Things to have as an Actor

Most of young actors or actresses don't know how to start their career... In fact, it is very hard to be aware of everything when you don't know where to begin.

1. Headshots

Find a place where someone can help you to take some pictures of you. Two options, first one is to pay a professional photograph who knows exactly how to make headshots. Be careful it is not free !! Keep between 200 or even 500$ for good headshots.

Second option, think of your contacts and people that may have the talent to help you. It won't be as perfect as it could have been with a professional but for the beginning it may be enough.

2. Reels

Find the time to make good reels of you. It is crucial in order to show and prove to your future agent what your are able to do. It needs to be as diverse as you can do, because the more capacities you have, the more opportunities you will find. Same, you may pay someone to do it or you may ask a friend of you who has a good control of a camera. However, don't forget that this part is one of the most important element. It demonstrates to people whether or not you are a good actor/actress.

3. Your resume

As common as it is, a resume allows you to describe your professional background. However, an actor resume is not exactly making through the same format. No one care about your experiences as a waitress or babysitter when you were 15 ( keep this part when we will be called for a role of a waitress or babysitter ). Companies want to go directly on the topic which is you as an actress, do not go further. Stay in the line otherwise they will give up on the first experience. Keep clear and write your acting experiences: Film, Theater, Commercials ( Forget about background, no one cares if you were walking behind Leonardo Dicaprio for 2 second ). Develop on your education, what did you learn ? If you had a coach, don't forget to write it.

Moreover, they want your contact : name, phone number, email address, city , if you are a SAG-AFRA Member ...

4. Your measurements

At some point of your career, people will ask you your measurements. Be ready for that and be able to have them in mind in order to provide this information as quick as it possible. It doesn't take to you a lot of time but save time to the agent or producer that will ask you. Make their job fast and easy !

5. Cover Letter

Even if it is not always asked, keep in mind that having a good cover letter is always better. Tell us your background, a short sum up of your experiences and what your learnt. Same for you life in general ( but do it clear and short. Again, we don't want to know all of your life ).

Tell us why you think that we will be the perfect match for this role or this agent agency. Be persuasive, prove that you are motivated and determined to succeed. Don't forget to embellish their work and why we would love working with them.

Well, I think that it's good to know. Keep inform of every opportunities that you may find and keep on working on your acting skills.

Do you think of other things to have ? Let's me know in comment please !