Getting the most from your work
How to Get the Most Mileage From Your Work
Let’s say you’re in a 1) play, 2) movie, 3) commercial, 4) soap, 5) print shoot, or 6) you get the idea. What do most actors do to let the industry know they’ve done? Usually, send a picture post card of them with a note on the back.Time to upgrade your efforts!What would be a lot more impactful would be to send a picture of you on the set. What a great idea! Now everyone can see you actually working, maybe even in costume, but definitely in wardrobe. Doesn’t this have a lot more appeal than just sending a humdrum postcard which is really nothing more than a smaller version than your headshot.But how do you do this – and tactfully? First of all, bring a still camera with you on the set with black and white (not color) indoor film. An expensive camera is not necessary, you probably have one now that’ll do the trick. When you’re not on set shooting, ask the A.D. or if a photo shoot, the photographer’s assistant, if it would be OK to have your picture taken. NEVER take a picture without permission first, especially with a flash – as the flash can be mistaken for a bulb blowing out on the set and then everyone tries to find out where it happened. If you’re polite, most times your request will be granted – and they may even take it for you. If not, most likely a friend or fellow actor will be glad to do the deed.Take the shot preferably on the actual set. Sometimes they won’t allow this, so on the back side of the set – complete with supports, etc. -- will do for authenticity, too. If lighting requires you to use a flash, just take one shot. If it’s bright enough to get away without a flash, you can get a couple of more shots in. If you use the flash, the AD may announce “Flash” when it goes off to alert the crew a picture is being taken.Get the film developed the next day. Now get your working shot made into a postcard. We do not recommend continuous tone processing like you would have for your headshots, but offset printing. It’s a lot cheaper, the quality’s not quite like continuous tone, but it doesn’t have to be. Remember, postcards are meant to read, get the impression across and then discarded.Where do you get good postcards done without having to send everything to Missouri or wherever? A good spot is Gutenberg Printing. You can get 500 3 ½” x 5 ½” postcards for only $75 A bargain in this business. Students of Scott Powers Studios get an additional 10% off. They’re at 237 West 54th Street, 4th floor. 212-333-3033. Contact: Anita. Gutenberg first started doing postcards at our encouragement and we know they do a good job.It only takes a couple of days to have them printed and you’re ready to send them out to let the world know of your latest success. And not are you working, you’re working smart!
Let’s say you’re in a 1) play, 2) movie, 3) commercial, 4) soap, 5) print shoot, or 6) you get the idea. What do most actors do to let the industry know they’ve done? Usually, send a picture post card of them with a note on the back.Time to upgrade your efforts!What would be a lot more impactful would be to send a picture of you on the set. What a great idea! Now everyone can see you actually working, maybe even in costume, but definitely in wardrobe. Doesn’t this have a lot more appeal than just sending a humdrum postcard which is really nothing more than a smaller version than your headshot.But how do you do this – and tactfully? First of all, bring a still camera with you on the set with black and white (not color) indoor film. An expensive camera is not necessary, you probably have one now that’ll do the trick. When you’re not on set shooting, ask the A.D. or if a photo shoot, the photographer’s assistant, if it would be OK to have your picture taken. NEVER take a picture without permission first, especially with a flash – as the flash can be mistaken for a bulb blowing out on the set and then everyone tries to find out where it happened. If you’re polite, most times your request will be granted – and they may even take it for you. If not, most likely a friend or fellow actor will be glad to do the deed.Take the shot preferably on the actual set. Sometimes they won’t allow this, so on the back side of the set – complete with supports, etc. -- will do for authenticity, too. If lighting requires you to use a flash, just take one shot. If it’s bright enough to get away without a flash, you can get a couple of more shots in. If you use the flash, the AD may announce “Flash” when it goes off to alert the crew a picture is being taken.Get the film developed the next day. Now get your working shot made into a postcard. We do not recommend continuous tone processing like you would have for your headshots, but offset printing. It’s a lot cheaper, the quality’s not quite like continuous tone, but it doesn’t have to be. Remember, postcards are meant to read, get the impression across and then discarded.Where do you get good postcards done without having to send everything to Missouri or wherever? A good spot is Gutenberg Printing. You can get 500 3 ½” x 5 ½” postcards for only $75 A bargain in this business. Students of Scott Powers Studios get an additional 10% off. They’re at 237 West 54th Street, 4th floor. 212-333-3033. Contact: Anita. Gutenberg first started doing postcards at our encouragement and we know they do a good job.It only takes a couple of days to have them printed and you’re ready to send them out to let the world know of your latest success. And not are you working, you’re working smart!
posted by Dominique Jackson @ 5:52 PM
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