Hey everyone, this is my first topic! I have a few questions.

First, I have a few headshot questions. I don't get many auditions, and I think my headshots are the reason why.

1) Do people ever take headshots that specifically address particular types of roles? For example, I take a pic of myself as a cop because I want to play cops; or, I take a pic of a particular mood or emotion (angry, confused) because I want to play that kind of character. Does this ever happen? I'm assuming these kinds of shots would most fit under theatrical shots and not commercial ones.

2) If so, do any of you ever take these sorts of shots on set?

3) Now, this being said, how is my collection of headshots?
http://www.lacasting.com/stevenren

Thanks.

Now, demo reel stuff.

1) I don't have enough footage to make a nice reel, so I'm just going to film myself. This is the kind of film I'm thinking of (I would love suggestions):

a) one theatrical scene with a guy, shot from a neutral angle
b) one theatrical scene with a girl, shot from a neutral angle
c) one closeup of me going through a monologue
d) one closeup of me going through commercial copy

That'll probably add up to five minutes. Does that work? Thanks much everyone.

Your headshots aren't bad. You have diverse looks.

Unless you want to be a career extra, you NEVER take specific character shots ie. Cop uniform with gear, doctor with lab coat and stethoscope.

You want GENERAL looks where one headshot could suggest mulitiple roles. ie. a business suit-businessman, detective, fbi, lawyer, doctor, etc. You seem to have some general looks covered.

About your demoreel, 5 minutes is TOO LONG. NO more than 3 minutes! The casting director/agent doesn't have time to watch it all.

In a reel, you don't combine theatrical and commercial. The most important to focus on is a Theatrical reel so theatrical agents and casting directors will want to see you. Commercial copy would be a waste of time and money. A monologue is pointless. You want scenes that show you can interact well with others.

While I agree with Truthteller that you don't want to go overboard with outfits like Cop or Doctor, I feel like your headshots are all kind of the same guy in different wardrobe, with the exception of the business shot. I see a nice guy next door in all of the shots in different shirts.

You could probably use to get some slightly more specific characters...ie. an edgy shot...maybe some scruff and wardrobe that lends itself to something more streety and edgy....maybe a nerdier, computer tech type shot with a pair of glasses, etc, etc.....the shot you have now in the glasses still reads 'nice guy'. Still keep in mind what Truthteller said that you want the shot to be able to hint at more than 1 character.

I see guys, thanks much.

So, regarding the reel, making a commercial reel for myself and then giving it to my agent is useless?

quote:

Originally posted by TWang51022:
I see guys, thanks much.

So, regarding the reel, making a commercial reel for myself and then giving it to my agent is useless?

Commercial reel isn't that important. Did you get commercial rep with Clear Talent, a top 50 commercial agency, with a commercial reel? NOPE!

After you've booked several nationals, you can always make a reel out of that to show off.

can i ask who didyour headshots?

Yes, Greg Crowder. My agent recommended him to me. Really nice guy, and apparently ranked high on Backstage West (though I'm not sure if that mnatters).

I agree with David, your shots are pretty much giving off the same energy and attitude with different outfits...they are nice shots though!