I have always stapled my resume on the back...
but what are your thoughts on simply printing the resume on the back of the headshot?

One casting director I spoke to years ago was anti this method and preferred the stapling, but it is such a waste of paper and time....

does it really matter? Is stapling the most industry preferred?

thanks!

quote:

Originally posted by Hoetmer:
Is stapling the most industry preferrered?

Yes.

Well you better have the best damn non-smudge printer!

My beef with printing your resume on the back is the fact that a busy actor is always updating his or her resume. Once you print it, that headshot becomes dated. Whereas, with a stapled one, you can carefully remove the staples and put a new one on.

Stapling seems like the best. I've run into some CDs that rip the resume off so he or she can see both the headshot and resume while I'm auditioning and restapling them together after.

Seems to me that you only print what you need and thus, no wasted shots. This also lets you update your resume at will. And no, it does not smudge, when printed on thick stock that is designed for printing on back…. Nobody complains about it anyway.

But the thing is, you NEVER know when you need your headshot and resume. Sometimes I might get a short notice call for an audition or decide at the last minute to attend an industry networking event or casting director workshop. For whatever un-predictable event where I need a headshot and resume, I can't print multiple headshots with the resume printed on the back. In my car, I always keep 10 copies of the four different headshots that I use, a bunch of separate and updated printed resumes, and a portable stapler. Man, have those things been convenient.

So say you print 5 to keep on hand and use them when you go on auditions. Then when you get something new to put on your resume, you haven't wasted much... plus if you ended up having ones that you printed on back of that are outdated, you could always staple your updated resume over that, granted you use thick enough paper that you can't see through. I think whatever works for you. If you have easy access to a printer and can get headshots printed with the backside designed for printing, there shouldn't be an issue. Also, even if you got called last minute to something, you could run to a kinkos and print your resume fast.

So after I wrote this, i tried printing on the back of an old headshot to try it...I let it sit for an hour figuring it would need time to dry. I then picked it up and it still smudged!!! Bad! I don't have time to wait an hour + each to dry after printing on the back. Plus, there have been many times when I have replaced old resumes already stapled to the back with a new updated one.

I'm sticking to the industry standard - stapling.

You have to use the proper paper!!!!! There is no "Industry Standard" Look at this.
Dear Actor,

Thank you for purchasing Reproductions’ MasterPhoto Heavy reproductions for your 8x10 headshots and/or postcards. Through this product you are receiving superior quality prints that have a more luxurious feeling and weight. An additional benefit is the heavy weight photo paper is specially designed for printing with a photo inkjet printer. Now you can conveniently print your resumé on the back of your 8x10’s as needed and revise your resumé at any time for future printing. You may also print messages on the back of your postcards as individual follow-ups or in quantity for larger announcement mailings.


Requirements

Photo inkjet printer. DO NOT use a laser jet printer.
Printer Recommendations

There are many types of ink jet printers available. We have found that photo inkjet printers such as the Epson Stylus series (C68 or C88) achieve the best results printing on the back of MasterPhoto Heavy reproductions. Do not use laser printers to print MasterPhoto Heavy prints, as damage will occur to both the prints and your printer. If using another brand of photo inkjet other than Epson, results may vary and we recommend testing it. Be sure the paper delivery system of your printer does not bend the print as you will experience paper jamming. The Epson printers are designed to transport the paper without bending and can print up to 22 prints per minute with black ink.

Printing

When printing 8x10’s or postcards select the paper or format size and print orientation (horizontal or vertical) from your printer menu. Print some test prints first to make sure that your resumé or postcard message prints correctly before proceeding with quantity printing.

Please Note: Please note that the above information is provided by Reproductions to aid you in your use of MasterPhoto Heavy 8x10’s and/or postcards. However, due to the many variables that one can encounter with computers, printers and operator skills, Reproductions can not be held responsible should you encounter any problems when printing with MasterPhoto Heavy products. With that stated, Reproductions is still dedicated to assisting you and should you encounter any difficulties please feel free to contact us and we will attempt to help resolve them. (646.502.3700)

We wish much success and hope that our MasterPhoto Heavy assists you in your endeavors.

-The Staff of Reproductions

quote:

I've run into some CDs that rip the resume off so he or she can see both the headshot and resume while I'm auditioning and restapling them together after.

If this is true -- I've never done it myself when casting my projects, but I can see how some might -- this is the best reason for not printing on the back of your photo.

If you print on the back of the headshot, you can always staple a new resume over it. I ever understood the "update" logic. And I know one agent who LOVES the printing on the back. But I don't think it's one of those things that will make or break you.