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Archive for the ‘marketing for actors’ Category
Tuesday, August 24th, 2010
 Between you and me, your website is not the first place industry folks visit to find you online. They’re checking out IMDBPro, Studio System, and even Facebook.
I have a client named Deborah who has been a working actor for almost two decades. She’s worked with the best of them, yet when you Google her name, her personal website does not appear in the first page of search results.
Why? Because Google arranges their list according to which sites have the highest traffic rather than which URLs are a direct march. A quick Google search for Deborah’s name results in these top five hits: Wikipedia, IMDB, Fandango, TV.com, and Facebook.
The good news here is that you do not need to invest a ton of time and money in creating, hosting, and updating your personal website. Instead, you can simply rely on high-traffic mega sites people visit often. Here’s how:
ImdbPro & IMDB Resume
With an IMDBPro.com account, you have free access to IMDB Resume. Here, you can upload additional photos and expand your resume to include your training, special skills, theatre, and other credits. Even if you don’t have any IMDB credits yet, it’s essential that you have your resume on the site.
Link your IMDB page to your Twitter account, personal Blog, or other sites featuring information about you. If you are an active Twitter user or Blogger, you will find that your strong online presence has a positive effect on your Star Meter rating.
Be certain to check in on your IMDB account regularly to keep your information current. Time flies quickly, and your account, left unattended, could easily appear out of date in the blink of an eye.
Utilize IMDB’s “vanity URL” option. It’s an easy way to simplify your link, making it easier for people to find you. I also recommend purchasing your own URL from NetworkSolutions.com or GoDaddy.com. For about nine bucks each month, you can own YourName.com or something similar and redirect that link to your IMDB page. That way, when you are ready to design a personal website, you don’t have to worry about your desired URL being unavailable.
Facebook *Like* Page
Formerly known as a “fan” page, your Like page on Facebook is an excellent place to host your demo reel, photos, career updates, and more. Danny, another student, dropped his personal website altogether in favor of his Facebook Like Page. Now he hosts his demo reel, headshots, production stills and career updates all on that page. Not only is it easy to do, but his friends and industry colleagues receive immediate updates in their Facebook News Feed every time Danny adds an element or update to his Like Page.
As a general rule of thumb, keep your Like Page and even your profile page professional. Make sure every element on your page is something you’d be as proud to show your grandma as well as Steven Spielberg.
Still Want a Personal Website? Consider These Tips:
1. Avoid using Flash. It may look flashy (hence the name), but most website visitors decide whether or not to stay on your site within seconds of landing on your homepage. This means that while your Flash is uploading, you’ve lost your visitor.
2. Feature the most useful, timely, or impressive information on your homepage. Remember, the first few seconds at your site are the most crucial, so put your best foot forward straight out of the gate.
3. Offer downloadable versions of you resume, One Sheet, or other ships.
4. Beware of lazy blogger syndrome. If you are going to blog or post updates, be certain you are consistent. Offer up new content at least twice per month. Updating your site often will bring your site higher on the search engine priority list.
5. Do it yourself. There are a lot of free or low-cost DIY web design services. I love iWeb,
Yahoo Site Builder, and Weebly.com.
Tags: acting, actor, actor website, marketing for actors
Posted in marketing for actors | 16 Comments »
Wednesday, July 7th, 2010
Sure, nothing beats working with a fantastic agent who pitches you for fabulous roles. But until you’re there, an actor must creatively represent herself in pursuit of the work. With the majority of casting notices requiring ‘electronic submissions’ you’ve got to think on your feet in order to be considered. You can leap over the “electronic submission” hurdle in three ways.
SOCIAL MEDIA
1. Utilize Facebook to find a producer or CD on the project.
2. Film an auditon. Shoot the audition sides (if you can find them on Showfax). If you don’t have access to the actual sides, you can also select a scene that showcases elements of the character described in the breakdown.
3. Direct Message the producer or CD with a quick note and link to your audition footage. Don’t send a friend request and don’t make a public tweet. Instead, just direct message. The message might read, “I know this may be unconventional, but I’d love to be considered for the role of ___________ . Click the link below to see me in action, and thanks for the consideration.”
In my experience, this process results in an audition, demo reel request, or meeting about 30% of the time. I have also had a few students receive responses like, “Please don’t submit to me on Facebook.” But not very often. I believe that if you don’t want to be found of FB, don’t have a FB account. But that’s just me 
HARDCOPY MAILING
1. Submitting hard-copy is tough with TV as the casting process is quick. That said, you can still pop a 5×7 version of your headshot and resume in the mail to casting. Why a 5×7? The postage is cheaper, and the smaller version will be put in a pile of “personal mail” rather than the pile of actor submissions. Also, the 5×7 headshot is cute a heck!
2. Be sure to stick a post-it or label to the front of your headshot that identifies what project and role you wish to be considered for.
PICK UP THE PHONE
1. When you are REALLY right for a role, and you don’t have great representation, I recommend that you call casting and politely say, “Hi, I’m (insert name), and I’m perfect for the role of _____________ because ____________ . I’m calling to request an audition. What can I do to make that happen?.”
Let be clear… this is unconventional. But it does work about 2 in ten times…. especially when the role is specific to a skill you have. Here’s a link to a blog post all about overcoming phone fear…
http://www.dallastravers.com/blog/?p=166
All in all, the electronic submission hurdle is a big one. But, I believe wholeheartedly that when actors follow one of the suggestions above, they will see results simply because they are taking inspired action rather than hoping for a big break.
A quick note about actors self-submitting… I’m not suggesting that you pay for the official “agent breakdowns” offered to agents by breakdown services. Nor am I endorsing the sharing of said breakdowns in any way. The truth is that a number of actors do see these pirated casting notices, so I’m simply offering up some ideas on this topic. Please eat the fish, and spit out the bones.
Tags: acting, actor, audition, electronic submissions, increase opportunities
Posted in marketing for actors | No Comments »
Friday, June 18th, 2010
 Keep Your Word
Your word is your bond, so follow-up and follow-through. Say what you mean and mean what you say. Do what you say you will do. Don’t gossip. Communicate with others as clearly as you can to avoid misunderstandings, sadness and drama. Speak freely and openly about your life and career, but walk your walk. Remember, actions speak louder than words.
Mind Your Own Business
Bette Davis once said, “I do not regret one professional enemy I have made. Any actor who doesn’t dare to make an enemy should get out of the business.” The opinions of others are, quite frankly, none of your business. Do not allow yourself to be distracted or discouraged by what others think, or say, or do. Yes, accept advice and feedback, but never forget that no one knows you like you do.
Don’t Take Yourself So Seriously
When you take yourself too seriously, you create unneeded stress, worry, and disappointment. Your best work comes from a place of freedom and playfulness. When you adopt a make-or-break attitude, you stifle your creativity. Though it may be tough to hear, no one else takes your mistakes or questions as seriously as you do. You are not as important as your ego would have you believe. So, take a chill pill, set your ego aside for a bit, and play with possibility.
Connect the Dots
Contrary to what you might think, every aspect of your life is connected. Think about it. When you exercise, you feel energized and confident. This confidence helps you in audition or performance situations. An organized desk leads to peace of mind and more freedom. Your relationships with others reflect your relationship with yourself. The way you do anything is the way you do everything. It’s your job to connect the dots. Appreciate how your day job serves your artistic vision. Understand how keeping a balanced checkbook affects the balance in your life as a whole. Realize that now is the time to live the life of your dreams. Treat yourself like you’re already there.
You’re Here to Work
If you desire an income-generating career as an artist, you must also respect the business. You cannot thrive by just being an art-eeest. It just doesn’t work. Sure, you can be creatively fulfilled, which is fantastic! That’s kinda the point, isn’t it? If that’s all you want from your art, then step out of the business. Stop looking for an agent, stop attending workshops, and stop any marketing you may be doing. Instead, put up incredible plays, do a lot of great writing, paint, travel and create whenever you can. You’ll be happy you did.
But if you want to make money and have a career in show business, you must be informed about your industry. You must be well trained. You must network, read the trades, and market yourself. Otherwise, you’re not here to really do business.
Live Dangerously
Eleanor Roosevelt once said, “You gain strength, courage, and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face. Do the thing you think you cannot do. You are able to say to yourself, ‘I lived through this horror. I can take the next thing that comes along.’ You have to accept whatever comes and the only important thing is that you meet it with courage and with the best that you have to give.”
Take risks. Live Boldly. When you feel fear, ask yourself, “What’s the worst that might happen if I take this risk?” The answer is that you’ll move past your fear. You’ll survive. You might even get somewhere.
Don’t Think
Most artists spend a lot of time thinking about what they want rather than acting upon their instincts. Don’t think your life away. Follow your instincts. Listen to your gut – it’s telling you something. When you wonder whether or not you’re making the smartest move, you’re likely to think yourself right out of taking any action at all. Every step you take brings new results. Those results determine what comes next. So, you simply must take action in order to achieve your goals. Don’t think. Just Move.
Wanna Thrive? Join me in the premier coaching club for actors, The Thriving Artist Circle.
Tags: thriving artist circle, time management
Posted in Goal Getting, balance, marketing for actors, psychology of the actor | No Comments »
Wednesday, May 26th, 2010
Let me first direct you to a FANTASTIC blog post from Ben Whitehair about his take on the 2010 LA City Casting Director Workshop laws. Even if you don’t read my two cents, his are worth at least a nickel.
Now, some quick thoughts on what you can do to make workshops work for you.
I think the new Los Angeles City laws regarding CD workshops serve smart & proactive actors in three ways…
1. If you are applying The Rule of Seven Workshop Strategy I’ve outlined at www.myauditionplan.com, you do not need to worry about whether or not CDs leave workshops with your headshot in hand. You’ll be seeing them consistently and becoming known in the room rather than remembered by your photo.
2. The new laws will eliminate aggressive sales tactics from workshop services. No more guilt trips or misleading emails exclaiming that you simply can’t miss an upcoming event.
3. The new laws will also weed out amateur actors who truly believe that they will become an overnight success simply by attending a workshop. The caliber of talent will be better in the room, which leaves a positive and lasting impression on the CDs (very good news for you).
What you can do…
1. Print 5×7 versions of your headshot and be sure to mail it to your target CD BEFORE you see them at a workshop. The cost for this is a regular postage stamp and you can include a quick note that states, “Looking forward to seeing you on Thursday night at Actors Connection.”
2. Print letterhead featuring your name and photo. You can share this with the CD as notepaper. Now the CD has your face and name along with notes all about you.
Posted in Networking & Relationships, Uncategorized, industry expert, marketing for actors | No Comments »
Saturday, May 15th, 2010
An actor without a demo reel is a person with a fun hobby. A demo reel is one tool that separates the professional actor from someone who is just trying to do the acting thing. Don’t be that person. Get yourself a demo reel you can be proud of.
Let me guess… you’re waiting for footage from a project you shot nine months ago. Perhaps the footage you do have from that indie you did last year has horrible sound quality, so you can’t use it. Well, you do not have to wait around for footage to appear before you create your demo reel.
Contrary to what you might think, you are completely in charge of whether or not you have a reel and whether or not it’s a tool you that makes you proud.
Your demo reel’s purpose is to showcase your chemistry with the camera, highlight your acting chops, and display your range uniqueness. Rather than summarize the work you’ve done in the past, your reel provides the opportunity to reflect where you want to take your career.
Don’t fall into the thought-trap that you must wait for real (whatever the heck that word means) credits before you put your reel together. That belief doesn’t serve you and it’s just not true. Let go of your need for the perfect reel and set yourself up for success by having a reel right now.
I wish I had a dollar for every actor I know who didn’t have a reel they loved, met an industry professional who asked to see their work on tape, and then scrabbled around the city for a week slapping some footage together.
Owning a fantastic demo reel is as simple as you’d like it to be. Today, most demo reels are between 60 and 90 seconds; just long enough to showcase your talent without boring the viewer to tears. Keep in mind that your reel’s job is to showcase your acting. Acting is something you can do, so pick a scene or two you like, rehearse with a fellow actor and shoot the darn thing already! Don’t worry about props or crazy lighting tricks, just showcase the talented genius you are with a script that speaks to you.
I bet you even know some friends with all the equipment you might need for your shoot. Do your best to get a decent camera, ensure the lighting is right, and the sound is audible and clear. Keep the production level super simple so it doesn’t distract from the purpose of your reel – your acting chops.
If you can’t get your hands on a good camera, you can also check out services such as www.speedreels.com, demogems.com, or www.reelaccess.com. Both companies will shoot your project for you, and it won’t cost you an arm and a leg.
Some actors make the mistake of distracting from their talent by including music montages, headshot slideshows, or lengthy scenes focusing too much on the other actors. Keep it simple. Don’t distract your viewer with these superfluous extras.
Posted in marketing for actors | No Comments »
Thursday, February 25th, 2010
I wanted to share an easy way to track your own online publicity. With Google Alerts, you’ll receive notification every time your name is published anywhere on the Internet.
- Go to http://www.google.com/alerts
- In the Search Terms, type you name and don’t forget to put it in quotations. I also suggest adding a keyword such as “actor” or “writer”, especially if you have a popular name.
- Select how often you’d like to be updated and how many alerts you’d like in each email.
- Choose where you’d like the email alerts to be sent or you can pull the RSS feed and view your alerts in your web browser whenever you want.
- If you every need to change the settings, visit http://www.google.com/alerts/manage.
It’s that simple!
Posted in Networking & Relationships, marketing for actors | No Comments »
Wednesday, February 17th, 2010
 A few weeks ago, I published an article about marketing to producers. Boy, did I get a lot of questions about this topic. The biggest question, by far, focused on how to effectively make phone calls. Whether you’re calling producers, casting directors, agents, or even friends, the phone can sometimes be an intimidating monster.
Let’s admit it, scary phone calls are never easy, but they are necessary if you want to elevate your career. So, this week I’d like to offer up four quick tips for conquering the telephone.
Be Clear
It’s essential that you know precisely WHY you are calling before you pick up the phone. You must convey your request in a clear way. Doing so allows whoever you’re calling to more easily help you because now they’ll actually know what the heck you really want.
Be sure to ask the real question. The real question cuts right to the chase. It may feel a little bold, but it’ll more than likely get you the answers you’re seeking. The real question may be: “Can we set up a meeting?” “Would you like to represent me?” or “How can I cultivate a relationship with you?”
If you’re calling to set up a meeting with a producer, ask for it. You might say something like this:
Hi, I’m Joe smith. I’m an actor committed to expanding my feature film career. I’m calling to set up a 10 minute meeting with (insert producer’s name) to find out what you’re currently working on and how we might collaborate.
If you’re calling a casting office, simply request an audition. You may say something like this:
Hi, this is Jane Johnson. I think I’m perfect for the role of (insert role here). What can I do to get an audition?
Be Confident
Don’t apologize. Whatever you do, don’t start your call with, “Sorry to bother you, but…” As terrified as you may feel on the phone, rest assured, you are not bothering anyone by calling. In fact, what you’re doing is providing them with the unique opportunity to meet you or work with you. By the way, last time I checked, you’re pretty talented and easy to work with.
Phone fear often exists because the results you get are immediate. When you make a call, you’re forced to accept whatever answer appears on the other end of the line. So, expect some people to say no and be cool with that.
Jessica, an actress and singer, challenged herself to make a scary phone call every day for a month. She called casting directors and producers to request auditions or meetings. By the end of 30 calls, Jessica landed three auditions and two producer meetings. She was thrilled. Sure, Jessica generated five fantastic opportunities through phone calls. But she also dealt with twenty-five noes in the process. Part of getting a yes involves accepting some noes along the way.
Before you make a phone call, give yourself a pep talk. Make a list of all the benefits you bring to the table. Take a deep breath and dial.
Be Concise
It’s easy to over explain or provide too much information when your adrenaline is pumping. Write a short script or identify the bullet points you want to address on the call. This script will help you convey your request in a simple way and allow the recipient of your request to easily understand how they can help you.
Remember, a confused mind says no. Beware of information overload. You do not have to provide details about your background, your motivation to call, or your skill set. Just quickly and simply ask for what you want and leave it at that.
Consider this easy phone call formula.
1. Who are you?
2. Who are you calling?
3. What do you want?
“This is Jane Jones calling for Susan Smith. I’m an actor & I’d like to schedule a meeting to discuss representation.”
When All Else Fails… Be Oprah!
When I’m faced with a scary phone call that really makes me nervous, I put on my Oprah persona. In my mind, Oprah Winfrey is the perfect caller. She’s professional, confident, and articulate. Who wouldn’t want to receive a call from the mighty O?
Who is your ideal phone caller? Is it Katie Couric, George Clooney, Donald Trump, or even President Obama? If you could hire anyone in the world to make calls on your behalf, who would it be?
With that person in mind, step into their shoes. Adopt their phone prowess while you develop your own confidence with the telephone. Now, you’ve infused some playful energy into what might otherwise be a terrifying experience.
PS: In my humble professional opinion, phone calls are the most effective marketing tool at your disposal. You’re paying for the minutes, so use ‘em wisely.
Here’s to many fruitful phone calls!
Tags: confidence, marketing for actors, Oprah Winfrey, phone fear
Posted in marketing for actors, psychology of the actor | 1 Comment »
Thursday, January 21st, 2010
One of the most common complaints I hear from actors involves finding the right representation. Snagging a solid agent or manager can be tricky, time consuming, and expensive. A lot of actors experience the old catch-22: “I need an agent to get work and I need work to land an agent”. What’s an actor to do?
Whether you feel like you don’t have enough time or money to grab the attention of an agent, or you question whether or not you’re ready for representation, you can begin planting seeds with prospective agents easily and inexpensively. All you need to do is commit to these small steps.
Apply a Laser Beam Focus
I’m a big believer in “doing less more often”, so narrow your agent list to a manageable target group of about 10 agencies. Ask for recommendations from fellow actors and any industry connections, such as casting directors, producers, acting coaches, etc. Do you have a peer with representation whose career you admire? Research their agency. The Hollywood Creative Directory, available as a reference book in many libraries, and IMDB Pro are good resources to help locate names and contact information for anyone in the industry. Don’t forget to plug in to online forums such as the Hollywood Happy Hour Yahoo Group. You will be amazed by how easily you can access up to date information about any agent you may be researching.
Reach Out On the Cheap
People often think good marketing costs money, but there are numerous effective ways to get in touch with agents without breaking the bank. You might market to your target agents by emailing, calling the office, sending a fax, dropping off a headshot, or asking a friend to make a referral call on your behalf. Not only are each of these steps free or inexpensive, but they’re also highly effective.
Remember, you don’t have to knock an agent’s socks off with your fancy marketing package. You’re better off applying the Rule of Seven and sending out small, inexpensive touches on a regular basis.
Make It Personal
I’d say the most effective way to secure good representation (other than booking great work) is to rely on referrals. Think about who you know that might be willing to recommend you to their agent. Do you have a teacher or friend who could provide a solid recommendation? If so, ask them to lend a hand in your agent search process.
If you can’t get any referrals, then be your own best referrer. Show up to your prospective agent’s office and drop off your materials. Ask for a meeting and share why any agent would benefit from working with you.
Tags: managers and agents, rule of seven
Posted in marketing for actors | 1 Comment »
Wednesday, January 20th, 2010
With a new year under way, I thought it might be a great time to get back to basics. So, lemme give you a quick reminder of what I feel is the number one marketing rule every actor must know. It’s called The Rule of Seven, and it’ll change your life.
I work with an actor named Becky who has been pursuing an acting career for three years. Currently, she’s got a handful of indie film credits on her resume as well as a couple of co-starring roles on television. Becky has worked with a couple of ineffective agents and cultivated a handful of relationships, but she can’t seem to figure out why her big break eludes her.
There is a simple reason why Becky is not where she wants to be. She hasn’t been consistent in any of her marketing or relationship-building attempts. She’s tried dozens of things at one time or another and met a handful of people, but never followed up and never developed a solid marketing strategy. Becky is a dabbler.
I can relate to Becky. During the first few years of my business, I was so eager to get the word out and to become successful that I was willing to try anything. And I did try just about everything. I would advertise here and there, but never really see immediate results. So, I’d change my strategy and try something else. I would join a networking organization, but not meet the right people right away. So, I’d quit and move on to another networking organization. I was all over the place.
The trouble was I was touching the surface of a lot of different avenues without ever really taking consistent and persistent action toward the success I yearned for. I too, was a dabbler.
In order to truly become successful and enjoy your journey to acting success without going broke or crazy, you must do less more often. You must target fewer people more frequently in order to see real results. You must focus on fewer projects more regularly so you can finish what you start.
Rule number one for every actor and creative entrepreneur is this– DO LESS STUFF MORE OFTEN. Release the pressure of needing to do everything and replace it with a few specific and consistent actions. Send out consistent and specific ships on a regular basis so you can garner accurate and measurable results.
Successful advertisers understand an essential rule in marketing called The Rule of Seven. Basically, the average consumer won’t absorb an advertiser’s message until they’ve received it seven to a dozen times over the course of a few months. This is why Coca Cola spends over 85% of their money on advertising and why you often see the same Geico commercial three times in one hour. That’s just the rule of seven working its magic on you.
Bed Bath and Beyond masters The Rule of Seven. Boy, if I had a dollar for every one of those blue 20% off coupons I’ve received! Even though I often roll my eyes when I retrieve the mail and see yet another coupon, I’ll be honest with you, every time I need to buy some house wares, curtains, fans etc., I remember those coupons and happily make my way over to Bed Bath and Beyond. Though I don’t use every coupon, (I mean, really, who could?), I think of Bed Bath and Beyond first when I need something. Pssst… guys, if the Bed Bath and Beyond analogy doesn’t work for you… how about Guitar Center?
If you want to become known in this business, stop trying to meet everyone and focus on a specific short list of target people and market to them consistently. That’s how you become remembered. That’s The Rule of Seven. Embrace it. It’ll make your marketing easy and even enjoyable.
I met an actor named Josh who had been trying to break into the commercial world for over two years. Josh had done his research and created a large list of commercial agents and casting directors along with a list of commercial advertising agencies. After his research was complete, Josh mailed a very handsome marketing package to all 260 people on his list.
Then, he waited. And he waited. Nine months later, Josh still lacked a single response and he was feeling really down. The trouble is that Josh did only one touch. He spent a lot of money mailing off one package to an enormous list of people and did nothing more. Josh assumed that the quality of his marketing package outweighed the quantity of his marketing touches. Josh was wrong.
So, I shared the Rule of Seven with Josh. I explained that marketing is a process rather than a single event. If Josh really wanted to see results, he had to trim his target list and market to the same people consistently for months. One beautiful marketing package to 265 people will not have the same impact as seven simple marketing touches.
Josh took my advice and ran with it. He cut his target list in half and devised a simple marketing plan to touch his target list twice per month. Josh mailed postcards, made phone calls, faxed, emailed, and had a lot of fun. Guess what… he also produced great results. In less than six months, Josh signed with a great agent, met with two advertising execs, and booked his first national commercial. Pretty cool, huh?
Tags: rule of seven
Posted in marketing for actors | 3 Comments »
Wednesday, December 16th, 2009
 Publicists use press releases to share current and compelling information with the news media. Celebrities, large corporations, political figures, and even small businesses rely on press releases to communicate with the general public. You can bet that a large portion of the news you read everyday comes directly from press releases crafted by publicists, media experts, and even interns. That’s how news happens.
As an actor, you too, can utilize press releases to make a splash! Whether you want to garner interviews and media attention, or you just want to inform certain industry contacts, press releases are a great addition to your marketing arsenal.
So, I’d like to share three quick tips to help you make the most of press releases.
It’s All About Perception
People often perceive the information in a press release as “newsworthy” simply because it’s presented in an official format. The next time you do a mailing, send a press release instead of a postcard or headshot and cover letter. The release itself provides validity to the reader.
Bypass the media all together and mail, email, or fax your press release out to the industry contacts you want to stay in touch with. I don’t know about you, but I find it easier to toot my own horn in a press release rather than a personal letter.
Not every press release is sure to result in a news article, interview, or review, but the release itself can be a very valuable marketing tool for actors at every level.
Get Back to Your Roots
Sure, Variety may not be interested in the co-star you just booked. But your hometown newspaper will eat that news up!
Reach out to hometown publications, smaller news outlets, Internet outlets, and your alma mater to generate some media buzz. The Internet is home to thousands of media outlets begging for quality material. You might be surprised by how easy it is to get your release published online. You can then use the articles featured in local papers to create another great marketing tool.
I had a client who booked a co-star on Chuck last year. She issued a press release to her hometown newspaper, which was thrilled to run an article. She then used that published article in a mailing she did to agents and casting directors. That mailing resulted in two agent meetings!
Invest in Your Wins
Most actors wait too long before hiring a publicist because they don’t exactly fit the average actor’s budget, though. But that doesn’t mean you have to wait to embrace the power of the press release. If you can’t afford to fork over several thousands dollars each month for a full-blown publicist, let me suggest a fantastic alternative.
Press release submission services are a great way to generate media buzz without breaking the bank. Whenever you book a job, win an award, appear on network television, Broadway, or in a film, I suggest you utilize a service to spread the good word. For just a nominal fee, you can hit hundreds of media outlets with your press release and create some media momentum.
My favorite PR service for actors is Spotlight PR Company. Spotlight’s owner, Tammy Lynn caters directly to actors and she’s a pro at press release submissions. Other solid services are www.prweb.com and www.ereleases.com.
So, if you’ve got a major win, I recommend investing some money in a professional service that can really help you get in the news. Those articles and interviews will serve as great marketing tools for months to come.
All in all, a press release will help you make huge strides in your marketing. Whether you send it directly to your target agents, managers, producers, and casting directors, or you use a submission service to garner interviews, start putting press releases to work for you. Just remember that not every press release is sure to result in a news article, interview, or review. But the release itself can be a very valuable marketing tool for actors at every level.
Posted in marketing for actors | No Comments »
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