Gwyn Gilliss - Marketing Tips for Actors

Marketing Tips for Actors
The Most Crucial 30 Seconds Of Your Career.
By Gwyn Gilliss

Is it when you start your monologue at an important theatre audition? NO.
Is it when you start the first of 8 bars for your song-at an audition? NO
Is it when you pose for the photo during your “go-see”? (models) NO.
Is it the first half moment an agent looks at your resume? NO.
Is it when you receive your diploma- a BFA or MFA in theatre? NO. Ok, give up?

IT'S THOSE 30 SECONDS BEFORE YOU MAKE AN ENTRANCE.
THAT WHEN THEY DECIDE TO HIRE YOU!

Before you enter a room to : Meet an agent, audition for a casting director, have a meeting with a personal manager, interview with the producer of the film, greet the star of the film (who decides if you're going to play opposite him),have coffee with the writer of the TV series or charm the Art Director who will hire you to be the “Image” of the fashion Empire-

YOU NEED TO REALLY PREPARE.
Prepare what and why is this so important?
The ENERGY you bring into the room tells everyone immediately where you're at. Are you frightened, selfconscious, depressed, unfocused, your brain buzzing with all the negative outcomes? OR do you exude confidence, happiness, joy, warmth, sex appeal, delight...PASSION? That is your audition. Repeat-

THAT IS YOUR AUDITION.

It's over by the time you get to the monologue you memorized and on which you worked hours with your acting coach or the cold copy script they hand you or by the time they take your photo. The decision to hire you has already been made.

Getting a job as an actor isn't always about the AUDITION or for a model, just the still PHOTO.
It's about ENERGY- AND CONNECTING WITH THE CASTING DIRECTOR or ART DIRECTOR.

People hire people they like, know and trust. If there's no one in their current circle of friends and professional contacts who is right for a role and they haven't cast a STAR, they seek the first person with whom they are comfortable, is "right" for the role AND can do the work - audition and in that order! Most people decide in the first 10 seconds, so you've got 20 seconds more to go. The audition is the FINAL determining factor NOT the first cut. Human nature. We all go with what's comfortable and familiar.

So, your job as an actor is to create an "aura" of positive energy- calm, peaceful OR full of charm and enthusiasm before you enter a room. Stop and visualize something that delights you. Think about a dream vacation you've always wanted, someone with whom you are in love, working opposite your favorite actor in a film on location -whatever motivates you to feel excited and joyous. Just about the time a smile comes to our face, open the door.

Walk in and BOOK THAT JOB!

Successful Marketing!
Gwyn

Gwyn Gilliss is the Executive Director of TAM,The Actor's Market (http://www.theactorsmarket.com) a marketing firm for actors. They provide every marketing tool an actor needs - HEADSHOTS, RESUMES, BIOS, DEMO REELS, CAREER COACHING and MARATHON SEMINARS to met the INDUSTRY-AGENTS & CASTING DIRECTORS - as well as FREE monthly seminars, FREE weekly marketing tips and access to top photographers, graphic artists and videographers to create great demo reels (sizzle reels). Gwyn's acting career spans several decades during which time she appeared on and off- B'way, in classical roles in American Repertory companies, in over 18 contract and recurring roles in Daytime/Primetime TV, Films and dozens of network commercials/V.O.'s. As a Career Coach she is available to work One-on-One with actors at all levels, coach@theactorsmarket.com.