Acting Career FAQ - What Type Are You?
by
Bob Fraser
(I've gotten lots of email asking me to re-post this article. I hope you enjoy it.)
One of the basic premises of all marketing (a fancy word for selling) is the USP. This stands for Unique Selling Proposition. For instance Avis "Tries Harder," or Pepsi "Hits the Spot."
This basic idea also impacts actors who are trying to sell themselves to the industry. The bottom line is this: If you develop an intelligent marketing plan your career is bound to improve.
The best place to start is to understand the real deal - when it comes to 'type casting.'
My advice is to beat the casting directors to the punch. Decide on your type yourself. Learn the basic types - and how they are sold - and then choose what fits you best.
Pay particular attention to that word 'unique.'
It means that the product must be differentiated from other, similar products.
What follows are my definitions of the REAL types and the components used to sell them in hopes that this list will help you develop what I call your Unique Character Presentation (UCP).
I'll also name a few examples of actors who have used each UCP in building their career.
THE INNOCENT - A person whose goal and core desire is happiness, who fears being punished for doing something wrong. This person's strategy is to do things the 'right' way. This approach requires faith and optimism - so THE INNOCENT is expected to reflect goodness, morality, simplicity, nostalgia - the child.
Selling this image generally requires a romantic, traditional approach. Or in some cases, mystical, saintly or dreamy. (David Schwimmer, Meg Ryan)
REGULAR GUY (GAL) - This is person whose goal and core desire is belonging and connecting with others. The strategy is to have a 'common touch,'
be a "down to earth" person with solid virtues.
This type is known for his realism, empathy and lack of pretense. This is the 'good ol' boy,' the girl next door, the working stiff, the solid citizen, the good neighbor and the regular Joe.
Selling this image requires differentiating from elitist, powerful people and stressing the everyday functionality of this sort of person. (Ray Romano, Sandra Bullock)
THE EXPLORER - This sort of individual wants to experience a better, more authentic, more fulfilling life. Conformity and the feeling of being trapped are what THE EXPLORER is avoiding.
The strategy is seeking new things, escape from the everyday, autonomy, ambition and being true to one's inner life.
Selling an image like this is done by stressing individuality and differentiation. 'New and exciting' are words to keep in mind. This is the seeker, the wanderer, the pilgrim. A pioneering spirit. (Ellen DeGeneres, Johnny Depp)
THE SAGE - This is the type of person whose goal and desire are to use intelligence and analysis to find the truth and understand the world. Not wanting to be duped, misled or ignored, THE SAGE uses information, knowledge and self-reflection to reach the goal of the truth.
Selling the sage is mostly a matter of projecting expertise, philosophy, good planning, solidity, a professional image. The mentor, the teacher, the guru. (Leonard Nimoy, Oprah Winfrey)
HE HERO - A constant in the telling of stories, THE HERO is the person who believes to their core that where there's a will, there's a way. The goal and main desire is to prove one's worth through courage. The strategy here is strength and competence. From the superhero to the team player
- the warrior to the winner - this person wants to improve the world with his mastery of fear.
Selling this image is somewhat complicated as several of the other types can cross over to this role. But, straightforwardness is a mainstay.
Clear-eyed and capable. No reluctance to go into the unknown. This is someone we can depend on.
(Sylvester Stallone, Linda Hamilton)
THE OUTLAW - This type wants to change what doesn't work for themselves, generally through revenge or revolution. This person is a misfit, a wild man (or woman) who rebels against the norm. The strategy here is to disrupt, destroy or shock.
Selling THE OUTLAW is mostly a matter of breaking with convention. Words to keep in mind are radical, outrageous, the 'dark side.' Social outcast.
Reactionary. Rebellious. (Al Pacino, Kathy Bates)
THE MAGICIAN - This person's goal is to make dreams come true through a fundamental laws of how the universe works. The main strategy is to develop a vision and live by it. Always looking for the 'win-win' situation. Appearing as the visionary, the inventor, shaman, medicine man, or charismatic.
Selling this image is projecting a transformative nature. Specialness, spirituality, and ability to effect the outcome. This can be a 'new age'
approach. (Lucy Liu, Jon Voight)
THE LOVER - People of this type have a goal of relationships through intimacy and experience.
The strategy of THE LOVER is to be passionate, grateful, appreciative and committed - to become more emotionally or physically attractive. This person can be a spouse, a friend, a partner or a team builder.
Selling this image is a matter of being outer directed and able to please others. A comfortable "belonging" - differentiates THE LOVER from other types. (Aaron Eckhart, Drew Barrymore)
THE JESTER - With a goal of having a good time and 'kidding' the world, THE JESTER plays, makes jokes, can be the trickster. Never wants to be boring or to be bored. A strategy of puncturing self importance, creating fun and live in the moment is what differentiates this person from the 'herd.'
Selling this image requires a welcoming, trustworthy, friendly approach. Truthful, open to change, easy to know are ideas that important to being this person.
(Adam Sandler, Queen Latifah)
THE RULER - The goal of 'the boss' is to create a prosperous family, community or team. Success is a result of this person's core desire to control the situation. The strategy is to exercise power, leadership, responsibility and authority to achieve a greater end.
Selling this image is all about confidence, stability and trust. Differentiate from 'regular'
people. (Judi Dench, Sean Connery)
THE CAREGIVER - This type cares and protects other selflessly. The strategy of THE CAREGIVER is doing things for others with compassion and generosity.
The parent, helper and supporter are people that fall into this category.
Selling this image is about family, team, health, education - helping. Differentiate from selfish people. (Frances McDormand, Alan Alda)
THE CREATOR - This is a person who wants to give form to a vision and to create enduing value. The strategy here is to develop artistic control, culture, skills and to express her own vision using creativity and imagination.
Selling this image requires innovation, self expression, and artistry. Differentiate from unimaginative, banal and usual. (Steve Martin, Bette Midler)
As you can see, there are many types and even more strategies for projecting the image that sells. Add to that, the ability of some actors to combine types and you have, literally, thousands of choices.
For instance, Harrison Ford is the regular guy hero, Robin Williams is the jester creator, Julia Roberts is the innocent explorer, and Sarah Jessica Parker is the lover caregiver.
In fact one of the transitions every actor makes in a career is the expansion of their basic type - to include elements of other types - which, in turn, extends their staying power.
Now all you have to do is look at yourself in a dispassionate way - and align your marketing efforts with your natural tendencies.
It's up to you to choose. Or you can wait for someone else to decide for you - which might take a long time.
I think it's better to be the creative hero in your own career.
So the question is not 'What type are you' as much as it is - 'What's your Unique Character Presentation?'
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Bob Fraser is an actor, writer, director, producer and author of You Must Act! The #1 Acting Career Course On The Internet
http://www.youmustact.comBob's unique Acting Career Seminar, Show Biz U, is having two more sessions in February - on the 11th and 18th - before taking a hiatus until April 8th. There are seats still available.
http://www.showbizu.comThis article is excerpted from Bob's newest career
course: Headshot Secrets Revealed - How To Get A Great Headshot That Gets You Called In
http://www.headshotsecrets.com
