. If there wasn’t a call headshots are submitted. The casting director will then set up appointments for the actors to come in and read. There isn’t much time in a casting session so it’s very important to be well prepared and ready to work. Remember, you are judged the minute you walk in the room, well before you read the first line. How you walk in, how you carry yourself and the degree of understanding […]

Oct 22

by davidlap0rt3 in Acting Tips & Secrets, Actor Marketing, Headshot Tips 0 comments tags: Actor, Actress, Auditions, Bobby McGee, Casting Directors, Headshots, Readings

A Producer Shares 7 Tips on Booking Acting Jobs

Bobby McGee is a funny man and also happens to be great actor. He’s worked many years in the business in both comedy and drama showcasing his talent in both film and television. Some of his credits include: “Hollywood Shuffle”, “A Soldier’s Story,” “Harlem Nights,” “Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” and “Married with Children.” His successful acting career has naturally segued into producing. Having worked with legendary director Robert Townsend over the years, he’s now collaborating with him on a movie project. It’s the third feature that’s he’s produced and in this blog he shares 7 tips on booking acting jobs and what an actor needs to know when going into a casting session. These 7 tips are sure to help. 1.) Make sure your headshot looks just like you. The biggest mistake an actor can make is walking into a room and not being properly represented by the photo. The people in the room will immediately throw your picture in the waste basket because you have wasted their time. 2.) Don’t talk too much in the audition. If you’re there to do the work don’t get carried away taking everybody‘s time. Time is money and they have many actors to […]

Oct 22

by davidlap0rt3 in Acting Tips & Secrets, Actor Marketing 0 comments tags: Acting Techniques, Actor, Actress, Casting Directors, Film Set, Movie Making, Movie Roles

The Positive & Negatives of Making Your Own Movie

In Hollywood there’s an adage that if you can’t get work- do it yourself. Nothing is handed to you in Hollywood. Success is the result of hard work and diligent consistency. Some actors make the mistaken notion that once they land an agent or manger their career will just coast – nothing can be further than the truth. An actor must be continually working on their career regardless if they have an agent or not. I’ve always believed that we should take charge of our career. Sometimes an actor can feel helpless waiting by the phone to ring. But the creative process is an interesting animal. As we focus on our craft we build more confidence in our ability to be more in control of the path we take. Making your own movie is one way to do this. I asked one of my clients Aylia Colwell to share her 5 positive and negative experiences in making her own movie. I was impressed by her resolve that I thought it might help other actors that wanted to be in control of their career. As you will see the experience is very rewarding but there will challenges that go along with […]

Oct 22

by davidlap0rt3 in Acting Tips & Secrets, Actor Marketing, Actor Showcase 0 comments

Passion For Acting – Not To Be Denied

I like working with actors. I understand where they are coming from because I was one myself. I know how difficult it is to stay motivated with so much rejection. Not only does an actor have to deal with their own doubt, but also the rejection from others. There are times when the word ‘no’ is all they hear. Because of this, many actors never fully enmesh themselves in their career. They may start off strong but opt out for something safer when things get tough. It takes discipline to pursue an acting career. Over the years I’ve talked with many actors about their career. Some are still auditioning and others have long ago left the business. I recently talked with my client Denise Woelpern about her Hollywood story. I first noticed a slight accent and asked where she was from. She smiled and said she grew up in small town called Jever, (close to the Baltic Sea) in northern Germany. As a kid she would organize theater skits with her friends for all the neighbors on the block. She knew back then it was something that she wanted to do. But the practicality of life took over in time. […]

Oct 22

by davidlap0rt3 in Acting Tips & Secrets, Actor Marketing 0 comments tags: Headshots, Portfolio, Representation, Social Media, Talent Agents, Video Clips, Website Design

Does An Actor Need A Website?

Does an actor need their own website? This is a question that comes up now with the rise of social media. There’s no denying the fact that social media is the next wave taking over the world of news, shopping and entertainment. Sites such as Twitter, Facebook and YouTube not only have tremendous outreach, but can make celebrities overnight. Justin Beiber is a perfect example of this. He was discovered as a kid on YouTube and quickly launched to fame with the right marketing. So participating in these sites is essential in terms of getting your brand the right exposure. What about a website? How does one go about doing that? How important is it? Does just having an agent or manager suffice when it comes to marketing? These are questions that need to be looked at. Just having representation is no longer enough. We need to create a clear and concise marketing idea of who we are and what we are selling. This not only applies to our headshots and videos, but to our website as well. Time is money in Hollywood and the people that are in position to hire you want to get as much information they […]

Oct 22

by davidlap0rt3 in Acting Tips & Secrets, Actor Marketing 0 comments tags: Acting Techniques, Actor, Actress, Apple Computers, Casting Directors, Social Media

What We Can Learn From Apple

This was a big week for Apple. Not only did they unveil their new iPhone 6 models, but also the new revolutionary Apple watches and mobile payment system. Since its early days Apple has led the tech market with all of its innovations. For it to stay on top it needs to continually put out products pertinent in today’s fast moving highly technological world. Like Apple, we too, must stay on the cutting edge of our career. I always make it a practice to ask my acting clients if they utilize the available social media. Surprisingly, many have yet to tap into the potential of how it can benefit their career. What may not be realized is that social media is free advertising. It allows us a platform where we can shape and create a marketing advantage. Successful companies do not rest on their laurels, and neither should we. Our career, or marketing image, should always be evolving to stay in pace with trends and new ideas that are always flowing. Can we afford to rely on the old system of waiting for things to happen? Don’t we have at our disposal the very tools to make things happen? Our […]

Oct 22

by davidlap0rt3 in Acting Tips & Secrets, Actor Marketing, Actor Showcase 0 comments tags: Acting Classes, Acting Techniques, Auditions, Mad Men, Martha Graham, Peter Lewis

Acting Tips From Actor Peter Lewis

His slight southern accent and quiet demeanor exemplifies an actor from somewhere in the south; or just bordering it. Peter Lewis has had an interesting acting career. After growing up in Louisville Kentucky he was accepted and eventually graduated from the Yale school of Drama. Not only had he met and studied with many great actors there, he continues to maintain friendships today. One such actor is Edward Norton. Together they worked with Bruce Dern in the film, “Down in the Valley.” Other great actors include Robert Dinero from the movie “Stone” and “Untraceable” with Diane Lane. His Television credits include “Mad Men,” “30 Rock,” and “Law and Order,” to name a few. Apart from a successful career he’s had an interesting life. During our photo session he talked about the day he called in sick to work. That wasn’t an ordinary day. He was working on the 40th floor in the World Trade Center the day it was attacked on September 11, 2001. Fortunately, a stroke of luck (or destiny) had him call in sick that day. He was also fortunate in that he survived a life threatening illness. His life experience, from Yale, to being a survivor, all […]

Oct 22

by davidlap0rt3 in Acting Tips & Secrets, Actor Marketing, Headshot Tips, Photography Techniques 0 comments tags: Actors Access, Commercial Shoot, Headshots, IMDB, Photo Shoot

How To Take Better Headshots

We all know the importance of a great headshot. When done right, it’s more than just good lighting, composition and brightly lit backgrounds. A great headshot is about capturing your personality. I contend that casting agents don’t see a photo, they feel it. I believe it’s more of an intuitive response rather than a sense one. Truth is what great acting is all about. When you are relaxed, open and in the moment, great things happen. But there are more things to consider in your headshots than just getting a theatrical and good commercial shot. Sometimes it more important to get specific looks. For instance, just this week I had a client shoot in a cheerleader outfit, workout outfit while another did a business, bohemian and quirky look. So you can see there are a range of looks to be added. There are also simple accessories that can be included like glasses for the business or quirky look. I always suggest being creative during a photo shoot. It doesn’t have to get carried away like one manger’s suggestion that her client shoot in 17 different looks. After a certain amount of changes it just becomes redundant. It’s a good idea […]

Oct 22

by davidlap0rt3 in Acting Tips & Secrets, Actor Marketing 0 comments tags: Assistant Director, Call Sheet, Casting Directors, Makeup Artist, Wardrobe

Tips for Actors

Actors spend so much time looking for work that they may not consider what may be asked of them after getting the job. Professionalism is a big part of working on a set. With so many people involved in a project, it’s essential to build a great reputation with the Assistant Director for future work. An AD is responsible for everything to run smoothly. It is their responsibility to make sure all the pieces are seamlessly put together so that the director and rest of the crew can perform their jobs without complication. This includes making sure everything runs on time and talent is where they are supposed to be. Below, Konstantin Lavysh who has worked on three feature films, commercials (Nivea, Philips, Russian Telecom Provider), and music videos, shares his insights with actors on the do’s and don’ts of working on a set. Even before you get the job; it’s important to have an idea of what to do once on the set. I’m sure you will find this information as a valuable resource. Stay out of the Way – but Don’t Hide When we need you, we should be able to see you, so don’t wander off the […]

Oct 22

by davidlap0rt3 in Acting Tips & Secrets, Actor Marketing, Actor Showcase, Headshot Tips 0 comments tags: Abrams Artist Agency, Auditions, Casting Agency, Literary Agent, Theatrical Agent, Voice Over Agent

Tips from a Top Los Angeles Agency

The best advice an actor can get is from the people that have built a top reputation – Abrams Artist is that quality of agency. I had the fortune of taking photos of the agents in the Los Angeles office this past week. Instead of their clients being in front of the camera, they were. What better way to find out what an agent was looking for in a potential client than the agent themselves. For instance, with a Theatrical agent I asked what is the most important thing that you are looking for in an actor. He said that an actor is a performer. They must show some kind of passion about what they do. It’s not only in the work- but in themselves. Acting is an entertainment business he went on to say, they must in some way, ‘entertain’ in that meeting. If they can’t exude an enthusiasm, what does that say when they go out on auditions representing the agency? In essence he was very big on showing passion and knowing who you are and what you are selling. What many actors don’t realize is that each client represents these agents. Being prepared, confident, and open are […]

Oct 22

by davidlap0rt3 in Acting Tips & Secrets, Actor Marketing, Headshot Tips 0 comments tags: Actor, Actress, Casting Directors, Headshots, Photo Session, Portfolio

Why a Headshot Photographer’s Personality Is so Important

I was reading an article by Casting Director Carolyne Barry and something stuck out that got my attention. In the article she mentions things to consider when choosing a headshot photographer. One in particular stood out- the importance of considering the personality of the headshot photographer when looking to book a photo session. We hear so much about bringing out our own personality in the shoot. For that to happen there must be a comfort level with the photographer to begin with. I’m glad she brought this up because it’s an important point. I suggest that you take the time to either meet, or at the very least talk to them over the phone. How comfortable do you feel with their voice? Are they taking the time to answer even the simplest of questions? How flexible are they with your schedule? How much time are you given in the photo session? There’s no mistake that your personality depends on who you work with. I always start by sitting down and talking with the client. I want them to express any concerns or ideas that would otherwise be on their mind throughout the shoot. Openness, the essential ingredient in a shoot, […]

Oct 22

by davidlap0rt3 in Acting Tips & Secrets, Actor Marketing 0 comments tags: Actors, Actress, Casting Directors, Producers, Talent Agents, Talnt Agencies

Do’s and Don’ts of Your Actor Agent Search

I’ve been fortunate to work with many agents over the years. During that time I’ve always made a point to ask what they are looking for when an actor comes in to interview with them. I believe following these actor agent search tips can make a difference between landing an agent, or not. 1) The first and most important-Be prepared. Never just go into an agent’s office without a plan. It’s a mistake to believe the agent will be driving the meeting. In many cases, they will be waiting to see what you bring into the room. Do research on the agency and know the names of the department heads. Do they represent any big celebrities? What is their unique focus in terms of the type of talent they represent? What about the agent you are meeting with? You may not come across as being serious if you are not prepared – a big negative for most agents. 2) Try to make THEM comfortable. This is a point that many actors miss because they feel it is the agent that will do the talking. A great career is grounded in relationship, and as you find connection, the more comfortable both […]

How Hollywood Works

A Producer Shares 7 Tips on Booking Acting Jobs

The Positive & Negatives of Making Your Own Movie

Passion For Acting – Not To Be Denied

Does An Actor Need A Website?

What We Can Learn From Apple

Acting Tips From Actor Peter Lewis

How To Take Better Headshots

Tips for Actors

Tips from a Top Los Angeles Agency

Why a Headshot Photographer’s Personality Is so Important

Do’s and Don’ts of Your Actor Agent Search

Here About Our Specials 1st

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