“It has to look like you.”
You’ve heard this, right? About a trillion times?
I had a long, sad chat with my agent a few nights ago. He told me the tale of a client of his who is lucky enough to be about 10 years older than he (marketably) looks. Unfortunately, this client insists upon using a black-and-white headshot, against the constant protestations of my agent, that puts him about five significant years younger than his youngest possible marketable look.
Despite the exhaustive efforts of the agency to get this client seen for auditions during pilot season it’s just not happening. The casting directors that don’t know him personally won’t agree to see him, no matter what my agent tells them, because they are inundated with more appropriate-looking submissions from other actors. The casting directors that do know him are confused– they wonder if by seeing the client for an appropriate role they will wreck what they feel are his efforts to cultivate a specific image within the industry.
This is obviously an extreme example but I share it with you to emphasize the importance of a great headshot. We can’t all be drop-dead gorgeous, but we all can have an outstanding basic marketing tool that clearly and succinctly communicates our specific look and personality. A truly great shot will open doors for you, whether you are just starting out or are a represented actor with significant professional credits. This will remain true pretty much up until you become a “name.”
Unless you have been in the industry for a while you most likely need help with your headshot. I encounter far too many actors, at all skill levels, who foolishly assume that just because they are talented or good-looking (or both) they don’t need any help with their pictures. These actors are allowing their pride to put themselves at a major competitive disadvantage.
If you are not yet fortunate enough to have the ear (and eye) of a casting director, agent or manager to help you in your very important quest for a great shot, then I strongly recommend contacting your nearest TVI office to inquire about one-on-one headshot consultation.