5 Things To Do Before Your Next Booking

Whether things are busy or slow…Actors should always have their tools ready to go. 

You never know when Casting might stumble upon your website, a Studio Exec requests your Bio, or a Director takes a look at your demo reel. 

And, then…once you land a fresh booking, are you prepared to promote it?

Instead of scrambling to gather all your materials after you book a job, do a little prep work now and save yourself from all that anxiety later.

Here’s 5 Things to Do Before Your Next Booking:

1. Get Your Bio in Order

I know…I know…you hate your Bio. Well, that’s the problem. A savvy Bio can be the difference between a Reporter writing a solid article all about your rising career…or not. Often you can’t say much about the plot of the episode you’re now going to appear in, so consider this an opportunity for you to share with Reporters other details, hobbies and other things that interest you. Your Bio is a great way to inform Reporters of such things so they can write a story that goes beyond your latest gig.

2. Select the Perfect Pics

Photos are always key in grabbing attention from fans, followers, Reporters and basically everyone. So, it’s important that you select shots that you love when promoting your work. There’s no reason that you have to use your headshot, especially if you hate it. Instead, take a look through your last photo shoot and see if there’s a “personality shot”. What’s that? It’s the goofy pictures, the ones with the silly face or toothy laugh – you know…the ones your Agent would never use but actually highlight your personality. And, you might even plan to take a few of these fun shots during your next photo shoot.

3. Create a Target List

Don’t wait until you’re ready to contact the press to determine who you might want to target with your news. Start now to create a Target List of outlets. This can include any Reporters who have written a theater review, covered your accomplishments in high school, or even listed your name in an article about a film they watched. In addition, add all your “dream” outlets. These are the ones that you love and would love to land in.

4. Be Socially Active

I realize that many of you love social media…and just as many hate it. Well, it’s only becoming more and more prominent in helping you to promote your career successes. So, whether you do it for fun or you do it because you know you should – just do it. Staying active and connecting with people during the times that you have nothing to promote…is even more important that using it when you do have something. How can you expect to gain a following if you’re missing in action? Why not pick a few topics that you’re excited about and share tips, ideas, information about them during the slower career times. That way, you’ll continue to build fans and followers all the time.

5. Build a Strong Website

I believe a personal website should act as the hub for your career. It’s a one-stop-shop for everything you’re involved in. And, the best part is you have total control of it…you get to decide what to include or not include (unlike IMDb, ActorsAccess or other industry sites). If you’re a multi-hyphenate artist…then this is your opportunity to highlight whatever it is that you’re most proud of and not just your biggest or latest credit. Often, Reporters review a personal website when considering a story idea. So, keep yours updated about everything you’re involved in to give a Reporter (and fans) a stronger sense of your entire career.

 

Overall, I want to encourage you all to set yourself up for publicity success. Take control of your promotional materials and build them while you have the time to devote to each. The more you do in advance to promote your next booking…the less you’ll be scrambling later and the more likely they will reflect your career fully.

 

THANKS!