I'm in a tough position. I want to reach out to NYC based agents and managers. I'm an aspiring SAG Eligible actor, I have 3 student films under my belt and solid training.

I want to start seeking representation in NYC, but I don't have enough footage for my reel.I currently have a minute of footage total for my eventual demo reel. Maybe a little less.

I'm currently in Boston, and am trying my best to land student film roles to use for my reel.

I'm aware I need to move to Manhattan before sending inquiry letters to agents and managers. But must I have a reel completed and posted on a personal website before contacting agents and managers? Will a headshot, resume, and introduction letter be enough?

I was under the impression that having a completed reel on a personal website is much better stronger to go along with my inquiry letters vs. the standard headshot and resume unsolicited submission.

Thoughts???

Hi, there. If you have your headshots completed and you've moved to the city, I think it would be a smart move to go ahead and put your current footage on your website and send those letters! On the website, be sure to include a note that says that your official reel is being developed.

In your letter you can say that you are currently developing your reel, but in the meantime they can take a look at some footage on your website (and include the link.)

If you do not yet have a website, I may hold off on sending the letters until you do. A website will be one of your top marketing tools, and is a very nice way to get your footage out there in lieu of a demo reel. I think you should get that created as soon as possible.

I hope this helps- good luck!

Erin,

Thank you so very much for answering this question and the other post I had regarding reel length.

I have another quick question: what are you thoughts about color vs. black and white headshots? I currently have a black and white headshot I love, have used in Boston. But I'm told color headshots are a must for approaching representation in NYC. Do you agree? Also, do you believe I need to have more than one headshot in my arsenal? Perhaps a smiling headshot and a more serious or subdued facial expression?

Thanks in advance! You are super cute by the way (pic from you blog).

Thanks for the compliment, Blair!

Color is, indeed, the standard now for headshots in New York City (we are far behind LA, who started seeing them at least 4 years ago.) Most agents would say not to rush out and get color prints if you have black and whites left. But do not reprint black and whites when you are out of headshots- take the time to either print the color versions of your current headshots, or schedule some time with a reasonably priced headshot photographer who will take color shots for you.

Ideally, all of us would be able to use only one shot for all auditions/submissions. But because we are called on to do so many types of roles and for so many mediums, one shot often just doesn't do it. Most people use two, I happen to use four (two for legit, one for commercial, and one for very specialized projects.) It really depends on your budget for printing. I would say any more than 3-4 would be a waste of money, because you will like stick with 1-2 that you'll use most often.

Hope that helps- best of luck to you!

Erin,

Thanks for your quick follow up. I'm sorry for yet another question, but I get the impression you really enjoying helping others starting out in acting.

When I was living in Manhattan last year, I had a large amount of copies made of my black and white headshot (which I never used due to my return to Boston). I'm back in Boston, trying my best to get my reel off the ground by acting in student films, which I'm accomplishing, but slowly.

When I finally finish my reel, get it up on my website, and start my submissions to agents and managers in NYC, can I go ahead and use my black and white headshot, or do I need to invest in color headshots before sending out my submissions?

Sorry for all the follow ups, but it is beyond appreciated on my side. Thanks!

Allow me to just into the conversation. I submitted to between ten and 15 agents and managers a few months ago. I sent a black and white headshot that was five years old along with a color snapshot.

I heard back from one manager who asked me to come in. She told me that I needed color photos. Black and white, she said, was not even an option. I got the color headshots and have sent several copies of two different poses to her. We'll see if she gets me any auditions.

I am planning on sending my new color headshots to the same agents and managers as before. We'll see if I get any bites.

The way I look at it, you're in a catch 22 situation. You don't want to spend money on new headshots when you have what seems like perfectly acceptable black and white headshots, especially when agents and managers often ask that you get new photos taken anyway. However, by submitting black and white headshots, you look as if you are new to the business or the market, inexperienced, unprofessional, and unwilling to spend the money that needs to be spent to pursue a career in the business. I think you should weigh your options. If you truly do not have the money right now, maybe you could try using your old headshots. It may work, and it's not like you don't already have them. However, if you have the ability to get color headshots taken, it may be more beneficial.

So to answer your question, is it possible to generate interest from an agent or a manager with a black and white headshot? Yes. I did. Of course, I also enclosed an amateur color photograph. However, I think it is safe to say that with a color headshot, you will present yourself as more ready to be in the business, and this could generate interest from agents and managers who wouldn't look at you otherwise.

I also would suggest putting some clips from your student films on a website. At least the agents and managers can take a look at something.

I think what Mike says is dead on- color shots are what is being used now so you should do what you can can to get yourself there. But if it is cost prohibitive to get the color shots done now, I would suggest to go ahead and do your submissions with the B&W shots, and do what Mike did- include a color snapshot and mention in your cover letter that upon settling in NYC you will be getting color shots. Then, when you get the shots done you can submit again to those who haven't called you in with the new headshots.

I think the most important thing to do is to TAKE ACTION. We always seem to want to wait for the "perfect moment" when all of the stars are aligned and our ducks are in a row. But the perfect moment never arrives, because it doesn't actually exist. Preparation is, of course, imperative, but I think what is more important is the understanding of how the industry works, not that you can execute it immediately or perfectly. So, start your submission process and use your cover letter to let these agents/managers know that you understand the importance of color shots, and that in the meantime you are submitting using the B&W. I think that, like Mike, you will get some results if you submit appropriately.

Always happy to help,

Mike and Erin,

Thank you both for your feedback. I agree with what you both have to say.

I think I will go ahead and send my black and white headshots in my inquiry letter, mentioning the fact that upon my return to Manhattan, I will be getting color headshots. But I won't send anything out until I have footage of myself acting on my website.

If by chance my reel is completed and by then I have new color headshots, then I'll proceed to use those instead of course.

Erin, thanks again for all your wonderful words. So insightful and on point. Much appreciated.