Getting started in an Acting Career require some basic steps. I’ve put together a list of ‘First Steps’ in getting your Acting Career off the ground. 

“Break a leg”

 GETTING STARTED

1)      One Theatrical Headshot

2)      One Commercial Headshot

3)      Take Acting Classes
          - Scene Study Class
          - Cold Reading Class

4)      Build your Resume – RESOURCES
          -  Student & Independent films
          -  Resources on where you can submit for Roles.
                               -- (AFI, BackStage West, LA Casting (www.lacasting.com), Now Casting(www.nowcasting.com), for online submissions…) Players Directory, and more.
         - Theatre/Plays

5)      Get an Agent
         - Referrals
         - Self submit to Agent who accept submissions
         - Book a job on your own that you can  bring to an Agent for representation

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Terry Berland, Berland Casting caught up with the owner of Hollywood's premiere, The Actor Store. 

TERRY: Hi, what is The Actor Store?

TAS: Hi Terry, thank you for taking the time to sit and talk with me. The Actor-Store is the only “One-Stop Shop” resource for the marketing needs of actors.  We take the hassle out of the Business side of Acting, so you can focus on the Craft of Acting. 

>>  Headshot Printing

>>  Postcards, Business Cards & Zed Cards

>>  Official Websites

>>  Demo Reel Services

>>  Photography

>>  Graphic Design, Printing & Web

TERRY: Are your prices affordable? Actor's are on a budget.

TAS: In today's economic environment, seeking out value and saving money is the name of the game, whenever and where ever possible. We believe in affordability, while providing the highest quality and professional standard. Our products and services are priced competitively with other industry companies providing the same service, cheaper in some areas. Another advantage we have and a cost saving measure for the actor, is now only having one place to travel for everything. Save time, money and gas. Re-ordering materials has never been simpler. We save all our client files, reducing set up and production costs. 

TERRY: Tell me a little about yourself and the team at The Actor Store?

TAS: I've been an Actor for years, with credits such as, Oceans 13, CSI Miami, 24, Charmed, Young & Restless, The Parkers, and others. Our professional staff have Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design and have more than 15 years of hands-on, real-world experience working within a cross section of industries. The founders background and knowledge in graphic design, print production, website design and development, business and marketing paved the way for The Actor Store. Our team brings over 20 years of experience and expertise in Video and Audio technology, Headshot Photography, Website Design, Graphic Design, and Print Production.

TERRY: What role does Marketing play in an Actor's career? Why is it important?

TAS: Two major roles in an Actor's career stand out for me, 1) Always working to improve your craft and, 2) helping your Agent promote your business of Acting. As you know Terry, just as important as having a solid acting foundation, who you know and who knows you is also key in being successful in this business. Marketing plays a vital role in expanding an Actors network base. Here are what I call, 'Rules of the Road', to expanding your network base; stay in the minds of Casting Director's, make it super easy for the industry to find you and your latest work when they need it, and separate yourself from the rest by discovering what's Unique about YOU and market it.

TERRY: Can you give me a little more information on the Marketing products and services you provide?

TAS: Choosing the right Headshot Photographer is the first step in capturing the headshot that will separate you from the rest of Hollywood. Always having copies of your 8x10 Headshot is vital to always being prepared and keeping your Agent happy. They don't like chasing Actors for Headshots. We provide full Demo & Voice Over Reel editing that Casting Director's recommend, not Actors. New to the business and need a Demo Reel to market yourself? Auditions To Go delivers you an instant Demo Reel. Just bring in a scene, shoot in one our professional studios and walk out with a working Demo Reel on DVD or web friendly file. Secure your personal domain name before someone else does. Your Official Website is the easiest way to stay in control of your materials on the internet, making it easy for Casting to find you and your latest work. Casting can find your website on your headshot or a quick online search for your name. Print Marketing is our graphic design service meeting the demands Actor's have for customized design services for all their promotional needs. These services include, but are not limited to the following; Postcards (Printed and Electronic), Flyers, Announcements, DVD Packaging, Posters, Programs, Advertisement Design, Logo Design, Press Kits and much more.

TERRY: What separates you from all the other companies providing the same services? Why come to The Actor Store?

TAS: Affordable prices, One Stop Shopping, and what also makes us unique is the culture in our place. We're an Actor's place. We take care of everything. Our goal is to simplify the Actor's business by having one place to manage all their marketing needs. A place to ask questions with friendly and knowledgeable staff, internet access, or just hang out a bit and watch the big screen TV in between auditions. Need rush service? Only need one print out of your headshot & resume for a last minute audition and none in the car - we can help. We also provide Same Day Service for Headshot copies on real Photographic Paper in quantities of 50, 100, 200. 

TERRY: What are some common mistakes you've seen actors make or yourself make as an Actor.

TAS: Not being prepared. That's the worse. The last thing an actor needs is there Agent to constantly running out of headshots and having to call their client to bring in new ones. Bringing your headshots to your Agent regularly is an opportunity to get face time in front them. It shows preparedness in your business, which translate to them as preparedness for auditions.

Not being prepared when the opportunity presents itself is another mistake I've seen and been guilty of. It never fails. The minute a Casting Director wants to see an Actor's Demo Reel, is when the Actor is still collecting footage, or hasn't made it to the editors. These opportunities don't happen every day and having your materials ready can get you in the door, in front of Casting. My motto soon became, 'always be prepared, always be prepared'. Oh yes, marketing is extremely important.

TERRY: Do you have any tips or strategies for our Actors to help stay ahead of the competition? 

TAS: Three marketing strategies I take is targeted postcards, putting my website on my headshot and always making sure my Agent have enough headshots. As soon as I get the call for an audition, I send a targeted postcard. Casting may receive it before I even walk through the door and is looking forward to seeing my work. If they receive it after the audition, it's a nice reminder of me. Remember, always stay in the mind of Casting. If they like you and your acting is solid, they'll keep bringing you in.

A few tips I try to follow are, always have Up-To-Date headshots that look like me (Casting Director's hate when the person walking through the door looks different then the Headshot submitted). Practice networking. It's not easy for everyone to mingle and strike up conversations with a stranger, however, if you approach it as part of your business and learn to practice, passing that business card won't seem so awkward next time. Always include your Official Website on your headshots. This makes it really easy for Casting to find you and your current work.

TERRY: As we conclude, do you have any last minute words of advice that might help Actor's navigate their career in Hollywood a little easier?

TAS: Actor's are competing with 20 - 50 (sometimes 100+) other actors for one role, so Marketing is the one thing you can control in separating yourself from the rest. You may not be able to control being too tall or too short, too young or too old, but doing the work, staying prepared, and always being ready, is exactly what you can control in this business.

Oh yea, to keep reminding yourself, when you walk in the door for your audition, they want you to succeed. Casting Director's want you to book the job. Get out of your own way and let the star shine. I know its korny, but it's also true.